The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has set out a number of rules for the country’s new self-exclusion register for online and phone gambling and revealed it will be called ‘BetStop’.
Announced last month, BetStop will allow people to self-exclude from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering services, from three months to permanent exclusion.
Once a player is registered with BetStop, licensed wagering providers will be required to close the individual’s betting accounts and block them from placing a bet, opening a new account and not send any marketing messages.
Wagering providers in the country will also be required to promote BetStop through their website, mobile apps and marketing.
“BetStop will help those at risk of gambling harm to take control of their situation, allowing them to block themselves from all licensed online and phone wagering services in a single process,” ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin said.
“BetStop will be up and running in the coming months. It is now time for industry to get ready and to have their systems and processes in place to protect their customers and use BetStop.
“People who want to change their gambling habits can also start exploring whether Betstop can play a role to help them make those choices.”
Confirmation of the program name and initial rules comes after ACMA this week requested internet service providers (ISPs) in the country block access to a further 11 offshore gambling websites.
ACMA found Pokie Island, Rich Palms, Lucky Tiger Casino, Megaslot, Bitkingz, Parimatchwin, Casino Rocket, Montecryptos, Cabarino, Robin Roo and Jackpot Jill VIP were all operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
As such, the ACMA said the sites were illegally offering online gambling in the country and called for ISPs to block access.
