BetStop is a national register that will allow people to self-exclude from online gambling websites and apps. BetStop will not allow access to gambling websites for self-excluded gamblers.
Currently, gamblers who wish to self exclude or take a break must approach each individual gambling company separately and request that they be included in the company’s internal self-exclusion list. BetStop is hoping to address a critical consumer gap by offering a one-stop blocking service for all online gambling products and services.
The chair of the association said that the new register was good.
BetStop will be required to be advertised on websites and apps by all gambling companies. Once a gambler chooses to self-exclude through the service, the company must close the person’s gambling accounts and return any credit immediately. Once they are registered with BetStop, they will be required to block any attempts by the gambler to reopen their account.
A three-month exclusion is the minimum break that a gambler can apply for through the service. They can choose to exclude for the rest of their lives. If a gambler goes through the initial three month period without self-excluded, they can have their decision reversed.
A spokesman for the Association of Computing Machinery said:
In the coming months, the service is expected to launch.
Summary:
The Australia Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is set to launch BetStop, a national register where people can opt to self-exclude from all online gambling websites and apps. BetStop will block access to all gambling websites and apps for self-excluding gamblers Currently, gamblers who wish to self-exclude or ‘take a break’ must approach each individual gambling company separately and request that they be included in the company’s internal self-exclusion list.