Australia’s BetStop to undergo first statutory review

Anchal Verma October 23, 2024

Australia’s national self-exclusion register, Betstop, is set to undergo its first statutory review. Established in August 2023, Betstop aims to provide a unified platform for individuals seeking to exclude themselves from gambling activities across all six federal states.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has announced the appointment of Richard Eccles to evaluate Betstop’s effectiveness and ensure it meets its foundational goals.

Betstop’s impact

Since inception, Betstop has witnessed remarkable engagement, with over 30,000 Australians registering for the service. Notably, 79 percent of registrants are aged 40 or younger, indicating that younger individuals are increasingly aware of the risks associated with gambling. Among these participants, 39 percent have opted for a lifetime ban, highlighting the seriousness with which many view gambling addiction.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which operates Betstop, reports that approximately 23,000 individuals currently hold active exclusions. Based on preliminary analyses, the initiative may lead to significant cost savings, estimated between $80 million and $135 million in its first year. These figures suggest that Betstop is not only helping individuals but also contributing positively to the broader community by reducing gambling-related harms.
Richard Eccles, will lead the review. With a strong background in governance and advisory roles across public health and technology, Eccles is well-equipped to assess Betstop’s regulatory framework. His review will ensure the scheme’s compliance with the Interactive Gambling (National Self-Exclusion Register) Rules 2022 and other relevant legislation.
The review is expected to take 18 months, culminating in a report that will be presented to the Minister for Communications. This thorough evaluation aims to enhance Betstop’s functionality and effectiveness in safeguarding vulnerable Australians from gambling-related issues.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said, “There has been a massive take-up of BetStop in its first 12 months, making a meaningful difference and changing the lives of thousands of Australians and their families.
“We want to make sure BetStop is working as effectively as possible to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harms – which is why my department is undertaking this review.
“I encourage people who’ve registered or interacted with BetStop to participate in our upcoming public consultation so we can take on your feedback to inform any future changes.”
Details about the public consultation will be available on the department’s “Have Your Say” webpage in November 2024.

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