Once BetStop launches, Australians will be able to voluntarily self-exclude from all Australian licensed interactive wagering services (online and telephone-based) for a minimum period of 3 months, up to a lifetime, and free of charge.
BetStop provides Australians, particularly those who may be vulnerable to harm, the opportunity to self-exclude themselves from betting.
Once a person is registered, wagering operators are prohibited from allowing them to place a bet or open a betting account. Operators are also prevented from directly marketing – such as sending emails and SMS – to them.
Wagering operators must also promote BetStop, including on their websites and apps, through their contact centre staff, and via marketing material to customers. A public awareness campaign will be run by the ACMA to promote BetStop.
The Government will also introduce customer pre-verification requirements, which will mean individuals will not be able to place a bet until they are formally verified.
Moving to customer pre-verification ensures protection for underage or newly registered individuals who have self-excluded through BetStop from accessing online gambling services.
Following the commencement of Betstop and to support its effectiveness, online wagering service providers will have to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account before any wagering activity can be done.
This will replace the existing allowable maximum time of 72 hours to process verification of a customer’s identity, with the requirement for instant verification at the time an account is opened and prior to commencing any wagering activity.
BetStop is the final measure of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering (³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Framework). Two other measures – consistent gambling messaging, and training for wagering staff – came into effect on 30 March of this year.
