Australia’s communications regulator has identified six licensed betting operators in breach of BetStop, the national self-exclusion rules, in 2024. The perpetrators allowed registered individuals to continue accessing gambling services. Authorities have proposed enforcement actions, including financial penalties, formal warnings, and further investigations.
Tabcorp and Betfocus Among Six Betting Companies Penalised by ACMA: Key Insights
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) concluded six investigations into betting operators that breached national self-exclusion rules in 2024. The cases involved failures linked to BetStop, the system designed to block people who choose to self-exclude from gambling activities and promotions.
- The regulator found that some self-excluded individuals were able to open accounts, access betting services, or receive marketing content. These failures exposed gaping holes in the way operators implement and monitor their compliance systems.
- ACMA responded to the compliance failures with a mix of penalties, warnings, and legally binding remedial directions depending on the case. The regulator warned that stronger action may follow if operators fail to meet their obligations in the future.
Breaches Linked to National Self-Exclusion Register Safeguards
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has concluded six investigations into licensed wagering providers for breaches of self-exclusion rules tied to BetStop. The investigations found that Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet and BetChamps all failed to comply with rules for protecting players registered with the national system. The violations occurred in 2024.
While the facts of each investigation differed, several factors overlapped. Most operators allowed individuals registered with BetStop to open betting accounts, access wagering services, or receive promotional content. The regulator said the providers did not ensure that their systems and processes were operating as intended.
The violations came in the wake of the Australian government strengthening online gambling regulations in Victoria. ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood noted that breaches weaken the central consumer protection tool. She put the onus on betting operators to ensure compliance.
Lidgerwood said:
The national self-exclusion register is designed to help people who are trying to avoid gambling services and stop gambling, but self-exclusion only works if wagering providers follow the rules. These rules have been in place for more than two years, and wagering providers should be taking their responsibilities seriously.
In response to the findings, the AGCA implemented a range of enforcement tools under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Betfocus, LightningBet and TempleBet received remedial instructions requiring independent audits of their systems and implementation of any recommendations. Officials state that failure to comply with a remedial direction is an offence that can result in civil penalties.
Regulator Issues Stern Warning to Operators on Compliance
ACMA observed that the latest violation highlights weaknesses in the way some operators implemented and monitored the compliance process. The investigation revealed that betting companies had failed to identify self-excluded individuals or restrict access after initial checks.
The regulator confirmed that it will monitor future compliance with the self-exclusion framework. Lidgerwood noted that consumers self-exclude, trusting the system to protect them from gambling harm. The latest investigation revealed a major flaw in the system, putting consumers at risk.
Lidgerwood explained:
When people decide to self-exclude from online and telephone gambling, they trust the system to protect them from gambling harm. These investigations have found that these companies broke that trust and let people down. All licensed wagering providers need to be aware that the ACMA is investigating compliance and enforcing the rules.
ACMA issued an AU$112,680 penalty on Tabcorp Holdings and imposed a court-enforceable undertaking. The operators must pass a third-party review of the customer verification processes and train staff on obligations around the register. Failing to comply with the remedial action can result in Tabcorp being dragged to the Federal Court.
BetChamps received a formal warning, while enforcement action against Picklebet is still being finalised. The regulator said stronger penalties can be imposed if breaches occur in the future. The regulator can file a lawsuit in the Federal Court, seeking civil penalties for risking public safety.
For consumers, the investigations underline how much the system depends on operators’ integrity. Self-exclusion schemes rely on automation and internal controls rather than individual complaints. When those safeguards fail, the consequences extend beyond regulatory penalties and directly affect people trying to quit gambling.