Australians struggling with gambling will soon be able to sign up to a national self-exclusion register, with authorities announcing the launch of BetStop on August 21st, a program to enable problem gamblers to sign up to stop themselves from betting on sports and racing.

Under the rules, interactive wagering providers will be required to promote BetStop through their websites, apps and marketing materials.

Ms. Nerida O'Loughlin

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin

The Chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), Nerida O’Loughlin, noted that the measure will be important in helping people change their gambling habits.

“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,” Ms O’Loughlin stated in an ACMA press release.

O’Loughlin noted that the industry must now work to update systems and processes to protect customers and encourage them to 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,” she said.

Under the initiative, problem gamblers will be able to stop themselves from creating new accounts and block advertising for a period from three months to a lifetime.

BetStop will apply to all Australian licensed online and phone wagering services, which will be required to stop gamblers from opening new accounts during their self-exclusion period.

“People who want to change their gambling habits can also start exploring whether Betstop can play a role to help them make those choices,” said O’Loughlin.