ACMA Takes Enforcement Action Against Six Wagering Providers Over BetStop Breaches
Australia’s gambling regulator has taken enforcement action against six licensed wagering providers following investigations into breaches of the country’s national self-exclusion framework.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority confirmed that Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet and BetChamps failed to comply with obligations designed to protect individuals registered with BetStop.
The breaches occurred during 2024 and relate to requirements under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Failures to Protect Self-Excluded Customers
While the specific issues varied across operators, the ACMA identified recurring compliance failures. These included allowing self-excluded individuals to open wagering accounts, providing access to betting services, and sending gambling marketing to people who had actively opted out of gambling activity.
The regulator said such failures undermine the effectiveness of self-exclusion as a harm-minimisation measure, which relies on strict adherence by wagering providers.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said self-exclusion systems only work when operators respect and properly implement consumer protections.
Enforcement Measures Applied
The ACMA applied a range of enforcement responses depending on the severity of each breach.
Betfocus, LightningBet and TempleBet received remedial directions requiring independent audits of their systems and mandatory improvements.
Tabcorp paid a financial penalty of AUD 112,680 and entered into a court-enforceable undertaking, committing to third-party reviews of its processes and enhanced staff training.
BetChamps received a formal warning, while enforcement action concerning Picklebet remains under consideration.
Regulatory Expectations
The ACMA said the investigations revealed weaknesses in internal controls and stressed that wagering providers remain legally responsible for ensuring self-exclusion systems function correctly at all times.
The regulator warned that future breaches could result in stronger action, including civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court, reinforcing the central role of consumer protection within Australia’s regulated wagering market.
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