What is BetStop: Your Complete Guide to the National Self-Exclusion Register

It’s no secret that we Aussies like to gamble. But what happens when it goes too far? Problem gambling can be extremely harmful to individuals and families, with the harm extending beyond just financially. Therefore, the promotion of responsible gambling has become a top priority in Australia.

This has led to the introduction of BetStop, an Australian Government initiative that is safe and free for all Aussies to use. When signing up to BetStop Australia, individuals block themselves from every licensed gambling provider in the country.

The National Self-Exclusion Register is a significant step forward to address problem gambling in Australia as it makes it much easier to control gambling habits and promote responsible gambling practices. If you’re interested in learning more about BetStop, this article will touch on all the main areas you need to know.

What Is BetStop?

The BetStop self-exclusion register launched on August 21, 2023, and it provides Australians with a place where they can voluntarily self-exclude from all licenced gambling providers. This Australian Government initiative has so far been successful, with many individuals using the free service.

Up until July 2024, 27,424 individuals had registered for BetStop, while there were 22,350 active exclusions. This is expected to grow further as more individuals learn about BetStop and the services they provide in promoting responsible gambling.

BetStop’s service allows individuals to decide how long they wish to exclude themselves, ranging from three months to a lifetime. By signing up to BetStop, an individual effectively blocks themselves from all licensed gambling providers in one go.

This makes the initial process of exclusion much more effective with Bet Stop. Individuals don’t have to go to each wagering provider they have an account with and shut their accounts one by one (if they have multiple accounts).

As well as this, there are additional measures in place during the exclusion period that further assist individuals in not falling back into bad habits. The National Self-Exclusion Register provides clear-cut rules to wagering providers on what they can and can’t do for those who are on the BetStop register.

Those who have registered for BetStop are also not able to go and create a new account with a bookmaker they hadn’t previously used. If a wagering provider is caught breaking any of the rules outlined with BetStop, there are serious penalties.

For example, the fine for sending direct email communication could be as high as $49,500 per email. On top of fines, non-compliance can also result in formal warnings, infringement notices, civil penalty orders or injunctions from a court or even criminal prosecution.

BetStop Features

When registering to Bet Stop Australia, there are some restrictions imposed. The BetStop features are put in place to ensure the individual doesn’t receive any direct communication and can more effectively deal with their problem gambling.

The most useful feature of BetStop lies in the fact it provides a central place for individuals to self-exclude. Each wagering provider in Australia must be connected and promote BetStop on their platform (i.e. website, app, etc.).

They are required to check if any of their existing customers are registered to BetStop. If they find that one of their existing customers is on the BetStop register, they must take the necessary steps to close the account and ensure that the individual isn’t able to place bets or open a new account.

Wagering providers are also no longer allowed to send direct marketing communications. Before a new account is verified, wagering providers are also required to confirm whether the individual is registered with BetStop. This successfully stops those registered with BetStop from opening an account with a wagering provider they hadn’t previously used before their exclusion period ends.

How Does BetStop Work?

The registration process for BetStop is fairly easy and it takes just a handful of minutes. To complete the registration process, an individual will need their mobile phone, access to their email and identification (i.e. Medicare Card, Australian passport or driver’s licence).

Friends or family cannot register for the individual, only the individual themselves can do that. During the registration process, the individual chooses how long they wish to self-exclude and if they want to nominate any support people.

Communication is provided by BetStop during the exclusion period. This includes when the period is close to ending, to see if the individual wishes to extend. If an extension is not taken, the individual’s details will be removed from the register and they will be free to gamble again.

On the other hand, for wagering providers, the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (which now includes BetStop) sets out the obligations. The onus is on each wagering provider to ensure they have met all the compliance requirements surrounding BetStop.

Each wagering provider must be connected to the BetStop system. The data-matching system is completely automated and requests are responded to within a fraction of a second. The system provides details on which individuals are not permitted to have an account or receive communication.

Wagering providers must check this system when an individual tries to create an account, to ensure they aren’t on the register. They are also required to check the system so they don’t accept bets or send direct marketing to an individual who is self-excluded.

Smaller wagering providers, like those that just accept phone bets are required to comply with BetStop as well. They may need to speak with their betting system provider and connect to BetStop that way.

How To Ban Yourself From Gambling Online

For those looking to self-exclude from all wagering partners in Australia, the process of registering with BetStop is simple. There are some things to be aware of about the process though. The step-by-step guide to signing up for BetStop is as follows:

1. Go to the sign-up page. The first screen provides information about the process and what is needed to complete the registration.

2. Agree to BetStop’s Privacy Policy. Personal information will be protected and individuals must also agree to the terms of use for BetStop.

3. Select a self-exclusion period. Individuals can choose from a period of between three months to a lifetime.

4. Create an account. Individuals will be asked to create their account, with their email and choose a password.

5. Verify an email address. Registration can only continue once an email address is verified.

6. Enter a mobile number. Along with an email address, a mobile phone number needs to be registered as well.

7. Enter personal details. This includes name, date of birth and current address.

8. Prove identity. The next step is to prove identity by providing a driver’s licence, Medicare card or passport.

9. Add additional details. If necessary, add additional email addresses and mobile phone numbers.

10. Registration complete. After registration, you can use your BetStop login details to sign in (use the “Sign In” button in the top right-hand side) to view your account.

How To Reverse BetStop

Individuals can also reverse the BetStop self-exclusion period if they wish. However, it is important to note that individuals can only apply after three months of exclusion have elapsed. The steps involved in reversing BetStop include:

1. Complete a statutory declaration. This confirms the individual has seen a GP or counsellor and discussed the decision to cancel their self-exclusion.
2. Use the BetStop login button to access the account. After logging in, begin the cancellation application with BetStop, providing them with the statutory declaration.
3. Removal from BetStop. Within seven days, the individual’s account will be removed from BetStop. Any support people listed on the account will be notified.

Conclusion

Bet Stop is a reliable initiative by the Australian government that supports responsible gambling. The uptake in this initiative proves just how successful Bet Stop is, despite only launching in 2023. Bet Stop allows individuals struggling with gambling addiction to easily and voluntarily exclude themselves from all wagering providers within Australia. Don’t forget to read our reviews on the best casinos for more information on us and what we do!