Australian regulator warns betting companies over self-exclusion breaches
Australia’s gambling regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, has warned four betting companies that it says have broken the rules on protecting people who have self-excluded from gambling.
An investigation found that Buddybet, Ultrabet, Topbet, and VicBet have failed to close betting accounts for customers who had registered with the National Self-Exclusion Register, known as BetStop.
Under the National Self-Exclusion Register rules, once an individual joins the register, all betting companies must close accounts related to that person and cease sending all forms of marketing to that individual.
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found that all four companies sent marketing material to self-excluded people. In addition, Buddybet failed to close the accounts of customers who had joined the National Self-Exclusion Register.
Buddybet has since ceased to operate in the Australian sports betting market, while Ultrabet has given a court-enforceable undertaking to improve its compliance processes. VicBet and Topbet have both received formal warnings.
Regarding the investigation, Australian Communications and Media Authority member, Carolyn Lidgerwood said, “People on the NSER have made a conscious effort to exclude themselves from online gambling services.
“Sending gambling marketing messages to people who are trying to stop gambling is unacceptable. Betting services must have systems in place that respect the decisions of people to self-exclude or face further consequences.”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has also fined sportsbook operator PointsBet AU$500,000 (US$326,000)1 AUD = 0.6520 USD
2025-06-09Powered by CMG CurrenShift for failing to exclude people who had previously registered with BetStop from its betting platform.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
