Unibet fined over AU$1 million for breaching Australian self-exclusion rules
Australian operator Betchoice Corporation, trading as Unibet, has been fined AU$1,014,120 (US$652,000)1 AUD = 0.6433 USD
2025-05-21Powered by CMG CurrenShift for failing to comply with Australia’s self-exclusion rules.
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found over 100,000 violations of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 due to Unibet not closing the accounts of 954 customers who had registered with the National Self-Exclusion Register.
The investigation found that 45 accounts remained open for 190 days or longer. Although self-excluded customers placed no bets during this period, the accounts should have been closed promptly.
Additionally, Unibet allowed 45 customers to use old accounts after their self-exclusion ended, enabling thousands of bets, including one customer who placed over 1,200 bets.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act, wagering providers must close the accounts of self-excluded individuals as soon as practicable, with daily penalties for non-compliance. Customers resuming betting after self-exclusion must open new accounts, not access old ones.
Australian Communications and Media Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood called the breaches significant, noting that delays of up to 190 days undermined customers’ efforts to manage gambling. While no bets or marketing occurred during self-exclusion, the lapse was deemed serious.
In addition to the fine, the Australian Communications and Media Authority accepted a two-year court-enforceable undertaking from Unibet, requiring an independent review of its compliance systems and processes. Unibet also committed to refunding affected customers.
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