Australia to Review National Self-Exclusion Register BetStop

The Australian Government has launched a review of the BetStop self-exclusion register, aimed at protecting vulnerable Australians from online gambling harms. With registrations declining and the need for further policy refinement, the upcoming report will evaluate how effective BetStop has been since its launch last year.

Australia to Review BetStop Self-Exclusion Program as Registrations Drop

Australia’s national self-exclusion register, BetStop, is set to undergo a formal review following concerns about declining registrations and its overall effectiveness. Richard Eccles, a former senior public servant, has been appointed by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland to lead the review, with a final report expected in 18 months.

Key Points:

1. Review Timeline: The review will assess the effectiveness of BetStop, with a report expected within 18 months.
2. Declining Registrations: Recent data shows a 39.7% year-on-year decline in BetStop registrations for Q1 2024/25.
3. Government Commitment: Officials aim to ensure BetStop remains fit for purpose, protecting vulnerable Australians from gambling harms.

Launched in August 2023, BetStop is a free service that allows individuals to exclude themselves from all online and phone wagering providers licensed in Australia. By registering, individuals block their access to opening new gambling accounts and prevent betting companies from sending marketing materials.

Declining Registrations Raise Concerns

Despite over 30,000 people signing up since its introduction, BetStop has seen a significant drop in registrations during Q1 2024/25. This decline has raised questions about the program’s long-term effectiveness and prompted the Australian government to take action. The review is designed to provide crucial data to shape future policies.

According to government estimates, BetStop has saved participants between AU$80m to AU$135m (US$53.44m-US$90.18m) in its first year, based on similar programs and evidence of savings. However, the sharp decline in new registrations highlights the need for an in-depth evaluation of the system’s performance.

Stakeholder Involvement

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the importance of ensuring BetStop operates effectively:
“We want to make sure BetStop is working as effectively as possible to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harms – which is why my department is undertaking this review.”

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth echoed these sentiments, adding that protecting individuals from online gambling harm is a continuous effort:
“Protecting vulnerable Australians from online gambling harms is not a set and forget proposition – and we’ll continue to work closely with stakeholders across government, industry, and community to address this pervasive issue.”

Review Goals and Future Policy

The review, led by Richard Eccles, will focus on assessing whether BetStop’s current framework still meets the needs of vulnerable Australians. By evaluating the long-term financial impact and analyzing whether the system is being used to its full potential, the government hopes to improve effectiveness and drive future policy decisions.

Eccles will be tasked with gathering evidence from a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, and community organizations to inform the review process. The report will also consider potential updates to BetStop to enhance its functionality and protect more Australians from gambling-related issues.

As Australia faces increasing concerns over gambling harm, the review of BetStop will be crucial in determining its future success. While initial savings have been substantial, the recent drop in registrations suggests that further improvements are necessary to ensure that vulnerable individuals continue to receive the protection and support they need.

With a comprehensive review underway, the government is taking proactive steps to maintain BetStop’s role as a vital tool in the fight against gambling harm.