Failures to respect gambling self-exclusion prompts formal enforcement across industry
Australia’s online gambling watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has taken enforcement action against four wagering operators—Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet, and Topbet—for breaches of BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER). The regulator’s investigations revealed critical failures to uphold core safeguards meant to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm.
Breaches Include Account Reinstatement and Unlawful Marketing
The most serious infractions were linked to Buddybet, which was found to have failed to close the accounts of users registered with BetStop and sent marketing materials to those who had self-excluded. ACMA confirmed that Buddybet has since ceased operations in the Australian market.
Ultrabet also came under scrutiny for reopening a customer account immediately after the conclusion of their self-exclusion period—a move that violates NSER principles, as reactivation must be user-initiated. Additionally, the operator was found to have sent marketing to another self-excluded individual.
Fact check: The NSER legally requires operators to close the accounts of self-excluded individuals immediately and prohibits any unsolicited marketing to these users.
📝 Court-Enforceable Undertaking and Formal Warnings Issued
In response to Ultrabet’s non-compliance, ACMA has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking, compelling the company to review and enhance its compliance systems. This includes implementing improved internal processes to ensure full adherence to the rules of the NSER.
VicBet and Topbet, though their violations were less severe, each received formal warnings after being found guilty of sending gambling-related marketing to users who had opted for self-exclusion.
ACMA: Operators Must Respect Self-Exclusion Decisions
ACMA authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood emphasized the seriousness of these breaches and reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance approach.
“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,” she stated.
“Wagering providers should know their obligations under the rules and know that we are enforcing them.”
Protecting Vulnerable Users at the Heart of Regulation
The BetStop register, introduced in 2023, allows Australians to voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed online gambling services nationally for periods ranging from three months to a lifetime. Operators are legally bound to respect these exclusions by ceasing all communications and ensuring accounts are closed.
As the digital betting market grows, ACMA’s enforcement sends a clear message: gambling operators must prioritize consumer protection or face consequences including legal undertakings, fines, or market removal.
Ongoing Oversight to Continue
The watchdog has pledged to continue its active monitoring of the sector, particularly around compliance with BetStop and related harm-reduction obligations. ACMA’s move reflects a broader national effort to balance gambling innovation with social responsibility, amid mounting public concern over the impact of digital wagering.
