Unibet Fined $1 Million for Gambling Self-Exclusion Rule Breaches

Unibet, operated by Betchoice Corporation Pty Ltd, has been penalized a hefty $1,014,120 for breaching gambling self-exclusion rules. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) uncovered that Unibet failed to close the accounts of 954 customers who had registered with the National Self-Exclusion Register™ (NSER), resulting in over 100,000 contraventions of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The investigation revealed that some customer accounts remained open for 190 days or more, contrary to the rules mandating the closure of accounts promptly after registration with the NSER. Additionally, Unibet provided wagering services to 45 customers using old accounts after their NSER registration had ended, allowing them to place numerous bets through these accounts.

In response to the breaches, the ACMA imposed a $1 million penalty on Unibet and secured a 2-year court-enforceable undertaking from the company. This undertaking includes an independent review of compliance systems and processes, as well as the implementation of necessary improvements. Unibet has also committed to issuing refunds to affected customers who were able to access accounts that should have been closed.

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood emphasized the severity of Unibet’s non-compliance, stating that such delays in closing accounts are unacceptable. The ACMA’s actions serve as a warning to the industry to adhere to regulations or face financial penalties and other consequences under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Individuals interested in self-exclusion can register with the NSER online, with further details available on the ACMA website. Unibet’s penalties and commitments signify a step towards ensuring future compliance with gambling regulations.