Betting Firms Breach Self-Exclusion Rules

In a significant regulatory development, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has identified four wagering service providers that have breached gambling self-exclusion rules. The companies involved – Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet, and Topbet – were found to have violated regulations designed to protect individuals registered with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).

ACMA’s investigation revealed that Buddybet failed to close wagering accounts for self-excluded individuals and sent marketing material to them, prompting the company to exit the Australian market. Meanwhile, Ultrabet reopened an account at the end of a self-exclusion period and sent marketing to another self-excluded person. Ultrabet has since agreed to review and improve its compliance systems under a court-enforceable undertaking.

Further inquiries by ACMA resulted in formal warnings for online bookmakers VicBet and Topbet after they too were found to have sent marketing materials to self-excluded individuals. Carolyn Lidgerwood, an authority member, emphasized the importance of compliance, noting that breaches can lead to significant harm and that service providers must respect self-exclusion decisions or face further consequences.

The NSER mandates that once individuals register, wagering services must promptly close their accounts and cease all marketing communications. For those seeking to resume gambling, a clear and deliberate choice must be made, ensuring that the integrity of the self-exclusion process is maintained.