Wagering Firms Breach Self-Exclusion Rules

On January 29, 2026, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced the conclusion of investigations into six wagering providers for violating self-exclusion regulations. The ACMA has taken decisive action against Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet, and BetChamps, all of which failed to adhere to the National Self-Exclusion Register, BetStop.

The investigations revealed diverse breaches across the providers, including allowing self-excluded individuals to open and access betting accounts and targeting them with marketing efforts. Carolyn Lidgerwood, a member of the ACMA, emphasized the gravity of these violations, stating that such breaches compromise the intended protections against gambling harm.

The ACMA’s response involves varying degrees of enforcement tailored to the specific infractions of each provider. For Betfocus, LightningBet, and TempleBet, remedial directions have been issued, mandating independent audits of their systems to ensure future compliance. Tabcorp Holdings has paid a penalty of $112,680 and agreed to a court-enforceable undertaking to overhaul its customer verification processes and staff training.

BetChamps received a formal warning, with further enforcement pending for Picklebet. These actions underline the ACMA’s commitment to strict enforcement of gambling regulations, with the potential for more severe penalties, including Federal Court proceedings, if breaches continue. This regulatory action is intended not only to correct past oversights but also to deter future violations by setting a precedent for the consequences of failing to protect vulnerable consumers.