Australians will soon be able to ban themselves from all online gambling companies in every state and territory using just one form, almost five years after legislation was introduced to Parliament. Source: The Guardian.
A national self-exclusion register for online gambling dubbed “BetStop” will be launched on August 21, the federal Government says.
It will replace systems in the states and territories that have been criticised as ineffective as they do not cover all bookmakers.
Legislation to create a national register was first introduced by then communications minister Paul Fletcher in 2018. But it was never created despite industry support and was further delayed this year, when the company working on its implementation, Big Village Australia, went into voluntary administration.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland will formally launch BetStop at Parliament House today.
Ms Rowland is still considering a parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation to ban all gambling advertisements after a three-year transition period.
She said BetStop was the last of 10 measures to be implemented under the National Consumer Protection Framework for online wagering to empower Australians through stronger consumer protections.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said an effective self-exclusion register could change people’s lives and make it easier to quit gambling.
A parliamentary inquiry into online gambling has recommended the federal Government play a bigger oversight role and create a national regulator.
FULL STORY
New register allows gamblers across Australia to ban themselves from all online wagers (By Henry Belot, The Guardian)
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