Almost 10,000 Australians have signed up to a register preventing them from gambling online, with most choosing a lifelong exclusion period. Source: The West Australian.
National self-exclusion register BetStop was launched in late August, ahead of football finals and spring racing carnivals.
People who register themselves can choose to be excluded from wagering services anywhere between three months and a lifetime.
The overwhelming majority of people who took up the self-imposed ban since August are aged under 40.
More than 1200 people have been nominated as support persons, after being put forward by registered users as self-exclusion period helpers.
Wagering service providers must promote the register on their websites, apps, and through marketing to customers.
The Albanese Government also introduced mandatory pre-verification, meaning companies must verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account and before they can place a bet.
Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world, with people sinking $25 billion every year.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the Government was committed to minimising harm from gambling online.
“If you or someone you care about need support, I strongly encourage you to visit the BetStop website to learn more about the register and the many other supports available,” she said.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said pre-verification was stopping people from finding workarounds to have a bet, if they had registered themselves.
“It’s great that BetStop is already having such a positive impact,” she said.
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Punters choosing lifetime bans from online gambling (By Tess Ikonomou, AAP via The West Australian)
