Wagering Providers Breach NSER Rules
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found that Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet, and Topbet violated regulations designed to protect individuals registered with Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
Key Findings from ACMA’s Investigation
Under NSER guidelines, wagering service providers must promptly close the accounts of individuals who register for self-exclusion. Furthermore, if a person’s NSER status changes, their account must not be reopened or reactivated.
However, ACMA determined the following violations:
- Buddybet failed to close accounts linked to self-excluded individuals and sent them gambling-related marketing materials. The company has since exited the Australian market.
- Ultrabet reopened an account for a previously self-excluded individual after their exclusion period ended and allowed them to place bets. Additionally, the company was found to have sent marketing promotions to another self-excluded person.
- VicBet and Topbet were each issued formal warnings after ACMA found they had sent gambling advertisements to self-excluded individuals, violating NSER marketing restrictions.
Regulatory Response & Industry Expectations
Carolyn Lidgerwood, an Authority member, emphasized the serious risks posed by NSER rule breaches, highlighting that self-excluded individuals make a deliberate choice to avoid gambling services. She stated that sending them gambling-related promotions is unacceptable and urged wagering providers to strengthen compliance measures.
Lidgerwood also reinforced ACMA’s commitment to actively enforcing NSER rules, stressing that failure to meet account closure and marketing restrictions could result in more severe consequences for betting operators in the future.
Recent ACMA Enforcement Actions
In addition to the recent investigations, ACMA has also penalized PointsBet for sending gambling advertisements to self-excluded individuals—another violation of NSER regulations.
About ACMA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is a statutory body under the Australian Government’s Communications portfolio. Established on July 1, 2005, following the merger of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and the Australian Communications Authority, ACMA serves as a comprehensive regulator, overseeing telecommunications, broadcasting, radiocommunications, and internet-related services.
ACMA is responsible for media regulation, industry compliance, and tax collection related to broadcasting and communications. It operates under various legislations, industry codes, and standards to ensure effective oversight.
