The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken enforcement action against six licensed wagering operators after finding they allowed self‑excluded individuals to access betting services or receive prohibited marketing materials. While ACMA is widely known for targeting offshore illegal gambling, this round of action focused squarely on domestic operators failing to comply with Australia’s national self‑exclusion framework.
Six Operators Found in Breach of BetStop Requirements
ACMA’s investigations concluded that Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet, and BetChamps all violated rules tied to BetStop, Australia’s national self‑exclusion register. The breaches occurred throughout 2024.
Under Australian law, operators must:
- Block all BetStop‑registered individuals from opening accounts or placing bets
- Prevent self‑excluded individuals from receiving marketing, promotions, or inducements
However, ACMA found multiple failures across the six operators.
“The facts of each investigation are different, but the breaches included allowing registered individuals to open wagering accounts, access wagering services, or receive marketing,” ACMA said.
Penalties and Remedial Measures
ACMA determined that all six operators lacked adequate systems to identify and protect self‑excluded customers.
Enforcement outcomes included:
- Tabcorp: Fined AUD 112,680 and required to appoint an independent auditor to review customer‑verification processes and staff training
- Betfocus, LightningBet, TempleBet: Ordered to implement ACMA‑mandated remedial programs and engage independent auditors
- BetChamps: Issued a formal warning
- Picklebet: Enforcement action pending finalization
ACMA: Operators Have No Excuse After Two Years of Clear Rules
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood criticized the operators for undermining trust in the self‑exclusion system.
“When people decide to self‑exclude from online and telephone gambling, they trust the system to protect them from gambling harm. These companies broke that trust and let people down,” Lidgerwood said.
She noted that BetStop has been in place for more than two years, and operators should now be fully compliant with its requirements.
