ACMA identifies breaches of self-exclusion rules

In Australia, the regulator ACMA on 29 January completed investigations into six operators for breaches of self-exclusion rules. The findings showed that in 2024 Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet and BetChamps allowed players listed on the national BetStop register to create new accounts, place bets, and receive marketing communications.

Breaches of BetStop rules

Actions by operators

ACMA investigations found that the named operators failed to comply with requirements designed to protect individuals included in the national self-exclusion register BetStop.

The identified breaches included allowing registered individuals to open accounts, access wagering services, and receive marketing and advertising messages.

System failures

The regulator determined that the operators did not ensure the proper operation of internal systems and processes intended to identify and block customers who had opted for self-exclusion.

Enforcement measures by ACMA

Fines and directions

Tabcorp paid a fine of $78.3 thousand. Betfocus, LightningBet and TempleBet were issued directions to conduct independent audits of their systems and to implement the resulting recommendations.

Warnings and further action

BetChamps received a formal warning, while enforcement measures against Picklebet have not yet been determined.

According to the regulator, all identified breaches occurred in 2024.