Australia’s federal self-exclusion tool, BetStop, has successfully registered over 53,300 individuals since its August 2023 launch, according to a landmark review submitted to the Commonwealth.
While hailed as a “meaningful difference” by Minister Anika Wells, independent examiner Richard Eccles warned that the register is not a “silver bullet” for gambling addiction.
Key Usage Statistics
The report provided a detailed breakdown of user behavior and demographics:
- Lifetime Exclusion: 38% of users have opted for permanent self-exclusion.
- Youth Engagement: 79% of total registrants are under the age of 40.
- Regional Leaders: New South Wales recorded the highest usage (17,000), followed by Victoria (14,500) and Queensland (11,000).
Proposed Enhancements
The ACMA is now considering stricter technical measures, including a mandatory three-month minimum exclusion period for all registrants. Additionally, the review calls for a “support person” nomination at the point of registration, as data shows users with a support person are significantly more likely to choose lifetime exclusion.
The Advertising Standoff
The success of BetStop as a self-exclusion tool has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government has yet to authorize a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising. Despite a 2024 recommendation for a three-year phased ban, the Labor government has faced accusations of “kicking the can down the road”.
