Australian Regulator Penalizes Wagering Operator After Investigations Reveal Failure to Close Accounts and Illegal Marketing to Excluded Users
Dabble Sports Pty Ltd (Dabble) has paid $1,069,200 in penalties following an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) that uncovered multiple breaches of online gambling self-exclusion rules. In addition to the financial penalty, Dabble has entered into a two-year court-enforceable undertaking to guarantee future compliance.
The ACMA investigation determined that Dabble failed to close 157 wagering accounts after the respective account holders registered with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register. Furthermore, the operator sent 839 electronic messages, comprising SMS, emails, and app push notifications, to 165 self-excluded individuals. Under mandatory self-exclusion regulations, wagering providers are legally required to close accounts for individuals registered on BetStop as soon as practicable and immediately cease all electronic marketing.
The investigation also revealed that Dabble transmitted more than 2,000 push notifications to 45 customers without incorporating required informational messages regarding BetStop.
Regulatory Perspectives and Undertakings
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood characterized the findings as deeply concerning, emphasizing that the violations carried the potential to inflict real harm on vulnerable consumers.
“People who register with BetStop have made a clear decision to exclude themselves from online wagering. Providers must respect that decision by closing their accounts promptly and ensuring they are not targeted with gambling promotions. These were serious breaches by Dabble. Wagering providers must have robust systems in place to protect people who have chosen to self-exclude. BetStop is an important consumer protection measure, but it only works if wagering companies follow the rules. The ACMA will take action where wagering providers fail to meet their obligations.”
Under the terms of the accepted two-year court-enforceable undertaking, Dabble is mandated to commission an independent review of its compliance systems and commit the financial investment necessary to enact all recommended system improvements. Should Dabble breach the agreement, the ACMA holds the authority to pursue legal enforcement through the courts.
This enforcement action precedes upcoming legislative changes set to commence on January 1, 2027, which will further fortify BetStop by substantially increasing penalties for regulatory infractions.
