Australian self-exclusion register set for review

Former senior public servant Richard Eccles has been appointed to lead the first statutory review of Australia’s national self-exclusion register, BetStop, by the country’s communications minister Michelle Rowland. 

The free service, which was launched in August 2023, allows users to ban themselves from all licensed gambling firms in every Australian state and territory using a single form, ensuring bettors can exclude themselves from periods lasting from three months to permanently. 

BetStop, which was implemented by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), prohibits users from opening new accounts, while operators are blocked from sending BetStop users marketing materials and are required to close existing betting accounts linked to registered individuals. 

As per the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, a review of BetStop is required just over a year after its launch to ensure it is working as intended and serves its purpose in protecting those deemed vulnerable to gambling-related harm. 

The review is expected to consider how effective BetStop has been in supporting the regulatory framework, as well as whether regulatory arrangements under the Interactive Gambling (National Self-Exclusion Register) Register Rules 2022 and the National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Act 2019 remain fit for purpose. 

Later this year, a consultation process will commence, enabling feedback to be delivered that will shape the future of BetStop. 

Eccles is expected to deliver his final review report and findings to Rowland within 18 months, while the report will be tabled in parliament.  

The former senior public servant “brings a strong mix of governance, executive management and advisory expertise to the role”, according to Amanda Rishworth, the social services minister.

Having retired from public service in 2020, Eccles previously had two separate spells as deputy secretary within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet between 2010 and 2012 and then again between 2013 and 2016.

He was also deputy secretary in the Department Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sports and the Department of Communications and the Arts.

Eccles now serves as the chair of the Public Interest Journalism Initiative Policy Working Group and the Canberra Health Services Governance Committee.

Since launching in August 2023, BetStop has surpassed 30,000 users, with 23,000 active exclusions at the time of writing.

Data has highlighted that 79% of registrants are aged 40 or under, with 39% opting to register for a lifetime ban. 

According to the government’s official update, BetStop could have saved as much as A$80m to A$135m (£41m to £69m) within its first year of operations, based on its number of registrations and evidence from similar schemes.

Rowland said: “There has been a massive take-up of BetStop in its first 12 months, making a meaningful difference and changing the lives of thousands of Australians and their families. 
  
“We want to make sure BetStop is working as effectively as possible to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harms – which is why my department is undertaking this review. 
  
“I encourage people who’ve registered or interacted with BetStop to participate in our upcoming public consultation so we can take on your feedback to inform any future changes.” 

Rishworth shared her sentiments, adding: “Preventing and reducing online gambling harms is a priority for this government, and we’ve taken a number of strong actions to this end. 
  
“This review is an opportunity to ensure that BetStop – a key measure – is operating effectively. 
  
“Protecting vulnerable Australians from online gambling harms is not a set and forget proposition – and we’ll continue to work closely with stakeholders across government, industry and community to address this pervasive issue.”