Since its launch in August last year, the Australian Communications and Media Authority reports that more than 28,000 people have signed up for its national online self-exclusion service, BetStop. Registering with BetStop lets users choose to exclude themselves from all licensed online and mobile betting services for anywhere from three months to a lifetime. The ACMA mentioned that the registration process can be completed in under five minutes. Users only need access to their phone, email address, and an identity document like a driver’s license, Medicare card, or passport.
Demographics and Preferences
According to the authority, over 28,000 people have chosen to self-exclude, with nearly half of them being 30 years old or younger, and about 80% being 40 or younger. Additionally, around 40% have opted for a lifetime self-exclusion, less than 20% selected the minimum three-month period, and more than 14% have either extended or reactivated their self-exclusion period. As of 21 August 2024, the ACMA reported that BetStop had approximately 23,000 active users.
Comments from ACMA Chair
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin stated: “Online gambling can cause a great deal of harm to individuals, their families and friends, so it’s encouraging that so many people have decided to take the step and register to self-exclude.”
‘Younger Australians in particular are making early decisions about the role that online gambling will play in their lives.
“Many people are also choosing to nominate someone to support them. Stopping online gambling can be a difficult decision to make – having someone to support you can make the decision much easier. And many people are committing to long-term change, with a high percentage of people choosing to exclude for life.”
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