ACMA: Four Betting Services Breach Gambling Self-Exclusion Rules

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found four wagering service providers – Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet and Topbet – breached rules that protect people who registered with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).

An ACMA investigation found Buddybet failed to close wagering accounts for people on the NSER and sent marketing to them. The company has since exited the Australian market.

A separate ACMA investigation found Ultrabet reopened the account of someone at the end of their self-exclusion period and allowed that person to bet with that account. Ultrabet also caused marketing to be sent to another self-excluded person.

Under the NSER rules, once an individual registers with the NSER, wagering service providers must close that person’s account as soon as practicable. Accounts must not be reopened or reinstated once a person ceases to be registered with the NSER.

Instead, people at the end of their self-exclusion period who want to recommence gambling need to make a clear and deliberate choice to do so. Providers must also cease sending self-excluded people any electronic marketing such as emails or texts.

The ACMA has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Ultrabet, which commits the company to review its compliance systems and processes and implement improvements.

Following two other separate investigations, online bookmakers VicBet and Topbet have each been issued with a formal warning after the ACMA found they contravened the NSER marketing rules. The ACMA found each company had sent marketing material to a self-excluded person.

Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood said breaches of the NSER rules can lead to significant harm.

“Wagering providers should know their obligations under the rules and know that we are enforcing them. The rules about account closure must be complied with,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

“People on the NSER have made a conscious effort to exclude themselves from online gambling services. Sending gambling marketing messages to people who are trying to stop gambling is unacceptable. Betting services must have systems in place that respect the decisions of people to self-exclude, or face further consequences.”