Self-Exclusion Programs in Australia
Essential information for Australian players navigating the online gambling landscape.
Overview
Self-exclusion is a formal process through which a person voluntarily bans themselves from gambling venues or services for a specified period. In Australia, self-exclusion programs exist at multiple levels. Each state and territory operates self-exclusion registers for land-based venues, allowing individuals to be banned from specific casinos, pubs, and clubs that operate poker machines. The National Self-Exclusion Register, known as BetStop, was launched in August 2023 and covers all licensed Australian wagering services. BetStop allows a person to self-exclude from all licensed Australian online betting services through a single registration, effective for a minimum of three months and up to a lifetime. When registered with BetStop, all licensed Australian wagering operators are legally required to close existing accounts, refuse new account applications, and cease all marketing communications. For offshore casinos, self-exclusion options depend on the individual operator. Reputable offshore casinos offer account self-exclusion tools within their platform, typically allowing players to set exclusion periods of one week to six months, or to request permanent account closure. However, there is no centralised self-exclusion register that covers offshore operators, meaning a player must individually contact each offshore casino they use.
Key Facts
- BetStop is Australia's national self-exclusion register covering all licensed wagering services since August 2023
- BetStop registration can be completed online and takes effect within 24 hours across all licensed operators
- State and territory self-exclusion registers cover land-based venues including casinos, pubs, and clubs
- Offshore casinos are not covered by BetStop and must be contacted individually for self-exclusion
- Breaching a self-exclusion order at a land-based venue can result in the venue facing regulatory penalties
What Players Should Know
If you feel that your gambling is becoming problematic, BetStop is the most effective first step for Australian-licensed services because it covers all operators simultaneously. For offshore casinos, you will need to contact each one separately, which can be more challenging. Many offshore casinos have responsible gambling pages where you can request temporary or permanent account closure. Keep records of any self-exclusion requests you submit to offshore operators.