The Journey of Australia, From UKGC’s Gamstop to Betstop 2025

In 2021, the Australian Communications and Media Authority announced plans to create a National Exclusion Service, bringing on board Engine, the developers behind the UK’s successful GAMSTOP system, which by 2024 had helped over 430,000 gamblers self-exclude in the UK.

Is It A Success?

By August 2023, more than 25,000 Australians had self-excluded, marking a positive impact on the nation's staggering annual gambling losses, which top $25 billion per adult.

What’s The Same?

Like Gamstop, Australian casinos are required by law to promote this self-exclusion tool to their patrons. It's a legal mandate that Australian casinos must promote the use of this responsible gambling service. .

Engine was selected due to its track record in the UK, ensuring that if players opt for Self Exclusion, they won't have access to any affiliated casino, providing a safer environment. new casino The system provides the flexibility for players to ban themselves from gambling for periods ranging from three months to an entire lifetime, catering to varying degrees of uncertainty about continuing to gamble.

After initial trials in late 2021 and early 2022, the system officially launched in mid-2022, bolstering existing exclusion measures from the Northern Territory Racing Commission and allowing Australians to contact operators directly for self-ban requests.

The Launch

Initial backlash from the Australian public arose, as concerns from the Suicide Prevention Group of Australia about the need for stricter gambling regulations were voiced around the time the exclusion tool was announced.

Under Scrutiny

As discussed, the system has proven beneficial to many, yet public calls for tighter regulations persist, although the financial and economic benefits of betting render a complete ban unlikely.

Insights Gained from Self-Exclusions

Since August 2023, analysis of self-exclusion habits has revealed crucial insights into those battling gambling issues, with the largest demographic being individuals aged 30 and under (49%), followed closely by those aged 31-40 (30%).

The prevalence of younger individuals lacking the financial stability of older adults seeking exclusion is alarming, highlighting societal concerns for this vulnerable group.

Data also indicates that exclusions most commonly last between 3 months and 2 years (40%), but a significant 39% have opted for permanent bans—an encouraging sign of growing awareness of betting problems.

While still in the early phases of self-exclusion legislation, the noticeable progress suggests a hopeful decrease in public demand for broader betting bans, as the effectiveness of self-exclusion mechanisms becomes evident.

What Could Happen In The Future?

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