Australia begins national self-exclusion register process
ACMA appoints GAMSTOP developers Engine to lead development of one-stop-shop exclusion site for online gamblers
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has appointed GAMSTOP developers Engine to spearhead development of a national self-exclusion register for Australian punters.
Engine will develop and operate the self-exclusion register, which allows gamblers to self-exclude from all licensed interactive wagering providers in a single process.
Self-excluders will be able to opt-out anywhere between three months and permanently, with exclusions covering licensed online and telephone betting services.
All operators will be prohibited from directly advertising and promoting gambling services to any self-excluded individual.
Engine will now commence initial design and development of the solution with a trial expected to begin later this year.
The new service is anticipated to go live during the first half of 2022.
In the interim, local self-exclusion registers such as the one operated by the Northern Territory Racing Commission will continue to function.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin called the appointment of Engine a “significant step” in the road towards better protecting Australian consumers.
“The register will make a difference for people who want help changing their gambling habits and will complement existing consumer protection measures,” O’Loughlin said.
“If you choose to self-exclude, this register will ensure your account is closed, your money returned, and no further advertising or promotion activity will be directed your way,” she added.
GAMSTOP, developed by Engine, is the UK’s only national self-exclusion registry and has attracted more than 200,000 users since the scheme went live in April 2018.
Membership of the scheme, which is a mandatory condition for UK licensed operators, increased by 21% in February, the largest monthly increase in the scheme’s history.
The self-exclusion project will now move into its next phase of development, as the ACMA begins an extensive consultation process with stakeholders and the Australian gambling industry.
“Through our consultation we will engage with the interactive wagering industry on the design of the system and the rules around the operation of the register,” O’Loughlin explained.
“We will also work with consumers and advocacy groups to ensure that the register meets the needs of users, including putting in place robust privacy safeguards,” she added.