The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken action against four wagering providers for breaching BetStop rules, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet, and Topbet Under Scrutiny
Following a series of investigations, ACMA found that Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet, and Topbet failed to comply with self-exclusion regulations.
Buddybet allowed registered users on BetStop to keep their accounts open and even sent them marketing materials. Although the company has since exited the Australian market, ACMA flagged the breach as a serious lapse in compliance.
Ultrabet reopened an account for a customer immediately after their self-exclusion period ended and also sent gambling promotions to another excluded individual—both violations of NSER rules.
ACMA Enforces Corrective Action
In response, Ultrabet agreed to a court-enforceable undertaking. The company has pledged to overhaul its compliance systems and operational procedures to prevent further rule violations.
VicBet and Topbet each received formal warnings after ACMA discovered they had sent electronic marketing to self-excluded users. Although less severe, these breaches still undermine the intent of the self-exclusion system.
ACMA: Providers Must Respect Self-Exclusion Decisions
ACMA authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood emphasised the importance of compliance:
“Wagering providers should know their obligations under the rules and know that we are enforcing them,” she said. “Sending gambling marketing messages to people who are trying to stop gambling is unacceptable.”
She added, “People on the NSER have made a conscious effort to exclude themselves from online gambling services. Betting services must have systems in place that respect those decisions—or face the consequences.”
