ACMA sanctions four betting services for breaching self-exclusion rules
ACMA has identified breaches of National Self-Exclusion Register rules by four wagering service providers: Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet and Topbet.
Key points:
– ACMA found four betting operators breached National Self-Exclusion Register rules
– Violations included failing to close accounts, reopening expired accounts and sending marketing to self-excluded customers
– Enforcement actions included formal warnings and a court-enforceable undertaking requiring compliance system improvements
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken enforcement action against four betting service providers for violating the rules of BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
The breaches were discovered following multiple investigations into the conduct of Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet and Topbet.
ACMA found that Buddybet failed to close the accounts of individuals registered with BetStop and sent marketing materials to them. The company has since exited the Australian market.
Ultrabet was found to have reopened an account for a customer immediately after the end of their self-exclusion period and also sent marketing to another self-excluded individual.
Good to know: Under NSER rules, once someone registers for self-exclusion, their account must be closed promptly and not reinstated; customers must actively choose to resume gambling post-exclusion
As a result of these breaches, ACMA has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Ultrabet. The company has committed to reviewing and improving its compliance systems and operational processes to avoid further violations.
Meanwhile, both VicBet and Topbet were issued formal warnings after separate investigations concluded that each had sent electronic marketing to self-excluded users, also in breach of NSER rules.
Commenting on the beaches, ACMA authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood stated: “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.
“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.”
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