Betting has become deeply ingrained in the culture and lifestyle of Australians. The love for a punt, as they say, runs through the veins of this nation, from the iconic horse racing events to sports betting and the ever-popular pokies (slot machines). It’s a phenomenon that transcends generations and social backgrounds, shaping a unique aspect of Australian life.
Australians have always been known to have a deep history of gambling, so much so that several gambling addictions have been spotted across the country over the years. To control this prevalent addiction amongst its residents, the Australian government launched the national self-exclusion program in 2023. If you’re a seasoned gambler, you would be able to draw a quick similarity to GamStop, which is popular in the United Kingdom, and you would probably be on the lookout for Australian bookmakers not on BetStop to be on a safe side. BetStop was launched in Australia to mitigate and prevent the rise of gambling addictions in the country. But what is this self-exclusion program all about? Let’s find out below.
What is BetStop?
BetStop is a self-exclusion program established by the Australian government in August 2023. BetStop is a program that helps Australians self-exclude themselves from all online and phone gambling platforms licensed to operate in Australia.
According to the Victorian Gambling & Casino Control Commission, BetStop is the final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering implemented to protect Australians in the online gambling world. It is extremely similar to GamStop which was established by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission to protect its residents. We’ll get to that in a moment.
Is BetStop a GamStop Alternative?
If you’re a professional punter in Australia, then you should have probably come across GamStop UK. Like BetStop, it is also a self-exclusion program that helps gamblers exclude themselves from all gambling sites in the hope of having control over their gambling habits. But GamStop is a program exclusive only to players in the United Kindom, so an Australian will have no access to that program.
However, with the launch of BetStop, punters will be able to register for the self-exclusion program with less stress and it is completely free. Let’s see how it works.
How Does BetStop Work?
BetStop is a vital self-exclusion tool designed to help individuals in Australia control their online gambling habits. It is a free service that allows users to restrict their access to numerous gambling websites with a single registration. BetStop is a non-profit organization established by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to promote responsible gambling and provide individuals with the means to limit their gambling activities.
Registration and Exclusion Periods
Getting started with BetStop is a straightforward process. Users can visit the BetStop website and register by providing personal information. After completing the registration, individuals can choose their exclusion period. BetStop offers exclusion periods ranging from six months to five years, allowing users to select the duration that best suits their needs. During this period, users won’t be able to access gambling sites registered with BetStop, effectively preventing them from placing bets or playing casino games.
The Self-Exclusion Database
Once registered, the user’s information is added to a self-exclusion database, which is then shared with all participating gambling operators. This database contains the details of individuals who wish to exclude themselves from online gambling platforms. When a registered user attempts to access a gambling website, the operator’s systems cross-reference the provided details with the BetStop database. If there’s a match, access to the site is denied.
Operator Compliance
For BetStop to be effective, online gambling operators must comply with these self-exclusion requests. In Australia, licensed operators are legally obligated to participate in the BetStop program. This ensures that users are protected, and their exclusion requests are upheld.
The Benefits of BetStop
- Promotes Responsible Gambling: BetStop serves as a safety net for individuals who may struggle with their gambling habits. It encourages responsible play by offering a convenient way to self-exclude.
- Multiple Sites, One Exclusion: BetStop’s beauty lies in its simplicity. With one registration, users can exclude themselves from a wide range of gambling websites, making it a practical and comprehensive tool.
- Flexibility: BetStop allows users to select the duration of their exclusion period. Whether it’s a temporary break or a long-term commitment, there’s a suitable option for everyone.
- Additional Support: BetStop also provides helpful resources and information on responsible gambling, assisting users in making informed decisions about their betting behaviour.
Conclusion
BetStop is still quite new to the online gambling world, and it will serve as a long-term solution to the rising rate of gambling addictions in Australia. While it has its pros and cons, its cons are mostly in the right direction of battling addictions.
