ACMA Penalizes Tabcorp Amid Self-Exclusion Rule Breaches
ACMA Targets Licensed Betting Operators for Self-Exclusion Breaches
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has expanded its regulatory scrutiny to include licensed sports betting companies after recently addressing offshore gambling operators. This time, ACMA focused on breaches involving Australia’s self-exclusion protocols within the local betting industry.
Six Betting Companies Found in Violation of Self-Exclusion Requirements
ACMA’s investigation reviewed six betting websites: Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet, and BetChamps. It was revealed that these companies failed to uphold Australia’s safer gambling safeguards by permitting self-excluded customers to continue placing bets during 2024.
Under Australian law, operators must block individuals registered with BetStop — the national self-exclusion registry — from accessing betting services or being targeted by promotional efforts. However, ACMA uncovered multiple breaches relating to these requirements across the six operators.
Each case varied, but violations included allowing self-excluded individuals to open accounts, place wagers, or receive marketing communications, directly contradicting mandated protections.
Regulatory Measures and Penalties Imposed
ACMA determined the companies lacked adequate systems to detect and prevent access by self-excluded players. Consequently, remedial actions were mandated for several operators: Betfocus, LightningBet, and TempleBet are required to implement ACMA-directed compliance programs and engage independent auditors to monitor adherence.
Tabcorp faced a financial penalty totaling AUD 112,680 (approximately USD 79,000) and committed to hiring third-party auditors to evaluate their customer verification processes and train staff on self-exclusion compliance.
BetChamps received a formal warning, while enforcement actions against Picklebet are ongoing.
ACMA Emphasizes the Importance of Compliance and Market Trust
Carolyn Lidgerwood, an ACMA board member, remarked that these breaches damage confidence in the Australian betting sector, stressing that self-exclusion measures exist to protect vulnerable players from harm.
She noted that operators have had over two years to align with current regulations, making these violations particularly disappointing.
Lidgerwood highlighted the responsibility of companies to uphold the trust of individuals who choose to self-exclude through reliable and enforceable protections.
