In an attempt to reduce gambling-related harm, the Australian Government introduced the National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop) on August 21, 2023. With this initiative, users can opt out of all licensed online and phone wagering services in the country. BetStop is a solution for people who need a break from problematic gambling behaviors. The minimum exclusion period is three months, the maximum — a lifetime ban. 

As the program has crossed the 1.5-year milestone, it’s a fitting time to assess its impact and user trends, and also consider how the oncoming statutory review may shape BetStop’s future.

The Story Behind BetStop

BetStop was established as the final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering. Implemented by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), its main goal is to become a nationwide tool for self-exclusion for the Australians. Once registered, gambling operators are required to close current betting accounts, refuse new account openings, and halt all marketing communications with the self-excluded punters. 

Key Figures at a Glance

By March 31, 2025, BetStop had accumulated 40,121 registrations with 27,763 active self-exclusions. This means that 12,358 users have either completed their exclusion periods or decided to cancel earlier than planned. The distribution of registrations by state reveals a clear picture: New South Wales leads with 12,531 participants, followed closely by Victoria with 10,800 registrations, and Queensland with 8,125. Such figures shed light on a strong interest in self-exclusion in areas with a denser population. Notably, younger Australians make up a significant proportion of these numbers. About 46% of registrants are under the age of 30, and 32% fall between 31 and 40. These demographics show that young people are increasingly aware of the risks and are taking proactive steps to manage their gambling habits.

Comparing with Global Initiatives

If we take a look at the BetStop counterparts in different countries, we’ll see that it stands alongside tools such as Sweden’s Spelpaus, the UK’s GamStop, and Denmark’s ROFUS. Spelpaus offers exclusion from a broad range of licensed operators, but it does not extend to a full ban on marketing communications like BetStop does. Then, GamStop focuses solely on online platforms with fixed exclusion periods, while ROFUS covers both online and land-based casinos. In this light, BetStop’s comprehensive scope, covering all interactive wagering services, is unique and very flexible. 

However, despite the minor differences, each program faces common challenges, such as users seeking alternative access through unlicensed providers after self-exclusion.

Review and Public Consultation

A statutory review of BetStop started after the program marked its first year (under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001). The main goal is to evaluate the register’s effectiveness and determine if the current framework fits the initial purpose. The review is headed by Mr Richard Eccles whose task it is to examine whether the existing rules adequately protect vulnerable players.

Public consultation opened in late 2024: industry representatives, harm reduction advocates, and users are invited to share their insights until the consultation deadline in April 2025. The input gathered will help shape potential changes and ensure the system continues to serve those who need it most.

Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement

Although BetStop has achieved important milestones, the recent decrease in new registrations hints at potential gaps in public awareness or accessibility. Enforcing the self-exclusion is also a big problem: there are many cases where self-excluded individuals have managed to access unlicensed or offshore gambling platforms, harming both themselves and the register’s reliability. For BetStop to work properly, it will need stronger compliance measures across all wagering operators alongside more efforts to educate the public on the dangers of gambling addiction. Providing counseling and financial management resources may encourage more individuals to take full advantage of the BetStop’s benefits.

Looking to the Future

BetStop initiative is a huge step for Australia’s responsible gambling efforts. Just under 2 years, this program has already helped thousands of people, protecting them from potentially devastating outcomes of gambling addiction. This is a solid base for future development, even with the current issues such as a lack of compliance and decreasing attention from the public. The ongoing statutory review both helps change the existing system for the better and increases public awareness about the initiative in the first place.

The insights gathered over BetStop’s first 1,5 years of operation, combined with a stronger awareness about the dangers of unethical gambling practices and the international expertise of similar initiatives, have full potential to make a great and beneficial impact on the lives of Australians facing gambling challenges.