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Australia’s Minister for Communications has appointed Mr. Richard Eccles to spearhead the first statutory review of BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register designed to protect vulnerable citizens from gambling-related harm.
BetStop was launched in August 2023, and it received registrations from over 30,000 Australians ever since.
Notably, 79% of registrants are aged 40 and under, and 39% have opted for a lifetime ban. Currently, approximately 23,000 individuals have active exclusions on the platform.
Bringing a Wealth of Advisory Expertise and Governance to the Table
Mr. Eccles, who, until March 2020, enjoyed a successful career as a senior Commonwealth public servant and held deputy secretary positions for a decade across the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Health and Aged Care, and Communications and the Arts, will bring a wealth of governance, executive management, and advisory expertise to his new position.
He is also expected to employ his relevant experience in public health, online safety, and technology to assess the effectiveness of BetStop’s regulatory framework and evaluate whether the regulations set forth in the Interactive Gambling Register Rules 2022 and the National Self-Exclusion Register Act 2019 remain fit for purpose.
A public consultation process will commence later in 2024, allowing individuals to provide feedback.
18 Months to Write the Report
Mr. Eccles, who is currently a consultant and board director with a deep interest in the arts, health, sports, media, and charitable sectors, and holds directorships or advisory positions in organizations like Bangarra Dance Theatre, Copyright Agency Ltd, the Public Interest Journalism Initiative, Epilepsy ACT and the Federal Golf Club, will deliver his final report and findings to the Minister for Communications within 18 months.
The report will subsequently be tabled in Parliament.
Further information regarding the review and the scheduled public consultation are to be published on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts’ “Have Your Say” webpage toward the end of November 2024.
GamSop Prohibitions That Apply in Australia
The Australian Communications and Media Authority-implemented register applies to all licensed interactive wagering service providers in the land Down Under, prohibiting them from opening new accounts, accepting bets from self-excluded individuals, or sending them marketing materials.
Furthermore, providers are required to close existing betting accounts for individuals registered on the platform.
By registering for BetStop and discontinuing their wagering activities, individuals can help mitigate gambling harms like financial difficulties, strained relationships, and adverse effects on physical and mental health.
According to a comprehensive analysis of all BetStop registrations, alongside data from similar programs, lifetime registrations could have resulted in total cost savings ranging between $80 million and $135 million in the first year alone.
According to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, a review of BetStop is mandated after 12 months of operation to evaluate its effectiveness as a protective measure against gambling harm.
According to the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, “preventing and reducing online gambling harms” continues to be “a priority” for the government. The announced review will give them “an opportunity to ensure that BetStop—a key measure—is operating effectively,” Rishworth added.
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