The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has reported that over 28,000 people have signed up for its national online self-exclusion service, BetStop, since its launch in August last year.
BetStop enables users to self-exclude from all licensed online and mobile wagering services for a period ranging from three months to a lifetime.
The ACMA highlighted that registering for BetStop is a quick process, taking less than five minutes with just a phone, email address, and an identity document like a driver’s license, Medicare card, or passport.
According to the authority, nearly half of the over 28,000 registrants are aged 30 and under, with around 80% aged 40 and under.
Additionally, approximately 40% of users opted for lifetime self-exclusion, less than 20% chose the minimum three-month period, and over 14% have extended or reactivated their self-exclusion period.
As of 21 August 2024, the ACMA reported that BetStop had around 23,000 users.
“Online gambling can cause a great deal of harm to individuals, their families and friends, so it’s encouraging that so many people have decided to take the step and register to self-exclude,” commented ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.
‘Younger Australians in particular are making early decisions about the role that online gambling will play in their lives.
“Many people are also choosing to nominate someone to support them. Stopping online gambling can be a difficult decision to make – having someone to support you can make the decision much easier.
“And many people are committing to long-term change, with a high percentage of people choosing to exclude for life.”
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