Australians Take Charge: Over 40,000 Opt Out of Gambling Through Self-Exclusion

Article by : SlotsUp Team Apr 14, 2025

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In a powerful shift toward responsible gaming, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) reports that over 40,000 Australians have chosen to block themselves from licensed gambling platforms in just one year.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary commitment where individuals restrict their access to gambling services for a set period or permanently. The process is discreet, user-controlled, and flexible, allowing participants to choose exclusion terms that suit their goals, from brief pauses to lifelong bans.

BetStop: A Game-Changer for Responsible Gambling

Launched on August 21, 2023, BetStop is Australia’s pioneering national self-exclusion register. This unified platform simplifies the process by enabling users to exclude themselves from all licensed online and phone-based gambling services with a single registration. Once enrolled, a user’s details are shared with regulated operators, ensuring no access to betting activities. BetStop offers customizable exclusion periods, empowering individuals to take charge of their gambling behavior and prioritize their well-being.

Insights from BetStop’s Data

By March 31, 2025, BetStop recorded 40,121 participants. Of these, 27,763 remained actively excluded, while 12,358 had either completed their exclusion term or opted to rejoin gambling platforms. This flexibility underscores BetStop’s user-centric design.

Demographic trends show younger Australians are the most engaged, with 46% of registrants aged 30 or younger and 32% aged 31–40. Those aged 41–50 account for 13%, while 6% are 51–60, and just 3% are over 60, suggesting digital natives are more proactive in addressing gambling risks.

Exclusion durations reveal diverse preferences. A significant 39% chose permanent exclusion, reflecting a strong desire to quit gambling entirely. Another 39% selected terms from three months to two years, while 17% opted for a three-month hiatus. Longer periods of two to five years or beyond five years were less common, at 2% and 1%, respectively.

A Modest Yet Promising Start

Given Australia’s 26 million-plus population and its deep-rooted gambling culture, 40,121 self-exclusions may appear minor. Additionally, BetStop’s scope is limited to licensed operators, leaving unregulated platforms unaffected. Still, this initiative marks a meaningful stride toward curbing gambling harm, offering a practical lifeline for those seeking change.

In conclusion, BetStop and self-exclusion are reshaping Australia’s gambling landscape. As more individuals embrace these tools, the nation edges closer to a future where gaming coexists with personal responsibility and care.