Regulatory body takes action against services violating self-exclusion restrictions
Take a Gander at the Audacious Aussie Gambling Debacle
Get a load of this Aussie drama: the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has dropped a bombshell, calling out four gambling operators for flouting self-exclusion rules. One of them has even skedaddled from Australia.
The ACMA's Shocking Revelation: Four Companies Busted for Self-Exclusion Shenanigans
- BetStop, a service that operators must abide by to restrict access to those who have registered, was breached by the rogue operators, including Buddybet, Buddybet's been a scarper, Ultrabet, VicBet, and Topbet*. These rascals broke the rules by either letting self-excluded punters gamble, flooding them with marketing material, or both!
Buddybet, now basically Australia's digital Willy-nilly, kept theaccounts of self-excluded gamblers open and sent them marketing materials to boot.
Ultrabet caused a stink by reopening a self-excluded gambler's account and sending them marketing material. What is this, a never-ending game of whack-a-mole?
According to the rules, once a person self-excludes, their account should be closed in a reasonable amount of time, with no separate reopening possible unless the person explicitly requests it.
Ultrabet confessed their boo-boo and promised to conduct a review of their practices – a step in the right direction, says ACMA.
Stern Warnings and (Virtual) Slappings for the Miscreant Operators
Alas, VicBet and Topbet each received a warning from the ACMA, with both companies getting busted for sending marketing material to self-excluded gamblers.
Carolyn Lidgerwood, an ACMA member, hammered the importance of these measures:
- "Self-excluded folks have made a conscious effort to steer clear of online gambling services. Hammering them with gambling marketing messages is unacceptable. Betting services had better shape up and watch their step, or they'll face more heat."*
BetStop has earned itself quite the reputation, with over 40,000 registrants. Although many haven't returned after their initial exclusion period, a good number have opted for lengthy or even permanent exclusion.
While this scandal sheds light on those misbehaving operators, it also serves as a reminder of ACMA's unwavering commitment to safeguarding consumers in the face of nefarious gambling practices. Keep your eyes peeled, punters; more updates are sure to come!
Image credit: Unsplash.com
Enrichment Data:
- Operators found guilty of breaching self-exclusion rules in Australia face stringent penalties, including significant fines, account closure requirements, and marketing restrictions to prevent continued harm to consumers.
- Past instances of non-compliance have resulted in fines for Unibet (AUD$1,014,120 for failing to close 954 self-excluded customers' accounts) and PointsBet (AUD$500,800 for breaching self-exclusion and spam laws).
- ACMA emphasizes the importance of operators adhering to consumer protection measures, as frequent breaches lead to increased scrutiny and potential further consequences.
- The breach of BetStop service by Buddybet, VicBet, Topbet, and Ultrabet operators, allowing self-excluded gamblers to continue gambling or sending them marketing materials, showcases a disregard for responsible gambling trends.
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has highlighted a growing concern within the casino-and-gambling industry, with an increasing focus on responsible-gambling practices and the consequences for non-compliance.
- In addition to BackStop's 40,000+ registrants who have opted for exclusion periods, the incident calls attention to the casino-culture's responsibility in fostering a safe gaming environment for all players.
- The ACMA's stern warnings and fines for operators like Unibet (AUD$1,014,120) and PointsBet (AUD$500,800) highlight the importance of casino-games operators adhering to gambling laws and regulations, as highlighted in the ongoing Aussie gambling debacle.
