The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found four operators breached regulations related to the nation’s self-exclusion register, BetStop.
Four separate investigations conducted by the ACMA between April 2024 and January 2025 found that Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet and Topbet all failed to adhere to rules in place to protect players who have signed up with BetStop.
In the case of Buddybet, it was discovered the operator had failed to close the accounts of those registered with the self-exclusion scheme, as well as sending marketing materials to those same individuals.
The company has since shuttered operations Down Under but remains active in the US.
Another ACMA investigation determined that Ultrabet had re-opened the account of a customer who had reached the end of their self-exclusion period without consent and allowed betting activity to continue.
As per the rules of the self-exclusion register, accounts of players who have signed up to BetStop must not be reopened or reinstated once the exclusion period expires, as the decision must be left with the individual to make a clear and deliberate choice to engage with gambling once again.
Ultrabet also sent marketing materials to another self-excluded user, conduct that violates the rules of the register.
As a result, the ACMA confirmed it has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Ultrabet, which will see the operator review its compliance practices and implement improvements.
Elsewhere, VicBet and Topbet were handed warnings by the media authority after both were found to have sent marketing materials to a self-excluded player.
Carolyn Lidgerwood, ACMA member, noted that breaches of the rules in place to support the self-exclusion system can lead to significant gambling-related harm.
“Wagering providers should know their obligations under the rules and know that we are enforcing them. The rules about account closure must be complied with,” Lidgerwood explained.
“People on the NSER [national self-exclusion register] have made a conscious effort to exclude themselves from online gambling services.
“Sending gambling marketing messages to people who are trying to stop gambling is unacceptable. Betting services must have systems in place that respect the decisions of people to self-exclude or face further consequences.”
Last month, the ACMA requested that internet providers block access to two illegal gambling websites.
AUWin and Spirit Casino were found operating in the country without the required licence and therefore in breach of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
An ACMA statement in response to the regulatory action read: “The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.”
The post ACMA takes action after four operators breach self-exclusion register rules first appeared on EGR Intel.
Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet and Topbet failed to follow BetStop regulations, with all four issuing marketing materials to self-excluded players, among other offences
The post ACMA takes action after four operators breach self-exclusion register rules first appeared on EGR Intel.