How BetStop, the Albanese government's self-exclusion scheme for wagering, failed an addicted gambler (24 Sep 2024)
Article summary: The credibility of BetStop, the Albanese government's wagering self-exclusion scheme, has been questioned after a Sydney man, Ravi, lost nearly $70,000 despite registering for a lifetime exclusion. Ravi, a compulsive gambler, found it easy to bypass the system's loopholes and continue placing bets with multiple agencies.
Launched in August 2023, BetStop was promoted as a foolproof way to help gamblers by preventing them from creating new accounts or being targeted by marketing. However, Ravi's experience—being able to quickly open new accounts—highlights significant flaws in the system, leading to an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Ravi's story began in 2017 when he was lured into sports betting by a televised promotion. Over the years, his gambling habit escalated, leading him to accumulate over $100,000 in debt. In an attempt to quit, he registered with BetStop but quickly discovered that his existing betting accounts were still active. Additionally, by slightly altering his personal details, he could open new accounts, undermining the system’s effectiveness.
Ravi’s case has raised concerns about small betting agencies and their failure to comply with BetStop, with experts urging the government and ACMA to enforce stricter measures.
Independent MP Kate Chaney, a member of the parliamentary inquiry into online gambling, believes a more integrated national approach is needed. She argued that if the government had adopted stronger regulatory recommendations, like blocking gamblers’ bank cards, Ravi's betting could have been stopped.
