ACMA found Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet, as well as BetChamps all breached rules.
The ACMA or Australian Communications and Media Authority has hit out at six licensed operators for falling foul of self-exclusion rules in the country.
Investigators found that Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet, and BetChamps all breached the rules. These measures connected to protecting people registered with the national self-exclusion register in Australia, BetStop.
According to ACMA, breaches included allowing self-excluded consumers to open accounts, to access betting services, as well as to receive marketing materials. Investigators found that all contraventions occurred in 2024.
ACMA stated that it identified failures in both the underlying systems and processes of each operator, summarizing its findings. It said these measures failed to adequately identify and protect people who had self-excluded.
As such, it used numerous different enforcement tools available under the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 to penalize the operators.
Authorities fined Tabcorp AU$112,680 (US$79,240), making it one of the hardest-hit operators. Around BetStop, it should also enter a court-enforceable undertaking requiring it to commission a third-party review of its customer verification processes, as well as train staff on obligations.
Authorities issued certain remedial directions to Betfocus, LightningBet, and TempleBet. The three opeators should commission an independent audit of their systems, as well as implement any recommendations given. Operators who fail to comply will commit an offense and may face civil penalties.
ACMA is still finalizing its enforcement action for Picklebet, while it issued a formal warning to BetChamps.
ACMA could look for stronger enforcement action should any of the six operators fail to comply with self-exclusion rules in the future. This includes Federal Court proceedings to issue civil penalties.
