Australia's BetStop self-exclusion regulations violated by ReadyBet
In a recent development, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a remedial direction to online betting platform ReadyBet, following a breach of Australia's gambling self-exclusion rules. The breach involved marketing communications being sent to individuals registered on BetStop, the national self-exclusion register (NSER).
The communications, which were sent via push notifications and SMS, were found to have been sent to 273 self-excluded individuals. Furthermore, ReadyBet failed to promote BetStop in 2,342 other push notifications, a mandatory requirement in marketing messages.
As part of the remedial direction, ReadyBet is required to commission an independent audit of its marketing systems, including the use of third-party suppliers, to be completed within three months. All audit recommendations must be fully implemented within six months.
The company is also mandated to organize and deliver compliance training for all staff, contractors, and service providers involved with customer marketing or communication to avoid future breaches. ReadyBet is required to report any possible breaches or complaints related to marketing and self-exclusion to ACMA for the next 12 months, maintain detailed records of marketing messages and complaints, and provide them upon request.
If ReadyBet fails to comply with these directions, it faces potential civil penalties, including fines of up to AUD 24,750 ($16,347) per breach, with potential additional daily fines for ongoing non-compliance.
ACMA highlighted that such breaches undermine the effectiveness of BetStop, which aims to empower individuals to manage their gambling, and damage public trust in consumer protection tools. The BetStop program, managed by the ACMA, allows people to self-exclude from online and phone betting for periods ranging from three months to life.
The ACMA's remedial direction is aimed at enforcing corrective actions to prevent ReadyBet from marketing to self-excluded customers and ensuring stronger compliance oversight to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling harm. The authority is continuing its efforts to monitor licensed wagering operators for compliance with national safeguards.
In light of the breach, ReadyBet is now required to educate their staff on responsible gambling practices, as part of their remedial action plan to avoid future incidences of marketing casino-games, lotteries, and online betting to individuals registered on BetStop, the national self-exclusion register. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in penalties, including fines for each breach and potential daily fines for ongoing non-compliance, totaling AUD 24,750 ($16,347) per breach. Simultaneously, the company must enhance its casino-and-gambling marketing systems by commissioning an independent audit, focusing on their use of third-party suppliers, to ensure full implementation of the audit's recommendations within six months.
