Technology provider Engine Australia will develop the first national self-exclusion register for online and mobile gambling participants in Australia. The company, appointed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), previously created GamStop, a similar program for the U.K. Gambling Commission.
The new platform will allow gamblers to self-exclude from all licensed iGaming providers for as little as three months up to a permanent ban. Providers will be prohibited from directly advertising and promoting to any self-excluded person.
“The register will make a difference for people who want help changing their gambling habits and will complement existing consumer protection measures,” ACMA Chairwoman Nerida O’Loughlin said.
“If you choose to self-exclude, this register will ensure your account is closed, your money returned, and no further advertising or promotion activity will be directed your way. Engine is well-placed to deliver this protection having designed and developed GamStop, the United Kingdom’s self-exclusion register.”
The service is expected to be ready for trial later this year, with an anticipated launch before the middle of 2022, reported iGamingBusiness.com.
Australians who are concerned about their gambling habits may still contact individual operators to self-exclude from their services or register with other programs such as one offered by the Northern Territory Racing Commission, which covers many of Australia’s larger bookmakers.
