Legislative framework for self-exclusion in Australia
Introduction
The self-exclusion of players from online and offline casinos is supported not only by industry initiatives, but also by mandatory laws. Australia has federal regulations and a number of states have adopted their own acts obliging operators to provide voluntary blocking mechanisms.
1. Federal level: Interactive Gambling Act 2001
1. Section 5AA-5AD
Prohibits the provision of interactive gambling services to minors and requires self-exclusion tools.
2. Amendments 2017–2021
Implementation of a common BetStop system: mandatory synchronization of all licensed online operators with the national registry.
3. Responsibilities of operators
Provide convenient access to self-exclusion registration and cancellation.
Stop all marketing communications at the end of the SD period.
2. BetStop National Registry
1. ACMA (Gambling Reform) Regulations 2019
Approve the procedure for maintaining a general list of self-excluded persons.
The deadlines for processing applications are indicated (no more than 24-48 hours).
2. Privacy Act 1988
Protects personal data when transferred to the registry and between operators.
3. Regional laws and programs
Victoria: Gambling Regulation Act 2003
Part 7A (Self-Exclusion Orders)
Players have the right to apply to the VGCCC or the casino operator.
Operators are required to prohibit login and delete mailings.
NSW: Casino Control Act 1992
Section 31A–31C
Duty of Care Registry: a single list for casinos and clubs.
Violation leads to fines of up to 50,000 AUD.
Queensland: Gaming Machine Act 1991 & Liquor Act 1992
Part 6AAA (Self-Exclusion)
Application through OLGR-register: valid for all game halls.
Security checks the list on entry.
4. Controls and sanctions
1. Monitoring and auditing
ACMA and staff regulators conduct scheduled inspections: test passes and revision of RG instruments.
2. Penalties for violation
Federal: Up to AUD 420,000 for non-compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act.
Regular: up to 100,000 AUD and criminal liability of officials.
5. Player rights and application process
1. Rights
Voluntary and free disconnection from all licensed operators.
Right to extend or early withdraw an exception.
2. Order
Login to BetStop or local system (VGCCC/OLGR).
Filing an application on the website or in person at the regulator's office.
Confirmation of identity and choice of term (6, 12 months, for life).
Conclusion
Self-exclusion in Australia is reliably protected by federal and regional laws. Interactive Gambling Act 2001 with ACMA add-ons sets the base, and the laws of Victoria, NSW and QLD clarify the procedure for offline games. Knowledge of these norms allows players to effectively protect themselves and enjoy established rights.
The self-exclusion of players from online and offline casinos is supported not only by industry initiatives, but also by mandatory laws. Australia has federal regulations and a number of states have adopted their own acts obliging operators to provide voluntary blocking mechanisms.
1. Federal level: Interactive Gambling Act 2001
1. Section 5AA-5AD
Prohibits the provision of interactive gambling services to minors and requires self-exclusion tools.
2. Amendments 2017–2021
Implementation of a common BetStop system: mandatory synchronization of all licensed online operators with the national registry.
3. Responsibilities of operators
Provide convenient access to self-exclusion registration and cancellation.
Stop all marketing communications at the end of the SD period.
2. BetStop National Registry
1. ACMA (Gambling Reform) Regulations 2019
Approve the procedure for maintaining a general list of self-excluded persons.
The deadlines for processing applications are indicated (no more than 24-48 hours).
2. Privacy Act 1988
Protects personal data when transferred to the registry and between operators.
3. Regional laws and programs
Victoria: Gambling Regulation Act 2003
Part 7A (Self-Exclusion Orders)
Players have the right to apply to the VGCCC or the casino operator.
Operators are required to prohibit login and delete mailings.
NSW: Casino Control Act 1992
Section 31A–31C
Duty of Care Registry: a single list for casinos and clubs.
Violation leads to fines of up to 50,000 AUD.
Queensland: Gaming Machine Act 1991 & Liquor Act 1992
Part 6AAA (Self-Exclusion)
Application through OLGR-register: valid for all game halls.
Security checks the list on entry.
4. Controls and sanctions
1. Monitoring and auditing
ACMA and staff regulators conduct scheduled inspections: test passes and revision of RG instruments.
2. Penalties for violation
Federal: Up to AUD 420,000 for non-compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act.
Regular: up to 100,000 AUD and criminal liability of officials.
5. Player rights and application process
1. Rights
Voluntary and free disconnection from all licensed operators.
Right to extend or early withdraw an exception.
2. Order
Login to BetStop or local system (VGCCC/OLGR).
Filing an application on the website or in person at the regulator's office.
Confirmation of identity and choice of term (6, 12 months, for life).
Conclusion
Self-exclusion in Australia is reliably protected by federal and regional laws. Interactive Gambling Act 2001 with ACMA add-ons sets the base, and the laws of Victoria, NSW and QLD clarify the procedure for offline games. Knowledge of these norms allows players to effectively protect themselves and enjoy established rights.
