ACMA Finds Self-Exclusion Violations by Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet, Topbet

Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet, and Topbet have breached rules that protect people who registered Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER), according to an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). 

What Did ACMA’s Investigations Find Out?

Under NSER regulations, once an individual is registered with the NSER, wagering service providers are required to close that person’s account as soon as reasonably possible. These accounts must not be reopened or reactivated if the person is no longer registered with the NSER.

However, ACMA’s investigation found that Buddybet failed to close accounts belonging to individuals on the NSER and sent them marketing materials. The company has since withdrawn from the Australian market. In a separate investigation, the ACMA determined that Ultrabet reopened an account for an individual whose self-exclusion period had ended and allowed them to place bets. Additionally, Ultrabet was found to have sent marketing to another individual who was self-excluded.

Following two separate investigations, the ACMA issued formal warnings to online bookmakers VicBet and Topbet after finding both had breached NSER marketing regulations. Each company was found to have sent marketing material to a self-excluded individual.

According to Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood, breaches of the NSER rules have the potential to cause significant harm. She emphasized that wagering providers are expected to understand and comply with their obligations under these rules, noting that the Authority is actively enforcing them. According to Lidgerwood, compliance with the account closure requirements is essential.

She further highlighted that individuals on the NSER have made a deliberate decision to exclude themselves from online gambling services. Sending gambling-related marketing to those who are trying to stop gambling is, she said, unacceptable. Lidgerwood stressed that betting providers must have effective systems in place to respect self-exclusion decisions or risk facing further consequences.

ACMA has been rather busy last month as it has also penalized PointsBet. The reason was a similar breach in the NSER rules, as the company was found to have sent people who had self-excluded, with gambling advertisements.

About the Australian Communications and Media Authority 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is a statutory authority within the Australian Government’s Communications portfolio. Established on 1 July 2005 through the merger of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and the Australian Communications Authority, ACMA serves as a converged regulator, overseeing the integration of telecommunications, broadcasting, radiocommunications, and the internet.

ACMA’s responsibilities include the regulation of Australian media and the collection of taxes related to broadcasting, radiocommunications, and telecommunications. It carries out its functions under a range of legislation, regulations, standards, and industry codes of practice.