Australia to legislate self-exclusion register

The government of Australia will legislate an online national self-exclusion register that will allow people to ban themselves from online and apps.

Australia.- The Australian government has announced that it will legislate an online National Self-Exclusion Register. The register will allow people to ban themselves from all online gambling sites and apps.

Anne Ruston, Minister for Families and Social Services, said that the register is a key measure within the first National Consumer Protection Framework for online wagering in Australia. “As much as possible Government policy should preserve Australians’ ability to enjoy a punt while putting in place sensible and targeted measures to prevent and support gamblers facing significant risks of harm,” Minister Ruston said.

The National Self-Exclusion Register allows individuals to ban themselves from using all interactive wagering services across state boundaries for a period ranging from three months o permanently. “It is a measure that we believe will motivate gamblers to have periods where they do not gamble online at all as a way of changing their behaviour and minimising the risk they face of gambling-related harm.”

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher said: “This legislation is an important step to help Australian gamblers minimise their risks. Once the Register is operational ACMA will regulate licensed interactive wagering providers so they comply with the legislation and make sure people receive the support they need.”

All costs to set up and administer the Register will be recovered from interactive wagering providers to ensure they contribute their fair share and encourage them to provide safe environments for their customers, explained a media release from the government. Upon registration for self-exclusion, all funds held in a consumer’s active accounts must be returned to that consumer once all wagers/bets are settled and the account must then be closed.