Australian operators clash over self-exclusion scheme

Ladbrokes has called out rival companies over delays regarding a nationwide responsible gambling program.

Australia.- Online gambling operators have been working with the Australian government in a self-exclusion scheme through the industry group Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA). However, it seems companies have not found it easy agreeing on how to help people ban themselves from all gambling sites across all platforms.

Ladbrokes has clashed with rivals Sportsbet and BetEasy over the chosen scheme, as it supports a multi-operator self-exclusion strategy but the company says the process has been “frustrating” as it faced continuous delays. According to the operator, the model – which is already established in the Northern Territory – should be replicated as it has proven to be successful.

“The design and implementation of most multi-operator self-exclusion schemes fail due to complexity,” Ladbrokes general counsel Patrick Brown said and added: “Ladbrokes calls on Sportsbet and BetEasy to work within Responsible Wagering Australia on multi-operator self-exclusion.”

However, sources quoted by The Sidney Morning Herald say Ladbrokes, which joined the RWA just over a year ago, hasn’t shared the same “proactive” approach of other member organisations to “protect the sustainability of the industry”.

Labor Party’s Stephen Conroy, founder of the industry group said: “All RWA members are strongly committed to this and currently offer simple to use self-exclusion options at an operator level whilst the federal government is implementing the national self-exclusion register.”