The vast majority of gamblers, who have self-excluded from wagering services, report enjoying a better quality of life.
A new survey from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) show 77 percent of people who have registered for self-exclusion from online and phone wagering services felt better off.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the research into user experience with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register also found 79 percent of registrants experienced improved mental health and 69 percent experienced better personal relationships with family, friends and partners.
Ms Lidgerwood said almost all (96 percent) of registrants surveyed also said that they had either completely stopped betting on sports or racing events (81 percent) or had decreased their betting (15 percent).
“We know online gambling causes a great deal of harm for too many in our communities. It is wonderful to see that the national self-exclusion register is having a positive impact,” she said.
“We want to make sure everyone who uses phone or internet gambling in Australia is aware of their options for self-exclusion. It only takes five minutes to register, and this could change your life,” she said.
Ms Lidgerwood said the release of the research coincided the Register reaching a new milestone, with more than 50,000 Australians now having chosen to self-exclude since the launch of the program in August 2023.
She said when someone chooses to register, they were excluded from all of the approximately 190 licensed wagering providers in Australia.
People can register to self-exclude from online and phone wagering at www.betstop.gov.au. You will need access to your phone, your email address and an identity document such as a driver licence, Medicare card or passport.
If you or someone you know is affected by gambling and needs help, call the national gambling helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online.
