More than 28,000 Australians have signed up to an online tool which blocks them from using betting apps, with the majority seeking the extra support to stop gambling aged under 40.
Australian Communications and Media Authority Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said since BetStop launched 12 months ago, thousands had accessed the national self-exclusion register.
“More than 28,000 Australians have made the decision to self-exclude from all licensed online and phone wagering services since BetStop was launched in August 2023,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
She said the register allowed people to self-exclude for a minimum of three months, up to a lifetime.
Ms O’Loughlin said of the registrants to date almost half were aged 30 and under and around 80 percent were aged 40 and under.
“Around 40 percent have decided to self-exclude for life.”
She said the register’s first year of operation had shown that Australians wanted help in managing their gambling behaviour.
“Online gambling can cause a great deal of harm to individuals, their families and friends, so it’s encouraging that so many people have decided to take the step and register to self-exclude.
‘Younger Australians in particular are making early decisions about the role that online gambling will play in their lives.”
Ms O’Loughlin said many people were also choosing to nominate someone to support them.
“Stopping online gambling can be a difficult decision to make – having someone to support you can make the decision much easier.”
Learn more about BetStop.
