Australia’s Minister for Communications Appoints Mr Richard Eccles to Lead the First Statutory Review of BetStop

The Minister for Communications has appointed Mr Richard Eccles to lead the first statutory review of BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register.

Implemented by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, BetStop covers all Australian licensed interactive wagering service providers, prohibiting them from opening a new account or accepting bets from self‑excluded individuals, or sending them marketing material. Wagering providers are also required to close existing betting accounts for registered individuals.

Wagering has been identified to cause financial harm and impacts to relationships, physical health, mental health and work performance.

Registering for BetStop, and ceasing wagering, can assist in reducing the extent of these harms to individuals and their community. Since its commencement in August 2023, more than 30,000 Australians have registered. Notably, 79% of registrants are aged 40 and under and 39% have registered for a lifetime ban. Some 23,000 people have active exclusions.

Based on BetStop registrations to date, and evidence from similar programmes, lifetime registrations for BetStop could have achieved a total cost saving of between $80-$135 million in the first year.

The review will add to the evidence base on the impacts of BetStop in Australia and voluntary exclusion programmes to help inform future policy.

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 requires a review of BetStop after 12 months of operation to ensure it is working effectively as a measure to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harm.

An experienced senior public sector leader, Mr Eccles brings a strong mix of governance, executive management and advisory expertise to the role, along with relevant experience in the areas of public health, online safety and technology.

The review will consider the effectiveness of BetStop’s underpinning regulatory framework and whether regulatory arrangements under the the Interactive Gambling (National Self-Exclusion Register) Register Rules 2022 and the National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Act 2019 are fit for purpose.

A consultation process will open later in 2024 which will enable feedback to be provided that can be considered to inform any future changes. Mr Eccles will deliver his final review report and findings to the Minister for Communications within 18 months, and this report will be tabled in Parliament.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“There has been a massive take-up of BetStop in its first 12 months, making a meaningful difference and changing the lives of thousands of Australians and their families.

“We want to make sure BetStop is working as effectively as possible to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harms – which is why my department is undertaking this review.

“I encourage people who’ve registered or interacted with BetStop to participate in our upcoming public consultation so we can take on your feedback to inform any future changes.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP:

“Preventing and reducing online gambling harms is a priority for this government, and we’ve taken a number of strong actions to this end.

“This review is an opportunity to ensure that BetStop – a key measure – is operating effectively.

“Protecting vulnerable Australians from online gambling harms is not a set and forget proposition – and we’ll continue to work closely with stakeholders across government, industry and community to address this pervasive issue.”