BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register for online gambling in Australia. It is a free service that allows people to voluntarily exclude themselves from accessing online and phone wagering services for a period of time. The aim of BetStop is to help people who are experiencing gambling problems or want to take a break from gambling. In this article, we will explain how BetStop works, how to register, remove, or extend your self-exclusion, and what are the benefits and challenges of using BetStop. We will also provide some resources and tips for responsible gambling and getting help if you need it.
What is Australian Betstop?
Betstop is a national self-exclusion register that lets you exclude yourself from all online and phone wagering services licensed in Australia in one step. It is a free and secure service that aims to help you control your gambling habits and reduce the harm caused by excessive gambling. You can register for Betstop at betstop.gov.au
How Australian Betstop works?
BetStop only applies to online and phone gambling services that are licensed in Australia. It does not apply to online casino games or other gambling services that are illegally provided in Australia. You can also nominate someone to support you while you are self-excluded.
According to the BetStop website, it takes about 10 minutes to register for the National Self-Exclusion Register. You need a mobile phone number, email address and either an Australian driver’s licence or a Medicare card. You can choose to self-exclude for a minimum of 3 months and up to a lifetime. Once you register, online and phone gambling providers will not be able to let you place a bet, open a new account or send you marketing messages. They will also close your existing accounts and refund any credit balance you have.You can find out more about BetStop at betstop.gov.au or contact the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at 1300 850 115 or [email protected]. You can also access other gambling support services at gamblinghelponline.org.auWhat happens if I change my phone number or email address?If you change your phone number or email address, you may need to update them for your BetStop account as well. According to the BetStop website, you can change your phone number or email address by contacting the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at 1300 850 115 or [email protected]. You will need to provide your old and new contact details and verify your identity. Changing your phone number or email address will not affect your self-exclusion period or status.
Step By Step Guide How to Register BetStop
To register for BetStop you need to follow these steps:
- Visit betstop.gov.au and click on the “Register now” button.
- Enter your mobile phone number and email address and create a password for your account. You will receive a verification code on your phone and email that you need to enter to confirm your details.
- Choose a self-exclusion period from 3 months to a lifetime. You can extend your self-exclusion period at any time, but you cannot reduce it or cancel it in the first 3 months.
- Provide your full name, date of birth, and address and upload a photo of either your Medicare card or your driver’s licence from an Australian state or territory. This is to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
- Review and accept the terms and conditions of the service. You can also nominate up to three support people who will be notified of your self-exclusion and removal applications.
- Complete your registration and receive a confirmation message. You will also receive support messages and referrals from BetStop and other services.
Removal or Extention Your Self-Exclusion on BetStop
To remove or extend your self-exclusion on Betstop, the national self-exclusion register for online gambling in Australia, you need to follow these steps:
- To extend your self-exclusion period, you can log in to your account at betstop.gov.au and choose a new duration from 3 months to a lifetime. You can extend your self-exclusion period at any time, but you cannot reduce it.
To remove your self-exclusion, you can apply to cancel it after the first 3 months through your account at betstop.gov.au. To cancel, you must complete a statutory declaration to confirm you have seen a counsellor or a general practitioner to discuss your decision to cancel your self-exclusion. You can download the statutory declaration form from the website or request it by email or phone.
- Submit your statutory declaration to the register operator by uploading it on the website or sending it by email or post. You will also need to provide a copy of your identification document, such as a driver’s licence or a Medicare card.
- Wait for 7 days after your application is received. During this time, you can withdraw your application if you change your mind. You will also receive notifications from the register operator and any support people you have nominated.
- After 7 days, if you do not withdraw your application, you will be removed from the register and you will be able to access online and phone wagering services again.
Benefits and Challenges of Using BetStop
The aim of BetStop is to help people who are experiencing gambling problems or want to take a break from gambling. However, like any other tool, BetStop has its benefits and challenges.
| Benefits | Challanges |
|---|---|
| It can help you control your gambling habits and reduce your financial and emotional stress. By blocking yourself from online and phone wagering services, you can avoid the temptation and pressure of gambling and focus on other aspects of your life. | It does not cover all forms of gambling. BetStop only applies to online and phone wagering services that are licensed in Australia. It does not prevent you from accessing other types of gambling, such as land-based casinos, poker machines, lottery tickets, or offshore websites. You may need to use other self-exclusion tools or strategies to limit your exposure to these forms of gambling. |
| It can improve your well-being and health. Gambling addiction can have negative impacts on your physical and mental health, such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. By using BetStop, you can prevent or reduce these harms and seek professional help if needed. | It does not prevent you from using VPNs or offshore sites. BetStop relies on the identification and verification of your personal details by the wagering providers. If you use a VPN service or an offshore site that does not require your details, you may be able to bypass the register and gamble online. You may need to be careful about the legality and safety of these sites, as they may not be regulated or protected by Australian laws. |
| It can support your recovery and treatment. If you are undergoing counselling or therapy for your gambling problem, BetStop can complement your treatment plan and reinforce your commitment to change. You can also receive support messages and referrals from BetStop and other services. | It does not offer counselling or treatment services. BetStop is a self-help tool that does not provide any direct counselling or treatment for your gambling problem. You may still need to seek professional help or join a support group to address the underlying causes and consequences of your gambling addiction. |
FAQ
When is BetStop launch date?
BetStop was launched on 30 November 2021. BetStop has introduced some updates in 2023, such as:
- It now supports more languages, including Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, and Vietnamese. You can choose your preferred language when you register or change it later in your account settings.
- BetStop now allows you to nominate a trusted person to support you during your self-exclusion period. You can give them access to your BetStop account and they can help you monitor your progress, remind you of your goals, and encourage you to seek help if needed.
- It is integrated with other gambling support services, such as Gambling Help Online, Gamblers Anonymous, and Lifeline. You can access these services directly from your BetStop account and get free, confidential, 24/7 counseling, advice, information, and referrals – not Gamstop.
Can I exclude myself from all forms of gambling in Australia
There is no single self-exclusion register that covers all forms of gambling in Australia. However, there are different options available depending on the type and location of gambling you want to exclude from. Some of these options are:
- BetStop: National self-exclusion register for online and phone wagering services licensed in Australia. You can choose to self-exclude for a minimum of 3 months and up to a lifetime. You will be excluded from all licensed wagering providers in Australia and they will not let you place a bet, open a new account or send you marketing messages
- State and territory self-exclusion schemes: These are schemes that allow you to exclude yourself from land-based gambling venues such as casinos, clubs, pubs and TABs in your state or territory. You can find out more about these schemes and how to access them at gamblinghelponline.org.au. The duration and conditions of self-exclusion may vary depending on the scheme and the venue.
- Gambling blocking software: This is software that you can install on your devices to block access to online gambling websites and apps. Some examples of gambling blocking software are Gamban, Betfilter and GamBlock. You can find out more about these software and how to get them at gamblinghelponline.org.au. The cost and effectiveness of gambling blocking software may vary depending on the product and the device.
- Gambling support services: These are services that can help you with your gambling problems and provide you with counselling, advice, information and referrals. Some examples of gambling support services are Gambling Help Online, Gamblers Anonymous and Lifeline. You can contact these services anytime by phone, chat or email. You can find out more about these services and how to reach them at gamblinghelponline.org.au. These services are free, confidential and available 24/7
Can I get around Betstop in Australia?
There are several ways to can take if you are ready to get back to gambling but your self-exclusion is still working. One of the easiest ways is to play non BetStop casinos and make sports bets at non Betstop bookmakers that are available for Autralians. You can check out more options on how to get around Betstop, that are checked and legal.