Australian self-exclusion network clears final hurdle
Self-exclusion register is part of wider package of sustainability measures to be introduced, including clearer P&L tools for punters
A new all-state national consumer protection framework will be launched in Australia over the next 18 months, the Australian government has announced.
On Thursday, Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher confirmed every state had signed onto the new National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF), which consists of 10 minimum standards for online betting operators.
Fletcher told the Sydney Morning Herald: “The agreement to these measures by all governments mean consumers will be protected, no matter where they live in Australia.”
The roll-out of the NCPF had been slowed by Queensland, which had declined to join the network, citing the development of its own problem gambling framework as a factor in its decision. However, this position has now been reversed.
Minister Fletcher confirmed that the projected cost of rolling the self-exclusion scheme nationwide will be between AU$1m and $3m. This will be paid via a levy on online gambling operators, the amount of which has yet to be confirmed by the Australian government.
The NCPF also includes a commitment to more consistent responsible gambling messaging and gambling counselling advice across Australia, together with staff training for operators in responsible gambling through a government-approved provider.
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), whose members including Sportsbet, BetEasy, Ladbrokes and bet365, have been working with the government to develop the framework, which includes the first national self-exclusion scheme.
The RWA paid tribute to Minister Fletcher and his predecessors for “leading a thorough and consultative process” that led to the package of reforms.
Among the other standards to be introduced is a blanket ban on operators offering promotional incentives to customers to induce them to gamble. This had previously only been implemented by New South Wales, but will now apply nationwide.
Operators will now also be obliged to provide punters with regular and clear statements of account history, together with an obligation to provide deposit limits to players.
Two measures included in the framework, betting via credit and a prohibition on any links between payday lending services and online betting companies are already in place, having been rolled out nationwide earlier this year.