Australian gambling platform ReadyBet disregards BetStop's self-exclusion restrictions
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a remedial direction to the online betting platform ReadyBet, following a breach of Australia's gambling self-exclusion rules. The platform, in violation of the rules, marketed to customers registered with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
The breach was significant, with ReadyBet sending 273 texts and push notifications to self-excluded individuals. Moreover, the company failed to promote BetStop in 2,342 push notifications, despite the legal requirement to include this information in all electronic marketing messages.
The ACMA's investigation revealed that these breaches occurred between August 23 and December 21, 2023, violating provisions of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The regulator described ReadyBet’s actions not as technical oversights but as systemic failures in its internal controls to comply with consumer protection laws.
It is worth noting that ReadyBet had previously received warnings in September and October 2023 but failed to take adequate corrective measures.
Under the remedial direction, ReadyBet must take several corrective actions. These include commissioning an independent review of its marketing systems, engaging a provider to deliver formal training to its staff, and ensuring future marketing communications comply with the requirement to include clear information about BetStop.
In addition, ReadyBet must conduct a full audit of its marketing practices and systems, including those managed by third-party providers. The company is also obligated to implement mandatory training for staff to ensure future compliance with self-exclusion regulations.
The ACMA has warned it may seek civil penalties if ReadyBet does not comply fully with the remedial direction. The regulator reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to monitor licensed wagering operators for compliance with national safeguards.
The BetStop program, operated in Australia, is a national register that allows people to self-exclude from online and phone betting. The violation involved contacting hundreds of individuals registered with the BetStop program via push notifications and SMS.
The individuals were registered for self-exclusion from online and phone betting for periods ranging from three months to life. The investigation was conducted by the ACMA, which is responsible for enforcing gambling regulations in Australia.
ReadyBet's online betting platform was found to have breached Australia's gambling self-exclusion rules, as they marketed to customers registered with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER). The breach led to the sending of 273 texts and push notifications to self-excluded individuals, and the company failed to promote BetStop in 2,342 push notifications. The ACMA, responsible for enforcing gambling regulations, described this as a systemic failure in responsible gambling practices.
