Australia plans to increase the levy paid by licensed online wagering operators to fund a national campaign promoting BetStop, the country’s gambling self-exclusion register. The extra funding will also support system upgrades, data matching and other measures aimed at reducing online gambling harm.
The proposal forms part of the federal government’s A$112.7 million gambling harm package. The funding covers five years from 2025-26, with ongoing annual support planned after the initial period.
Operators already fund BetStop
Licensed online and telephone betting providers already pay a cost recovery levy for BetStop. The charge is based on how often each operator accesses the register to check whether customers have self-excluded.
The register allows people to block themselves from all licensed Australian online and phone betting services through one application. Exclusion periods range from three months to a lifetime ban.
Operators must check the register when opening accounts and must not provide betting services or marketing to self-excluded people. Breaches can lead to enforcement action under Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act.
New funding supports awareness campaign
The government plans to use part of the expanded levy to promote BetStop more widely. The campaign is intended to increase awareness among people experiencing gambling harm and encourage more users to seek help.
The funding package includes A$28.7 million over four years for BetStop improvements. It also includes A$3.2 million in ongoing annual funding after the initial period. The money will support awareness activity, better data matching and changes intended to make the register easier to use. The government has also proposed stronger compliance work around the system.
More than 55,000 people registered
BetStop launched in August 2023. By the end of December 2025, nearly 55,000 Australians had registered for exclusion, with more than 35,000 still covered by active exclusions.
The register covers licensed online wagering providers, including corporate bookmakers, betting exchanges, TAB operators and on-course bookmakers. It does not currently cover all gambling products, such as land-based gaming machines, casinos or lotteries.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority oversees the register. The system is operated by Dataworks Group under a contract running until June 2027.
Government plans more gambling reforms
The BetStop funding is part of wider federal gambling reform plans. The government has also proposed new restrictions on wagering advertising, stronger action against illegal gambling websites and additional financial counselling services.
The wider reforms are planned to begin from January 1, 2027. The government is consulting with gambling operators, broadcasters, sports bodies and harm reduction groups on the proposed changes. The higher levy would make licensed wagering providers pay more for BetStop promotion and system improvements. Operators would continue to pay according to their use of the register.