Australia’s BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, is meant to sit at the center of the country’s online wagering harm controls. But a statutory review now shows the system still has weaknesses, with some users being allowed to gamble despite being on the register.
Review findings focus on circumvention and low awareness
The review, tabled in parliament, identified several ways users can bypass self-exclusion. These include mismatched personal data, slight name variations, and the use of alternative accounts. It also found that awareness of BetStop remained limited. Just 33.5% of gamblers surveyed were aware of the register, with even lower recognition across the wider market of consumers.
Between 2023 and 2025, the Australian Communications and Media Authority received 669 complaints linked to the register. With only a small portion being investigated at the time of this report. The figures suggest that self-exclusion depends entirely on accurate identity checks, simple check-up processes, and consistent enforcement. All of which is falling behind.
Coverage gaps include products outside the register
The review also highlighted products that fall outside BetStop’s scope. Keno is one example. It is not covered by the register, despite concerns about fast-paced online gaming that could coax a member of the register.
This has raised concerns for critics who believe that loopholes like these undermine the idea of BetStop as a single national control layer. If certain products remain outside the system, excluded users may still find ways to gamble.
State usage data shows scale, but not uniform coverage
Public reporting shows the highest user registration numbers in New South Wales, followed by Victoria and Queensland. Earlier updates pointed to strong growth in sign-ups and a large share of long-term exclusions.
Those figures prove that many people are using the system. The only issue now is how effective the system can be. If BetStop is to serve as the country’s primary gambling exclusion register then; identity checks must be tightened, loopholes closed, and a better way to raise awareness about the National Exclusion Register.
