Wagering compliance

BetStop self-exclusion in Australia: scope, signup and limits

BetStop is the free national register for licensed Australian online and phone wagering. It does not cover illegal online casinos or venue gambling.

AU research deskEvidence reviewed 2 August 2026Evidence can change
Evidence classification

Verified Australian Government programme information. No operator allegation or clinical outcome is asserted.

At a glance

RecordWhat the official source says
CoverageAll online and phone wagering providers licensed in Australia; registration is not provider-by-provider
Available periodA chosen period from three months to lifetime
Stated effectsProviders should not open an account, allow betting or send direct marketing; existing wagering accounts should be closed and credit refunded
Registration inputsMobile phone, email access and an accepted Australian identity document; telephone help is available for other verification routes
Important limitThe register does not cover illegal online casino games, other unlicensed services or in-person venues

Start with the exact gambling channel

BetStop is designed for licensed Australian online and telephone wagering providers. Its public pages say one registration applies across that licensed group. That makes it different from closing a single betting account, excluding from a pub or casino venue, or trying to block an illegal offshore casino. Write down every channel you use before assuming the national registration covers it.

What to prepare before signup

The signup page asks for a mobile phone, access to an email inbox and identity verification using a Medicare card, Australian passport or Australian state or territory driver licence. BetStop says people who need another verification route can call 1800 238 786. Use a private device and the official betstop.gov.au domain; the service warns against registering on a public computer.

Choose the period deliberately

The published range runs from three months to lifetime. BetStop also permits up to five nominated support people, with their consent. A support person may be told about material registration events, including an attempted early cancellation, an extension or an approaching end date. Nomination is optional and does not transfer control of the registration to that person.

What providers should do

While a person is registered, covered providers should not open a wagering account, accept bets or send direct marketing. Existing accounts should be closed and credit balances refunded. At the end of a fixed period, an old wagering account is not automatically restored; the FAQ says a person who returns to gambling would need to open a new account.

If the protection appears to fail

Do not place another bet to test access. Preserve the BetStop confirmation, account notice, full message or screen, exact domain, date and time. BetStop accepts complaints about access, betting, marketing, account closure and credit refunds. ACMA separately handles prohibited interactive gambling services and provides distinct forms for gambling spam and advertising.

Add barriers outside BetStop

Because venue play and illegal online casino services sit outside the stated scope, consider venue exclusion, bank controls, removal of stored payment methods and device or website blocking. Gambling Help Online offers free confidential phone and chat support around the clock. Self-exclusion is a practical barrier, not a guarantee or a replacement for clinical or financial support.

Official evidence trail

Sources checked 2 August 2026. Later official records or programme terms may change this account.