Betting operator issued penalty for failing to close wagering accounts of people registered with BetStop
Australian sports betting operator Dabble Sports has paid a A$1.07 million penalty for breaching the country’s online gambling self-exclusion rules.
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that the operator failed to close 157 wagering accounts after the account holders had registered with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register.
Dabble also sent 165 self-excluded people a total of 839 electronic communications in the form of SMS, emails and app push notifications.
In addition, the ACMA found that Dabble sent 45 customers more than 2,000 push notifications without including information about BetStop, which is required under the gambling self-exclusion rules.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the findings were deeply concerning and the breaches had the potential to cause real harm.
“People who register with BetStop have made a clear decision to exclude themselves from online wagering,” she said. “Providers must respect that decision by closing their accounts promptly and ensuring they are not targeted with gambling promotions.
“These were serious breaches by Dabble. Wagering providers must have robust systems in place to protect people who have chosen to self-exclude. BetStop is an important consumer protection measure, but it only works if wagering companies follow the rules. The ACMA will take action where wagering providers fail to meet their obligations.”
Alongside issuing a financial penalty of A$1.07 million to the operator, the ACMA has accepted a two-year court-enforceable undertaking from Dabble, requiring an independent review of its compliance systems and investment to implement recommended improvements.
If Dabble breaches its undertaking, the ACMA can take the company to court to enforce the terms.
New laws commencing on 1 January 2027 will further strengthen BetStop, including by substantially increasing the penalties for breaches of the rules.