Dabble Sports, an Australian wagering operator, has been fined AU$1,069,200 (US$760,265) for failing to adhere to the country’s self-exclusion regulations under BetStop. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) determined that the company neglected to close 157 accounts belonging to users who had registered for self-exclusion.
In addition to this, Dabble Sports sent 839 electronic messages to 165 individuals who had opted for self-exclusion, along with approximately 2,000 push notifications to 45 customers, without including the required information about BetStop.
ACMA's investigation uncovered various compliance violations, particularly in account management and marketing practices. The regulator highlighted that several inactive accounts remained operational long after users requested to self-exclude. Specifically, 156 out of 229 accounts devoid of pending bets were still associated with BetStop users seven days post-registration for self-exclusion. Some accounts were non-compliant for durations of up to 200 days.
Carolyn Lidgerwood, an ACMA member, emphasized the responsibility of operators to honor self-exclusion choices, asserting that "providers must respect that decision" and must maintain effective systems. Her comments reflect a wider regulatory emphasis on minimizing harm within online gambling, stressing the importance of following self-exclusion protocols.
"These were serious breaches by Dabble. Wagering providers must have robust systems in place to protect people who have chosen to self-exclude," Lidgerwood stated further.
Earlier this year, Tabcorp Holdings Limited, another major Australian wagering and media firm, was fined over AU$2.7 million for violating telemarketing and spam regulations throughout a 16-month span. The company had sent out more than 217,000 marketing emails and SMS messages within a mere 16 days to clients who had previously unsubscribed, prompting significant regulatory action due to the volume and timing of these communications.
In light of the recent penalties, Dabble Sports has consented to a two-year court-enforceable undertaking, which includes commissioning an independent compliance systems review. The company is also required to formulate a board-approved plan to implement necessary changes with adequate resources.
An ACMA spokesperson remarked, "BetStop is an important consumer protection measure, but it only works if wagering companies follow the rules." Starting January 2027, BetStop will see increased promotion as part of a comprehensive gambling law reform package. The government has pledged to enhance system usability and fortify promotional efforts, alongside funding ACMA to support BetStop and recuperating operational expenses from industry stakeholders.
Moreover, the register is set to receive AU$28.7 million across four years, and an annual commitment of AU$3.2 million thereafter, to upgrade data-matching systems.
