The first national register for self-exclusion in Australia is taking shape, as Engine Australia (Engine) has been chosen to develop and run the project. The company was chosen by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to build the register to provide a way for players to self-exclude from licensed online and phone gambling with a streamlined process.

Details of the Registry

Once the National Self-Exclusion Register is up and running, players in Australia will be able to self-exclude from three months to forever. Exclusion is connected to online and telephone wagering. Providers will need to use the register as a resource and avoid advertising or promoting betting activities to an individual that is self-excluded.

Nerida O’Loughlin, the chair of the ACMA, stated that the regulator is welcoming of the appointment and sees the decision to hire Engine as a significant step towards the critical safeguard for consumers.

“The register will make a difference for people who want help changing their gambling habits and will complement existing consumer protection measures. If you choose to self-exclude, this register will ensure your account is closed, your money returned, and no further advertising or promotion activity will be directed your way.

Ms. O’Loughlin also pointed out that Engine has experience in creating such registers. The company was in charge of GAMSTOP, the self-exclusion register used in the United Kingdom.

Moving Forward

The new register is now starting the next phase of development. ACMA will be consultations with stakeholders on the matter. Industry stakeholders will be consulted on the design of the new system as well as the rules of operation.

The ACMA also has plans to work with advocacy groups and consumers to ensure the register meets the needs of everyone. The goal is to put quality privacy safeguards in place so that players can feel secure in protecting themselves from gambling harm.

Engine will begin working on the design of the project as well as the development phase of the register. It is expected that the new service will host a trial run this year. Once the register is ready for launch, it will be live. It has been estimated that the service will not be completed until the middle of 2022.

Since the register is still in the works, players can contact individual providers for any self-exclusion needs. Existing programs are in place to help players remove themselves from gambling while the new national register is being created.