Unauthorized Access to BetStop's Self-Exclusion Regulations by ReadyBet
Online Betting Platform ReadyBet Faces Remedial Direction for Gambling Self-Exclusion Breach
ReadyBet, an online betting platform, has violated Australia's gambling self-exclusion rules by contacting hundreds of individuals registered with BetStop, the national self-exclusion register. This violation involves sending 273 marketing communications to users who had opted into BetStop, as well as failing to include mandatory BetStop promotional content in 2,342 push notifications.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), responsible for enforcing the rules regarding gambling self-exclusion in Australia, has issued a formal remedial direction in response to the violation. The remedial direction requires ReadyBet to take immediate action to rectify the breach and prevent future occurrences.
The individuals contacted were registered to self-exclude from online and phone betting for various durations, ranging from three months to life. The ACMA's investigation found that ReadyBet sent these communications in the form of push notifications and SMS messages.
As part of the remedial direction, ReadyBet must conduct a full audit of its marketing practices and systems, including those managed by third-party providers. The audit will focus on how ReadyBet handles customer exclusion data and the role of third-party suppliers in the breach.
To ensure future compliance with self-exclusion regulations, the remedial direction also obligates ReadyBet to implement mandatory training for staff. The training is aimed at preventing future messages being sent to self-excluded customers.
The ACMA noted that ReadyBet had previously been warned in September and October 2024 but failed to implement adequate measures. The remedial direction is intended to stop ReadyBet from breaching the rules again, with the ACMA reserving the right to seek civil penalties if ReadyBet does not comply.
ACMA has reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to monitor licensed wagering operators for compliance with national safeguards. The authority's focus is on systemic failures in compliance controls, training, and marketing practices to protect consumers who have self-excluded from gambling.
[1] ReadyBet sent 273 texts and push notifications to individuals registered with BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER), which is prohibited. [2] ReadyBet also failed to include mandatory BetStop promotional content in 2,342 push notifications, despite regulations requiring all marketing electronic messages to promote the NSER. [3] As part of the remedial direction, ReadyBet must conduct a full audit of its marketing practices and systems, including those managed by third-party providers. [4] To ensure future compliance with self-exclusion regulations, the remedial direction also obligates ReadyBet to implement mandatory training for staff to prevent future messages being sent to self-excluded customers.
[1] ReadyBet's violation of Australia's gambling self-exclusion rules included sending 273 marketing communications to individuals registered with BetStop, which is a breach of the casino-and-gambling self-exclusion regulations.
[2] In addition to the direct breach, ReadyBet also failed to include mandatory BetStop promotional content in 2,342 push notifications, disregarding the importance of responsible-gambling messaging in casino-games and lotteries.
