BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop (betstop.gov.au) is Australia's national online gambling self-exclusion register, operated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and launched in August 2023. It replaced the previous fragmented state-by-state self-exclusion systems with a single, comprehensive national scheme.
Registering with BetStop excludes you from all Australian-licensed online wagering services simultaneously. Exclusion periods: 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or lifetime. You can register at betstop.gov.au or call 1800 BetStop (1800 238 786). All operators are legally required to check BetStop and block registered accounts.
Helplines and Support
- Gambler's Help: 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7 nationally)
- Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au — free online chat and counselling
- BetStop registration: 1800 BetStop (1800 238 786) or betstop.gov.au
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 — crisis support including gambling-related financial distress
National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF)
The NCPF is a set of 10 mandatory consumer protection measures that all Australian-licensed online wagering operators must implement. The most impactful for players:
- Pre-commitment deposit limits: all players must set a deposit limit during account registration before they can place their first bet
- BetStop integration: all operators must check and honour BetStop exclusions
- No credit card deposits: prohibited since January 2023
- No lines of credit from operators: betting on credit directly from an operator is prohibited
- No inducements to bet more: operators cannot offer bonus bets or promotions contingent on exceeding a previous betting level
- Mandatory responsible gambling messaging: all advertising must include "Gamble Responsibly" and the 1800 858 858 helpline number
State and Territory Services
| State/Territory | Primary service | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Gambling Help NSW | 1800 858 858 |
| Victoria | Gambler's Help (Vic) | 1800 858 858 |
| Queensland | Gambling Help Queensland | 1800 858 858 |
| South Australia | Gambling Help SA | 1800 858 858 |
| Western Australia | Gambling Help WA | 1800 858 858 |
| Tasmania / ACT / NT | Gambling Help Line | 1800 858 858 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register with BetStop?
- Visit betstop.gov.au or call 1800 238 786. You will need your name, date of birth, and contact details. Registration takes approximately 10 minutes. Your exclusion becomes active at all Australian-licensed wagering operators within 24 hours.
- What is the gambling helpline number in Australia?
- The national gambling helpline is Gambler's Help at 1800 858 858, free and available 24/7. You can also access online chat counselling at gamblinghelponline.org.au.
- Does BetStop cover overseas gambling sites?
- No. BetStop only applies to Australian-licensed wagering operators. Offshore sites that operate without an ACMA licence are not covered by BetStop. ACMA maintains a blocklist of prohibited offshore sites, but this is enforced at the ISP and operator level, not player level.