Key facts
- BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register. It launched on 21 August 2023 and covers every licensed Australian online and phone wagering provider.
- You can exclude for a minimum of 3 months up to a lifetime. It is free and run on behalf of ACMA.
- BetStop does not cover pub and club pokies or illegal offshore casinos; those need other tools.
- Venue self-exclusion, bank gambling blocks and blocking software close most of the gaps.
- Free, confidential help is available 24/7 on 1800 858 858.
What BetStop is
BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register: one free registration that blocks you from every licensed Australian online and phone wagering provider. It launched on 21 August 2023 and is operated by Dataworks Group on behalf of ACMA, which monitors compliance. You can register at betstop.gov.au.
Once you are on the register, licensed bookmakers must close or block your account, refuse new accounts and stop marketing to you for the whole period you choose.
How long a BetStop exclusion lasts
You pick the length, from 3 months up to a lifetime. You can extend it whenever you like. Ending it early is deliberately hard: you can only apply after at least 3 months, and you need a statutory declaration that you have spoken with a counsellor or GP.
What BetStop covers and what it does not
BetStop is strong but narrow. It covers licensed wagering and nothing else.
| Gambling type | Covered by BetStop? | What to use instead |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed online and phone bookmakers | Yes | BetStop |
| Pub, club and casino pokies | No | State venue self-exclusion |
| Illegal offshore online casinos | No | Bank gambling block, blocking software, account closure |
| Lotteries | No | Contact the lottery provider |
BetStop's own information says it does not apply to online casino games or other gambling services illegally provided in Australia. Those sites ignore Australian rules, which is exactly why they are not a safe way around an exclusion. ACMA asks internet providers to block them; our guide to ACMA blocked gambling sites explains how that works and what a block means for you.
Closing the gaps
No single tool covers everything, so most people who want a real break combine a few.
- Venue self-exclusion. Every state runs a program for pub and club gaming rooms. Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 can explain the one in your state and help you sign up.
- Bank gambling blocks. Many Australian banks can block card payments to gambling merchants. Look in your banking app or ask your bank.
- Blocking software. Apps and browser tools can block gambling websites on your phone and computer.
- Account closure. Any online casino or bookmaker you have an account with should let you close it or set a long break. Ask for self-exclusion, not just a cooling-off period. If you keep an account, a binding deposit limit is quick to lower and slow to raise.
- Someone you trust. Telling one person what you are doing makes it much easier to stick to. If you are the family member, see our help for family of gamblers guide.
Exclusion works best as part of a wider plan: our how to stop gambling guide sets out seven steps covering access, money, urges and support.
Pundit tip: if you are reading this because you want to get around an exclusion, that urge is worth taking seriously. A free call to 1800 858 858 is confidential and available 24/7.
Where to get help now
Gambling Help is free, confidential and open 24/7 on 1800 858 858, with online chat at Gambling Help Online. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, also 24/7.
Our gambling help guide lists more services and the warning signs to look out for. For why offshore casinos fall outside these protections, see are online pokies legal in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What is BetStop?
BetStop is Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register. Once you register, every licensed Australian online and phone wagering provider must close or block your account and stop sending you marketing for the period you choose, from 3 months up to a lifetime.
Does BetStop include casinos?
No. BetStop covers licensed Australian online and phone wagering, such as sports and racing betting. It does not apply to online casino games or other gambling services provided illegally in Australia, and it does not cover pokies in pubs, clubs or casinos.
How long does BetStop last?
You choose the period, from a minimum of 3 months up to a lifetime exclusion. You can extend it at any time. Ending it early is only possible after at least 3 months and requires a statutory declaration that you have seen a counsellor or GP.
How do I self-exclude from pubs and clubs?
Each state runs venue self-exclusion for gaming rooms, usually through gambling help services or the venues themselves. Call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 and they will explain the program in your state and help you set it up.
Can I block gambling on my bank card?
Many Australian banks offer a gambling block in their app or on request, which stops card payments to gambling merchants. Check your bank's app or ask your bank directly.
Related reading
Guide Gambling laws Australian gambling regulation has two layers: Canberra decides what can be sold online, and the states and territories license everything else. Here is how the pieces fit, with a guide for every jurisdiction. Read more 
Guide Gambling counselling Gambling counselling costs nothing in Australia, and you can start tonight by phone or chat. Here is every way in, the service in your state and what actually happens in a session. Read more 
Guide How to stop gambling Stopping gambling is easier with a plan than with willpower alone. These seven steps cover access, money, urges, triggers and support, plus what to do if you slip. Read more 
Guide Gambling addiction Gambling addiction means you keep gambling even when it is hurting you. Here are the signs health services look for, how common it is in Australia, and the free help that is open right now. Read more 
Guide Deposit limits Every licensed Australian betting account must let you set a binding deposit limit. Lowering it is instant, raising it takes a week. Here is how the rules work and how to choose a number you will stick to. Read more 
Guide Family and friends When someone you love gambles too much, you need support too. Here is how to raise it, what helps and what enables, how to protect shared money, and the free services that are there for you. Read more Sources
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