Legislation allowing the Morrison Government to establish an online National Self-Exclusion Register to help reduce harm from online wagering has passed Parliament.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government now has the necessary powers to regulate and enforce industry compliance in how it interacts with and funds the Register.
“The Register will allow people to quickly and easily exclude themselves from all interactive wagering services licenced in Australia through a single registration process,” Minister Ruston said.
“This will meet a critical gap in consumer protection for Australians who gamble online and reduce the harm of online wagering to vulnerable consumers.
“I would like to thank organisations like TabCorp, Responsible Wagering Australia and Financial Counselling Australia for their input to date to implement the Register.”
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher welcomed the new legislation which creates a mechanism to help Australian gamblers minimise their risk.
“The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will procure an independent third party technology provider to supply, operate and maintain the Register,” Minister Fletcher said.
“They have already conducted a Request for Expressions of Interest process to help expedite this important work.”
All costs to set up and administer the Register will be recovered from interactive wagering providers to ensure they contribute their fair share and encourage them to provide safe environments for their customers.
Those in need of help or support are encouraged to contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
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