If you are struggling with online gambling, you are not alone, and there is a practical, free tool that can help you take back control right now. BetStop is the Australian Government’s National Self-Exclusion Register, and it allows you to block yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering services in one simple step.
Choosing to self-exclude is one of the bravest and most positive decisions you can make for yourself and the people around you. It is not a sign of failure. It is a sign of strength, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to change.
Need to talk to someone right now? Call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 (free, confidential, available 24/7) or visit Gambling Help Online.
What Is BetStop?
BetStop is a free Australian Government initiative that was launched on 21 August 2023. It is officially known as the National Self-Exclusion Register and is administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
In simple terms, BetStop lets you voluntarily ban yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers through a single registration. Rather than having to contact each betting company individually, BetStop does the work for you by notifying every licensed operator that you have chosen to self-exclude.
Since its launch, more than 56,000 Australians have registered with BetStop. Research from the register shows that 79 per cent of those who have signed up are aged under 40, and 39 per cent have chosen a lifetime ban. These numbers tell an important story: thousands of Australians are taking a courageous step to protect themselves from gambling harm, and you can too.
How BetStop Self-Exclusion Works
When you register with BetStop, all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers are legally required to:
- Close any existing betting accounts you hold with them and refund any remaining credit to you.
- Block you from opening new accounts during your exclusion period.
- Stop sending you marketing material including emails, text messages, push notifications, and promotional offers related to gambling.
These are not voluntary guidelines for operators. They are legal obligations. Wagering providers who fail to comply face significant penalties enforced by the ACMA.
BetStop covers approximately 150 licensed online and phone wagering providers operating in Australia. This includes major sports betting platforms, racing wagering services, and other online betting operators licensed under Australian law.
Exclusion Periods
When you register with BetStop, you choose how long you want your self-exclusion to last. The available periods are:
- 3 months — the minimum exclusion period
- 6 months
- 12 months
- Lifetime — a permanent exclusion from all licensed online wagering
An important feature of BetStop is that you can extend your exclusion period at any time, but you cannot reduce it. This is a deliberate safeguard. It means that even during moments of temptation or when you feel the urge to gamble, the barrier stays firmly in place. You made the decision to protect yourself when you were thinking clearly, and BetStop ensures that decision is honoured.
For exclusion periods of 3, 6, or 12 months, the exclusion ends automatically once the chosen period has passed. You do not need to do anything to have it removed. If you wish to continue your self-exclusion after it expires, you can re-register at any time.
For a lifetime exclusion, you will remain on the register indefinitely. If you later wish to have a lifetime exclusion reviewed, there is a formal process that includes a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period, which is designed to prevent impulsive decisions.
If you are unsure which period to choose, consider starting with a longer period. Many people find that a longer exclusion gives them the time and space they need to build new habits and address the underlying issues that contributed to their gambling. Remember, 39 per cent of people who register choose a lifetime ban — there is no shame in choosing the strongest level of protection available.
How to Register for BetStop
Registration is free, confidential, and takes less than five minutes. Here is what you need and the steps involved.
What You Will Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following ready:
- A mobile phone number (for verification)
- An email address
- One form of Australian identification: a driver’s licence, Australian passport, or Medicare card
If you do not have any of these forms of identification, you can call the BetStop support line on 1800 238 786 to discuss alternative ways to verify your identity.
Step-by-Step Registration
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Visit betstop.gov.au and select the option to register.
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Read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Your personal information is protected under Australian law, and BetStop takes your privacy seriously. Your details are only shared with wagering providers for the specific purpose of enforcing your exclusion.
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Choose your exclusion period. Select from 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or lifetime. Remember, you can always extend later, but you cannot shorten it.
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Create your account. Enter your email address and choose a password. This allows you to log in later to manage your registration.
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Verify your email address. Check your inbox for a verification email and follow the link to confirm your address.
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Enter your mobile number. You will receive a verification code via SMS to confirm your phone number.
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Provide your personal details. This includes your full name, date of birth, and current residential address.
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Verify your identity. Upload or enter the details of your Australian driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card. This step ensures that the register can accurately match you with any existing wagering accounts.
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Confirm and submit your registration. Once you submit, your self-exclusion takes effect and wagering providers are notified.
That is it. In under five minutes, you have put a powerful safeguard in place that covers every licensed online and phone wagering provider in Australia.
What Happens After You Register
Once your BetStop registration is processed:
- Your existing online wagering accounts will be closed. Licensed providers are required to close your accounts and refund any remaining balance to you.
- You will stop receiving gambling marketing. No more promotional emails, text messages, or targeted advertising from licensed wagering providers.
- You will be unable to open new accounts with any licensed Australian online or phone wagering provider for the duration of your exclusion.
- Your registration is confidential. BetStop does not share your details with anyone other than licensed wagering providers for the purpose of enforcing your exclusion.
It is worth noting that while BetStop provides a strong barrier, no system is completely infallible. You may still encounter gambling advertising through general media channels. This is why combining BetStop with other support strategies is so effective. Consider installing gambling-blocking software on your devices, speaking to a counsellor, and building a support network around you.
If you recognise warning signs of problem gambling in yourself, registering with BetStop is an excellent first step, but it works best as part of a broader recovery plan.
What BetStop Does Not Cover
It is important to understand the boundaries of BetStop so you can take additional steps if needed. BetStop covers licensed Australian online and phone wagering services only. It does not cover:
- In-venue gambling such as poker machines (pokies) in pubs and clubs
- Casino gambling including table games and electronic gaming machines at physical casinos
- TAB outlets and on-course betting at racetracks
- Lottery products including scratchies and draw-based lotteries
- Offshore or unlicensed online gambling operators that are not regulated under Australian law
This means that if pokies at your local pub or visits to the casino are part of your gambling, BetStop alone will not be enough. You will need to look into state and territory-based self-exclusion programs as well.
State and Territory Venue Self-Exclusion Programs
Each Australian state and territory has its own self-exclusion programs for physical gambling venues. These programs allow you to ban yourself from specific venues such as pubs, clubs, and casinos. Here is a brief overview:
- New South Wales: The GambleAware self-exclusion program allows you to exclude yourself from clubs, pubs, and casinos. The minimum exclusion period for clubs and pubs is 6 months, and 12 months for casinos and TAB outlets.
- Victoria: You can request exclusion from individual hotels, use the Australian Hotels Association multi-venue exclusion program, contact Community Clubs Victoria, or exclude yourself from Crown Casino through the Crown PlaySafe Centre.
- Queensland: The Exclusion Program allows self-exclusion from licensed venues and casinos across the state.
- South Australia: The Gambling Harm Support SA barring program allows you to bar yourself from specific venues.
- Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the ACT each have their own self-exclusion arrangements administered through their respective gambling regulators.
To find out about the self-exclusion options available in your state or territory, call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 and a counsellor can guide you through the process.
For a comprehensive list of support services, visit our guide to gambling counselling services across Australia.
Combining BetStop With Other Support
Self-exclusion is a powerful practical tool, but it is most effective when combined with other forms of support. Think of BetStop as one part of a broader strategy for recovery. Here are some ways to strengthen your approach:
Professional Counselling
Speaking with a trained gambling counsellor can help you understand the patterns and triggers behind your gambling. Counselling is available free and confidentially through:
- Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 (24 hours, 7 days)
- Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au for live chat and online support
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 for crisis support
Financial Recovery
Gambling-related financial stress can feel overwhelming, but there is help available. Free financial counselling services can assist you with managing debt, creating budgets, and working toward financial stability. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free, confidential advice.
Our guide to financial recovery after gambling provides practical steps for rebuilding your financial wellbeing.
Gambling-Blocking Software
Consider installing software such as Gamban or BetBlocker on your devices. These tools block access to gambling websites and apps, adding another layer of protection alongside BetStop. While BetStop prevents operators from accepting your bets, blocking software prevents you from even reaching their websites during moments of temptation.
Peer Support and Community
Connecting with others who understand what you are going through can be incredibly helpful. Gamblers Anonymous meetings are held across Australia, and online peer support forums are also available. You do not have to face this alone.
You Have Already Taken a Step
If you are reading this article, you are already thinking about change, and that matters. Whether you register with BetStop today, call the Gambling Helpline, or simply keep learning about your options, every step forward counts.
Self-exclusion is not about punishment. It is about giving yourself the space and protection you need to heal, rebuild, and move toward a life that is not controlled by gambling. Thousands of Australians have already made this choice, and many describe it as one of the best decisions they have ever made.
You deserve to be free from the cycle of gambling harm. BetStop is here to help make that possible.
Ready to register? Visit betstop.gov.au or call the BetStop support line on 1800 238 786.
Need to talk? Call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 — free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, or financial advice. The information presented here is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. If you or someone you know is experiencing harm from gambling, please contact the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online to speak with a qualified professional. BetStop is administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on behalf of the Australian Government. For the most up-to-date information about BetStop, visit betstop.gov.au. Problem Gambling Australia is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Australian Government or the ACMA.