Key Moments:
- Dabble Sports has been fined AU$1,069,200 for self-exclusion regulation violations in Australia.
- Regulatory review uncovered 157 active accounts and numerous promotional messages sent to self-excluded individuals.
- Dabble has entered a two-year court-enforceable undertaking with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Regulatory Findings and Enforcement Action
Dabble Sports has incurred a AU$1,069,200 fine after the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) concluded that the company repeatedly violated rules regarding Australia’s online gambling self-exclusion platform, BetStop.
The findings showed that Dabble did not close accounts of individuals who had enrolled in the BetStop program. Additionally, the company sent hundreds of promotional communications to people who had chosen to opt out of online wagering services.
Breach Details: Active Accounts and Unsolicited Promotions
According to the ACMA, 157 wagering accounts remained operational for players who had registered with BetStop, in direct violation of the mandated protocols. The investigation also determined that 165 customers who had self-excluded received 839 electronic communications, which included SMS, emails, and app-based notifications.
Moreover, ACMA found that 45 self-excluded individuals were sent more than 2,000 push notifications that did not include the necessary BetStop information.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood characterized the breaches as serious, stating: “People who register with BetStop have made a clear decision to exclude themselves from online wagering. Providers must respect that decision by closing their accounts promptly and ensuring they are not targeted with gambling promotions.”
“These were serious breaches by Dabble. Wagering providers must have robust systems in place to protect people who have chosen to self‑exclude.” – Carolyn Lidgerwood
Compliance Measures and Undertaking Agreement
Dabble Sports has agreed to a two-year court-enforceable undertaking that requires an independent audit of its internal procedures. Recommendations identified through the audit process must be implemented to improve the company’s compliance systems. Failure to adhere to this undertaking allows the ACMA to escalate the issue to court.
The regulator highlighted that BetStop serves as an essential tool for consumer protection only when operators observe and enforce the established protocols.
“BetStop is an important consumer protection measure, but it only works if wagering companies follow the rules. The ACMA will take action where wagering providers fail to meet their obligations,” Lidgerwood stated.
Regulator’s Ongoing Enforcement Initiatives
The recent penalty against Dabble continues a broader campaign by ACMA to enforce compliance across the gambling sector.
| Company/Individual | Action Taken | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Tabcorp | Fined AU$2.7m | July |
| Jamie Mullarkey | Formally warned for illegal gambling promotion | July |
| SBS | Found in breach of advertising limits during Tour de France coverage | June |
| Entain (Ladbrokes and Neds) | Ordered into court-enforceable remediation program for self-exclusion failings | May |
| Chasebet | Received warning for breaches | May |
Looking Ahead to Enhanced Regulations
Starting January 1, 2027, new regulations are scheduled to be enacted that will further fortify the BetStop self-exclusion framework, with a significant increase in penalties anticipated for future breaches.
- Author
Daniel Williams
