Step-by-step manual
Self-exclusion in Australia
BetStop, launched in August 2023 and run by ACMA, is Australia's free national self-exclusion register for online and phone wagering. One registration excludes you from every licensed interactive wagering provider in the country for anything from three months to life. Providers must close or suspend your accounts, refund balances and stop all marketing, and they cannot open new accounts for you. BetStop does not cover land-based venues such as pubs, clubs, casinos or TAB outlets, which have their own state and territory exclusion schemes, nor lotteries. Illegal offshore sites, which ACMA blocks, are not bound by it either.
- Scheme
- BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register
- Type
- National register
- Minimum
- 3 months
- Cost
- Free
The steps
- 1
Go to BetStop
Register online through BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, run by ACMA. Registration takes a few minutes and is free.
- 2
Verify your identity
Provide your name, date of birth, address, mobile number and email. BetStop verifies your identity electronically using a document such as a driver's licence, passport or Medicare card.
- 3
Choose your exclusion period
Pick a period from three months up to lifetime. Choose the longest you are confident about; you can extend later.
- 4
Nominate a support person (optional)
You can name a trusted person who will be told about your registration, so they can support you.
- 5
Let providers act
Licensed wagering providers must close your accounts, return your funds and stop sending you marketing. Report any provider that still lets you bet or contacts you.
- 6
Exclude from land-based venues too
Contact your state or territory venue exclusion scheme, or ask a Gambling Help service, to cover pubs, clubs, casinos and TAB outlets.
- 7
Add blocking and support
Ask your bank to block gambling transactions, install blocking software and call 1800 858 858 for free counselling.
Before you start — what to know
- BetStop covers all licensed online and phone wagering providers, including racing and sports betting.
- It does not cover lotteries, keno or land-based gambling, which have separate schemes.
- Registrations can be extended at any time but generally cannot be shortened; check BetStop's terms before registering for lifetime.
- Illegal offshore casinos are not bound by BetStop; report them to ACMA and use blocking software.
- Most major banks offer gambling transaction blocks in their apps.
Make it stronger: add more barriers
Frequently asked questions
Is online casino legal in Australia?
No. Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, it is illegal to offer online casino games, online poker or in-play online sports betting to people in Australia.
What does BetStop cover?
All licensed online and phone wagering providers in Australia. It does not cover land-based venues or lotteries.
Can I use a credit card to bet online?
No. Since June 2024, licensed online wagering providers cannot accept credit cards or digital currency.
Is gambling advertising being banned?
The government announced reforms in April 2026, including caps on TV ads, a ban during live sport, and limits on online ads, but these require legislation.
Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.