Tabcorp and five other operators targeted by ACMA for BetStop violations

Summary

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has completed investigations into a number of licenced wagering operators for failures to comply with BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register. The operators identified were Tabcorp, BetChamps, Betfocus, LightningBet, Picklebet and TempleBet. ACMA found systemic weaknesses that allowed self-excluded people to open accounts, place bets or receive gambling marketing. All contraventions occurred in 2024.

Regulatory responses were calibrated to each operator’s breaches. Tabcorp received a financial penalty of A$112,680 and must commission an external audit of customer verification and deliver targeted staff training. Betfocus, LightningBet and TempleBet were ordered to undergo independent system audits with mandatory implementation of recommendations. BetChamps received a formal warning, while enforcement action against Picklebet is still being finalised. ACMA warned it will continue monitoring the sector and may escalate to Federal Court proceedings and civil penalties for further breaches.

Key Points

ACMA investigated breaches of BetStop by six wagering operators: Tabcorp, BetChamps, Betfocus, LightningBet, Picklebet and TempleBet.
Failings were systemic and allowed self-excluded individuals to access wagering services or receive marketing during 2024.
Tabcorp was fined A$112,680 and must complete an external audit and staff training focused on self-exclusion obligations.
Betfocus, LightningBet and TempleBet have been directed to commission independent audits and implement all resulting recommendations; these directions are legally binding.
BetChamps received a formal warning; ACMA’s action on Picklebet remains under consideration.
ACMA stressed that effective self-exclusion depends on operators integrating BetStop into verification and marketing systems and maintaining robust controls.
The regulator signalled continued sector-wide monitoring and the potential for Federal Court action and civil penalties if further breaches occur.

Why should I read this?

If you work in iGaming ops, compliance or risk — this one’s for you. ACMA’s moves show regulators are actively policing BetStop integration, handing fines and forcing audits. If your systems touch customer verification or marketing, you need to know what’s tripping others up so you don’t end up on the regulator’s list next.

Author style

Punchy: this is not just another story about box-ticking. The enforcement actions — especially the six‑figure fine for Tabcorp and mandatory external audits — make this essential reading for anyone responsible for regulatory compliance, customer onboarding or marketing in the wagering sector. Read the details, update your controls, and don’t assume your systems are safe.