Australia’s peak financial counselling bodies have jointly submitted a review of BetStop, the national self-exclusion register for online and phone wagering. Representing over 1,200 financial counsellors, the submission recognises BetStop as a critical tool in addressing gambling harm. While the initiative is generally effective, the submission highlights key areas for improvement—such as stronger enforcement for non-compliant gambling providers, integration with other self-exclusion schemes, and better support systems for users. Specific recommendations include requiring professional support before early self-exclusion termination, increased transparency, and tackling unlicensed offshore gambling. The submission calls for BetStop to be part of a broader strategy, including the banning of gambling advertisements, to effectively reduce harm.

Collaborating Organisations:

• Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic)
• Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW Inc
• Financial Counsellors’ Association of Western Australia
• South Australian Financial Counsellors Association
• Financial Counselling Queensland
• Financial Counselling Australia