A strong start

In the 12 months since its launch, BetStop has shown impressive reach, with around 80 percent of registrants under the age of 40 and almost 40 percent opting for lifetime exclusion. The straightforward registration process, requiring only basic identification like a driver’s licence or Medicare card, has facilitated enrolment, with most users completing the process in under five minutes. O’Loughlin also pointed out that the large number of younger participants signals an increased awareness among this demographic about the risks associated with gambling.

BetStop’s broader impact

BetStop’s influence extends beyond individual users. A recent study suggested that lifetime registrations alone could result in a cost saving of between $80 million and $135 million in BetStop’s first operational year, revealing the programme’s potential for reducing societal costs associated with gambling harms. Rowland explained that protecting vulnerable Australians is a “priority for this government,” adding, “Preventing and reducing online gambling harms requires continued collaboration with stakeholders across government, industry, and community sectors.”