One of the latest governments initiatives started in late 2023 to try to minimise problem gambling is a new online website: Betstop. The name pretty much says it all and is found at www.betstop.gov.au
How does it work?
Once registered, according to the official blurb:
Wagering providers must not:
Any existing accounts and any credit balance will be refunded.
In simple terms, once you register, you will no longer be able to bet online at any of the registered betting shops.
You can exclude yourself for three months or as long as you like. Three months does sound like a good starting point but if gambling is and has been a major issue then a lifetime ban may be best.
Why not try 3 months you say? The problem is after 3 months the various betting organisations will start spruiking betting deals and other teasers to entice and induce.
Walk away and find something else to do if gambling is affecting any (or all) of the following:
To register for Betstop you'll need your mobile phone number, email address and ID (Medicare card or driver's licence).
As with many of the recent government initiatives aimed at maintaining that 3% margin, workarounds in simple terms negate the whole process. There is nothing stopping you taking cash bets at the casino, track or TAB.Imagine a frowning bookmaker or licenced worker asking, "Do you have Betstop?"
The government has also introduced compulsory customer identification pre-verification for new gambling accounts and last month (June 2024) banned the use of credit cards for online bookmaking.
New advertising features various catchy slogans, such as:
Chances are you're about to lose
What are you really gambling with?
Imagine what you could be buying instead
What's gambling really costing you?
You win some. You lose more.
Horse racing punters are in general a resilient lot able to take many surrenders but never defeat.
Things however can get heated when having a bet. As a gambler, you must remember to 'protect the innocent'.
Do not transfer your negative emotion onto anyone not involved in betting. Manage your own emotions.
BetStop.
In simple terms, if you are scratching around unsuccessfully for money to bet, or consistently angry when losing then it is time to visit and register at the BetStop website.
For free and confidential support on any gambling issues, call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.