Queensland slows implementation of Australia’s national gambling self-exclusion system

Media reports from Australia indicate that the nation-wide implementation of a gambling self-exclusion scheme is being delayed by one province, Queensland, which has not yet completed its preparations and signed off on the proposed reforms.

Titled National Consumer Protection Framework the reforms are aimed at tackling problem-gambling risks and strengthening consumer protections in the digital wagering industry, including a scheme for problem gamblers to ban themselves across state lines and across all betting sites and apps with a single click.

The reforms also include a voluntary, opt-out pre-commitment system for people to set their own limits and a national ban on bookies offering “inducements” to encourage people to open betting accounts with them.

The federal government has urged Queensland’s Attorney General, Yvette D’Ath, to put the reforms before the state Cabinet for approval as soon as possible.

The AG has emphasised that the state government is committed to to finalising its arrangements before the end of the year, and that development of the framework is ongoing.

The new reforms are being supported by the gambling industry, including the ASX-listed Tabcorp, which runs retail and online wagering services, and Australia’s online-only corporate bookmakers including Sportsbet, BetEasy, Ladbrokes, Betfair, Bet365 and Unibet.

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