BetStop explained: what the self-exclusion register covers
Short answer: BetStop is the free national register that lets you block yourself from licensed Australian online and phone betting providers for three months up to life. It does not cover gambling venues, and it does not cover offshore online casinos or other unlicensed sites.
What BetStop is
BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register, a free Australian Government service. When you register, every online and phone wagering provider licensed in Australia is blocked from dealing with you for the period you pick. You register yourself: another person cannot do it for you. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) publishes the list of providers covered.
What licensed providers must do
- Not open a betting account for you.
- Not allow you to place bets.
- Not send you marketing, such as emails.
- Close any existing wagering accounts you have and refund any credit.
What BetStop covers, and what it does not
| Type of gambling | Covered by BetStop? |
|---|---|
| Licensed Australian online sports and race betting | Yes |
| Licensed Australian phone betting | Yes |
| Pokies and casinos in venues (pubs, clubs, casinos) | No: separate state and venue schemes |
| Offshore online casinos and pokies sites | No: not licensed in Australia |
| Other unlicensed sites | No |
The last two rows matter most for people who play online pokies. A casino that is "not on BetStop" is not safer or more private. It means it sits outside Australian licensing, so the register cannot block it. BetStop says you can complain to the ACMA about gambling services provided illegally in Australia. If you want to block those sites yourself you need other tools (below).
How to register
Registration is online at betstop.gov.au. You choose the length of the exclusion and verify your identity, which BetStop says needs an Australian driver licence, passport or Medicare card, plus access to your mobile phone and email. If you do not have one of those documents, BetStop's phone line (1800 238 786) can talk through other ways to verify. You can also nominate someone to support you. Requirements can change, so check the site.
How long it lasts
You choose a period of at least three months, up to a lifetime exclusion. You can extend it at any time in your account, and BetStop reminds you before it ends. When the period ends you are removed from the register. You can apply to end an exclusion early after at least three months, with a statutory declaration that you have seen a counsellor or a doctor, and a 7-day wait. Being on a state or territory scheme does not carry across, so BetStop needs its own registration.
If a licensed provider breaks the rules
If a licensed Australian provider lets you bet or sends marketing while you are registered, BetStop's site explains how to report it. For gambling services provided illegally in Australia, such as offshore online casinos, BetStop says you can complain to the ACMA.
Other tools that work where BetStop does not
- Gambling-blocking software on your phone and computer can block gambling sites and apps, including offshore ones.
- Bank and card controls. Many banks let you block gambling transactions or set limits. Ask your bank what it offers.
- Venue self-exclusion through state and territory schemes covers pubs, clubs and casinos.
- Counselling. The Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, and Gambling Help Online offers chat support.
Why we do not list "sites not on BetStop"
Pages that list casinos "not on BetStop" or explain how to get around the register are written for people who have chosen to be excluded. We will not publish them. If you are thinking about it, that is a good moment to call the helpline.
Questions
What does BetStop do?
You register yourself for a period of your choice, from three months to life. Licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers then cannot open an account for you, take your bets or send you marketing, and they must close existing accounts and refund any credit.
What happens when my BetStop period ends?
BetStop tells you, and any support person you named, before the period ends and asks if you want to extend. Once the period has ended you are removed from the register, and you can self-exclude again whenever you like.
Can I end BetStop early?
You can apply to cancel after at least three months. The application needs a Commonwealth statutory declaration confirming that you have seen a counsellor or a doctor about the decision, and you are removed from the register after 7 days. You can withdraw the application during those 7 days. If you are thinking about it, a counsellor on 1800 858 858 is free and open 24 hours.
Does BetStop block online casinos?
No. BetStop does not apply to online casino games or other gambling services provided illegally in Australia. The register covers licensed online and phone wagering providers. A site that is not on BetStop is not safer: it simply sits outside Australian licensing.
Sources
Information on this page comes from the BetStop website: About, FAQs and What to expect, read on 2026-11-05. Rules and processes can change, so confirm on the site before you rely on a detail. See also our help and support page.
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