No Penalty For Bookmaker That Targeted Problem Gamblers

An online bookie that sent out hundreds of marketing messages to people on the self-exclusion register has actually avoided a monetary penalty, however has actually paid a $500,000 fine for sending out spam to consumers.


PointsBet contravened laws associating with BetStop - the nationwide self-exclusion register, by postponing closing accounts of customers who had registered and sending out marketing messages to self-excluded people.


It likewise sent out more than 800 messages that breached Australia's e-marketing laws, an examination by the Australian Communications and Media Authority discovered.


More illegal online betting websites have actually been obstructed following ACMA examinations. Illegal gaming services are not likely to have client securities and users risk losing their cash. View info about obstructed sites at
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- ACMA (@acmadotgov) May 14, 2025


ACMA said a financial charge was "not offered" for the NSER breaches due to the "complex and novel matters examined" and PoinstBet would instead go through "comprehensive court-enforceable undertakings".


"A failure to abide by an enforceable undertaking can cause court-ordered monetary charges," ACMA stated in a declaration.


The investigation found PointsBet sent 508 marketing messages to self-excluded people in August and September 2023.


By law, people registered with the NSER needs to not be sent marketing materials from a licensed betting service.


There were "no reasons" for betting companies that stop working to comprehend their legal responsibilities given the threats to individuals experiencing gambling damages, ACMA Chair said.


"It is deeply concerning that these failures have affected PointsBet's consumers, some of whom had taken proactive actions to omit themselves from online wagering," she stated.


People registering to the NSER were taking positive actions and and their choice "must not be compromised by companies like PointsBet", Ms O'Loughlin said


ACMA discovered that no excluded consumers had the ability to place bets with PointsBet throughout the duration examined.


The endeavors commit PointsBet to evaluations of its compliance with spam and NSER laws, actioning any recommended improvements and providing regular training for all appropriate staff.


"This action ought to serve as a warning to all betting companies that they must satisfy their legal responsibilities or face the consequences," Ms O'Loughlin stated.


PointsBet was fined $500,800 for 705 emails sent out in 2023 which contained a direct link to its wagering items without including an "unsubscribe" function.


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