Unibet fined over $1 mln for breaching Australia’s Gambling Self-Exclusion rules

Unibet Faces Penalty for Noncompliance with Australian Self-Exclusion Regulations

Unibet, a prominent player in the global gambling sector, has been hit with a substantial fine of AUD $1,014,120 (approximately USD $650,000) for failing to adhere to Australia’s gambling self-exclusion regulations—a critical aspect of responsible gambling practices.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) uncovered significant violations, revealing that Unibet neglected to deactivate the accounts of 954 customers who had signed up for BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER). This oversight contributed to over 100,000 violations of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, underscoring a severe lapse in operational compliance.

Notably, although no bets were placed and marketing communications were halted during self-exclusion periods, Unibet kept these accounts active well past the mandatory closure timeframe. In 45 instances, accounts remained open for more than 190 days, including those registered on the first day of BetStop’s launch. This is particularly concerning as it directly undermines the self-exclusion process designed to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling harm.

Moreover, Unibet permitted 45 customers to resume gambling after their self-exclusion had lapsed by reactivating existing accounts rather than creating new ones. One individual managed to place more than 1,200 bets in this manner, highlighting the critical need for stringent compliance measures.

The Interactive Gambling Act necessitates immediate closure of accounts for individuals registering with the NSER. Upon completion of a self-exclusion period, users are required to establish new accounts if they wish to return—a process integral to safeguarding their well-being.

Carolyn Lidgerwood, ACMA member and gambling lead, commented:

“Our investigation revealed very serious breaches by Unibet sustained over an extended period. Taking up to 190 days to close accounts is unacceptable and undermines customers’ decisions to seek help in stopping gambling.”

As part of the repercussions, this fine marks the first-ever penalty imposed for violations of the NSER. In addition to the financial sanction, Unibet has committed to a two-year court-enforceable undertaking, which includes a comprehensive independent review of its compliance systems and the mandatory implementation of necessary improvements.

Furthermore, Unibet has taken the proactive step of refunding affected users whose accounts were incorrectly left accessible. This action not only reaffirms Unibet’s commitment to responsible gambling but also serves as a crucial learning opportunity for the gambling industry at large, emphasizing the importance of robust compliance frameworks to ensure consumer protection.

Moving forward, organizations in the gambling sector must prioritize adherence to self-exclusion protocols to maintain integrity and foster a safer gaming environment. Proper implementation of these measures is essential for building trust with players and aligning with regulatory standards.