No Penalty For Bookmaker That Targeted Problem Gamblers

An online bookmaker that sent hundreds of marketing messages to individuals on the self-exclusion register has actually avoided a punitive damages, however has paid a $500,000 fine for sending out spam to customers.


PointsBet contravened laws relating to BetStop - the national self-exclusion register, by postponing closing accounts of clients who had actually registered and sending out marketing messages to self-excluded people.


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


More illegal online gambling sites have actually been obstructed following ACMA examinations. Illegal gambling services are not likely to have consumer protections and users risk losing their cash. View info about obstructed sites at
https://t.co/NaQKPrOEYV pic.twitter.com/AGNfPIGqRk


- ACMA (@acmadotgov) May 14, 2025


ACMA stated a financial charge was "not offered" for the NSER breaches due to the "complex and unique matters examined" and PoinstBet would instead be subject to "detailed court-enforceable undertakings".


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


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


By law, people signed up with the NSER needs to not be sent marketing materials from a certified betting service.


There were "no reasons" for gambling companies that fail to understand their legal responsibilities provided the threats to betting damages, ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said.


"It is deeply worrying that these failures have actually impacted PointsBet's clients, some of whom had actually taken proactive steps to omit themselves from online wagering," she stated.


People signing up to the NSER were taking favorable actions and and their decision "need to not be jeopardized by companies like PointsBet", Ms O'Loughlin said


ACMA found that no left out clients had the ability to put bets with PointsBet throughout the period examined.


The endeavors dedicate PointsBet to reviews of its compliance with spam and NSER laws, actioning any advised improvements and supplying regular training for all appropriate personnel.


"This action should function as a cautioning to all wagering suppliers that they should satisfy their legal responsibilities or face the effects," Ms O'Loughlin stated.


PointsBet was fined $500,800 for 705 e-mails sent in 2023 which contained a direct link to its wagering products without including an "unsubscribe" function.


National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858