A majority of Australians who have opted to self-exclude from online and phone-based gambling report significant improvements in their quality of life, according to new research commissioned by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The study, conducted by ORIMA Research, found that 77 percent of BetStop registrants experienced a better overall quality of life, while 79 percent reported improved mental health. Nearly seven in ten participants also said their personal relationships had strengthened following their decision to self-exclude.
The National Self-Exclusion Register, launched in August 2023, allows individuals to voluntarily block themselves from accessing services offered by approximately 190 licensed wagering providers across Australia. The program has now surpassed 50,000 total registrations, with over 32,000 active exclusions currently in place.
According to the survey, 96 percent of respondents said they had either completely stopped betting on sports or racing events (81 percent) or had significantly reduced their gambling activity (15 percent).
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood welcomed the findings, describing them as ‘moving and compelling.’
‘Online gambling causes a great deal of harm for too many in our communities,’ Lidgerwood said. ‘It is wonderful to see that the national self-exclusion register is having a positive impact.’
She urged Australians who engage in phone or internet wagering to consider the self-exclusion option, noting that registration takes only five minutes.
The research will inform the ongoing statutory review of the National Self-Exclusion Register and includes individual case studies highlighting the personal impact of the program.
