No Penalty For Bookmaker That Targeted Problem Gamblers
An online bookie that sent out numerous marketing messages to individuals on the self-exclusion register has actually avoided a monetary penalty, however has paid a $500,000 fine for sending out spam to clients.
PointsBet contravened laws relating to BetStop - the national self-exclusion register, by delaying closing accounts of clients who had and sending out marketing messages to self-excluded individuals.
It likewise sent out more than 800 messages that breached Australia's e-marketing laws, an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority discovered.
More unlawful online gaming websites have actually been obstructed following ACMA examinations. Illegal gaming services are not likely to have consumer protections and users run the risk of losing their cash. View details about obstructed websites at
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- ACMA (@acmadotgov) May 14, 2025
ACMA said a punitive damages was "not offered" for the NSER breaches due to the "complex and unique matters examined" and PoinstBet would instead undergo "thorough court-enforceable undertakings".
"A failure to adhere to an enforceable undertaking can result in court-ordered financial charges," ACMA said in a declaration.
The investigation discovered PointsBet sent out 508 marketing messages to self-excluded people in August and September 2023.
By law, individuals registered with the NSER needs to not be sent out marketing materials from a certified wagering service.
There were "no excuses" for gambling business that fail to comprehend their legal commitments given the risks to people experiencing betting damages, ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin stated.
"It is deeply worrying that these failures have impacted PointsBet's customers, a few of whom had actually taken proactive steps to exclude themselves from online wagering," she said.
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 stated
ACMA discovered that no excluded customers had the ability to position bets with PointsBet during the period examined.
The endeavors devote PointsBet to evaluations of its compliance with spam and NSER laws, actioning any recommended improvements and supplying regular training for all appropriate personnel.
"This action should work as a warning to all wagering suppliers that they should meet their legal responsibilities or face the effects," Ms O'Loughlin stated.
PointsBet was fined $500,800 for 705 emails sent in 2023 that consisted of a direct link to its betting items without consisting of an "unsubscribe" function.
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