No Penalty For Bookmaker That Targeted Problem Gamblers

An online bookie that sent hundreds of marketing messages to people on the self-exclusion register has prevented a punitive damages, however has 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 consumers who had registered and sending out marketing messages to self-excluded individuals.


It likewise sent 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 sites have actually been obstructed following ACMA examinations. Illegal gambling services are unlikely to have customer protections and users risk losing their money. View information about obstructed websites at
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- ACMA (@acmadotgov) May 14, 2025


ACMA said a punitive damages was "not available" for the NSER breaches due to the "complex and novel matters investigated" and PoinstBet would rather go through "thorough court-enforceable undertakings".


"A failure to comply with an enforceable endeavor can cause court-ordered financial penalties," ACMA said in a declaration.


The investigation found PointsBet sent 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 that fail to comprehend their legal responsibilities offered the risks to people experiencing gambling damages, ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said.


"It is deeply concerning that these failures have affected PointsBet's clients, some of whom had taken proactive steps to omit themselves from online betting," she said.


People registering to the NSER were taking favorable actions and and their decision "need to not be jeopardized by business like PointsBet", Ms O'Loughlin stated


ACMA discovered that no left out customers were able to put bets with PointsBet throughout the duration examined.


The undertakings commit PointsBet to reviews of its compliance with spam and NSER laws, actioning any suggested enhancements and providing regular training for all relevant staff.


"This action ought to work as a cautioning to all wagering companies that they need to fulfill their legal commitments or deal with the effects," Ms O'Loughlin said.


PointsBet was fined $500,800 for 705 e-mails sent out in 2023 that contained a direct link to its betting products without consisting of an "unsubscribe" function.


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