Unibet, a major online betting platform, has been slapped with a substantial fine for failing to adhere to self-exclusion regulations. This development highlights the ongoing challenges in responsible gambling practices within the industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Betchoice Corporation, Unibet’s parent, fined $1,014,120 for self-exclusion breaches
- ACMA investigation uncovered over 100,000 violations of Interactive Gambling Act rules
- 954 self-excluded customers’ accounts remained open, some for up to 190 days
Unibet’s Costly Oversight
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has imposed a hefty fine of $1,014,120 on Betchoice Corporation, the company behind Unibet, for failing to close the accounts of 954 customers who had registered with BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood stated, ‘This incident represents a significant failure in Unibet’s compliance with the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER) requirements.’ The investigation revealed serious and prolonged breaches, with some accounts remaining open for as long as 190 days after self-exclusion.
Extent of the Violations
The ACMA’s probe uncovered more than 100,000 breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA rules). While no bets were placed or marketing materials sent to self-excluded individuals during this period, the failure to promptly close accounts contradicts the intent of self-exclusion measures.
In some cases, 45 customer accounts remained open for 190 days or more, including many who had self-excluded on the first day of NSER operations. Another 45 customers were able to use previously existing accounts after their NSER registration ended, with one placing over 1,200 bets through an old account.
Regulatory Response and Industry Warning
Lidgerwood emphasized that this outcome serves as a warning to the industry: ‘Compliance with NSER rules is mandatory, and failure to adhere may result in significant financial penalties and other regulatory actions available to the ACMA under the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA).’
This isn’t Unibet’s first brush with regulatory action. Recently, France’s gambling regulator, ANJ, [issued a record-breaking $843,000 fine](https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/anj-levies-record-breaking-843k-fine-to-unibet/) to SPS Betting, Unibet’s operator in France.
Remedial Actions and Future Compliance
Following the fine, Unibet has voluntarily committed to refunding affected customers who accessed accounts that should have been closed. The ACMA views this as a significant step towards ensuring future compliance with regulatory requirements.
The incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to self-exclusion protocols in the online betting industry. As regulators continue to scrutinize operators’ practices, companies must prioritize responsible gambling measures to avoid similar penalties and maintain public trust.
