URGENT UPDATE: BetStop, Australia’s national self-exclusion register, has just announced a significant increase in new users, welcoming 4,541 new registrants in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025-2026. This surge highlights the ongoing issue of gambling addiction in Australia and the effectiveness of self-exclusion measures.
In a recent release by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), BetStop confirmed that since its launch in August 2023, the total number of users has reached 49,382. As of September 30, 2025, 31,838 of these users maintain active exclusions, showcasing a strong commitment to addressing gambling-related harm.
The data reveals that lifetime self-exclusion remains the most favored option among users, accounting for 39% of all exclusions. In contrast, the 3-month to 2-year exclusion period closely follows at 38%. This information underscores the pressing need for effective solutions as gambling continues to be a widespread concern, particularly among younger adults.
The quarterly statistics also provide insight into the demographics of new registrants across various Australian jurisdictions, illustrating a significant geographical spread. The breakdown of new users in Q1 is as follows:
– Australian Capital Territory: 62
– New South Wales: 1,485
– Northern Territory: 31
– Queensland: 934
– South Australia: 297
– Tasmania: 124
– Victoria: 1,147
– Western Australia: 461
In comparison, the previous quarter (Q4 2024-2025) saw 4,720 new registrants, indicating a consistent trend in user engagement with the self-exclusion initiative.
BetStop’s latest data also sheds light on the age distribution of its users. A striking 48% of registrants are aged 30 years and under, suggesting a troubling trend of gambling popularity among younger demographics. The age groups of 31-40 and 41-50 represent 31% and 13% of users respectively, while older age groups (51-60 and 60+) make up only 5% and 3%.
The figures released by BetStop serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of continued focus on gambling addiction prevention. With the number of new users remaining stable, authorities are urged to enhance awareness and accessibility to self-exclusion resources.
As BetStop continues to gain traction, the next steps will include working to further educate the public about the benefits of self-exclusion and ensuring that support systems are in place for those who seek help.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Australia confronts its gambling challenges head-on.
