No Penalty For Bookmaker That Targeted Problem Gamblers

An online bookmaker that sent numerous marketing messages to individuals on the self-exclusion register has avoided a punitive damages, but has paid a $500,000 fine for sending spam to clients.


PointsBet contravened laws associating with BetStop - the national self-exclusion register, by delaying closing accounts of consumers who had actually signed up and sending marketing messages to self-excluded people.


It likewise sent more than 800 messages that breached Australia's e-marketing laws, an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found.


More unlawful online gaming websites have actually been blocked following ACMA examinations. Illegal betting services are unlikely to have client protections and users run the risk of losing their cash. View information about blocked websites at
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- ACMA (@acmadotgov) May 14, 2025


ACMA stated a punitive damages was "not available" for the NSER breaches due to the "complex and novel matters investigated" and PoinstBet would instead undergo "extensive court-enforceable undertakings".


"A failure to adhere to an enforceable undertaking can result in court-ordered monetary charges," ACMA said in a declaration.


The examination found PointsBet sent 508 marketing messages to self-excluded people in August and September 2023.


By law, people signed up with the NSER should not be sent out marketing products from a certified wagering service.


There were "no reasons" for gambling business that stop working to comprehend their legal obligations offered the dangers to people experiencing betting harms, ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin stated.


"It is deeply concerning that these failures have actually affected PointsBet's consumers, a few of whom had taken proactive steps to exclude themselves from online wagering," she stated.


People signing up to the NSER were taking favorable actions and and their decision "should not be jeopardized by business like PointsBet", Ms O'Loughlin said


ACMA found that no excluded clients were able to place bets with PointsBet throughout the period investigated.


The endeavors commit PointsBet to evaluations of its with spam and NSER laws, actioning any recommended enhancements and offering routine training for all pertinent staff.


"This action must act as a cautioning to all wagering providers that they need to satisfy their legal responsibilities or deal with the repercussions," Ms O'Loughlin stated.


PointsBet was fined $500,800 for 705 emails sent in 2023 that contained a direct link to its betting products without including an "unsubscribe" function.


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