Dabble Sports Pty Ltd (Dabble) has paid $1,069,200 in penalties following an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation that found the company breached online gambling self-exclusion rules. Dabble has also given a court-enforceable undertaking to guarantee its future compliance with those rules.
The investigation found Dabble failed to close 157 wagering accounts after the account holders had registered with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register.
The company also sent 165 self-excluded people a total of 839 electronic messages in the form of SMS, emails and app push notifications.
Under online gambling self-exclusion rules, wagering providers must close the wagering accounts of people registered with BetStop as soon as practicable and cease sending them any electronic marketing.
The ACMA also found Dabble sent 45 customers more than 2,000 push notifications without including information about BetStop, which is required under the gambling self-exclusion rules.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the investigation findings were deeply concerning, and the breaches had the potential to cause real harm.
“People who register with BetStop have made a clear decision to exclude themselves from online wagering. Providers must respect that decision by closing their accounts promptly and ensuring they are not targeted with gambling promotions.
“These were serious breaches by Dabble. Wagering providers must have robust systems in place to protect people who have chosen to self-exclude.
“BetStop is an important consumer protection measure, but it only works if wagering companies follow the rules. The ACMA will take action where wagering providers fail to meet their obligations,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
The ACMA has accepted a two-year court-enforceable undertaking from Dabble, requiring the company to conduct an independent review of its compliance systems and make the investment required to implement recommended improvements. If Dabble breaches its undertaking, the ACMA can take the company to court to enforce terms.
New laws commencing on 1 January 2027 will further strengthen BetStop, including by substantially increasing the penalties for breaches of the rules.
