Problem gamblers will soon be able to sign up to a national self-exclusion register, as part of new betting reform measures.

The register, known as BetStop, will be rolled out by the federal government from August 21.

The free service will allow people to voluntarily exclude themselves from online betting companies for a period from three months to permanently.

It will apply to all 150 licensed Australian online betting companies, with providers being unable to open accounts, accept bets from or send marketing material to people on the register.

The launch of the register next month follows a parliamentary report looking into online gambling reform, handed down in June

The report recommended a ban on online betting advertising, which is a suggestion the federal government is considering.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the report had only landed on her desk two weeks ago and the government was working through the recommendations as quickly as possible. 

“I’m on the record as saying that the status quo is unsustainable and we will have a response in due course,” she told ABC News on Monday.

In the meantime, BetStop will be promoted on betting websites and apps, as well as in marketing material, with a public awareness campaign set to be rolled out.

As part of the gambling industry changes, betting providers will also be required to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account and before a bet can be placed.

The changes will replace previous requirements where a customer’s identity had to be verified within 72 hours.

Ms Rowland said the rollout of BetStop would complement other betting reform measures that had been introduced, which included new warning messages at the end of ads.

“BetStop is the last of 10 measures to be implemented under the national consumer protection framework for online wagering, to empower Australians through stronger consumer protections,” she said.

“The launch of Australia’s first national self-exclusion register, BetStop, is a game changer, and will make it easy for vulnerable consumers to self-exclude from online wagering services.”

By Andrew Brown and Poppy Johnston in Canberra

Support for anyone affected by gambling is available via gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.

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