BetStop has released its Q1 2024/25 statistics. Covering the three months ending 30 September, the report reveals important data on the number of new registrants, trends by region and age group, and the duration of self-exclusions.

BetStop’s Q1 2024/25 Self-Exclusion Report

The decline in BetStop Registrations for Q1 2024/25

During the first quarter of 2024/25, a total of 4,521 individuals registered with BetStop. This represents a 11.1% decrease quarter-on-quarter and a 39.7% drop year-on-year, suggesting a downward trend in new registrations. Since the service’s launch, 30,493 people have signed up to BetStop, a crucial tool for those seeking to manage their gambling behaviors responsibly.

Regional Breakdown of Registrations

The decline in registrations was reflected across all eight Australian jurisdictions, with significant decreases seen in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.

• NSW recorded the highest number of registrants with 1,482, marking a 7.3% decrease quarter-on-quarter and 34.7% drop year-on-year.
• Victoria followed closely with 1,173 registrants, down from 1,321 in the previous quarter and 2,007 in the same period last year.

While the reasons for the overall decline remain speculative, several factors could be contributing, including stricter regulatory measures and the saturation of self-exclusions among those most in need.

Factors Behind Declining Registrations

Several hypotheses have been suggested to explain the decline in BetStop registrations. One possible factor is the increasing presence of responsible gambling measures and compliance efforts. For instance, in July, NSW introduced Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs) in venues with 20 or more gaming machines. These officers actively monitor gambling behaviors and support individuals, potentially reducing the demand for self-exclusion services.

Additionally, the Liquor & Gaming NSW authority initiated a compliance operation at the end of September, aimed at ensuring licensed venues adhere to responsible gambling standards. As venues tighten their procedures and more gamblers receive in-person support, there may be fewer new registrants to the BetStop service.

Demographics of BetStop Registrants

Analyzing the age distribution of registrants provides further insight into BetStop’s user base. Of the total 30,493 people registered:

• 49% (15,007 individuals) were aged 30 and under.
• 31 to 40-year-olds made up 30% (9,219 individuals).
• Notably, those aged 60 and over accounted for just 3% of registrants.

These statistics point to a younger demographic actively seeking to self-exclude from gambling, possibly reflecting a greater digital awareness and accessibility among younger Australians. Moreover, lower income levels among younger people, compared to older generations, could be driving this group to manage their gambling behaviors more cautiously.

A Swedish study of iGaming players also supported this theory, showing that lower-income individuals are more likely to register for national exclusion services than those with higher incomes.

Duration of Self-Exclusions

Another key aspect of the BetStop report is the length of self-exclusion periods chosen by registrants. The most common duration was between three months and two years, accounting for 39% (12,081 individuals) of all exclusions.

• Lifetime exclusions were the second most popular choice, with 11,839 individuals opting for permanent self-exclusion.
• 5,098 individuals (17%) chose a shorter, three-month exclusion period.
• A small number, 1,074 registrants (4%), opted for self-exclusion periods between two to five years.

The high number of lifetime exclusions suggests that many individuals view gambling as a long-term or permanent problem, requiring ongoing prevention. The complexity behind this decision may stem from the widespread gambling losses reported in Australia.

Australian Gambling Losses: A Contributing Factor?

A September 2024 report by Queensland Treasury highlighted that Australians suffered gambling losses of AU$32 billion (US$21.57 billion) during the 2022/23 fiscal year. Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, commented on the figures, stating that “Australians lose more to gambling than any other nation in the world.” This, he attributed to a “grossly inadequate regulatory regime,” allowing the gambling industry to operate with little oversight.

Conclusion: A Snapshot of Responsible Gambling in Australia

The BetStop Q1 2024/25 report offers valuable insights into the behaviors of Australians seeking to manage their gambling habits. While registration numbers are declining, possibly due to a combination of saturation and enhanced regulatory efforts, the data highlights a clear trend toward younger individuals taking proactive steps to exclude themselves from gambling.

FAQs About BetStop and the Q1 2024/25 Self-Exclusion Report

1. What is BetStop?

BetStop is Australia’s national self-exclusion register, a service designed to help individuals manage their gambling behaviors by excluding themselves from accessing gambling services for a specific time.

2. How many people registered with BetStop in Q1 2024/25?

In Q1 2024/25, a total of 4,521 people registered with BetStop, marking an 11.1% decrease quarter-on-quarter and a 39.7% decrease year-on-year.

3. What is the total number of BetStop registrants since the service launched?

Since BetStop’s launch, a total of 30,493 people have signed up for the service.

4. Which region saw the highest number of BetStop registrations?

New South Wales (NSW) recorded the highest number of registrants in Q1 2024/25, with 1,482 individuals, although this number was down 7.3% quarter-on-quarter and 34.7% year-on-year.

5. Why have BetStop registration numbers been declining?

Several factors could explain the decline, including saturation (most necessary registrants are already signed up) and increasing responsible gambling measures, such as the introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers in NSW and new compliance operations in licensed venues.

6. What is the age distribution of BetStop registrants?

Of the 30,493 total registrants:

• 49% are aged 30 and under.
• 30% are aged 31 to 40 years old.
• Only 3% are aged 60 or older.

7. Why do younger people register more for BetStop compared to older individuals?

Younger individuals may have better digital awareness and access to the service. Additionally, younger people often have lower incomes, making it important for them to manage their spending, which leads to higher self-exclusion rates.

8. What are the most common self-exclusion periods chosen by BetStop users?

The most common self-exclusion period is three months to two years, chosen by 39% of registrants. Lifetime exclusions were the second most popular, with 11,839 individuals choosing permanent exclusion.

9. Why do so many individuals choose lifetime self-exclusions?

Many people view gambling as a long-term issue and opt for lifetime bans to avoid future temptations. The high gambling losses in Australia, which reached AU$32 billion in the 2022/23 fiscal year, have prompted individuals to seek lasting solutions to their gambling problems.

10. How do Australian gambling losses compare globally?

According to a September 2024 report, Australians experience the highest gambling losses in the world, totaling AU$32 billion in the 2022/23 fiscal year.

11. What regulatory measures were introduced to help reduce gambling harm in Australia?

In Q1 2024/25, NSW introduced Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs) in gaming venues with more than 20 machines. These officers monitor and support gamblers to encourage responsible gaming. Additionally, Liquor & Gaming NSW launched a compliance operation to ensure that licensed venues are adhering to responsible gambling standards.