Gambling company Unibet penalized for neglecting to close accounts of self-excluded users, resulting in a fine exceeding AUD1 million.
In a significant move to uphold consumer protection and ensure compliance with self-exclusion requirements, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has imposed a fine of AUD 1 million on gambling provider Unibet. The penalty, issued in 2025, was a result of Unibet's failure to properly implement self-exclusion rules in Australia [1][5].
The fine was imposed because Unibet allowed customers who had self-excluded themselves to continue placing bets, thereby breaching consumer protection rules [1][5]. Self-exclusion rules form part of a broader regulatory framework introduced with BetStop, the Australian Government's national self-exclusion register. This requires licensed operators to check customers against the registry before allowing betting [2].
Breaches of self-exclusion regulations can lead to substantial fines in the millions of dollars and pose risks to operators' licenses to operate in Australia [2]. ACMA’s enforcement extends beyond fines to issuing formal warnings and remedial directions, underscoring the seriousness of these compliance obligations [2].
Carolyn Lidgerwood, ACMA Member and Gambling Lead, described the violations as "very serious" and unacceptable. Each day an old account remains active after registration counts as a separate breach. If a person wishes to resume betting later, they must create a brand-new account [3].
Unibet has agreed to refund customers who were able to use accounts that should have been closed. The company will also undergo an independent audit of its compliance systems and apply any recommended changes [4]. Unibet has accepted a two-year court-enforceable undertaking to address the matter.
This penalty serves as a reminder of ACMA's strict enforcement of self-exclusion rules, aiming to prevent individuals who have opted out of gambling from being allowed to place bets illegally [1][5]. The ACMA's actions underscore their commitment to protecting vulnerable customers and ensuring that gambling providers comply with the law.
References:
[1] Australian Communications and Media Authority. (2025). Unibet fined AUD 1 million for failing to properly implement self-exclusion rules in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.acma.gov.au/news/unibet-fined-australian-communications-and-media-authority
[2] Australian Communications and Media Authority. (n.d.). Gambling. Retrieved from https://www.acma.gov.au/industry/gambling
[3] Australian Communications and Media Authority. (n.d.). Self-exclusion in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.acma.gov.au/industry/gambling/self-exclusion-australia
[4] Unibet. (2025). Unibet agrees to refund customers and undergo independent audit following ACMA penalty. Retrieved from https://www.unibet.com.au/news/unibet-agrees-to-refund-customers-and-undergo-independent-audit-following-acma-penalty
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