More BetStop Issues for Entain’s Ladbrokes Australia

(AsiaGameHub) –   Entain is facing increased scrutiny over its Ladbrokes Australia brand, as reported by local media just days after the company came under fire from Australia’s de facto gambling regulator.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported today that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)—the regulator responsible for broadcasting, radio, and internet communications in Australia—is “seeking answers” from Ladbrokes AU regarding emails sent to inactive customers.

No public statement has been issued by ACMA so far. However, according to the Herald, the regulator is seeking clarification on emails sent by Ladbrokes to dormant customers who still had funds in their accounts.

“It has been a while since you’ve placed a bet with us, but you currently have funds available in your Ladbrokes account,” the email reportedly read.

The issue primarily revolves around the inclusion—or omission—of BetStop in these communications.

More BetStop bother for Entain

Australian regulations require gambling operators to include a mention of BetStop, the national self-exclusion service, in all electronic communications sent to customers.

BetStop was launched in 2023 as a national platform enabling Australian gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in online betting and casino activities if they choose. The initiative was modeled after the UK’s GamStop program and emerged amid ongoing public debate about the societal effects of gambling in Australia—a conversation that has intensified in recent years.

This is not the first time Entain and its Ladbrokes brand have faced criticism related to BetStop compliance. Just last week, Ladbrokes—alongside Entain’s other Australian brand, Neds—entered into a court-enforceable undertaking following an ACMA investigation that uncovered more than 500 violations of self-exclusion rules.

“We take all our regulatory responsibilities seriously,” an Entain spokesperson told SBC News last Wednesday.

“These matters arose during the early stages of a new national system, and we have worked constructively with the ACMA to implement meaningful enhancements to our processes and controls.”

SBC News has contacted Entain for comment regarding the latest allegations raised by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Australia’s gambling agenda

This latest development occurs amid heightened scrutiny of the gambling and betting industry across Australia.

Advocates for gambling law reform have long pushed for the full implementation of the 31 recommendations outlined in the 2022 Murphy report, which examined the broader social impacts of gambling.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese granted reformers one key demand last month by agreeing to stricter restrictions on gambling advertising—though critics such as Independent MP David Pocock argue the measures fall short of what is needed.

Against this backdrop of regulatory pressure, some companies appear to be tightening their internal policies. For instance, Tabcorp, Australia’s oldest and largest betting operator, reportedly banned a group of professional gamblers due to them being deemed high-risk, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Similarly, Sportsbet—Flutter Entertainment’s flagship Australian brand—recently updated its policy on brand ambassadors to prohibit partnerships with any active sporting officials. This change followed public backlash over the company’s sponsorship deal with AFL umpire Nick Foot, who subsequently resigned from his officiating role to continue working on Sportsbet’s ‘Get On’ horse racing podcast.