The NCPF for online wagering: measures that affect you as a customer
The National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering sets customer measures for licensed Australian bookmakers, including deposit limits, account closure, a ban on sign-up inducements and a ban on small loans. It applies to licensed online wagering providers. Source: NCPF National Policy Statement of 26 November 2018, and the VGCCC page updated 12 June 2026, checked 13 November 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.
What the framework is
The National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) is a national policy statement dated 26 November 2018. State and territory regulators apply it to the bookmakers they license.
We read a copy of the 2018 statement published by the Queensland Cabinet. A later 2022 edition did not open when the country brief was prepared, so it is Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 whether any wording has changed.
The measure numbers below follow the country brief, not a fresh read of the statement. Check the numbers against the document before you rely on them.
Where this stands: the 2018 statement is the text read; the 2022 edition is Not confirmed.
The measures that reach you
| Measure | What it covers | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Age and identity | A bookmaker must return a deposit and close the account if the customer is found to be under 18 | You must be 18+ to hold an account |
| Measure 2 | Bars small-amount loans such as payday loans on the operator's own site | An operator cannot offer these to fund bets |
| Measure 4 | Bars credit, vouchers, rewards or other benefits as an inducement to open an account or refer another person | No sign-up inducement; direct marketing only with consent |
| Measure 5 | Account closure | You can ask for your account to be closed |
| Measure 6 | Deposit limits: offered at registration, applied, and increases not sooner than seven days after the request | You can set a limit; a rise is delayed |
Under measure 4, winnings from a bonus bet are withdrawable without turnover. This is the only place on this site where bonus bets appear, and only as a rule, not as an offer.
Whether measure 2 reaches an operator's marketing partners is Not confirmed on 2026-11-13.
Where this stands: five customer measures are on file, each tied to the 2018 statement and subject to a re-read.
Why state rules can differ
Licences come from states and territories, so each can add duties. Victoria's regulator requires monthly activity statements and sets taglines for advertising. The VGCCC lists them, including "Chances are you're about to lose" and "What are you really gambling with?".
Rules in other states are Not confirmed on 2026-11-13, because only the Victorian and national documents were read.
Where this stands: Victorian additions are on file; other states have not been read.
Using the measures when you choose
The measures give you three things to look for on a bookmaker's own pages: a deposit limit, a way to close an account and a link to BetStop.
Checks C05 and C06 in the twelve checks list record whether the limit tool and the BetStop link are described.
Step-by-step help is in setting a deposit limit and BetStop explained. Changes due in 2027 are in the Gambling Reform Act summary.
Where this stands: C05 and C06 read a bookmaker's page for the limit tool and the BetStop link, and never judge how well they work.
Sources
18+ and where to get help
18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Need help? Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at betstop.gov.au.
We are not a bookmaker and do not take bets.
FAQ
What is the NCPF?
The National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering is a national policy statement dated 26 November 2018. State and territory regulators apply it to licensed bookmakers. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) updated its page on 12 June 2026.
What does measure 6 say about deposit limits?
As summarised in the country brief, operators offer a limit at registration, apply a limit, and cannot raise a limit sooner than seven days after the request. The policy statement is the source to read for the exact wording.
Can a bookmaker offer me a reward for opening an account?
Measure 4 bars credit, vouchers, rewards or other benefits as an inducement to open an account or refer someone. Winnings from a bonus bet are withdrawable without turnover, and direct marketing needs consent.
Do state rules go further than the NCPF?
They can. Victoria, for example, adds monthly statements and set taglines. This page does not cover other states: Not confirmed on 2026-11-13.
Does the NCPF say anything about withdrawals?
This page leaves withdrawals out on purpose. The sources read here were used for customer measures, not payout timing.