# Each of the twelve checks, with its source and its limits

> The twelve checks C01 to C12: what each one looks for, which page decides it, what counts as Found, and why a check is not a safety rating.

Source: https://bookiechecklist.com/the-12-checks-explained/
Updated: 2026-11-13

Twelve checks apply to every operator on this site: three read the ACMA register and ABN Lookup, four read responsible-gambling tools, two read banking, and one each reads identity checks, app stores and support. Found means an item was read on a named page on a named date. It is not a safety rating or a score.

## The twelve checks at a glance

Criteria version 1.0, in force from 13 November 2026. The same twelve rows apply to every operator.

**The twelve checks · site criteria version 1.0 · checked 2026-11-13**

| Code | Check | Where we look | Found when |
|---|---|---|---|
| C01 | Register entry | ACMA register, JSON or CSV extract | Brand and domain sit in one record |
| C02 | Licence holder and authority | The same register record | Both are stated |
| C03 | ABN active | ABN Lookup, by the licence holder's ABN | Status Active, with a start date |
| C04 | Time-out | Operator's responsible-gambling page | A time-out is described |
| C05 | Deposit limit | The same page | A deposit limit is described |
| C06 | Self-exclusion and BetStop | The same page, and betstop.gov.au | Closure or self-exclusion is described, with a link to BetStop |
| C07 | Reminders and activity statement | The same page | Time reminders or an activity statement are described |
| C08 | Payment methods | Operator's banking page | Deposit methods are listed |
| C09 | Minimum deposit | The same banking page | A minimum in A$ is stated |
| C10 | Identity and age check | Operator's help or terms pages | ID verification and the 18+ rule are described |
| C11 | App | App Store and Google Play | A listing is found, with version and update date recorded |
| C12 | Support | Operator's help and contact pages | A channel and its hours are stated |

The three register-based checks, C01 to C03, come from one register extract plus ABN Lookup. The other nine are read from operator pages and app stores.

**Where this stands:** twelve fixed rows; no check is added or dropped for one operator.

## What each result means

For every check there are three possible results.

- **Found.** The item was read on the page checked (response 200). The quote, address and date are recorded.
- **Not found on the page checked.** The page was read and the item is not on it. This does not show the feature is absent.
- **Not confirmed on {date}.** The page or register could not be opened, with the status code recorded, or the record is ambiguous.

A check that reads Not found is neutral in tone and colour on this site. It marks the limit of one page, not a fault.

**Where this stands:** each result is about one page on one date, not about the operator as a whole.

## Limits of the checks

Three limits apply to all twelve.

1. A licence record shows that a state or territory authority licensed the holder. It does not show service quality.
2. A described tool is a statement on a page. We do not place bets or test payouts, so we cannot say how a tool behaves in use.
3. A missing register record is stated as "not found by domain on {date}". It is never stated as "not licensed".

Features that rely on in-play betting are outside scope, because online in-play sports betting is banned.

**Where this stands:** the checks record what is published, and say nothing about what is not.

## How the criteria change

The meaning of Found changes only through a written decision, followed by a fresh read of every cell in the matrix. The version number moves up and the date is recorded in the [changelog](https://bookiechecklist.com/changelog/). Earlier results are not rewritten.

See the full matrix in [every check, every bookmaker](https://bookiechecklist.com/bookmakers-12-checks-snapshot/), or run the list yourself with [the twelve checks as a list](https://bookiechecklist.com/before-you-open-an-account/).

18+ only. Gamble responsibly. Get help: Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858.

## FAQ

**How many checks are there and what do they cover?**

Twelve, coded C01 to C12. Three read the register and ABN Lookup (identity and licence). Four read the operator's responsible-gambling page. Two read banking, one reads terms, one reads app stores and one reads support pages.

**Does Found mean a bookmaker is safe or good?**

No. Found means an item was read on a named page on a named date. A licence record is not a quality rating, and a count of found items is not a score.

**What happens if a page cannot be opened?**

The cell reads Not confirmed on that date, and the status code is recorded. We do not work around access errors.

**Can the criteria change after results are published?**

Only by a recorded decision and a re-read of every affected cell. The version number changes, and old results are not edited to fit new criteria.

**Why is BetStop named in a check?**

Check C06 looks for a description of self-exclusion and a link to BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, on the operator's responsible-gambling page.