Correspondence between Aaron and TAB\u2019s Safer Betting team show when the exclusions came into force, he attempted to circumvent controls using proxy betting and online gambling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that I\u2019ve done the wrong thing, but when someone is addicted to something, it\u2019s not in our control,\u201d he told the Herald.<\/p>\n
A self-exclusion is a legally binding agreement that allows individuals experiencing gambling-related difficulties to ban themselves from designated gambling venues. Photo \/ Brett Phibbs<\/p>\n
\u2018You have to stop me\u2019<\/p>\n
Aaron\u2019s family of four packed up their lives in early 2024, spending three months in Blenheim before carrying on to Invercargill.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had stopped gambling in Auckland for a while, but when I moved to Invercargill, I started playing again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Citing estimated losses of $30,000 across Invercargill venues between July and September last year, he contacted TAB\u2019s Safer Betting team to complain about his self-exclusion not being enforced.<\/p>\n
After supplying receipts of his original application, TAB informed him the exclusion only applied to the Auckland region.<\/p>\n
As Aaron never alerted them to his relocation, TAB hadn\u2019t updated its records.<\/p>\n
Its privacy policy requires individuals\u2019 details to be current.<\/p>\n
Aaron subsequently applied for a permanent nationwide ban \u2013 which took effect on September 26 \u2013 but TAB confirmed it wouldn\u2019t refund Aaron\u2019s wagers over the run-up period as his exclusion was never applicable to South Island retail venues.<\/p>\n
He then tried to open a Betcha account in October, although this was declined after an account review identified his existing exclusion.<\/p>\n
Adding to his ordeal, Aaron claimed he lost $6000 in gambling stints this year, including about $1300 during a trip to Riverton.<\/p>\n
When he complained to TAB\u2019s Safer Betting team in June, TAB told Aaron that information supplied from the venue\u2019s CCTV showed him approach the terminal before a companion placed bets. TAB alleged the arrangement was an attempt to circumvent his exclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have reiterated the importance of vigilance to all venues in your region,\u201c TAB said at the time.<\/p>\n
Aaron claims to have lost an estimated $36,000 since returning to gambling last year. Photo \/ File<\/p>\n
\u201cIt must also be highlighted that you knowingly entered venues and placed bets (directly or by proxy) despite being self-excluded, which is in direct violation of your exclusion as well as TAB\u2019s Racing and Sports betting rules.\u201d<\/p>\n
Acknowledging he\u2019d actively tried to get around controls at times, Aaron said he had grown afraid of his gambling addiction. <\/p>\n
He said most of his savings had been lost on failed bets and the money to support his family had gone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve requested again and again for them to put my image everywhere so they can stop me, or get police involved,\u201d Aaron said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey say, like, \u2018We can\u2019t do anything, it\u2019s your responsibility not to go there\u2019. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re just blaming me … I told them, \u2018I\u2019m a vulnerable person, I\u2019m addicted to this. You have to stop me\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
In correspondence seen by the Herald, TAB\u2019s Safer Betting team stressed the \u201cmutual commitment\u201d of a self-exclusion, noting that while measures exist to spot and intervene appropriately, individuals must also hold up their end of the bargain.<\/p>\n
\u201cEntain takes responsible gambling seriously,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are committed to supporting customers who choose to engage with our products and work hard to ensure appropriate tools and support are available to those who need them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a wide range of safer betting tools available to our customers both through our digital channels and in our retail stores. <\/p>\n
\u201cThese include the self-exclusion tool, which is tailored to best support the needs of each customer.\u201d<\/p>\n
What is a self-exclusion?<\/p>\n
A self-exclusion is a legally binding agreement between an individual and a gambling operator.<\/p>\n
It became available under the Gambling Act 2003 as a tool for individuals experiencing difficulties to ban themselves from designated areas in venues or gambling outlets.<\/p>\n
Providers are legally required to facilitate and uphold responsible gambling practices, but TAB is only responsible for enforcing a self-exclusion in its outlets.<\/p>\n
For licensees, the onus is on staff to implement TAB\u2019s rules in their private venues.<\/p>\n
Problem Gambling Foundation spokeswoman Andree Foude told the Herald they encounter situations like Aaron\u2019s \u201cfar too often\u201d \u2013 noting that while self-exclusion isn\u2019t a magic bullet, it\u2019s \u201can important part of someone\u2019s recovery journey\u201d and \u201cneeds to be treated as such\u201d.<\/p>\n
Foude said a self-exclusion was often essential to a gambling addict\u2019s recovery, given the games are designed to manipulate the brain\u2019s reward system and encourage blind participation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen someone recognises that gambling is seriously impacting their life and they make a decision to stop gambling, they need to be able to stop \u2013 right then when that decision is made.<\/p>\n
Foude said Aaron\u2019s case highlighted an \u201curgent need\u201d for stronger harm minimisation and consumer protection regulations to ensure vulnerable customers were protected by responsible gambling policies.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrently, there are no statutory consequences if the TAB fails to honour a self-exclusion \u2013 no offence, no penalty, no defined complaints process.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Class 4 pokie venues, including pokies in TABs, and casinos, letting an excluded person gamble is an offence with a fine up to $5000 under the Gambling Act.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we need is a national self-exclusion system that captures all forms of gambling, so the person experiencing harm who wants to stop, has a seamless way to do so and there are consequences for operators who fail to uphold the exclusions.\u201d<\/p>\n
*Aaron\u2019s name has been changed.<\/b><\/p>\n