Technology company IXUP acquires IP and contracts to run Australian online gambling self-exclusion register

Thomson Geer has advised listed Australian technology company IXUP Limited (ASX:IXU) on its acquisition of intellectual property and government contracts to run BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register, aimed at reducing gambling harm in the community.

IXUP, a technology company with a suite of software products that facilitate the secure sharing and analysis of sensitive information, acquired the IP, staff and contracts related to the National Self-Exclusion Register from Big Village Australia Pty Ltd, which is in liquidation.

Thomson Geer brought together a multidisciplinary team to handle all aspects of IXUP's acquisition, led by intellectual property Partner Andrew Chalet.

"We are pleased to be able to advise IXUP on acquiring the IP and contracts to operate BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register, which will be an important tool for people to help manage their online gambling," Andrew said.

The register will be a free Australian federal government initiative that will enable people to self-exclude from licensed interactive wagering services for at least three months and up to a lifetime. The register will be administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which released a report in February 2022 that found 11 per cent of Australians had reported participating in online gambling in the past six months. Another recent study showed that Australia had the third largest online gambling market in the world.

Thomson Geer helped IXUP identify the assets it needed to acquire from Big Village to successfully run the National Self-Exclusion Register, conducted significant due diligence on all intellectual property related to the acquisition and reviewed and transferred relevant government contracts.

IXUP Chairman Julian Babarczy said: "IXUP applauds the Australian Government's vision and commitment in taking such definitive action to conceive and launch BetStop – the National Exclusion Register, and we are proud to be taking such a visible and leading role in its development, implementation and ongoing operation.

"We are grateful for the skill and support Thomson Geer provided to help us become a part of Australia's wagering compliance technology sector."

Andrew was supported by Special Counsel Dr Peytee Grusche, Associate Stephanie McHugh and Lawyer Emma Halliday.

Thomson Geer also advised IXUP on a A$3 million capital raising to fund the purchase of the assets of Big Village. Corporate team Partner Michael Bowen and Lawyer Steven Boughton advised on the capital raising.