Australian Gambling Regulator Stops Accepting Hospitality from Betting Companies
The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission, which regulates nearly every online bookmaker in Australia, has stopped accepting hospitality from betting firms and is preparing a new code of conduct after mounting criticism over close ties between commissioners and the industry they oversee.
Ethics Code in Progress
NTRWC chair Alastair Shields confirmed that commissioners had “ceased accepting hospitality invitations” from the betting industry. He said the body was finalising a draft code of conduct “to reinforce ethical standards” and strengthen independence in decision-making.
“The commission operates under strong integrity and oversight frameworks, including the Racing and Wagering Act 2024 and the NT government board handbook. The draft code of conduct, which is currently being finalised, builds on these frameworks and provides clear guidance for commissioners. The code will set out the formal framework for managing any hospitality in future to ensure independence and transparency,” Shields said.
Scrutiny Over Industry Links
The Northern Territory has become the de facto home of Australia’s gambling industry, with 43 betting companies operating under its jurisdiction thanks to lower taxes and what critics describe as a lenient regulatory environment.
The ABC earlier revealed that Shields himself had accepted tickets to the Darwin Cup from companies his commission regulates. Further reporting by Four Corners uncovered that six of the last ten commissioners owned racehorses and that the regulator faced long delays in processing complaints, prompting accusations it was as ineffective as a “chocolate teapot.”
Following the broadcast, the NT government insisted that “oversight and integrity frameworks at the commission were strengthened earlier this year and remain under review.” However, the government did not provide evidence to support that claim when asked for documentation in October.
No Ban on Racehorse Ownership
In his latest statement, Shields clarified that the new code would not prohibit commissioners from owning racehorses.
“Ownership of racehorses is permitted under the act, but any conflicts are declared, recorded and managed through disclosure and recusal. All declarations form part of the official government record to ensure transparency,” he said.
Ongoing Government Review
A spokesperson for the NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality confirmed that its review of the NTRWC is ongoing. “[It] will have a focus on management of conflicts of interest, gifts and benefits and eligibility requirements for commission members,” they said, adding that “an overview of key findings will be made available to the public in the new year.”
Meanwhile, NT Racing Minister Marie-Clare Boothby has rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the laws governing the NTRWC. Independent MP Justine Davis has since urged the government to establish a separate, independent investigation into the regulator’s operations.