NT bill to reform de facto gambling regulator introduced months after Four Corners program
A bill to reform the Northern Territory's gambling regulator was introduced following criticism of conflicts of interest and inadequate oversight.Summary
The Northern Territory (NT) government has introduced a bill to amend the NT Racing and Wagering Act, aiming to reform the NT Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), which effectively acts as Australia’s online gambling regulator due to the licensing of 52 bookmakers in the territory. This move comes after a Four Corners program highlighted conflicts of interest within the NTRWC, including commissioners owning racehorses and accepting gifts from bookmakers, as well as lengthy delays in resolving punter complaints. While a federal parliamentary inquiry recommended establishing a national regulator, the federal government’s response did not include this measure, meaning the NTRWC will continue to oversee major online bookmakers. The proposed bill seeks to remove the NTRWC’s responsibilities for regulating racing and greyhound industries, focusing solely on bookmaker regulation, and introduces stricter conflict-of-interest provisions. However, the Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) has criticized the bill as a “damage control exercise,” advocating for full-time resourcing, a public register of interests, and independent oversight of complaints. Sportsbet, conversely, supports the bill, stating it reinforces governance and ensures efficient regulation.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))