Calls Grow for National Gambling Regulator as NT Watchdog Faces Scrutiny

Australia’s $50 billion online betting industry is under scrutiny following revelations aired in an ABC Four Corners investigation, which exposed serious concerns regarding the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC). The investigation uncovered evidence of conflicts of interest, regulatory weaknesses, and long delays in handling complaints, raising questions about the commission’s ability to oversee the industry effectively.

A Small Office Regulating a Billion-Dollar Industry

The NTRWC, based in Darwin, licenses more than 40 major bookmakers, including major Australian online gambling sites like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, and Bet365. These companies collectively manage billions of dollars in wagers annually. Despite this vast responsibility, the commission operates with minimal resources, meeting only once a month and with no full-time staff.

The Four Corners investigation revealed that the NTRWC had not published an annual report since 1993, prompting concerns about its transparency and accountability. Furthermore, several board members, including Alastair Shields, the commission’s long-time chair, have personal connections to the industry, such as accepting hospitality from bookmakers and owning racehorses, raising questions about impartiality.

Growing Concerns Over Weak Oversight

Consumer advocates, social service groups, and independent politicians have voiced increasing concern that the NTRWC lacks the necessary resources and independence to manage Australia’s online betting market effectively. The Four Corners investigation highlighted the regulator’s failure to enforce meaningful penalties for violations and its slow pace in addressing complaints, with some cases taking years to resolve.

One significant case involved two leading betting companies that were fined just $80,000 each for breaches that earned them millions in profit, prompting critics to call the penalties inadequate. Furthermore, recent changes to legislation prevent the NTRWC from investigating complaints made more than two years after the bet, making it even harder for victims of gambling harm to seek justice.

Pressure Mounts for National Reform

In light of the Four Corners revelations, calls for a national gambling regulator have intensified. A 2023 federal parliamentary inquiry, led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, made 31 recommendations to tackle the growing harms from online gambling, including the establishment of a national regulator. However, the federal government has yet to respond to the inquiry’s recommendations.

Independent NT politician Justine Davis, along with others, is now pushing for the Racing and Wagering Act to be reviewed, citing the NTRWC's conflicts of interest and its weak enforcement record.

The NTRWC has acknowledged that it is reviewing the management of potential conflicts of interest but continues to defend its regulatory approach. NT Racing Minister Marie Clare Boothby stated that the government is prepared to investigate any allegations of misconduct, but has not committed to comprehensive reform.

Industry Defends Current System

The betting industry’s peak body, Responsible Wagering Australia, has defended the NTRWC, claiming it provides “robust oversight” and strong consumer protections. However, consumer advocates, including Craig Kelly from Anglicare NT, argue that the commission is too closely aligned with the industry, allowing companies to thrive without facing sufficient scrutiny.

Australia’s gambling losses have reached record levels, with more than $25 billion lost annually, the highest per capita in the world. This has led to growing demands for a more effective and independent regulatory framework.

Reform or Rebrand?

As the Four Corners investigation has shown, the NTRWC's structure and its ties to the industry it regulates are increasingly untenable. Critics argue that the scale of Australia’s online gambling industry requires a national regulator with more resources and greater authority.

Until the federal government takes action, the NTRWC's ability to effectively regulate Australia’s online gambling sector remains in question. The situation has brought the need for reform into sharp focus, with calls growing for a system that prioritizes public interest over industry growth.