NTRWC Halts Hospitality from Betting Companies as New Code of Conduct Takes Shape

The primary regulator for online wagering in Australia has paused all hospitality and gift acceptance from betting companies while it develops a stronger code of conduct aimed at improving governance and public trust.

The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) confirmed that its commissioners have stopped accepting invitations, benefits, or corporate perks from wagering operators. The shift comes after an extended period of public pressure and detailed media reporting highlighting concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the commission.

The pause is described as an interim measure, implemented while the body finalises a new set of rules that will define how commissioners should handle future offers of hospitality. The intention is to introduce clearer boundaries, stronger transparency requirements, and a framework that aligns more closely with community expectations.

Why the Commission Is Under Pressure

The NTRWC sits at the centre of the country’s online gambling environment. Although its jurisdiction covers only the Northern Territory, the vast majority of Australian online bookmakers, 43 at present, hold their licence there. Operators choose the NT for its low taxes and straightforward regulatory structure, effectively making the NTRWC Australia's de facto national regulator for online wagering.

Concerns escalated earlier this year when reports revealed that the commission’s chair, Alastair Shields, had accepted corporate hospitality from companies he regulates, including invitations to the Darwin Cup. This raised questions about the appropriateness of commissioners receiving perks from operators whose conduct they are responsible for monitoring.

Following those reports, further scrutiny came from an ABC Four Corners investigation, which highlighted the small size of the regulator and the personal industry ties held by several commissioners. Six of the last ten commissioners were found to be racehorse owners. Critics argued that overlapping interests could create the perception of bias or reduce the commission’s ability to enforce rules impartially.

A New Code of Conduct Underway

In response to this increased attention, the NTRWC has begun drafting a new code of conduct that will clarify expectations for commissioners and tighten oversight mechanisms. The code will formalise how hospitality offers are handled, set out when and how benefits must be declared, and outline procedures for managing potential conflicts of interest.

The commission emphasizes that it already operates under the Racing and Wagering Act 2024 and the Northern Territory Government Board Handbook. However, the new code is intended to strengthen those frameworks and present a clearer standard for conduct moving forward.

One point the new code will not change is racehorse ownership. The commission confirmed that ownership remains allowed under the legislation, but commissioners must declare any interests and step aside from decisions where a conflict exists. All disclosures are recorded as part of the official government record.

Government Review Continues Behind the Scenes

Parallel to the commission’s own reform process, the NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality is conducting its own review of the regulator. This review is examining how conflicts of interest are managed, whether current rules on gifts and benefits are adequate, and what eligibility requirements commissioners should meet.

The department has not yet released details of its findings. It says that an overview of key outcomes is expected early next year. Until then, questions remain about the effectiveness of enhancements the government claims to have implemented earlier this year. Requests from the ABC for evidence of those improvements went unanswered for several weeks.

The NT government has also rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the commission’s operations. Racing Minister Marie-Clare Boothby declined to establish one, despite growing public and political interest. Independent MLA Justine Davis has since renewed calls for an external inquiry, arguing that only an independent process can restore confidence in the oversight of Australia’s multi-billion-dollar betting sector.

What Happens Next

For now, the NTRWC will continue operating under its existing powers while the new code of conduct is finalised and the government review continues. The temporary halt on receiving hospitality is expected to remain in place until the code is implemented.

This move marks one of the clearest signals so far that the commission recognises the need for stronger governance standards. With Australia’s online wagering industry continuing to expand and regulatory expectations growing, the pressure is now on the NTRWC to demonstrate that it can balance efficient licensing with robust, transparent oversight.