Key Moments:
- The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) has suspended acceptance of gifts and hospitality from gambling operators.
- A new code of conduct is being finalized to enhance transparency, conflict disclosure, and regulatory independence.
- The Northern Territory government has launched a review into NTRWC’s governance standards, including conflict management and eligibility criteria.
Commission Ends Acceptance of Operator Gifts
The NTRWC, which regulates online betting in Australia, decided to stop accepting gifts and hospitality from gambling operators. This decision follows a period of intense scrutiny and public debate surrounding the regulator’s previous industry connections.
The halt on receiving invitations, event tickets, and other forms of hospitality is part of an effort to rebuild public trust and address concerns about impartiality. Recent reports revealed that senior officials accepted Darwin Cup tickets from companies under NTRWC oversight. This revelation highlighted the urgent need for stronger supervision.
Developing Stricter Integrity Protocols
In response to public concern, the NTRWC is drafting a new code of conduct to ensure greater accountability. This policy will establish specific guidelines governing the acceptance of hospitality, the disclosure of gifts, and procedures for managing conflicts of interest. These steps are intended to reinforce the commission’s independence and align with both the Racing and Wagering Act 2024 and the NT government’s board handbook.
Chair Alastair Shields said the commissioners already stopped accepting hospitality perks. However, the revised integrity code will not prohibit commissioners from owning racehorses. As Shields stated, “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 commission has ceased accepting hospitality invitations, and the code will set out the formal framework for managing any hospitality in future to ensure independence and transparency.”
Shields further clarified that while racehorse ownership is permitted by law, any potential conflicts must be formally declared, documented, and managed through official channels. Transparency will be achieved by recording all such declarations in the government register. According to recent reporting, a majority of commissioners over recent years have maintained ties to the racing industry through ownership interests.
Shields explained, “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.”
Government Oversight and Anticipated Reforms
he NT government launched a review of the NTRWC’s governance to assess conflict management, gift acceptance, and member eligibility. A Department of Tourism and Hospitality spokesperson said the findings will be released early next year.
Implications for Industry and Public Confidence
For gambling operators, the stricter rules mean less informal contact with regulators. As a result, future engagement will likely become more structured and transparent.
For the wider public, these adjustments are designed to improve faith in the regulatory system surrounding online betting. By suspending hospitality and introducing explicit regulations, the NTRWC aims to address allegations of regulatory favoritism and ensure a fairer environment.
| Change | Stakeholder Impact |
|---|---|
| Hospitality Suspended | Operators lose informal access to regulators |
| New Code of Conduct | Clearer standards for transparency and independence |
| Government Review | Potential for broader reforms in the regulatory environment |
Because most corporate bookmakers are licensed by the Northern Territory, the results from this heightened scrutiny may affect gambling regulation beyond a single jurisdiction. The responses to the new code of conduct could influence regulatory practices throughout Australia.
- Author
Daniel Williams
