Northern Territory (NT) crossbenchers have proposed a parliamentary inquiry into the legislation that underpins Australia’s unofficial national online gambling regulator. The NT serves as the operational hub for the country’s $50 billion betting industry, hosting 43 corporate bookmakers attracted by its favorable tax policies.
Oversight of these companies falls to the NT Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), a body that functions as the de facto regulator for online gambling across Australia. However, a recent investigation by ABC’s Four Corners revealed troubling details:
- The commission convenes only monthly
- Lacks full-time staff
- Has not published an annual report since 1993 (until recently)
The exposé also highlighted allegations of industry favoritism and conflicts of interest within the NTRWC. Complaints against operators reportedly faced years-long delays, and the commission was found to have limited authority to conduct thorough investigations, leading to minimal penalties.
Critics Make Their Voices Heard
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Darwin-based independent MLA Justine Davis called on Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby to refer the Racing and Wagering Act to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee (LCAC) for detailed examination. This legislation defines the commission’s powers and responsibilities, as well as the standards for its members.
Davis criticized the commission’s leadership, citing instances in which the chair allegedly accepted hospitality from bookmakers and maintained personal betting accounts. She argued that if such conduct is permissible under current law, then the legislation itself is flawed. “The NTRWC was never designed to serve as a national regulator, and it is not equipped to fulfill that role,” she stated.
In response to the Four Corners report, the NT government announced it would investigate the claims of conflict of interest.
Online Gambling In Australia
Australia has recently introduced significant reforms to its online gambling laws, focusing on consumer protection, regulatory oversight, and enforcement. While domestic operators are barred from offering their service online to Australian players, they can apply for a license to operate online in other countries.
Despite the lack of domestic online casinos, residents do have access to legal Australian online gambling sites operating from outside of the country. Online gambling options include online casinos, sportsbooks, poker sites, and racebooks.
Current AU gambling laws do not set penalties for online gambling with an offshore regulator; however, it is recommended that players wager only with licensed sites, as they offer additional player protections.