Concerns Rise Over Australia’s Gambling Regulator’s Industry Connections
Allegations Emerge Over Close Regulator-Industry Relationships
Australia’s primary gambling regulator is under increasing scrutiny amid claims of conflicts of interest and insufficient oversight. Critics argue that an overly congenial relationship between the regulator and betting companies may compromise efforts to tighten gambling controls nationally, especially as gambling-related harm in the country has recently surged to unprecedented levels.
Close Industry Links Among Commissioners
The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) oversees the licensing of more than 40 online bookmakers, including major names such as Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, and Bet365. Many of these operators are based in Darwin, attracted by lower taxes and regulatory costs. As a result, the NTRWC effectively acts as Australia’s main online wagering regulator.
An investigation by the ABC’s Four Corners program uncovered patterns of possible conflicts and lax enforcement within the commission. Notably, several commissioners have personal interests in racehorses—a practice originally banned but later permitted following legal amendments.
The commission’s chair since 2018, Alastair Shields, admitted earlier this year to accepting hospitality from bookmakers and maintaining a betting account with Sportsbet. He declined to comment on his working hours or complaint resolution delays. Despite its significant role, the commission has not published an annual report since 1993 and is mostly staffed by part-time appointees.
Ongoing Challenges with Gambling-Related Harm
Consumer advocates and politicians warn that the current regulatory approach is untenable. Independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie described the commission as ineffective. Gambling reform advocate Lauren Levin highlighted the problem of relying on an underfunded, part-time regulator in a country with some of the highest gambling losses per capita worldwide. She also pointed out that the NTRWC falls short of international regulatory standards and has significant gaps in its oversight.
“The regulation was originally designed to promote the betting and racing industry, not to protect consumers,” Levin noted.
Analysis by ABC found that since 2017, two-thirds of commission rulings did not find breaches against operators, and no bookmaker has ever had their license revoked or suspended. Industry representatives, however, defend the commission’s work. Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, praised the NTRWC‘s consumer protection measures and understanding of the online betting environment.
“They have robust consumer protections and a strong grasp of the digital landscape in which we operate,” stated Cantwell.
The composition of the commission, which includes many racing enthusiasts and industry insiders, raises concerns. Six of the past ten commissioners have owned racehorses, and a former commissioner has since joined a Darwin-based betting company. The Northern Territory government has acknowledged an ongoing review into potential conflicts of interest but has declined further comment.
