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Australian betting regulator NTRWC stops accepting gifts
Australia’s Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) is taking steps to distance itself from gambling operators after concerns about close ties with the industry.
The commission, which acts as the country’s main online betting regulator, has announced it will temporarily stop accepting gifts and corporate hospitality from betting companies. This pause will last while the NTRWC develops a formal code of conduct to strengthen ethical standards and transparency.
Chair Alastair 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 decision follows the news of Shields attending the Darwin Cup as a guest of bookmakers six months ago. An ABC investigation also revealed that senior officials had accepted benefits from wagering operators, raising questions about the regulator’s governance and potential conflicts of interest.
Shields added that the new code will not ban commissioners from owning racehorses, which is allowed under the law, but any conflicts will be declared, recorded, and managed publicly.
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