Northern Territory gambling watchdog overhauls ethics amid conflict concerns
The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) is undergoing a review by the government, focusing on managing conflicts of interest among its members. The review, currently underway in 2025, aims to address concerns about gifts, eligibility criteria, and the commission's relationship with the betting industry.
The NTRWC, Australia's top online gambling watchdog, has temporarily halted corporate freebies from betting companies like Betmgm and Betonline during this review. Critics have long argued that the commission's part-time setup lacks the power to effectively oversee the $50 billion betting industry.
Commission chair Alastair Shields has confirmed that a new code of conduct will be implemented. This code will set clear rules to manage potential conflicts of interest and ensure unbiased decisions. Notably, the new code will not ban racehorse ownership but will require members to declare and manage any ownership interests through disclosure and recusal processes.
The NTRWC's review and subsequent changes to its code of conduct aim to boost ethics and win back public confidence following criticism of its relationship with the betting industry. The government's review, while focusing on conflicts of interest, does not specify if gifts or specific requirements for members are being examined, nor does it mention an external leader for the review.
