**Concerns Rise Over Regulation of Online Betting in Australia**

The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) is under scrutiny for its regulation of online betting companies in Australia. The commission, which meets monthly and has no full-time staff, oversees more than 40 online bookmakers, including major players like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, and Bet365. These companies generate a combined annual turnover of approximately $50 billion. Critics argue that the NTRWC's oversight is insufficient, raising concerns about its effectiveness as a regulator.

Federal Independent MP Andrew Wilkie expressed his concerns, stating, "I can't think of another business sector in Australia that is so weakly regulated. I'd liken the regulator up there to one of those so-called chocolate teapots. It's useless." Consumer advocate Lauren Levin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the lack of resources for the regulator. "How do you run a regulator for the country that's got the highest per capita gambling losses in the world without full-time staff?" she asked. Levin compared the NTRWC to the UK Gambling Commission, which employs over 300 staff members.

The NTRWC, which has not published an annual report since 1993, relies on support staff from Licensing NT to fulfill its responsibilities. The commission is led by six commissioners, including chair Alastair Shields, who has been in the role for seven years. Shields has faced criticism for accepting hospitality from bookmakers and for his close ties to the industry. During a commission meeting in 2018, he disclosed that he had an account with Sportsbet and was part of a horse racing syndicate.

In June 2023, a federal parliamentary inquiry made 31 recommendations aimed at reducing harm from the online betting industry. The inquiry suggested establishing a national online gambling regulator and an ombudsman to handle complaints against online bookmakers. However, the Albanese government has yet to respond to these recommendations. Independent MP Kate Chaney, who participated in the inquiry, stated, "There's a really cosy relationship between the NTRWC and the industry there. It seems like it's a body that's much more about serving industry than serving the community."

Kai Cantwell, CEO of the betting industry lobby group Responsible Wagering Australia, defended the NTRWC, stating, "There's this misconception out there that they are not a robust regulator. They certainly are, they certainly have strong consumer protections and a strong understanding of the online environment in which we operate."

Levin, however, criticized the commission's approach, noting that two-thirds of its investigations since 2017 found no breaches against bookmakers. The commission has never canceled or suspended a bookmaker's license due to disciplinary action. Levin pointed out that the NTRWC was established to support the betting and racing industry rather than to protect consumers.

The commission's handling of complaints has also come under fire. Former financial planner Gavin Fineff, who is serving a nine-year sentence for defrauding clients to fund his gambling, reported that he was approached by VIP managers from Ladbrokes and BetEasy while in prison. He claimed they offered him $3.5 million in bonus bets and deposit matches to continue betting. Following investigations, both companies were fined for breaching their license conditions, but critics argue the penalties were insufficient. Fineff's lawyer, Natalija Nikolić, stated, "The fine that they received was the equivalent of a speeding ticket."

The NTRWC is currently undergoing a review of potential conflicts of interest. Six of the last ten commissioners have owned or part-owned racehorses, raising questions about their impartiality. The commission's criteria for selecting commissioners require knowledge or experience in the racing or online gambling industries, but the appropriateness of this has been questioned.

As the debate over the regulation of online betting continues, calls for a more robust national framework grow louder. The NTRWC's ability to effectively oversee the industry remains a critical concern for lawmakers and consumer advocates alike.