Australian gambling regulator bans hospitality invitations

The move follows a public outcry over the NTRWC chair accepting corporate hospitality from bookmakers.

Australia.- Alastair Shields, chair of the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), Australia’s de facto online gambling regulator, has announced that commissioners will no longer accept hospitality invitations. The measure will form part of a new code of conduct aimed at strengthening the body’s integrity. 

Shields said: “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 finalized, builds on these frameworks and provides clear guidance for commissioners.”

The move follows a recent criticism after a Four Corners programme by ABC reported that Shields accepted corporate hospitality from bookmakers. Meanwhile. six out of the last 10 commissioners were found to own racehorses. The programme also reported on lengthy delays in the commission’s complaint handling process as well as operational failures.

Shields said in the statement today that owning racehorses would not be prohibited under the new code He said: “Ownership of racehorses is permitted under the act, but any conflicts are declared, recorded, and managed through disclosure and recusal. All declarations form part of the official government record to ensure transparency.”

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The move follows a public outcry over the NTRWC chair accepting corporate hospitality from bookmakers. Australia.- Alastair Shields, chair of the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), Australia’s de…