Bet Right fined by Australian Northern Territory regulator for breaching responsible gambling code

The Northern Territory Racing Commission has issued an AU$13,430 fine to the bookmaker.

Australia.- The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) has fined Bet Right AU$13,430 (US$88,55) for breaching responsible gambling rules. According to an investigation by the regulator, the bookmaker ignored its obligations during a dispute with a customer.

Local media outlet The Straight reports that the case originated from a 2022 complaint filed by a Bet Right customer who said he did not see an email from the bookmaker because it landed in his junk folder. The email had been sent as part of a responsible gambling check regarding his betting behaviour.

Bet Right had promised to make a follow-up phone call to discuss the customer’s gambling activity, but never did. The Commission found that the bookmaker’s failure to follow through breached the Northern Territory Code for the Responsible Service of Online Gambling.

In its findings, the NTRWC described the missed follow-up as a “matter of concern” that fell short of the required standard of care. The Commission said licensed operators have a duty to ensure all communications intended to address problem gambling concerns are properly followed up. 

The regulator found that the bets placed by the complainant remained lawful and rejected the customer’s request for repayment of losses.

The NTRWC has been the subject of media scrutiny following an investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Four Corners programme. The programme reviewed 170 commission decisions since 2017 and found that two-thirds identified no breaches, with no operator ever having its licence revoked.

ABC reported that the commission meets only once a month, has no permanent staff and, according to public records, has not published an annual report since 1993. The programme also reported that some of the NTRWC’s six commissioners have links to horse racing, and that the commission’s chair, Alastair Shields, acknowledged accepting hospitality from betting companies and holding a personal Sportsbet account.

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The Northern Territory Racing Commission has issued an AU$13,430 fine to the bookmaker. Australia.- The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) has fined Bet Right AU$13,430 (US$88,55) for breaching…