Australia’s top online gambling watchdog has put a stop to all corporate freebies from betting companies while they work on new rules to boost ethics and win back public confidence.

Regulator Promises Stronger Safeguards Following Hospitality Controversy

The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), which gives licenses to over 40 online bookies, said its team will not take any gifts or perks from the industry during this review, reported Australian news outlet ABC. This move comes after months of people calling them out for being too chummy with the companies they are supposed to keep in check.

Commission chair Alastair Shields said the temporary stop on hospitality was part of a bigger push to strengthen independence and openness. He confirmed that the new code, which they are now finishing up, will lay out clear rules to manage potential conflicts of interest. Shields said it will “set up the structure” for dealing with betting operators to make sure decisions happen without bias or outside pressure.

This change follows a string of reports by the ABC show Four Corners, which found that several commissioners had taken hospitality from bookmakers before, including tickets to the Darwin Cup. The stories also showed that six of the last ten commissioners have owned or owned racehorses — something once not allowed but later approved under changed laws.

Critics Warn NT Watchdog Lacks Power to Oversee Australia’s Betting Industry

People who disagree say these links raise major concerns about the honesty of the group that oversees a $50 billion business. The NTRWC located in Darwin serves as Australia’s main gambling watchdog. This is because most of the country’s big online betting companies are registered in the territory, attracted by low taxes and easier rules to follow.

Groups speaking for customers have said for a long time that the commission’s setup — made up of part-time members — does not give it enough power to watch over such a big industry. Claims of slow handling of complaints, small punishments for breaking rules, and not enough openness have made more people call for changes.

The Northern Territory government has confirmed that a review of the NTRWC is in progress. This review aims to look into how the organization handles conflicts of interest, gifts, and eligibility criteria for its members. A spokesperson said they will share key findings with the public next year. Shields made it clear that the upcoming code will deal with hospitality, but will not ban racehorse ownership. He said people must declare all ownership interests and manage them through disclosure and recusal processes to keep things accountable.