Online bookmakers licensed in Australia's Northern Territory could face deposit limits for younger customers under a private member's bill set to be introduced next week.
Independent MLA Justine Davis is proposing monthly deposit caps of AU$500 for customers aged 18 to 21 and AU$1,000 for those aged 22 to 24. The rules would apply to NT-licensed operators, including major bookmakers serving customers nationally.
The bill would also introduce an outright ban on gambling inducements, including bonus bets and VIP schemes. Bookmakers would have a positive duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent harm to customers.
Another proposal would significantly increase the maximum disciplinary penalty available to the NT regulator. The current AU$194,000 maximum would rise to AU$10m or 10% of an operator's annual revenue. Advertising likely to be available to children would also be prohibited under the proposed changes.
The bill additionally targets governance of the NT Wagering Commission, which plays a significant role in Australia's online betting sector because of the number of operators licensed in the Territory. Proposed measures include a public register of declared conflicts and restrictions preventing commissioners from accepting gifts from bookmakers.
The NT Government introduced separate reforms earlier this year preventing commissioners from owning racehorses or holding accounts with NT-licensed bookmakers. The annual tax cap for licensed gambling companies was also increased from AU$1.5m to AU$3m.
Davis is scheduled to introduce the bill to parliament next Wednesday. Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the Government would consider proposals on their merits, while Labor representatives have indicated support, although Deputy Opposition Leader Ed Smelt has called for the legislation to be referred to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee.
Around 50 online bookmakers are licensed in the Northern Territory
