As the Australian Northern Territory Parliament prepares to introduce a new bill tightening regulation for operators, the gambling lobby has decided to fight back.
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has criticised the legislation for being a "blunt, one-size-fits-all approach to a complex issue." The bill, proposed by independent MLA Justine Davis, would impact the 50 online bookmakers operating in the area.
Some of the changes included are monthly deposit limits for customers aged 18 to 21, of AU$500 (US$347.94), and of AU$1,000 for those aged 22 to 24. Moreover, the bill would also significantly increase the maximum penalty from AU$194,000 to AU$10m or 10% of an operator's annual revenue.
It would also introduce an outright ban on bonus bets, VIP schemes and other forms of gambling inducements.
The private member's bill also seeks to strengthen the area's enforcement branch the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC). In 2025, the NTRWC was heavily scrutinised for its ties to the gambling industry. With reports claiming the regulator only met once a month and had no full-time staff.
Perhaps stoking the flames, the NTRWC was criticised for having fined Sportsbet only AU$313,140 for failing to meet basic consumer protection, considered by some "at best, a slap on the wrist."
Although Northern Territory Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby has said the government would consider the bill, she also expressed concerns with driving people towards unregulated operators.
A RWA spokesperson stated: "Blanket measures such as banning promotions or imposing arbitrary deposit limits based solely on age ignore the fact that every adult has different financial circumstances and levels of risk."
The bill is scheduled to be introduced to Parliament on 14 October.
Up to 2025, it was unclear whether the NTRWC had ever revoked or suspended a licence
