SBC News
Northern Territory bill would ban bonuses and VIP schemes and cap deposits for young players
Independent MLA Justine Davis will put a bill to the Northern Territory parliament that would ban player inducements and VIP programs, set monthly deposit limits for under-25s and raise penalties to as much as AU$10m.
A bill aimed at tightening gambling rules in Australia's Northern Territory is due to receive its first reading next week. It was introduced by independent Member of the Legislative Assembly Justine Davis and targets practices used by some of the country's largest bookmakers.
The proposal would prohibit player incentives, including bonuses and VIP schemes. It would also introduce monthly deposit limits for younger players: AU$500 for those aged 18 to 21 and AU$1,000 for those aged 21 to 24.
The Northern Territory is significant for the sector because 50 online bookmakers are licensed there. They include bet365, SportsBet and Ladbrokes, which are three of the four largest brands in Australia according to rankings by Blask. Penalties for non-compliance would rise sharply under the bill, from the current ceiling of $194,000 to $10m, or an alternative maximum of 10% of an operator's annual revenue.
The bill arrives against a backdrop of federal reform. The Labor government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced a series of measures earlier in August, including stricter marketing rules such as a whistle-to-whistle advertising ban and restrictions on sports sponsorship. Critics argue the package does not go far enough to reflect the 2023 report led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, which called for a complete ban on gambling advertising and the creation of a new regulator, among other measures.
Speaking to ABC News Australia, Davis said the Territory is in a position to show leadership and make simple changes. She added that the changes would not stop gambling but would prevent harm to people in the Territory and across Australia.
The bill has the backing of 33 advocacy groups and leaders, who co-signed an open letter urging the Northern Territory government to support it. According to ABC News, Shadow Racing Minister Chansey Paech has also told Davis that Labor will support the bill. It is scheduled to be introduced in Parliament on Wednesday, 21 October.
Based on reporting by SBC News.