Lottoland granted injunction against NT Government licence changes

THE NT Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Lottoland to impose an injunction on proposed changes to gambling legislation by the NT government which would impact their operating licence

THE NT Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Lottoland to impose an injunction on proposed changes to gambling legislation by the NT government which would impact their operating licence.

Lottoland Australia Pty Ltd took both the Minister Racing, Gaming and Licensing and the NT Racing Commission to court after the minister informed the company they were making changes to the NT’s Betting Act, which were set to come into effect at the end of October.

MORE NT NEWS

NT Police officer suspended from duty after being charged with rape

‘Karen from Brighton’ flees Victoria for NT’s Howard Springs to eventually move to Queensland

Trio rescued after boat engine failure leaves them stranded on Adelaide River

The changes to the legislation would significantly impact their licence, which Lottoland holds in the Northern Territory, and “destroy” the company’s business model.

Lawyers for Lottoland argued the changes, which would no longer allow them to sell their Jackpot Betting products, would result in them losing “95 per cent of their revenue”.

The products allow people to bet on the outcome of national and international stockmarket indices.

Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing Natasha Fyles. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

The court heard Lottoland intended to fight the changes to their licence conditions in court, but the Supreme Court does not have time for a hearing until November. So, the company sought an injunction to the changes until the matter can be heard to enable them to continue operating under their current licence conditions.

While giving reasons for his decision to grant the injunction in court on Thursday, Chief Justice Michael Grant said the NT government wanted to amend the legislation because Lottoland’s Jackpot Betting products were misleading as they were not a lottery, and that they financially disadvantage newsagencies.

However, Chief Justice Michael Grant said there was “no material” before him which proved “consumers were misled by the products”.

SPECIAL OFFER: Amazing NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks

“There is no material before the court to suggest the public interest would suffer,” he said.

“The company was granted the licence operating on a certain business model, and has done so for five years.”

He said without an injunction, Lottoland would have to withdraw their product immediately, resulting in significant financial loss.”

The parties will return to court next month.