Senator says gamblers need more protection from ‘toothless’ regulation as Alice feeds gambling fix by $26m

PROBLEM gamblers could be at the mercy of unscrupulous betting operators in the Northern Territory due to a “weakly” regulated system, according to a South Australian senator.

Pokies laws for pubs and clubs in the Northern Territory are set to be revamped in 2015...Picture: PHIL WILLIAMS

PROBLEM gamblers could be at the mercy of unscrupulous betting operators in the Northern Territory due to a “weakly” regulated system, according to a South Australian senator.

Independent senator and anti-gambling advocate Nick Xenophon has slammed the NT’s gambling regulators for not putting in better protection for punters.

“It lacks basic consumer protections and does nothing to clamp down on the types of betting that can fuel problem gambling,” Senator Xenophon said.

“My experience with people who come to me when they have lost money on gambling regulated out of the NT, is the system is weak and the NT gambling regulator is a toothless Chihuahua.”

Senator Xenophon’s comments come hot on the heels of recent headlines showing a 20 per cent increase in losses on poker machines in the NT over the past year.

Across the Territory, a shocking $82 million was lost by punters in the 2014-2015 financial year, with Alice Springs contributing $26 million to the sum.

The senator’s statements also follow the NT Racing Commission’s ­recent awarding of a five-year licence to online bookmaker Lottoland, which can accept bets on the outcome of lotteries from punters around Australia.

Earlier in January, Lottoland gave Australian punters the chance to enter the “world’s biggest ever” international Powerball lottery for a sum of US$1.5 billion – the first time such an opportunity had been offered.

The enticement was evidently so popular that the Lottoland website crashed the day before entries closed, with 107,000 Australian gamblers purchasing a ticket for a chance at the loot.

No Australians were counted among winners when results were ­announced last Thursday.

Chief Minister Adam Giles said Senator Xenophon “should stick to South Australia”.

“What does Nick Xenophon have to say about the redevelopment of the casino in Adelaide?” Mr Giles said.

“He’s a lovely bloke . . . (but) he should look in his own backyard and keep his nose out of the Northern Territory.”

The Department of Business, which overlooks the gambling and licensing sector, also defended the strength of the NT’s regulations.

“The online gambling regulations of the NT are consistent with world’s best practice and are constantly ­reviewed to ensure they are maintained,” a spokesman said.