The Northern Territory Racing Commission (the Commission) is an independent statutory authority that operates as an administrative and quasi-judicial tribunal with powers to regulate the racing and betting industries in the Northern Territory (NT).

There are currently 20 sports bookmakers and 1 bet exchange operator licensed in the NT.

In addition to the taxes received by the Northern Territory Government, the Commission requires that all applications for a wagering licence (including the renewal of a licence) include the applicant’s proposal for providing economic benefits to the NT. This is achieved through deeds of agreement between the operator and the NT Government.

The Commission granted a sports bookmaker licence to Lottoland in December 2015.

The licence has enabled Lottoland to accept bets on the outcome of nationally and internationally run lotteries. Clients pick their numbers in the same way as if they were buying a ticket for the official lottery draw; however, instead of entering the draw, the client is placing a bet on the outcome of the lottery.

Lottoland have conducted similar practices in various countries for a number of years with the approved rules prominently displayed on its website.

Lottoland and all other licensed NT sports bookmakers, have passed all probity requirements, have sufficient funds to cover client account balances and in Lottoland’s case, have appropriate risk management strategies in place to ensure it is able to meet any pay out requirements as and when they fall due.

Additionally, licensees are required to adhere to the Code of Practice for Responsible Online Gambling and all relevant state and federal legislation.

Lottoland and other NT sports bookmakers’ customers can only place their bets via the internet (Lottoland has no retail outlets) and the Commission is aware that tickets for the Australian lotteries can also be purchased online from official sellers as well as in newsagencies.

As more and more Australians are embracing online technologies, and the convenience that it brings, it would be difficult to ascertain the actual impact Lottoland has on newsagent retail outlets.   

Further queries, please contact Ms Cindy Bravos, Director-General of Licensing, Department of the Attorney-General and Justice on telephone (08) 8999 1800 or by email at Director-GeneralofLicensing.DOB@nt.gov.au

John McBride, Chairman - Northern Territory Racing Commission