NT gambling regulator admits not telling bookmakers of 48 addicts who asked to be banned

Almost all online betting companies in Australia are licensed in the Northern Territory for historical tax purposes, despite the bookmakers operating nationally and many having headquarters on the east coast.

The turnover of sports betting companies licensed in the NT has doubled from $24.6bn in 2018 as a result of the popularity of smartphone applications, official partnerships with major sporting codes and lucrative advertising deals.

The Northern Territory government and the NTRC were contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.

Prof Samantha Thomas, who researches gambling at Deakin University, said the oversight showed the need for a national regulator that could also develop new consumer protection systems.