Advisory firm linked to Tabcorp undertaking publicly funded NT racing reviewBy Jack HislopTopic:Horse Racing1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 9:00pmThe NT racing industry review is set to be completed in June. (ABC News: Che Chorley )In short:A consultancy firm that counts major gambling company Tabcorp as one of its clients is conducting a government-funded review into the Northern Territory's racing industry.Tabcorp-owned companies own an exclusive betting licence and media rights in the NT, leading some to raise "serious concerns" about the review's integrity.What's next?The review is due to be completed by June 30.abc.net.au/news/nt-racing-industry-review-ap2-advisory-tabcorp-government/105234528Link copiedShareShare articleA government-funded review of the Northern Territory's racing industry is being conducted by a consultancy firm that also represents Australia's largest gambling company, sparking questions about its integrity.In December, the Department of Tourism and Hospitality awarded a $110,000 contract to conduct the review to consultancy firm AP2 Advisory — a company that also represents Tabcorp.Racing Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the review was to ensure the industry had a "strong and sustainable future" and to "maximise the economic and lifestyle contributions of the industry". Marie-Clare Boothby says the review will cover the entire industry. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)AP2 Advisory principal Josh Blanksby told the ABC he was "solely" conducting the review on behalf of his company."Two of AP2's principals — Paul Bittar and Bronte Campbell — are engaged by Tabcorp on an exclusive basis," the former Melbourne Racing Club chief executive said."I am not engaged by Tabcorp."Mr Blanksby said the review "covered all aspects" of NT racing industry funding.Tabcorp holds the NT's exclusive retail betting licence. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)Through its Ubet NT brand, Tabcorp is the exclusive rights holder of the NT's retail betting licence, meaning it is the only company allowed to deliver betting services through retail outlets, pubs and clubs.Ubet also exclusively operates a totalisator in the territory — a pool betting system where commission is taken from money wagered, before dividends are distributed to winning punters.The NT's retail betting and totalisator licence was secured for 20 years by Tabcorp in 2015.The company also owns television network Sky Racing, which holds media rights to broadcast races from both Darwin and Alice Springs.Conflicts of interest considered by governmentGambling researcher associate professor Charles Livingstone said AP2 Advisory had a conflict of interest in undertaking the review."Tabcorp clearly has an interest in getting the best possible price [for NT licences and rights]," he said."The company that has been asked to review this process is very closely linked to Tabcorp."I'm not suggesting that they would do anything other than what is in the interest of their clients, but unfortunately they have clients pulling in opposite directions."Charles Livingstone says AP2 Advisory has a conflict on interest undertaking the review. (ABC News: William Howard)The NT Executive Director of Liquor, Racing and Gaming, Mel Garde, said AP2 Advisory and Mr Blanksby had submitted a joint quote to conduct the review."Their credentials were reviewed, including conflicts of interest," she said."Licensing NT was aware of and considered AP2 Advisory's client Tabcorp, and others including government bodies, before any work was undertaken on the review."The review acknowledges the role of Tabcorp and other wagering service operators as key sources of revenue for the government and the NT racing industry."Mr Blanksby said "AP2 at all times abided by its conflict-of-interest management policy which has been provided to both the Northern Territory government and Tabcorp".The NT has two main racetracks, in Darwin and Alice Springs. (ABC News: Pete Garnish )Why does it matter?Dr Livingstone said the future of the NT's racing industry relied on obtaining the best possible deals with companies such as Tabcorp."[Tabcorp's] got a very unique position and it's in a very strong position to … restrict the flow of revenue that the [racing industry] might require," he said."Dependency on one … of the big providers means that [the government] becomes subject to the decisions they make and … ends up being a price taker not a price maker."NT Opposition Leader Selena Uibo said Territory Labor held "serious concerns about the integrity and independence" of the review.How six people in the NT regulate Australia's online gambling tradePhoto shows man in shirt and tie counts on fingersFor years, Australia’s de facto online gambling regulator has been based in the Northern Territory. Advocates say that’s a problem and are urging the next federal government to take action."AP2 Advisory's commercial relationship with Tabcorp — one of the key players in the NT racing industry — raises red flags about whether the recommendations will truly serve the public interest," she said."If the government wants Territorians to have any confidence in this review, it must release the report in full."Ms Garde said the review was due to be completed by June 30."Outcomes from the review will be shared with key NT racing industry stakeholders and relevant information [will be] made available to the public in due course," she said.Selena Uibo says the review report should be made public. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)Earlier this month, an ABC investigation scrutinised the links between the territory's gambling regulator and the racing and gambling industries.It led to calls for bans on gifts from gambling companies to members of the NT Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC).The NT is home to 36 corporate bookmakers — including Sportsbet and Bet 365 — due to its low fees and taxes, meaning the NTRWC is Australia's de facto national online gambling regulator.Posted 1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 9:00pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter) News in LanguageListen to the news in Warlpiri, Yolngu Matha and KriolListenTop StoriesHackers have stolen almost 100 staff logins at the Big Four banks, experts sayTopic:Cyber CrimePhoto shows A generic graphic image including a gold dollar sign and some websites.Dutton turns to Voice as cost of living alone won't save the CoalitionDAnalysis by David SpeersPhoto shows Anthony Albanese NPC for Speers ColumnCoalition to release 'materially better, in double digits' budget costingsTopic:BudgetPhoto shows a bald male politician wearing glasses speaks in front of a man standing behind himUS, Ukraine sign deal two months after Oval Office clashBREAKINGPhoto shows Volodymyr Zelenskyy wearing all black with his left palm on his chest alongside Donald Trump wearing a blue suit and red tieThe strange 'ballot-fellows' revealed on parties' how-to-vote cardsTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows green how to vote cards in the background with a text box that says enter your suburbPopular nowDutton turns to Voice as cost of living alone won't save the CoalitionDAnalysis by David SpeersPhoto shows Anthony Albanese NPC for Speers ColumnHackers have 'compromised' almost 100 bank employees, experts sayTopic:Cyber CrimePhoto shows A generic graphic image including a gold dollar sign and some websites.Couple who used overseas surrogate to have baby could face prosecutionTopic:SurrogacyPhoto shows Close up shot of arms holding a small child, whose bare leg and foot are visible.Related topicsDarwinGamblingHorse RacingNTState and Territory GovernmentTop StoriesHackers have stolen almost 100 staff logins at the Big Four banks, experts sayTopic:Cyber CrimePhoto shows A generic graphic image including a gold dollar sign and some websites.Dutton turns to Voice as cost of living alone won't save the CoalitionDAnalysis by David SpeersCoalition to release 'materially better, in double digits' budget costingsTopic:BudgetBreaking: US, Ukraine sign deal two months after Oval Office clashTopic:World PoliticsThe strange 'ballot-fellows' revealed on parties' how-to-vote cardsTopic:ElectionsJust InUS, Ukraine sign deal two months after Oval Office clashBREAKING2m ago2 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:21pm'Dancing to their tune': What Australia's neighbours want after this electionTopic:Elections18m ago18 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:05pm'Sleeping power': The untapped voters that could help decide key seatsTopic:Elections23m ago23 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:00pmRescuers fed up with tourists risking lives for selfies at coastal cliffTopic:Emergency Services24m ago24 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 9:59pmMore Just InBack to top