Gambling

About gambling and racing in the NT

Any activity in the Northern Territory (NT) which involves betting or gambling is governed by laws, regulations and licences.

This includes all of the following industries and activities:

There are also codes of practice aimed at minimising potential harm to individuals and the community from problem gambling.

Read more about the codes of practice for responsible gambling in the NT.

Read more about gambling industry licences.

All on-course and on-premises betting in the NT operates under a single totalisator licence.

The 20-year licence was awarded to UBET NT - part of the Tatts Group - in 2015.

Read more about the NT totalisator, how it operates and the laws and regulations that control it.

Thoroughbred and greyhound racing make up the racing sector in the NT.

Horse racing

Thoroughbred Racing NT is the main horse race club.

Races are held at Fannie Bay racecourse in Darwin, Pioneer Park racecourse in Alice Springs and country tracks at Adelaide River, Pine Creek, Katherine and Tennant Creek.

About 70 meetings are held in Darwin and Alice Springs each year. There is usually one meeting a year at the country tracks.

Greyhound racing

The Darwin Greyhound Association is responsible for greyhound racing.

The only greyhound racing track is at Winnellie Park in Darwin. Meetings are usually held every Friday evening.

UBET facilities are available at the major thoroughbred race tracks and the greyhound race track.

The following laws, regulations and standards apply to gambling and betting in the NT.

NT gaming laws and regulations

The Gaming Control Act and the Gaming Machine Act, along with associated regulations, govern all gaming and gambling in the Northern Territory.

The following are information about the gaming laws and regulations:

NT racing and betting laws and regulations

All racing and betting in the NT is governed by the laws and regulations listed below:

Australian laws

Interactive Gambling Act

Financial Transaction Records Act

Australian / New Zealand standards for gaming machines

Gaming Machine National Standards - for a copy of the latest version contact Licensing NT.

NT Gaming Equipment Approval Process & Appendix to the Australian / New Zealand Gaming Machine National Standards PDF (805.6 KB)
NT Gaming Equipment Approval Process & Appendix to the Australian / New Zealand Gaming Machine National Standards DOCX (684.8 KB)


Casinos in the NT

The Northern Territory (NT) has two land-based casinos - in Darwin and Alice Springs.

To run a casino you must apply to, and negotiate an agreement with, the NT Government.

Mindil Beach Casino and Resort: Darwin

Mindil Beach Casino and Resort operates under an operator's agreement with the NT Government.

This casino is also licensed to operate NT Keno throughout hotels and clubs in the NT.

Lasseters Hotel Casino: Alice Springs

Lasseters operates under an operator's agreement with the NT Government.

NT Keno is run on the property under licence from Mindil Beach Casino and Resort.

Exclusivity

During the term of a casino licence, the government can not grant another casino licence without the existing casino operator's consent.


Unclaimed gambling prize money

There are time limits on how long you can take to claim winnings in some forms of gambling or betting in the Northern Territory (NT).

Unclaimed winnings in some games go to the NT Department of Treasury and Finance. The department must approve their release after a certain time.

Unclaimed phone or internet betting funds

If you set up a telephone or internet betting account you must do both of the following: 

  • provide identification (ID) to the betting provider within 45 days of opening the account.
  • you must not withdraw funds or winnings until you have provided suitable ID.

Unclaimed Tattersall's wins over 12 months

You have 12 months to claim the prize on a winning Lotto ticket. 

If the prize is unclaimed after 12 months the prize money is transferred to the NT Department of Treasury
and Finance.

You must have the ticket to claim.

Unclaimed Keno wins over 12 months

You have 12 months to claim a Keno win by presenting your ticket to any Northern Territory Keno outlet.

Your claim will be referred to the Director-General of Licencing if you try to claim a Keno prize more than
12 months after buying the ticket. 

You may be asked to provide either of the below before your claim is approved: 

  • proof of entitlement
  • proof of a ticket.

Self-exclusion from a licensed venue

If you want to stop yourself from gambling at one or more venues, you must submit a self-exclusion notice.

This is an agreement not to gamble at a venue in the Northern Territory (NT) and can be for up to 2 years.

After that, you can choose to fill in another self-exclusion notice or end your agreement.

Before you apply, contact the venue licensee or a participating counselling service.

They will let you know what is involved in submitting a request.

If you agree to the conditions, you can submit a self-exclusion notice for one or all of the following licensed venues:

  • the entire premises
  • the gaming area
  • Keno betting
  • table machines
  • gaming machines (pokies)
  • TAB
  • lottery betting services.

You can also read more about self-exclusion from a sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator.

You can apply to exclude yourself from up to 35 multiple venues using one application.

To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1. Speak with one of the following and let them know you would like to apply for one or more venue exclusions:

Step 2. Meet them in person so they can:

  • enter your details into the NT Gambling Care system
  • take your photograph
  • print a self-exclusion deed for you to sign.

See a sample of the self-exclusion deed PDF (154.1 KB) provided by the Registered Clubs Association of NSW © ClubsNSW.

For any questions, contact NT Gambling Care in Hospitality NT using the contact details above.

Other way to apply for single venue exclusion

If you want to exclude yourself from one venue and can't follow the process above, you can also apply at that specific venue.

To apply, follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the self-exclusion notice.

Self-exclusion notice PDF (49.4 KB)
Self-exclusion notice DOCX (55.4 KB)

Step 2. Attach one front-facing passport-sized photograph - you can also provide a side profile photo as well.

Step 3. Have a witness sign your form.

Step 4. Submit your notice to the venue licensee.

From the time you submit a self-exclusion notice, you have a 3-day cooling off period to change your mind.

If you want to stop your self-exclusion notice during this period, speak to a venue licensee.

After the cooling off period, your self-exclusion notice will be enforced for the requested timeframe.

During this timeframe, you must:

  • try not enter any part of the venue from which you are self-excluded
  • inform the licensee if you do enter any part of the self-excluded area
  • not make a claim against a venue or licensee for any losses you suffer as a result of gambling in the excluded area.

You should also read the gambling code of practice.

If you’re the licensee of a venue where somebody has applied for self-exclusion, you must:

  • provide information about any assistance or support services available
  • remove their name from player loyalty lists promoting gaming during their self-exclusion period
  • take reasonable steps to prevent them from entering a prohibited area or taking part in gambling activities.

Find support services for problem gambling below.

Amity Community Service

The Amity Community Service offers a free 24-hour gambling helpline via 1800 858 858.

You can also email them at habitwise@amity.org.au.

To find out more, go to the Amity Community Service website.

Anglicare NT

If you’re experiencing problem gambling, Anglicare NT can help you.

You can email them at anglicare@anglicare-nt.org.au or call:

For more information, go to the Anglicare NT website.

Contact

For more information on self-exclusion, contact Licensing NT.


Self-exclusion from a sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator

If you want to stop yourself from gambling with a Northern Territory (NT) sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator, you can apply for self-exclusion.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary process for people who want to stop gambling for a period of time.

You may decide to self-exclude if you think you are spending too much time or money on gambling.

You can do this through a self-exclusion notice. The notice lets you:

  • nominate one or more gambling operators
  • choose how long you want to self-exclude for - months, years or permanently.

How to apply

To apply, follow these steps:

You must read the conditions of the self-exclusion notice.

By completing and submitting a self-exclusion notice, you agree:

  • to be excluded from betting with a nominated sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator licensed in the NT
  • to not bet or attempt to bet with your nominated sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator, including through:
    • websites
    • mobile apps or
    • a phone
  • that your nominated sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator may restrict your access to accounts, their websites, mobile apps and phone betting facilities
  • that if you apply for permanent exclusion, the sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator may close your account
  • that the notice, including your personal details and the exclusion period, may be:
    • provided to the nominated sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator and
    • placed on the responsible gambling incident register held by those sports bookmakers or betting exchange operators
  • that if you apply to be excluded from all sports bookmakers and betting exchange operators in the NT, the notice will be provided to any new licensed sports bookmakers or betting exchange operators
  • that it is not the role or responsibility of the Racing Commission or Licensing NT to exclude people from gambling
  • that your exclusion from using the gambling products and services of the nominated sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator is:
    • voluntary and
    • you are responsible for following the rules specified in the notice.

You have the right to seek independent, legal or other professional advice before signing the notice.

To find out more, read the gambling code of practice.

Get a list of NT licensed sports bookmakers and betting exchange operators on the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade website.

Fill in the sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator form. You must complete all required fields.

Self-exclusion notice - sports bookmaker/ betting exchange operator PDF (651.5 KB)
Self-exclusion notice - sports bookmaker/ betting exchange operator DOCX (64.5 KB)

You will need a witness to sign your form.

Email your completed form and photo identification to LicensingNTSportsBookmakers.DITT@nt.gov.au.

Self-exclude from an interstate gambling operator

To self-exclude from an interstate gambling operator, you must contact:

  • the gambling operator directly
  • the relevant authority that regulates the operator.

For a list of all registered gambling operators, go to the Australian Government's Australian Communications and Media Authority website.

After you apply

Once you submit your form, Licensing NT will provide your details to the nominated gambling operator within three business days. This is dependent on the form being completed properly.

If you change your mind, you must contact the nominated site, sports bookmaker or betting exchange operator within 72 hours of submitting your form. Otherwise, you won't be able to gamble for the term nominated on the form.

Read more about self-exclusion from a licensed venue.

More information

For more information on self-exclusion notices, contact Licensing NT.

Contact

For information on support services for problem gambling, contact:

24 hour gambling helpline
Phone: 1800 858 858
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

Amity Community Service Inc.
155 Stuart Highway
Parap NT 0820
habitwise@amity.org.au
Phone: 1800 684 372
www.amity.org.au

Anglicare NT
60 Winnellie Road
Winnellie NT 0820
anglicare@anglicare-nt.org.au
Phone: 08 8985 0000 (Darwin) or 08 8952 0377 (Alice Springs)
www.anglicare-nt.org.au


Complain about a bookmaker or betting exchange operator

You must first make every reasonable effort to resolve disputes directly with the operator.

They have systems in place to:

  • review
  • record
  • manage
  • investigate.

If you are unhappy with the outcome you may be able to refer your complaint to the Northern Territory (NT) Racing Commission.

Your complaint to the commission must be made within 14 days after the completion of the sporting event.

If you make a complaint after 14 days you will need to give a reason for the delay in making a complaint.

The commission may review late complaints.

What the commission can't investigate

The commission can’t investigate any of the following:

  • requests for compensation or damages
  • customer service disputes
  • complaints about bets that were never accepted, processed or refused
    • including cashouts being removed or not being offered
  • betting accounts where restrictions have been imposed by the wagering operator
    • including the use of their promotions, or on the amount a customer can bet
  • complaints about minimum bet laws
  • betting accounts that have been closed by the wagering operator.

If your complaint relates to any of the above, you should seek your own legal advice to check your options.

If your complaint relates to an operator outside of the NT, contact the relevant authority in the state or territory where they are licensed.

Find out more about the role of the commission on the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade website.

Before you make a complaint

You should first try to resolve the matter with the operator as soon as any disputes arise.

You can help resolve the matter by:

  • checking your rights by reading the terms and conditions
  • contacting the operator and explaining the issue and the outcome you want
  • providing the operator with information that supports your claim
  • asking for a dispute reference number as evidence of your dispute.

If your dispute has still not been resolved, you may lodge a complaint with the commission.

Make a complaint

To make a complaint, fill in the gambling dispute form.

You must provide all of the following information:

  • a summary of the complaint and the outcome you want
  • details of the bet in dispute
  • the dispute reference number provided by the wagering operator
  • what contact you have had with the wagering operator to try and resolve the dispute, and the outcome
  • the name of the wagering operator
  • your betting account details
  • copies of information including betting slips and other correspondence that support your complaint.

Making a complaint on the behalf of another person

You can make a complaint on the behalf of someone else.

When submitting the complaint, you must provide:

  • a valid reason for acting on the behalf of the other person
  • a signed authority from to act on their behalf
  • information to support their claim.

Anonymous complaints

You can make an anonymous complaint. However, it will only be investigated if:

  • it raises a serious matter and
  • there is sufficient information to enable the commission to investigate.

If you wish to make an anonymous complaint, call Licensing NT on 08 8999 1800.

After you submit a complaint

Complaints can take 12 to 24 months to be finalised from when they are received.

The commission will assess your complaint to make sure it meets the legal requirements of the:

The commission may decide to take any of the following actions:

  • hold a hearing and summon the people involved to give evidence
  • take evidence from other people
  • request books, accounts, tickets or other documents from those involved.

If the commission upholds the complaint it can do any of the following:

  • impose penalties including fines
  • suspend or cancel a wagering operator's licence
  • decide whether bets associated with a client account are lawful or unlawful
  • direct the wagering operator to take specific action.

Publishing the decision

Dispute or discipline decisions can be published if the commission decides it is in the public interest.

Responsible gambling

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, you can get help through Gambling Help Online.

If you need help to stop yourself gambling at a licensed venue, you can apply for a self-exclusion notice.