Betting Giants Notch Up Win as Australia Ditches Stricter Rules

Tougher rules that were meant to shield problem gamblers from companies like Bet365 Group Ltd. and other industry giants were scrapped at the last minute by Australia’s main online gambling regulator, documents show, a decision that adds to allegations of inadequate corporate oversight in the world’s most prolific betting market.

The Northern Territory Racing Commission, which is based in Darwin, told digital betting companies on June 3 last year that it was shelving a new code of practice aimed at reducing gambling harm less than a month before it was due to take effect.