Sportsbet and Tabcorp Defend Practices at Gambling Reform Inquiry
Sportsbet and Tabcorp appeared before an Australian Senate inquiry this week as lawmakers continued reviewing the government’s proposed gambling reform legislation.
The hearing followed allegations from gambling reform advocate Reverend Tim Costello, who claimed a financial adviser stole more than A$12 million to fund his gambling addiction and became a high-value customer of major betting operators. Costello also alleged the customer received luxury benefits and other incentives from betting companies.
Both Sportsbet and Tabcorp rejected the allegations and said they had found no evidence to support the claims.
Jules Norton Selzer, Sportsbet’s Corporate Affairs Director, commented:
We have found zero evidence to support these deplorable allegations. If any evidence is provided, we will gladly investigate it.
The inquiry is examining the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, which proposes stricter advertising rules, stronger consumer protections and additional measures against illegal gambling operators. The Senate committee is expected to report its findings on August 17, 2026.
During the hearing, several senators argued that gambling companies should face tighter rules on customer inducements and advertising, while industry representatives warned that some of the proposed measures could push bettors toward unregulated offshore websites.
