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RACING AND GAMING AUTHORITY

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The Racing and Gaming Authority is charged with creating and maintaining a high quality gambling environment which will enhance the well-being of the community and will be attractive to tourists. In doing so, it is responsible for the regulation and monitoring of all gaming activities in the Northern Territory.

Core functions of the Authority include:

• gaming, including lotteries, and casino control;
• management of horse and greyhound racing and the operations of registered bookmakers and sports bookmakers;
• establishment and maintenance of a central monitoring system to ensure integrity of machine gaming and to enhance commercial returns for community benefit and government revenue; and
• totalisator betting facilities.

Strategic issues for the Authority currently include:

• privatisation of the Territorian Lottery, thought to be the first in Australia;
• the impact of technological and communications changes on the delivery and availability of gaming related services in response to community demand for greater accessibility; and
• community demand for appropriate regulation and integrity of the gaming industry.

ACTIVITY: CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

PROGRAM: EXECUTIVE SUPPORT

The Executive Support Program's objective is to assist the Authority to achieve its objectives by providing personnel, finance and information support services. The program reviews, evaluates and develops the legislative framework for the provision of a sound regulatory practice and for the protection and integrity of the industry

Key outputs for the program include:

• Legislation
• Training plans
• Human management plans including specialised employment categories, EEO, OH&S

In 1996-97 initiatives will include:

• implementation of new and revised gaming legislation;
• introduction of an innovative gaming regulation model, involving multiskilling of staff to undertake regulatory practice in all areas of operation, thought to be a first in Australia; and
• undertaking consultancy into problem gambling.

The major outcomes planned for the 1996-97 year include:

• improved integrity for the gaming industry through a more effective legislative framework and a more effective of method of regulation in terms of practice and cost of delivery; and
• increased priority for the issue of problem gambling.

ACTIVITY: RACING MANAGEMENT

PROGRAM: RACING MANAGEMENT

The Racing Management Program's objectives are to support the growth and the development of the racing industry in the Northern Territory and the maximisation of revenue to Government. The program provides attractive and diversified betting opportunities for the public and manages horse and greyhound racing and the operations of registered bookmakers and sports bookmakers.

Key outputs for the program include:

• Revenue collection
• Funds distribution
• Regulation and control of racing

In 1996-97 initiatives will include developing the link between tourism and racing in the Northern Territory.

The major outcomes planned for the 1996-97 year include a dynamic and effective racing industry with leading Australian bookmakers attracted to the Northern Territory, an increase in the number of participants in racing, an increase in the distribution of funding support to the Racing Industry, and an increase in total betting turnover by registered bookmakers and sports bookmakers.

ACTIVITY: GAMING CONTROL

PROGRAM: GAMING CONTROL

The Gaming Control Program's objectives are to foster the growth and development of a high quality and attractive gambling environment for the Northern Territory, to regulate the gaming industry in a manner that is consistent with a legitimate public expectation of integrity of operations, and to ensure the maximisation of community benefit from the gaming industry and Government revenue.

Key outputs for the program include:

• Revenue collection
• Gaming inspections and audits

In 1996-97 initiatives will include:

• the second phase of the introduction of cash paying gaming machines into the community; and
• uniform casino control in the Territory.

The major outcomes planned for the 1996-97 year include:

• improved regulatory methods, in both community and casino gaming, with an emphasis on compliance, some self regulation and a strong Gaming Regulation Management Plan, including increased frequency in the number of random and targeted site inspections and an increased number of inspections of all aspects of casino gaming activities;
• increased number of cash paying gaming machines in the community; and
• increased gaming revenue with a view to increasing community and industry benefit.

ACTIVITY: SYSTEMS

PROGRAM: SYSTEMS

The Systems Program's objectives are to enhance the commercial returns from machine gambling for the community benefit and government revenue. The program establishes and maintains a central monitoring system to ensure the integrity of cash paying machine gambling and standards and controls to ensure the integrity of technology based gambling. It also provides and manages information system support and infrastructure for the Authority.

Key outputs for the program include:

• Computer systems
• Development plans, including technical specifications, for the purchase and introduction of cash paying gaming machines
• Testing procedures and controls for machines

In 1996-97 initiatives will include a Local Area Network infrastructure to all areas of the Authority.

The major outcomes planned for the 1996-97 year include:

• increased attractiveness and quality in the Northern Territory gambling environment;
• improved integrity and control in technology based gambling systems in the Territory through high quality monitoring and analysis of gaming machine operations; and
• greater operational efficiencies within the Authority resulting from access to technology support systems in all areas.

ACTIVITY: LOTTERIES

PROGRAM: LOTTERIES

The Lotteries Program's objective is to efficiently and responsibly regulate lotteries operating in the Northern Territory. The program administers the Lotteries Fund which receives revenue from lottery related sources and disperses grants in accordance with Ministerial directions.

Key outputs for the program include:

• Lottery permits
• Grants

The major outcomes planned for the 1996-97 year include:

• efficient disbursement of grant moneys; and
• compliance with lotteries legislation.