On-Course Bookmakers in New South Wales: Licensed Operators and Your Rights

Who regulates on-course bookmakers in New South Wales

On-course bookmakers who field at New South Wales racetracks are licensed and regulated within the state's racing framework. Bookmakers' licences are administered through the relevant controlling body for each racing code — Racing NSW (thoroughbred), Harness Racing NSW, and Greyhound Racing NSW — with oversight of wagering and betting integrity involving those bodies and Liquor & Gaming NSW. The exact licensing authority depends on the code the bookmaker fields in.

Because licensing arrangements and conditions can change, you should confirm any bookmaker's current licence status and the code they are authorised to field in directly with the relevant controlling body. This page features listings for a number of New South Wales on-course bookmakers, including Adelaide Pendlebury, Allan Hincks, Denham Carter, Elizabeth Rook, John Mullinger, Kenneth Muller, Mark Simpkins, Robert Munn, Sandro D'Amore, Thomas Bingle, Warwick Kiely and Adrian Dowdle. Inclusion in a directory is not verification of a current licence — always check with the regulator.

How to verify a licence

To confirm that an on-course bookmaker is licensed:

• Contact the controlling body for the racing code (Racing NSW, Harness Racing NSW or Greyhound Racing NSW) and ask whether the person holds a current bookmaker's licence.
• Ask the bookmaker directly for their licence details while at the track; licensed fielders operate from an allocated stand in the betting ring.
• Check that the operator you are dealing with matches the licensed individual. Some bookmakers also hold separate online or telephone betting approvals under Northern Territory or other state licences — these are distinct from an on-course fielding licence, and you should confirm which authority applies to the bet you are placing.

You can also check ACMA's register of licensed interactive wagering services and its interactive gambling rules if you are betting online, and use ACMA's website blocking program information to understand which services are lawful in Australia.

How on-course bookmakers work for customers

Traditionally, betting with an on-course bookmaker happens face to face in the ring, in cash, with a printed or handwritten ticket as your record. Keep that ticket safe, as it is your proof of the bet.

Some bookmakers also offer telephone betting or online betting accounts. Where they do, the product and features can differ between operators:

• Deposit and withdrawal methods — cash on-course; for account holders, methods may include bank transfer or card. Available methods vary by operator.
• Identity verification — opening a betting account requires identity verification under Australian law. You will typically need to provide identification to confirm you are 18 or over and to meet anti-money-laundering obligations. Requirements differ from placing an anonymous cash bet on-course.
• Availability — on-course fielding is limited to race meetings the bookmaker attends. Telephone or online availability, opening hours and the range of markets differ between operators.

Minimum bet limits

Racing NSW has a minimum bet limit policy for licensed bookmakers on thoroughbred racing, which requires bookmakers to lay a bet to lose a set minimum amount on certain win markets, subject to conditions and timeframes set by Racing NSW. The precise thresholds, the races and markets covered, and any exclusions are set out in the policy. Confirm the current rules and how they apply directly with Racing NSW, as policies can change.

Your consumer protections and how to complain

If you have a dispute with an on-course bookmaker in New South Wales — for example about a bet settlement, a payout, or the conduct of the operator — the complaint pathway depends on the code and the licence involved:

• For on-course thoroughbred betting disputes, contact Racing NSW; for harness or greyhound betting, contact Harness Racing NSW or Greyhound Racing NSW respectively.
• Liquor & Gaming NSW oversees broader wagering compliance in the state.
• If your bet was placed through an account licensed in another jurisdiction, that jurisdiction's regulator handles the complaint. For example, Northern Territory–licensed wagering services are overseen by the NT Racing Commission, which generally requires that you first complain to the operator and then, if unresolved, lodge a complaint with the Commission within 60 days of the operator's decision. Check the exact time limit and process with the relevant regulator, as they differ.

Always raise the issue with the bookmaker first, keep your ticket or account records, and note dates and amounts. If it is not resolved, escalate to the correct regulator.

Questions to ask before opening an account

• Which authority licenses this bookmaker, and for which racing code or product?
• Is this an on-course, telephone or online account, and which regulator handles complaints for it?
• What identity verification is required, and what are the deposit and withdrawal methods and timeframes?
• What responsible gambling tools are available, such as deposit limits?
• What is the complaint process and the time limit for lodging a dispute?

Responsible gambling

Gambling is entertainment that carries risk, not a way to make money. You can set deposit limits and use BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register to exclude yourself from licensed online and phone wagering services. For free and confidential support, call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. This information is for people aged 18 and over.