Bookmaker Conduct and Interactions

21 September 2026

QRIC is responsible for regulating bookmakers as part of Queensland’s racing integrity framework. QRIC administers the licensing regime, monitors compliance with the Act and relevant rules, and has compliance, investigative and enforcement powers in relation to bookmakers.

Key Points

  • Bookmakers and staff must treat officials, participants, and stakeholders respectfully at all times, including on-course and in racing-related social media
  • Harassment, intimidation, threats, or abuse may lead to disciplinary action, including licence suspension or revocation
  • Licensees must ensure employees and representatives understand and follow expected conduct standards
  • QRIC may investigate and impose penalties, disciplinary action, or licence restrictions for non-compliance.

Bookmakers play an important role in maintaining the integrity and reputation of the racing industry. Bookmakers are expected to conduct themselves professionally, comply with all legislative and regulatory requirements, and uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability at all times.

Professional Standards Expected

All interactions with fellow bookmakers, racing officials, participants, and stakeholders must be conducted in a respectful, professional, and courteous manner at all times.

Any behaviour that falls short of these expectations, including harassment, intimidation, abusive, threatening, aggressive or otherwise unprofessional conduct, will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of a licence.

These expectations apply to conduct on-course and at racing venues, when engaging with officials and other participants, and to electronic and social media communications where the conduct relates to racing.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) recognises that disagreements and disputes can arise within a competitive industry, however, a disagreement does not excuse inappropriate behaviour. Concerns should be raised through the appropriate channels, and participants are expected to communicate respectfully even where views differ.

Obligations Under the Rules

BR.7 Local Rules of Racing (All Codes) – Rules of Betting governs the conduct and obligations of bookmakers at race meetings. Licensed bookmakers are reminded of the importance of ensuring their employees and representatives understand the standards of conduct expected of them when undertaking activities associated with the bookmaker’s operations.

All bookmakers are expected to:

  • Treat all fellow bookmakers, racing officials, and stakeholders with respect
  • Uphold the integrity of the betting ring and the broader racing industry
  • Avoid conduct that could bring the profession into disrepute.

Regulatory Consequences

Where conduct may constitute a breach of the applicable Rules of Racing, licensing requirements, or other regulatory obligations, QRIC may investigate the matter and take appropriate regulatory action. Depending on the circumstances, this may include disciplinary proceedings, penalties or action affecting a participant’s licence or authority to participate.

Failure to comply with these standards may affect your ongoing suitability to hold a Racing Bookmaker’s Licence. A racing licence is a privilege and carries responsibilities. By treating others with respect and acting professionally, all participants can contribute to a fair, safe, and respected racing industry in Queensland.

Subscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.
The articles published on this site are the honestly held opinion of the author, based on observation, research and the materials available to and read or watched by them. The author makes no representation that the opinions expressed are strictly factual or provable in law. Racing is funded by public money, and issues to do with racing and gambling are matters of public interest. The honestly held opinions expressed in articles on the site are published on the basis of the public interest in the integrity of racing. Should any person believe that the author's opinions expressed herein are incorrect we encourage them to contact the author at peterprofitracing@gmail.com with their concerns, and appropriate corrections, alteration and deletions where appropriate will be made.
error: Content is protected !!