Economy
Australian Sportsbook Fined for Targeting Problem Gambler
Newly launched Betr, an Australian online casino, and sportsbook has been found to have violated the Northern Territory online gambling code of conduct by targeting a self-excluded problem gambler. Despite being on the Northern Territory self-exclusion register, the player, known as Mr. M, was contacted by Betr via phone and text message, offering him the opportunity to open a new account on their site for the upcoming Melbourne Cup. As a result of this breach, the Northern Territory Racing Commission has fined Betr a sum of AU$ 20,655.
The story was heard nationwide, and countless anti-gambling advocates had their say. The CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Carol Bennett, urged officials to pull the green light on the national self-exclusion register.
The national self-exclusion register was developed and legislated to prevent these types of problems from happening, and it should have been implemented years ago. Bennett also added that the federal government should prioritize implementation as soon as possible to protect problem gamblers better.
Northern Territory Self-Exclusion Register
The NT self-exclusion register allows every player from Australia to self-exclude themselves from every gambling site that is licensed by the Northern Territory. The exclusion period can last days, weeks, months, years, or indefinitely.
Because Betr is licensed by NT, they also have to follow and stick to every rule and regulation that the NT requires. The NT gambling code of conduct is pretty clear that all players who voluntarily self-excluded shouldn’t be contacted by gambling operators, no matter what type of material they are promoting.
According to the NT Racing Commission, Betr has access to the complete list of players who are part of the self-exclusion register, and records show that they received this list. Initially, Betr did not comment on the case when it first came to light. However, there are reports suggesting that the two representatives from Betr who contacted Mr. M used outdated documents that did not reflect the player’s current status on the self-exclusion register.
The Breach
Reportedly, representatives from Betr contacted Mr. M between October 5th and October 10th. It is worth noting that Betr had only launched shortly before these calls and text messages were sent, which suggests that their representatives may not have had access to the full customer database that includes self-excluded players at the time. The aftermath of this incident saw officials of Betr contact all of its representatives and staff to specifically tell them to do clear checks of the database and verify that the customer isn’t on the self-exclusion register before sending any promotional material.
The Northern Territory Racing Commission released a statement indicating that, while Betr may be a newly established online gambling platform, its senior managers and staff members are not new to the iGaming industry. The CEO of Betr, Andrew Menz, previously served as the CEO of BetEasy and therefore has significant experience in the field and knowledge of the regulations and guidelines set by the commission for obtaining a license.
The Commission also added that the lack of leadership was the main problem, and even though with years of experience in the field, senior management somehow allowed employees to contact players without even considering they might be on the self-exclusion register’s list.
The Nation Self-Exclusion Register
Australian gamblers have been eagerly anticipating the implementation of the National self-exclusion register for nearly four years. The register was a component of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering, which was legislated by the federal government in 2019. The responsibility for launching the register falls to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, but they have only made an announcement about BetStop and haven’t made much progress since then.
Final Thoughts
There have been additional instances of online bookmakers and casinos sending promotional material to players who have already self-excluded in the Northern Territory, as reported by the Alliance of Gambling Reform. They argue that the implementation of the national self-exclusion register should be a minimum measure taken by the government to prevent such incidents, similar to the case of Mr. M.
But, Communication Minister Michelle Rowland has emphasized that thorough security evaluations must be carried out before the National Self-Exclusion Register may go live. With over 100 Australian online casinos and sportsbooks sending millions of customer details to the register, adequate cybersecurity and data protection is critical for the safety and security of personal and banking information. It remains to be seen whether the essential steps will be implemented.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command, Port Harcourt, and the Nigeria Police Force have renewed their commitment to joint security operations at the nation’s maritime corridors, following a strategic meeting between top officials of both agencies.
According to a statement, the renewed partnership came as the Commissioner of Police, Eastern Port Police Command, CP Shuaibu Audu, paid a working visit to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Usman Yahaya, at the Command headquarters on April 17, 2026.
The engagement, according to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tangwa Emmanuel, was aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation and boosting operational efficiency within the port environment.
Speaking during the visit, Comptroller Yahaya described the engagement as significant, stressing that sustained collaboration among security agencies remains critical to safeguarding national assets and ensuring seamless port operations.
This visit is timely and highly appreciated. It reflects the importance of sustained cooperation among agencies entrusted with the security of our nation and the protection of critical economic assets,” he said.
He assured the police boss of Customs’ readiness to maintain strong working relations with the Eastern Port Police Command.
“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities,” Mr Yahaya added.
The Customs Area Controller noted that the synergy between both agencies has continued to play a vital role in maintaining order, facilitating legitimate trade and curbing criminal activities within the port system.
This was contained in a statement shared via the Customs official X handle.
Customs and the Police share common responsibilities in safeguarding the port environment. Synergy remains the cornerstone for achieving our collective mandate,” he stated.
He also briefed the visiting Commissioner on the operational relevance of the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command, reiterating the Command’s commitment to strengthening maritime security.
On his part, CP Audu said the visit was part of efforts to consolidate existing ties between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service.
“My presence here today is to reinforce the cordial relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service. No organisation can function effectively in isolation,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among security agencies, particularly in securing the nation’s ports, which he described as vital to economic stability.
Synergy among security agencies is essential to addressing emerging threats. Our ports are strategic national assets, and we must work together to keep them secure,” Mr Audu stated.
The police commissioner also sought continued support from Customs officers in advancing shared security objectives.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Mr Taiwo Oyedele has become the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy after the exit of Mr Wale Edun.
This announcement was made on Tuesday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation via a statement signed by Mr Yomi Odunuga, the Special Adviser of Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume.
It was disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved the removal of Mr Edun as Finance Minister as well his counterpart in the Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Mr Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
According to Mr Akume, “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In approving the cabinet reshuffle, the President has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), he added.
Before this minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Mr Oyedele the Minister of State for Finance.
Mr Muttaqha Rabe Darma has now been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.
Mr Tinubu thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours, reminding others that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Dangote Group has announced plans to begin its own crude production, to help cover shortfalls in local crude feedstocks, in the coming weeks through its upstream assets.
According to Mr Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of the Dangote Group, the company has commenced early testing on crude from its Niger Delta licenses.
In an interview with Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, the official said the company has already begun standard well testing and is preparing to scale up output.
“We have opened a well and begun standard testing, which should be completed in the next three to four weeks, maximum.
“After that point, oil can start to be pumped in larger volumes, and the company can begin work on drilling new wells,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr David Bird, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Dangote refinery, said the upstream assets could provide a more stable crude supply for the refinery.
“Alongside its upstream interests, the company is seeking to establish its own shipping presence to help reduce logistics costs and improve the reliability of its crude sourcing,” Mr Bird said.
While confirmation has come from the company, the Nigerian government or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is yet to officially confirm the development.
The 650,000 barrels-per-day facility has been able to get enough feedstock locally under the federal government’s Crude-for-Naira initiative, leading it to source crude from international markets at a premium, which is partly responsible for the high cost of petrol and other fuels.
However, in April 2026, the NNPC said it would increase its crude supply to Dangote Refinery to seven cargoes.
The refinery, on several occasions, has stated it sources the majority of its crude oil outside Nigeria despite being the country’s Naira-for-crude sale deal.
Last month, it said the NNPC only gave it four to five cargoes, which is less than 50 per cent of expected volumes. The majority of Nigeria’s crude is tied to joint ventures with international oil companies.
With the latest development, it would help reduce the dependency on international crude as well as allow Dangote to ease some of its import costs.
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