Betting scandal exposes Tasmanian racing stewards
Five Tasmanian racing stewards, including the chief steward, were found to have placed bets on horse races, some of which they were responsible for officiating. Their actions raised serious concerns about fairness and integrity within the sport. The scandal provoked public outrage and led to significant reforms across the racing sector.
Dual investigations target betting
Earlier this year, TasRacing raised concerns about questionable conduct among its stewards and requested a formal investigation. Sean Carroll, the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, launched two separate inquiries, one focused on betting activity and the other on broader misconduct. These investigations reviewed steward behaviour and wagering patterns between January 2023 and June 2025, covering both TasRacing and the now-defunct Office of Racing Integrity.
Five stewards were implicated in the scandal, one was employed full-time, while the other four were casual staff. Among them, acting chief thoroughbred steward Mike Castillo placed over 200 bets. Two stewards resigned before the investigations concluded, possibly to avoid further scrutiny.
Betting patterns uncovered
One steward placed 49 bets totalling $1,400 and earned a profit of $103. Another placed 162 bets worth $273 but lost $244. At least 24 bets were placed on races the steward was officiating, and a further 25 were made while overseeing greyhound events. Although the financial gains were minor, the breach of professional conduct and trust was significant.
Serious misconduct findings
One steward was found to have repeatedly breached TasRacing’s policies over a seven-year period. Violations included inappropriate behaviour, gambling while on duty, and failing to declare conflicts of interest. Details of the case remain confidential due to ongoing legal proceedings, but early findings suggest it may be more serious than the recent betting violations.
Investigators found no evidence of race-fixing, collusion, or money laundering. However, stewards betting on races they were involved in still compromised the integrity of the sport and raised serious concerns about fairness. According to ABC, TasRacing dismissed three stewards, two for betting violations and one for other serious misconduct. One additional steward remains suspended.
A spokesperson said, “Based on independent investigations and subsequent report findings provided by the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, TasRacing has dismissed three stewards due to inappropriate wagering activity or other misconduct and breaches of policy and/or rules.”
TasRacing’s response
Sean Carroll recommended stronger disciplinary measures, improved oversight, and clearer procedures. Proposed reforms include more explicit wagering rules, enhanced staff training, and tougher penalties for breaches.
Carroll stated, “Tasmanian racing has now entered a new era where the highest benchmark of integrity will be the foundation of the industry’s future success. Regardless of whether you are a steward, racing participant or owner, it is clear that the new reforms are delivering the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare, and that where these standards are falling short, action will be taken.”
Tasmanian racing will implement new measures aimed at strengthening oversight and integrity. Transparency in investigations and disciplinary processes will be essential to restoring public confidence. The scandal serves as a reminder to racing authorities worldwide that integrity must be actively maintained and rigorously enforced.
