The head of Australian racing and wagering giant Tabcorp has called for the establishment of a national regulatory framework in order to level the wagering playing field and ensure more effective enforcement across the industry.

Tabcorp’s Managing Director and CEO Adam Rytenskild told industry representatives on Wednesday that the current state-based model of regulation – which sees Tabcorp licensed in seven states and territories while many corporate bookmakers need only be licensed in the Northern Territory – is no longer effective in providing necessary community safeguards.

In-particular, he blamed the current “patchwork quilt” style of regulation for a “proliferation” of gambling advertising on Australian television but said many of the issues facing the sector could be solved by the establishment of a national regulatory framework.