Alleged offensive remark about regulator led to Rytenskild’s downfall
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has confirmed that an alleged comment about a female regulator by now-departed Tabcorp chief executive Adam Rytenskild is behind the investigation that led to his dismissal.
Tabcorp confirmed on Thursday that Rytenskild had left the wagering company with immediate effect after the alleged use of inappropriate and offensive language in the workplace.
VGCCC chairwoman Fran Thorn says the comments were allegedly made about a regulator.
“The commission acknowledges the resignation of Tabcorp’s CEO following allegations of inappropriate comments made about a female regulatory official,” Thorn said.
“The commission will continue to regulate as a fierce advocate in the public interest, ensuring integrity, safety and fairness in the gambling industry.
“I am proud to be the chair of an organisation that champions strong, female leadership and a gender-inclusive, respectful workplace culture.”
Both Tabcorp and Rytenskild offered no further comment on the latest development.
Media reports have revealed the allegations made include that Rytenskild suggested he would provide sexual favours to the unnamed regulator. What was meant as a joke was said to have fallen flat with a complaint lodged in the last two weeks.
Tabcorp is undergoing a search for Rytenskild’s replacement with chairman Bruce Akhurst performing the executive role until that replacement is found.
Bren O’Brien
Tabcorp was fined $1 million by the VGCCC last September after an investigation into its major outage during the 2020 spring carnival. The VGCCC also advised Tabcorp in January it would need to stop accepting cash bets on unsupervised in-venue betting terminals.
Meanwhile in December, Tabcorp was awarded the 20-year contract to exclusively operate parimutuel and retail betting in Victoria, extending a monopoly that has existed since it was privatised in 1994. The VGCC has regulatory oversight of that deal.
Author
Related Articles
Yulong name removed from Zhang’s team of European racehorses
In a commercial shake-up, horses that previously raced for global superpower Yulong Investments in Britain, France and Ireland, will run under the name of Forz Europe.
Independent panel to assess WA racing’s financial future
The West Australian government has launched an independent review to assess the long-term financial sustainability of the state’s racing industry.
Written In The Stars – ‘Rest in pieces’ – Phar Lap and Kerry Negara
For Kerry Negara, the death of Phar Lap remains a mystery wrapped in misinformation. But, as Jessica Owers discovered, the Melbourne filmmaker is determined to separate fact from fiction in the enduring fascination with the legendary thoroughbred.