Mauritius gambling regulator and L’Express at odds over horse racing supervision
At the centre of the controversy is the Horse Racing Integrity Division (HRID), a unit created under the GRA to monitor horse racing operations, enforce rules and safeguard betting integrity.
Mauritius.- Fresh tension has emerged within Mauritius’ gambling sector following a public dispute between the country’s gambling regulator and local media outlet L’Express over the oversight of horse racing and related betting activities.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has strongly pushed back against claims published in a recent L’Express investigative report that questioned the effectiveness and independence of regulatory supervision in the horse racing industry. The regulator warned that legal measures could be taken if it determines that the publication has caused reputational harm.
At the centre of the controversy is the Horse Racing Integrity Division (HRID), a unit created under the GRA to monitor horse racing operations, enforce rules, and safeguard betting integrity. The report alleged that the division suffers from operational weaknesses, inconsistent application of rules and shortcomings in disciplinary processes, which could expose the sector to integrity risks.
Concerns were also raised about possible conflicts of interest within the regulatory framework, with claims that some officials involved in oversight activities have close associations with established racing bodies. According to the report, these relationships could undermine confidence among betting operators, participants and punters.
However, in an official release published on January 15, the GRA rejected the allegations, describing the report as misleading and unbalanced. The regulator criticised the outlet for publishing the article without requesting formal comment or clarification from the GRA prior to release.
The authority maintained that the HRID operates strictly within its legal mandate and reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability across all gambling verticals, including horse racing and sports betting. While denying any wrongdoing, the GRA indicated that it reserves the right to pursue legal action against those responsible for the publication if advised to do so.
However, L’Express has stood by its reporting, stating that the investigation was carried out in the public interest and based on information obtained from industry sources. The outlet also called for open dialogue around regulatory standards and governance within the sector.
