'Nightmare’ workplace | Employees gamble and 'get high' while 'KKK' sign hangs in office

An organisation that regulates ‘gambling entities’ has been accused of having a “toxic” culture where racial discrimination, sexual harassment, political favouritism and bullying are rife.

Allegations include a Ku Klux Klan and swastika image hanging in the organisation’s headquarters for weeks in 2019, and workers ‘getting high’ and gambling on the job.

The organisation’s Inspector General documented findings that were kept confidential for years. These reports were later released and publicised last year. The reports include a myriad of cases where employees participated in sexual harassment and misconduct, with one case outlining a time a worker made “suspect” communications to horse racing participants while officiating events.

Another case outlined a time the organisation delayed administrative action in response to allegations made by a staff member, and another case where an employee was “retaliatory” towards a whistleblower.