Sportsbet donation scandal sparks 'please explain'

Sportsbet paid almost $9000 for a place at dinner held to support Ms Rowland's election campaign.

The bookmaker chipped in another $10,000 days out from the 2022 poll.

Ms Rowland holds a key role in gambling policy as the minister who oversees the Interactive Gambling Act and the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Her office is also in talks with the industry about a national self-exclusion register, which would allow problem gamblers to block themselves from betting sites.

Liberal frontbencher Simon Birmingham called on the minister to explain the donations.

"Following the rules is first and foremost what matters. But obviously, questions have been asked and she should be open and up front in terms of addressing those questions," he said.

"I'm not seeking to prejudge anything but nor should she avoid scrutiny or avoid questions up front ... if everything's been done by the book, then all well and good."

While the betting giant disclosed the $10,000 donation to the Australian Electoral Commission, Labor's NSW branch was not required to declare the payments because they were under the $14,500 mandatory disclosure threshold.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Ms Rowland had complied with the rules.

"She has made all the appropriate declarations in accordance with her obligations," he told reporters in Canberra on Friday.

"We are very focused on the issue of problem gambling and the minister is leading the government's efforts in respect of that in relation to online gambling."

Anthony Whealy from the Centre for Public Integrity said the revelations showed the need for changes to donation laws.

"She was not a minister at the time these donations were made, so I find it difficult to see that she has been in breach of ministerial code of conduct," he said.

"What has to happen is that we have to reform the donation system, and I would like to see her become an advocate for that reform."

Australian Associated Press