Western Australia strengthens gambling laws with increased penalties and enforcement powers
Key amendments empower the Gaming and Wagering Commission with expanded investigative capabilities and the ability to issue more stringent directions to casino licensees.
Key points:
– WA has introduced stronger gambling laws, increasing enforcement powers and penalties for non-compliance
– The reforms align state policies with national gambling protection initiatives
– The changes respond to the Perth Casino Royal Commission’s recommendations, with further legislative updates expected
The Cook Government has introduced new reforms to strengthen the regulation of Western Australia’s gambling industry, increasing enforcement powers and raising penalties for non-compliance.
The legislative changes, which have now passed Parliament, aim to modernise WA’s gambling laws in response to the recommendations of the Perth Casino Royal Commission.
The reforms grant the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) greater authority to issue directions to casino licensees and enforce compliance.
Additionally, penalties for breaching WA’s gambling laws have been significantly increased, hoping to ensure they serve as a more effective deterrent.
Good to know: The changes will also align WA’s gambling policies with national initiatives, aiming to make it easier to integrate measures such as the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling and the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport into state law
Commenting on the reform, Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia, stated: “Addressing all the legislative reform recommendations of the Royal Commission will take time, but we are well advanced on our pathway to implementing the wide-ranging changes that are required to establish a modern regulatory framework, not only for casino operations, but for all gambling activities in WA.”
GWC Chair Gary Dreibergs also welcomed the reforms, stating: “The substantial increase in penalties will act as a more effective deterrent and a more appropriate punishment for lawbreakers who may regard current lower penalties as an acceptable risk when they consider the profits that can be made from subverting the laws.
“The extra powers for the GWC will help to significantly boost our ability to carry out successful investigations and prosecutions to stamp out illegal activity, which attracts money launderers and organised crime gangs.”
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