- Significant penalties for breaching WA's gambling laws
- Changes to support the regulator's compliance and enforcement activities
The Cook Government has increased enforcement powers and penalties to bolster the regulation of Western Australia's gambling industry through law reforms that have now passed Parliament.
The reforms address the findings and recommendations of the Perth Casino Royal Commission, which found that the legislation needed to be modernised to be fit for purpose.
Amendments include significant increases in a range of penalties when there is a failure to comply with gambling laws and directions issued by the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC).
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia has previously been given more powers to direct the GWC in relation to the Royal Commission recommendations and the GWC now has greater ability to issue directions to the casino licensee.
The changes will also make it easier for policies agreed to by the Commonwealth and other state governments to be incorporated in WA law, such as the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling and the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"The law reform is designed to significantly expand the regulator's compliance and enforcement powers and increase the penalties to ensure they are an effective deterrent to non-compliance.
"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."
As stated by Gaming and Wagering Commission Chair Gary Dreibergs:
"I welcome the reforms, driven by the State Government, which will greatly assist the Gaming and Wagering Commission in our important task to enforce gambling laws and disrupt illegal gambling in WA.
"The substantial increase in penalties will act as a more effective deterrent and a more appropriate punishment for law breakers 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."
