The Cook Government in Western Australia (WA) has strengthened the regulation of its gambling industry, introducing reforms that increase enforcement powers.
The changes grant the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) greater power, such as expanded investigative capabilities and oversight of casino licensees. Under these reforms, the Commission will also be able to impose higher penalties for non-compliance.
Parliament has now passed these legislative changes, which are designed to modernize WA’s gambling laws and follow the recommendations of the Perth Casino Royal Commission.
These changes align WA’s gambling policy with the national strategy, making it easier to integrate the region’s efforts with national measures. These include the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling and the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport.
Under the new legislation, the GWC has greater authority to issue directions to casinos and enforce compliance. Non-compliance penalties have also been significantly increased, which should provide a more effective deterrent.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said it will take time to address all the legislative reform recommendations of the Royal Commission. However, he added that his office is advanced in this process, which will establish a modern regulatory framework for casino operations and gambling activities across WA.
GWC Chair Gary Dreibergs believes the increase in penalties will be a more effective deterrent, given that previous penalties were often seen as an acceptable risk to operators.
He added that the extra powers will also increase the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions against money launderers and organized crime.