The Cook government has introduced new reform measures to strengthen the regulation of the gambling industry in Western Australia, increase enforcement powers, and enhance penalties for violations.
This legislative change has now been passed in parliament, aimed at modernizing the gambling laws in Western Australia based on the recommendations of the Perth Casino Royal Commission.
The reforms grant greater powers to the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC), allowing it to issue directives to casino licensees and enforce compliance regulations.
Furthermore, the penalties for violating gambling laws in Western Australia have been significantly increased, aiming to ensure they have a more effective deterrent effect.
It is worth noting that these changes will also align Western Australia’s gambling policies with national initiatives, making it easier to integrate measures such as the National Online Gambling Consumer Protection Framework and the National Policy on Match Fixing in Sports into state law.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia commented on the reforms, saying: “Addressing all the legislative reform recommendations made by the Royal Commission takes time, but we have made significant progress in implementing the extensive reforms needed to establish a modern regulatory framework, not only applicable to casino operations but also to all gambling activities in Western Australia.”
GWC Chairman Gary Dreibergs also welcomed the reforms, stating: “Significantly increasing the penalty amounts will have a more effective deterrent effect on offenders and provide more appropriate punishments, as offenders may consider the current lower penalties as an acceptable risk when weighed against the profits that can be made from breaking the law.
“Granting additional powers to the GWC will greatly enhance our ability to conduct successful investigations and prosecutions, helping to eliminate illegal activities that attract money launderers and organized crime groups.”
