The government of Western Australian has passed reforms to increase enforcement powers and penalties against those breaking the territory’s gambling laws.
The reforms address the findings and recommendations of the Perth Casino Royal Commission, which found that Western Australia’s legislation needed to be modernised and made fit for purpose.
Amendments to the law include significant increases in a range of penalties for entities that do not comply with gambling laws issued by the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC).
The reforms will make it easier for policies agreed upon by the Commonwealth and other state governments to be incorporated into law in Western Australia, such as the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling, and the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport.
Paul Papalia, WA Racing and Gaming Minister, commented: “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 Western Australia.”
Gary Dreibergs, chair of the GWC, added: “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 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.”