WA Government Strengthens Gambling Regulation with Tougher Enforcement and Penalties

The Cook Government has introduced significant reforms to bolster the regulation of Western Australia’s gambling industry, granting stronger enforcement powers and increasing penalties for non-compliance. The legislative changes, which have now passed through Parliament, aim to modernise the state’s gambling laws in response to recommendations from the Perth Casino Royal Commission.

Under the new reforms, the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) will have greater authority to issue directives to casino licensees and enforce compliance measures more effectively. Additionally, penalties for breaching gambling laws in WA have been substantially increased, with the intent of ensuring they act as a stronger deterrent against unlawful activity.

Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia emphasised the importance of these changes, acknowledging that while further reforms are necessary, progress is well underway. "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," Papalia stated.

GWC Chair Gary Dreibergs also welcomed the reforms, stressing the importance of tougher penalties in discouraging illegal conduct. "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," Dreibergs said.

He further highlighted the impact of the GWC’s newly enhanced powers, which will significantly improve enforcement efforts. "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," he added.

With these reforms, the WA Government aims to ensure stricter oversight of the gambling industry while reinforcing the state’s commitment to combatting illegal practices and maintaining the integrity of gaming operations.

By fLEXI tEAM