WA Strengthens Gambling Laws, Boosts Penalties and Enforcement Powers

New gambling laws approved by the government of Western Australia increase penalties for breaking rules and provide the Gaming and Wagering Commission with more power. The changes are meant to bring state laws up to date with national policies.

Here are the key changes:

• Increased penalties. The new laws increase the fines for those who break gambling rules. It is meant to make penalties tougher to discourage illegal actions;
• More control for GWC. Now, the GWC has more power. This helps to boost its role in regulation by giving stricter instructions to casino operators;
• National alignment. The changes help WA match national efforts against issues like online gambling risks and match-fixing in sports. This makes it easier to apply common policies in the country.

All About Reforms

Reforms come from recommendations by the Perth Casino Royal Commission, which highlighted the need for updates in the gambling legislation.

Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia backed the reforms. They would help modernize the gambling framework, not just for casinos but for all state gambling activities, he said. Papalia stressed that the Royal Commission’s recommendations should be followed to improve regulatory practices.

The reforms were welcomed as a step forward by GWC Chair Gary Dreibergs. He mentioned that higher penalties would better deter lawbreakers. Enhanced powers would help to conduct thorough investigations and stop illegal operations that attract criminal elements, like money laundering and organized crime.