Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries

In Western Australia, as in the rest of the country, online casinos are banned under the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001. But land-based venues as well as online sports betting and racing are allowed. In addition, there are restrictions on certain types of games, for example, the state does not permanently license poker. The Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries is the regulatory body for the state of Western Australia. The organization issues licenses and controls the legal gambling market in accordance with federal legislation. The Department also has the right to submit to the government for consideration changes to existing legislation in the field of gambling.

Regulator licensed casinos

According to current legislation, there are no licensed online casinos in Australia.

The regulator has issued licenses to the following online bookmakers:

• TabTouch (RWWA, WATAB);
• Willobet;
• BudgetBet.

And several individual bookmakers (or bookmaker companies' representatives).

Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries review

The Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries regulates several areas of gambling in Western Australia. Control and licensing of gambling is one of the main tasks of this regulator.

Casinoz notes that the department has a division of the Gaming and Wagering Commission, which is responsible for regulating the industry. Although officially everything is handled by the Department. The official website of the Department has all the necessary information for players and companies wishing to obtain a license.

The main legislative acts regulating gambling activities are:

1. The Betting Control Act 1954;
2. The Casino (Burswood Island) Agreement Act 1985;
3. The Casino Control Act 1984;

The Department identifies two main objectives it seeks to fulfill as the regulator of the gambling industry:

1. ensuring a rigorous licensing system;
2. conducting audits and inspections.
   

Gambling is allowed in almost all forms, one exception being poker. Legal advice and commission approval is required to hold a tournament for this game.

Online casinos are also banned. But sports betting is allowed. Internet betting has been established as "an extension of regular betting activities" and as an "authorized activity by license endorsement." Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, online betting can be accepted on horse racing/racing and sporting events before they begin.

The betting industry on various horse racing/racing events is historically popular in Australia, including in Western State. Previously, there were three separate clubs operating in the industry, which made their own demands on bookmakers. But in 2015 there was a merger: the Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) organization came into being. It does not regulate or license. Its main functions are to develop the industry and create a competitive environment. However, it still plays a significant role in the gambling industry of Western Australia.

The regulator takes a fairly in-depth look at the licensing process.

For example, all slot machines installed in Western Australia must have a return percentage (theoretical return to player, RTP) of at least 90%. A certificate from ATF is required to guarantee the required percentage. If a suspicion arises or it is discovered that a slot machine is not complying with this requirement, the commission will launch an investigation.

In 2020, the Gaming Community Trust was formed with the primary purpose of distributing finances and awarding grants for the benefit of the community. Filling the fund comes from unclaimed bets. Surprisingly, some players do not collect their winnings. According to the rules, unclaimed winnings go to the fund after one year from the date of receipt.

The department has developed a comprehensive system to help addicted gamblers. There is a free counseling service called Gambling Help WA. Anyone can apply for help, including provision for family or friends. The Problem Gambling Support Services Committee, established in 1995, develops and maintains policies to protect players from the harms of gambling.

Gallery

License types of Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries

The Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries, through its subdivision the Gaming and Wagering Commission, licenses the gambling industry. The main licenses include:

• Casino - this license will authorize the opening of a land-based casino in the state. In addition to this, personnel licenses will be required.
• Key Employee License - this license is required for management positions or employees responsible for financial operations.
• Non-key Employee License - license for regular staff working in a casino.
• Bookmaker - allows you to take bets on sports and racing in online and offline form. It is worth noting that when betting online, the bookmaker's office must be physically located at the racetrack. Permission will also need to be obtained from the management of the racecourse. The servers where the betting process takes place must also be located at the racetrack.
• Lottery - license to conduct lotteries of various formats, including Keno and Bingo.
• Telephone betting - license to accept bets by telephone. The operator must also have a bookmaker's license. An important requirement is the installation of recording equipment when taking bets in this way.

In addition to licenses, the Gaming and Wagering Commission issues permits for certain types of gambling and slot machines.

The regulator will clearly define games that do not require licensing. Provided that these games are conducted as charitable or non-profit gambling.

• Entertainment with prizes and minor Fundraising - games for which a minor prize is given for participation. The format may be similar to contests or lotteries.
• Bingo - bingo format games. A permit is issued for no more than six months. The game may not be held more than once a week.
• Bingo for senior citizens - bingo games that are held exclusively for people over the age of 60. Generally, this permit is required for clubs where this category of citizens gather or nursing homes. The permit is issued for a maximum period of 12 months.
• Calcutta - sports betting format. The permit is issued for a specific competition.
• Instant lotteries - the player purchases a ticket that has hidden numbers or images on it (scratch cards).
• Social gambling - some games that fall under this definition. For example, the game must be spontaneous and the participant incurs no additional costs other than the enter fee.
• Standard lottery - actually a regular raffle. But the prerequisite is that it raises funds to support spor, art, charity or other activities.
• Two-up - Australia's national game.
• Video Lottery Terminal - a gaming machine permit. These machines must be placed in specialized locations and profits must be donated to charity.

In cases where a company or individual is going to conduct varieties of the above games not on a permanent basis and for commercial purposes, it is possible to obtain a temporary permit.

Dispute resolution

Conclusion

WA Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries regulates gambling in Western Australia.

According to Casinoz, this organization performs its functions quite well. But still, there are a number of negative points in the existing legislation. For example, the casino licensing process (land-based version) is confusing. Also, the Department itself is entrusted with a lot of additional functions, which greatly hinders the quality regulation of the industry. In general, if we compare it with other regulators in Australia, the Department is doing a good job.