The Western Australian Government has moved to strengthen gambling laws by increasing enforcement powers and introducing harsher penalties for those who violate regulations. The changes come in response to the Perth Casino Royal Commission’s findings, which highlighted weaknesses in existing laws.
The amendments include steeper fines and tougher enforcement measures, particularly for those failing to comply with directives from the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC). The government has also granted additional authority to the commission, giving it greater oversight over casinos in the state.
GWC Chair Gary Dreibergs welcomed the reforms, stating:
“The substantial increase in penalties will act as a more effective deterrent and a more appropriate punishment for law breakers who may regard current lower penalties as an acceptable risk when they consider the profits that can be made from subverting the laws.”
Additionally, the reforms allow for the easier adoption of national policies, including the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling and measures to combat match-fixing in sports. These steps reflect a wider push across Australia to regulate gambling more effectively and minimize harm.
Political Donations from Gambling Firms Under Scrutiny
As the Australian Government debates gambling reforms, new data from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) Transparency Register reveals that gambling and alcohol companies contributed $2.474 million in political donations in 2023-24.
A report by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) and the Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) argues that these donations are an attempt to influence policy decisions.
FARE CEO Caterina Giorgi emphasized the need for stricter regulations, stating:
“When companies provide donations to political parties, they do so to try and influence decision-making… We need to see common sense reforms that put the community first and strengthen our democracy.”
According to the data, gambling companies alone contributed $661,000, while firms profiting from both alcohol and gambling added another $815,000. The Australian Labor Party (ALP) received 61% of these contributions, while the Liberal National Party (LNP) took in 38%.
AGR CEO Martin Thomas pointed out that these donations often increase when gambling reforms are being considered, suggesting that lobby groups are actively working to stall progress on policies like a gambling ad ban.
“With political willpower it is absolutely possible for gambling and alcohol companies to be excluded from donating – we saw it with tobacco, now let’s see it for these other industries that are causing significant health and social harms in our communities,” Thomas said.
Among the largest donors were the Australian Hotels Association, Tabcorp Holdings, Clubs NSW/Australia, and Sportsbet, further underscoring the deep ties between gambling firms and political parties.
Push for Gambling Ad Ban Intensifies
Amid growing concerns over gambling harm, the Australian Greens have intensified their push for stricter advertising regulations. This week, the party proposed a compromise deal to the Albanese Government, offering to support a more limited gambling ad ban while continuing to advocate for a complete ban in the next parliament.
Under the Greens’ proposed compromise, new laws would:
✔ Ban gambling ads online
✔ Prohibit ads before and after sports broadcasts
✔ Limit ads during children’s viewing times
✔ Cap the number of gambling ads per TV program at two
The bill is scheduled for debate in the Senate this Wednesday, putting pressure on the government to act before the next election.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young stated:
“Gambling ad reform is the unfinished business of this parliament. The public want this done before the election and the Government should listen and act.”
She argued that the Albanese Government should seize this opportunity, stating that Australians lose more to gambling than any other country, and immediate action is needed.
“The Greens will push for a full gambling ad ban in the next parliament, but in the meantime, we should work together for the sake of our kids and communities.”
Australia’s Gambling Industry at a Crossroads
These developments highlight the growing pressure on Australia’s government to address gambling-related harm through tougher laws, political donation bans, and advertising restrictions.
- Western Australia has already taken action by increasing penalties and strengthening regulatory oversight.
- Calls to prohibit gambling industry donations are gaining traction, with reform advocates urging a ban similar to that placed on tobacco companies.
- The push to curb gambling ads continues, with the Greens offering a compromise proposal to fast-track partial restrictions before the next election.
With gambling remaining a major political and social issue in Australia, the next few weeks could be crucial in determining the future of industry regulations.
Source:
Increased penalties to strengthen gambling laws in WA, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries WA, February 5, 2025
Alcohol and gambling companies and lobby groups plough almost $2.5 million into political parties, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, February 4, 2025
Greens offer pathway to pass gambling ad laws this fortnight, The Greens, February 4, 2025