Gaming and Wagering Commission

The Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia is responsible for administering the law relating to gaming and wagering, subject to the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987, the Casino Control Act 1984, the Betting Control Act 1954 and the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Act 2003.

Objectives

The broad objectives of the Gaming and Wagering Commission in relation to the gaming and wagering industry are to:

• approve or withhold approvals of licences, permits, certificates, and authorisations relating to gambling and the use of premises subject to the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987, the Casino Control Act 1984, the Betting Control Act 1954 and the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Act 2003;
• take steps to minimise harm to the community, or any part of the community, caused by gambling; and
• seek, receive, disseminate or publish information relevant to gambling and the incidence of gambling and its effect on the community.

Duties

Its duties in relation to the gaming and wagering industry are to:

• keep under review the conduct, extent and character of gambling operations and the provision, use and location of gaming and wagering facilities;
• formulate and implement policies for the scrutiny, control and regulation of gambling activities, taking into account the requirements and interests of the community as a whole and the need to minimise harm caused by gambling;
• perform the functions of the Commission prescribed by or under the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Act 2003 and administer all matters relating to those functions;
• cause licences, permits approvals, authorisations and certificates, as appropriate, to be issued in relation to persons, premises, casinos, facilities, gaming, equipment and gambling operations;and
• administer a scheme for the collection and verification of the payment of the racing bets levy and bookmakers' betting levy.

Compliance and enforcement priorities 2024 to 2025

The current enforcement powers, priorities and regulatory posture of the Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia.

Structure

In accordance with the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 , the membership of the Commission comprise of:

• the Chairperson and between 5 and 7 members, appointed by the Minister for Racing and Gaming, who are persons of integrity, good repute and with relevant experience
• the Chair and members of the Commission are appointed for a maximum term of 3 years with the eligibility to be reappointed for a further period.

Membership

As of February 2024

• Chairperson: Mr Gary Dreibergs
• Deputy Chairperson: Ms Katie Hodson-Thomas
  
• Member: Mr Colin Murphy
  
• Member: Ms Deirdre O’Donnell
  
• Member: Mr Michael Sarquis
  
• Member: Ms Helen Creed
• Member: Mr Sam Buckeridge.
  

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