Limit on prizes for football tipping competitions to be lifted

20/3/02
Workplace and community football tipping competitions will be able to offer prizes up to a value of $10,000 this year under new rules being drafted by the State Government.
Racing and Gaming Minister Nick Griffiths said the changes to the Gaming Commission Regulations 1988 had come as a result of consultation with community groups, sporting clubs and charities.
"Football tipping competitions have become a key fundraising and social activity within a huge number of community groups and workplaces," Mr Griffiths said.
"The regulations currently provide for football tipping competitions to be conducted without a permit subject to the weekly prize not exceeding $200, the grand final prize not exceeding $3,000 and the aggregate prize value not exceeding $7,500.
"The Gaming Commission of Western Australia has advised me that football tipping competitions have been run successfully without significant problems in past years and they see no reason not to provide the extra flexibility being sought.
"The amended regulations will give flexibility to clubs and charitable organisations in weekly competitions.
"They will now be able to set the value of weekly and grand final prizes on the condition the aggregate prize value does not exceed $10,000."
The Gaming Commission recommended the amendment in response to requests from various clubs and charitable organisations to vary the value.
The Minister said he was pleased to be able to respond positively on the issue.
"I know football tipping competitions are an enjoyable and highly social activity that a huge number of people get involved in," he said.
Mr Griffiths said the changes remained consistent with State Government policy on the regulation of community gaming activities and that competitions conducted for commercial or private gain remain prohibited under these changes.
Minister's office: 9222 8950