Gaming

Gaming is defined in the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 as "the playing of a game of chance for winnings in money or money's worth, whether any person playing the game is at risk of losing any money or money's worth or not."

A 'game of chance' includes a pretend game of chance, or a pretended game which includes a degree of chance, whether or not combined with a skill or degree of skill.

A game of chance does not include any athletic game or sport.

In Western Australia, the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 provides for the issue of permits to charitable groups, sporting bodies and community-based, not-for-profit organisations for the purpose of raising funds from gaming related activities.

There are also a number of other gaming activities that may be conducted for fund raising purposes that do need to require a permit. These are covered under sections 103, 107 and 108 of the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 and include minor raffles, chocolate wheels, number based games and even mouse racing. However, there are strict requirements and monetary limits on these types of activities so if you are uncertain, whether the gaming activity you propose to conduct is lawful, please contact the department.

Gaming and lottery types

The Gaming Community Trust was established in 2002 to provide advice and make recommendations to the Minister for Racing and Gaming on the distribution of funds and grants for the general benefit of the community.

The funds administered by the Gaming Community Trust are derived from unclaimed winnings that are payable from:

• the conduct of gaming or betting that is authorised by the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987; or
• the conduct of a gaming operations at Crown Casino.

In order for those winnings to be made available by the Gaming Community Trust, a minimum of 12 months must have elapsed after the right for the winnings to paid has past.

Application enquiries can be made via email to gamingcommunitytrust@lgirs.wa.gov.au