The following legislation governs racing, gaming and wagering in Western Australia.
Betting Control Act 1954
Bookmakers Betting Levy Act 1954
The Bookmakers Betting Levy Act 1954 prescribes the rate of the turnover levy payable by bookmakers in accordance with the Betting Control Act.
Casino (Burswood Island) Agreement Act 1985
The Casino (Burswood Island) Agreement Act 1985 was originally enacted to ratify and authorise the implementation of the agreement between the State of Western Australia and the Burswood Property Trust to build and operate the Resort Complex including Burswood Casino. While the majority of the obligations outlined within the Agreement have been reached a number of on-going obligations remain relevant.
Casino Control Act 1984
The Casino Control Act 1984 was enacted to provide for the establishment of a casino in Western Australia, for licensing the operation of the casino and for the control of gaming operations within the casino. It also contains provisions relating to the granting of a casino licence.
Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987
The Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 consolidates the law relating to minor gaming in Western Australia and provides the opportunity for clubs and charities to raise funds through lotteries, Bingo, Two-up and gaming events. It also provides the Gaming and Wagering Commission with the authority to supervise Racing and Wagering Western Australia's off-course wagering activities.
Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987
Gaming and Wagering Commission Regulations 1988
Gaming and Betting (Contracts and Securities) Act 1985
The Gaming and Betting (Contracts and Securities) Act 1985 makes all gaming and betting contracts and agreements null and void unless they are in accordance with the Betting Control Act or other legislation that legalises gaming and betting in Western Australia. It also stipulates that bets made under and pursuant to such legislation are recoverable.
Racing and Wagering Legislation Amendment Act 2009
The Racing and Wagering Legislation Amendment Act 2009 establishes a licensing framework and associated conditions for the publication or use of WA race fields by betting operators.
Racing Code Legislation
Each of the State's three racing codes has been established under an Act of Parliament:
Racing Bets Levy Regulations 2009
On 1 October 2014, a differential racing bets levy structure was introduced, the turnover threshold was increased and changes were made to the manner in which premium racing is determined in Western Australia.
The turnover threshold was increased from $2.5 million to $3 million and a levy of only 1% applies to turnover up to this amount. The threshold is applied on a racing year basis.
The new differential levy rates, which only apply once the threshold is reached, are as follows:
- Pari-mutuel bets placed on standard race meetings levied at 1.5% of turnover;
- Pari-mutuel bets placed on premium race meetings levied at 2.5% of turnover;
- Betting exchange bets placed on standard race meetings levied at 1.5% of turnover;
- Betting exchange bets placed on premium race meetings levied at 2.5% of turnover;
- Non betting exchange fixed odds bets placed on standard race meetings levied at 2% of turnover;
- Non betting exchange fixed odds bets placed on premium race meetings levied at 3% of turnover.
A higher levy applies across all race codes and to any race meeting that is determined to be a premium race meeting. Premium race meetings are defined in the regulations on the basis of the value of stake money, as follows:
- Thoroughbred racing – any meeting that contains at least one race with stake money of $100,000;
- Harness racing – any meeting that contains at least one race with stake money of $50,000;
- Greyhound racing – any meeting that contains at least one race with stake money of $30,000.
Wagering operators who generate turnover of less than $1000 in any month will continue to be exempted from paying a levy in that month.
Racing Penalties Appeal Act 1990
The Racing Penalties Appeal Act 1990 authorises the Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal of Western Australia to conduct appeals against penalties imposed in disciplinary proceedings arising from, or in relation to, the conduct of or activities related to, greyhound racing, horse racing and harness racing.
Racing Restriction Act 2003
The Racing Restriction Act 2003 prohibits public racing of animals other than horses.
Financial Sustainability and Governance Review of WA Racing Industry
Independent review to help ensure the Western Australia racing industry long term financial sustainability.
Review and Reform of Western Australian Gambling Laws
Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety is undertaking a wholesale review and reform of Western Australia’s gambling legislation.
Print this page
