Racing, gaming and liquor news

Latest news from the department.

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Montage of portraits of Paul Steel, Melanie Cave and Bill Johnston.

Extra resources bolster the Gaming and Wagering Commission

1 September 2025

Media release

The WA Government has expanded the capacity and capability of the Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia (GWC) to support its role as a regulator of the State's gaming and wagering industry.
Horses and jockeys on the track at the Broome Cup, 16 August 2025

Communique — 2025 Australasian Racing Ministers Conference

28 August 2025
On 15 August 2025, Racing Ministers met at the annual Australasian Racing Ministers’ Conference (ARMC), which was held in Broome in Western Australia and provided a valuable opportunity to consider issues affecting the Australian and New Zealand racing industries.

Racegoers flock to WA’s north west for Broome Cup

18 August 2025
Thousands of horse racing enthusiasts gathered in the State’s north west on Saturday for the Broome Cup, the Kimberley’s showcase racing event.
A scene from the illegal gambling raid, with people sitting around a gambling table, and a close up of a bag of cash

Dealer licence suspended and cash seized at an illegal home casino

8 August 2025
Gaming authorities have raided a private home in Marangaroo where it’s alleged an illegal game of Baccarat was underway at a makeshift casino.
Portrait photos of Mayor Karen Vernon and Bill Johnston

New appointments to Burswood Park Board

4 August 2025
Respected former Western Australian Government Minister Bill Johnston and Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon have been appointed to the Burswood Park Board, which manages the 53-hectare parkland on the banks of the Swan River.
A gaming table with gambling chips and playingcards

Fines for organiser and others involved in an illegal gaming house

25 July 2025

Media release

Three men have been fined by the Perth Magistrate Court for their involvement in an illegal common gaming house in Mount Lawley which was raided in April 2023.

Casino licensee found suitable by the Racing and Gaming Minister

8 July 2025
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia has found Crown Perth to be a suitable licensee to operate the Perth Casino. The finding was made as recommended by the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) of Western Australia pursuant to section 21Q of the Casino Control Act 1984.
Workers in high vis working on the drainage works at Geraldton Turf Club

Starting gates fly open for upgrades to regional racecourses in WA

8 July 2025
Work is already underway at the Geraldton Turf Club as part of the WA Government’s commitment to invest $25.2 million dollars to upgrade regional racecourses and support the State’s racing industry in the regions.
A person holds a mobile phone with a sports betting app open on the screen. In the backgrounds is a TV with a sporting game on

Changes to online gambling harm advertising

9 April 2025
In line with the Australian government's National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) for Online Wagering, the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) has changed the messages online bookmakers must use to inform consumers about the potential harms associated with gambling.
Close up of a poker hand with a jack and an ace of spade, and some gambling chips

Cross-agency cooperation will target criminal activity in gambling industry

9 April 2025
Three key Western Australian agencies have joined forces to bolster the integrity and monitoring of the gambling industry in the state.
close up of a table set with plates and wine glasses

Licensing tips for a smooth end-of-season wind up

9 April 2025
With the summer sports season coming to an end, it’s an ideal time for licensees at clubs to review policies and guidelines to know their limits and boundaries ahead of the wind-ups and annual dinners.
Horses competing on a grassy horse racing track.

Consistent Gambling Messaging Notice 2025

24 March 2025
Reducing harm caused by online wagering to Australian wagering customers
Shot of a bar manager and bartender checking the stock in the pub

Approved Responsible Service of Online Gambling Training Notice 2025

24 March 2025
Reducing harm caused by online wagering to Australian wagering customers
A young female business owner stands for a portrait shot in a food and drink establishment in Perth, Australia.

Reminder: Good Friday trading

19 March 2025
Licensees planning a special event for Good Friday have the opportunity to apply for an occasional liquor licence and trade without the requirement for liquor to be sold or supplied alongside a meal.
WA State Parliament

Gambling Regulations Amendments 2025

11 February 2025
New gambling penalties, infringements, and National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering statutory requirements take effect from 6 February 2025.
Hillarys Boat Harbour

Proposed extension to Hillarys Protected Entertainment Precinct

15 January 2025
Protected Entertainment Precinct (PEP) laws were introduced by the WA Government in December 2022 to increase public safety at popular entertainment areas in Western Australia, including Hillarys, Scarborough, Perth-Northbridge, Fremantle and Mandurah.
Page reviewed 15 August 2025
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