- Gaming and Wagering Commission launches public tip-off line
- Public encouraged to report suspicious activity related to gaming and wagering in WA
- Reports can be made through a secure system accessed via the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety website
The Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) has launched a tip-off line, encouraging members of the public to report suspicious activity related to the gaming and wagering industries in Western Australia.
Tip-offs can be made anonymously about wrongdoing, breaches of the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987, or criminality related to gambling.
Reports may include activity witnessed such as illegal or underage gambling, financial crime linked to gambling, or complaints against operators or people such as bookmakers who are registered in WA.
Reports can be submitted using a secure online platform developed by Crime Stoppers WA, which is accessed from the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) website . Reporters can return to the platform to provide further information via an encrypted chat.
The Gaming and Wagering Regulation (GWR) Directorate within LGIRS will be responsible for managing all reports received on behalf of the GWC.
The launch of the tip-off line comes as prosecutions from three gaming raids on a Cloverdale home and two business premises in Mt Lawley and Wangara over the past three years were recently concluded in the Perth Magistrates Court.
Fines for the organisers of these illegal common gaming houses ranged from $5,200 to $20,000.
A total of more than $190,000 in cash seized during the raids was forfeited to the State. Casino-style gaming chips, playing cards, a poker table, a baccarat table cover, and other gaming equipment were ordered to be destroyed.
Eight people also had their community gaming certificates or dealer’s licences revoked by the GWC for involvement in these illegal gambling activities.
These prosecution outcomes highlight the value of the tip-off line, which will assist with future investigations and enforcement actions.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
“If you know or suspect wrongdoing in WA’s gaming or wagering industries, we want you to
tell us.
“With your help, tip-off information will support our investigations and help us put an end to illegal gambling activity in WA.
“This tip-off line is a key initiative of the Cook Labor Government, delivering on its promise to minimise the harms associated with gaming and wagering activities.”
