The AMA (WA) recently made a submission to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety regarding the Review and Reform of Western Australian Gambling Laws – Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (CRIS) 2025.
The submission highlights gambling-related harm as a significant public health issue linked to mental illness, suicide, family violence and financial hardship. The AMA (WA) advocates for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to address gambling harm – emphasising prevention, early intervention, treatment, and community education.
Key recommendations include:
Objects of legislation: Prioritise community wellbeing and harm prevention over economic or entertainment goals, incorporating public health principles, equity, and cultural safety.
Responsible gambling training: Mandate training for licensees and staff to promote responsible gambling and mental health awareness.
Statutory duty of care: Establish a duty of care requiring proactive harm-minimisation actions, including player monitoring, intervention protocols, and civil penalties for breaches.
Gambling advertising: Advocate for a phased restriction leading to a comprehensive or near-total ban on gambling advertising, including at state-owned venues and events.
Protections for young adults: Maintain the minimum gambling age at 18, but introduce enhanced protections for 18–24-year-olds – such as spending limits, prohibition on inducements, and education programs.
Aboriginal health perspective: Address disproportionate gambling harm in Aboriginal communities through culturally safe, community-led prevention and treatment services.
Emerging technologies and risks: Future-proof legislation to address risks from new technologies like online platforms, AI-driven betting, and cryptocurrency.
Compensation mechanism: Support trauma-informed, low-cost compensation processes with pro bono legal assistance for those affected by gambling harm.
Transparency in fundraising: Mandate disclosure of proceeds, cap third-party service provider fees, and require annual public reporting.
Regulation of bookmaking: Apply harm minimisation, transparency and accountability standards to all bookmaking activities.
The submission emphasises the need for a public health-focused legislative framework, integration of international best practices, and a strong focus on Aboriginal health. It calls for the establishment of an independent Gambling Harm Research and Practice advisory body funded by a levy on the gambling industry to coordinate research, evaluate interventions, and improve workforce training.
View the submission at amawa.com.au/community/advocacy/wa-health-system-advocacy
