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Intro

Effective date: 28 July 2015
Last amended: 2 August 2019

Disclaimer

This policy is designed to provide information in regard to the subject matter covered, and with the understanding that the Gaming and Wagering Commission is not passing legal opinion or interpretation or other professional advice. The information is provided on the understanding that all persons undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its contents.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the Gaming and Wagering Commission’s (the commission) strategy in complying with the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport (the National Policy).

Legislative basis

The commission’s strategy is supported by legislative provisions contained in the Rules of Wagering 2005, the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Act 2003, the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 and the Betting Control Act 1954.

National policy on match-fixing

On 10 June 2011, all Australian Sports Ministers agreed and committed to the National Policy in an effort to combat match-fixing and protect the integrity of both the sporting and betting industries.

The National Policy (and associated sports betting model) comprises the following key principles:

  1. Registration of Sports Controlling Bodies (SCBs).
  2. Robust processes in approving sports betting products.
  3. Robust processes in approving sports betting operators.
  4. Sufficient deterrents to fraudulent activities in the form of offence and consistent penalties in each state’s laws.

The commission will apply the key principles of the National Policy as follows:

Principle 1 Registration of sports controlling bodies

The commission will recognise any SCB that is registered in an Australian state or territory.

If a WA based SCB is not registered in an Australian state or territory, the commission will recognise the SCB provided the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries confirms that the state based SCB meets the requirements of the National Policy.

Principle 2 Robust processes in approving sports betting products

Where a sports betting operator seeks approval from the commission to offer a new betting product or contingency, it will be required to certify that the product/contingency complies with the National Policy. In the case of a bookmaker, the commission will seek input from the relevant SCB prior to giving approval.

Principle 3 Robust processes in approving of sports betting operators

The commission will continue to licence operators in accordance with the relevant legislation, namely the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Act 2003, the Rules of Wagering 2004 and the Betting Control Act 1954.

Principle 4 Sufficient deterrents to fraudulent activities

In any instance of non-compliance with the National Policy, the commission may:

  • issue a direction under section 109G of the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 to Racing and Wagering Western Australia to cease or refrain from any practice in relation to its gambling activities; or
  • impose a condition under section 32A of the Betting Control Act 1954 on a bookmakers licence to comply with the National Policy; or
  • instigate proceedings to prosecute under section 33 of the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987; or
  • refer the matter to the WA Police to instigate proceedings under the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913.

The National Policy may be obtained from the Australian Department of Health website.

Chairman
Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia

Page reviewed 09 December 2024