Section 27D of the Betting Control Act 1954, makes it an offence for a person providing a wagering service in Western Australia or elsewhere, to publish or otherwise use Western Australian race fields without obtaining the pre-requisite approval.
Purpose of the publish/use Western Australian Race Fields form
To protect the integrity of the Western Australian racing industry, the detail contained in the Publish/Use Western Australian Race Fields form provides the Minister for Racing and Gaming (or delegate) with information to assess the character and integrity of a person/entity seeking approval to publish/use Western Australian race fields.
In addition to the information provided, a primary consideration in making such determinations by the Minister will also be whether the issue of an approval will be in the public interest.
An approval given by the Minister (or delegate) does not give automatic right to wagering service providers to publish/use Western Australian race field information. As a condition of an approval, wagering service providers approved must enter into a commercial arrangement with Racing and Wagering Western Australia (the controlling authority) before obtaining Western Australian race field information.
Who is required to complete the publish/use Western Australian Race Fields form
Australian based betting operators who engage in or conduct betting on Western Australian races are authorised to publish/use Western Australian race fields, subject to:
- Payment of a racing bets levy to the Gaming and Wagering Commission; and
- Wagering operators complying with prescribed information requirements in relation to matters concerning the integrity and reputation of the racing industry.
An offshore operator will need to apply for approval to use or publish WA Race Fields. Approved offshore operators will also be required to lodge the prescribed returns and make payment of a racing bets levy to the Gaming and Wagering Commission.
The Publish/Use Western Australian Race Fields form consists of Part A and Part B.
Part A relates to the wagering operations of the entity whereas Part B relates to personal particulars of individuals. Both Parts are required to be completed and lodged in order to be considered under section 27D of the Betting Control Act 1954.
Part B must be completed by all persons with an interest in a wagering licence, in the case of a body corporate or partnership; that is, a director, office bearer or person in a position of authority in a body corporate, or each member of a partnership.
Application fees
There is no prescribed fee associated with seeking approval to publish/use a Western Australian race field.