You are here: Home › Get Involved › Advocacy › Review & Reform Of Western Australian Gambling Laws Western Australian Department Of Local Government Industry Regulation & Safety December 2025
Review and Reform of Western Australian Gambling Laws - Western Australian Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety - December 2025
Overview
Submitted in December 2025, The Salvation Army’s response to the Review and Reform of Western Australian Gambling Laws welcomes the Government’s commitment to addressing gambling harm and protecting vulnerable communities. Drawing on extensive experience delivering financial counselling and social services across Australia, the submission emphasises that legislative reform must prioritise harm prevention and be supported by investment in specialist services. It outlines nine key recommendations to reduce gambling-related harm and strengthen protections for individuals and families.
Key Points
- Centring Harm Prevention
The submission calls for gambling harm prevention to be the core objective of legislative reform. Western Australia has an opportunity to lead nationally in reducing gambling harm through robust, proactive measures. - Introducing a Statutory Duty
The Salvation Army recommends imposing a statutory duty on all gambling providers to actively minimise harm. This public health approach ensures providers share responsibility for consumer safety. - Banning Gambling Advertising
Gambling advertising normalises gambling and undermines recovery efforts, particularly for children and vulnerable people. The submission urges an immediate ban on all gambling advertising in WA and advocates for a national, comprehensive ban. - Protecting Young People
The submission supports raising the minimum gambling age to 18 and introducing additional safeguards for young adults. It also highlights the need to address simulated gambling in video games and other platforms targeting youth. - Developing a Compensation Scheme
The Salvation Army recommends further consultation on an accessible compensation scheme for individuals and affected others harmed by gambling. Safeguards must ensure compensation does not lead to further harm or financial abuse. - Funding Specialist Support Services
Current funding for gambling support services in WA is insufficient. The submission calls for increased investment to expand specialist counselling, outreach, and education, particularly for high-risk groups such as young people and FIFO workers.