Wendy Poli | February 4, 2025 | Updated on: February 4th, 2025
Western Australia (WA) has some of the strictest gambling laws in Australia, with tight restrictions on gaming machines (pokies) and only one licensed casino. Unlike other states, pokies are not allowed in pubs and clubs, making WA one of the most regulated gambling jurisdictions in the country.
The Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) regulates all gambling activities in WA, ensuring responsible gaming, fairness, and consumer protection.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Crown Perth is the only licensed casino in WA.
✔ Online casinos are banned, but offshore operators accept WA players.
✔ Sports betting is legal and regulated, with strict advertising laws.
✔ Gaming machines (pokies) are only available inside Crown Perth.
✔ Lotteries are legal, with online ticket sales permitted.
Now, let’s explore Western Australia’s gambling laws in detail.
Casinos in Western Australia
Crown Perth – WA’s Only Licensed Casino
The Crown Perth Casino is the only legal casino in Western Australia, offering:
🎲 Poker
🎲 Blackjack
🎲 Roulette
🎲 Baccarat
🎲 Electronic gaming machines (pokies)
Casino Licensing & Regulation in WA
✔ Crown Perth operates under a special casino license issued by the WA government.
✔ Strict anti-money laundering and responsible gambling laws apply.
✔ Regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance.
📍 Fact: Unlike other states where multiple casinos operate, WA enforces a single-casino policy to reduce problem gambling.
Gaming Machines & Pokies Laws in WA
Western Australia has the toughest pokies restrictions in Australia.
Key Pokies Regulations in WA:
✔ Pokies are only allowed inside Crown Perth Casino – not in pubs or clubs.
✔ Strict harm-minimization policies apply, including time limits and self-exclusion programs.
✔ Maximum bet limits are enforced to prevent problem gambling.
✔ No gaming machines outside the casino make WA unique among Australian states.
📍 Fact: Western Australia is the only state in Australia where pokies are banned from pubs and clubs.
Online Gambling Laws in Western Australia
Online gambling in WA is regulated under federal laws, meaning Australian-based online casinos are banned, but offshore operators accept WA players.
Legal Online Gambling in WA:
✅ Online sports betting is legal, but only through Australian-licensed operators (RT Bet, N1 Bet, Roby Casino).
✅ Online lotteries are permitted (The Lott, Lotterywest).
Illegal Online Gambling in WA:
❌ Australian-based online casinos are banned.
❌ Online poker and online slot machines are not allowed within WA.
📍 Warning: Offshore online casinos operate outside WA regulations, meaning players have no consumer protections under Western Australian law.
Sports Betting Laws in WA
Western Australia heavily regulates sports betting, with strict rules on advertising and promotions.
Where Can You Bet on Sports in WA?
✔ Retail sportsbooks – Available at licensed TAB locations.
✔ Online sportsbooks – Licensed operators include Roby, RT Bet, N1 Bet, and SG Casino.
✔ Race betting – Available at Ascot Racecourse, Belmont Park, and other venues.
Betting Restrictions in WA:
❌ Live betting is not allowed online – Only via phone or in person.
❌ Offshore sportsbooks are unregulated and may pose risks.
📍 Tip: Western Australia has some of the strictest advertising rules for sports betting, banning inducements like “free bets” or “deposit bonuses”.
Lottery Laws in WA
Lotteries are fully legal in Western Australia and are operated by Lotterywest.
Popular Lotteries in WA:
🎟 Oz Lotto – Tuesday jackpot draws.
🎟 Powerball – The largest jackpot game in Australia (Thursday draws).
🎟 Saturday Lotto – The most popular weekly lottery game.
📍 Tip: WA residents can buy lottery tickets online through Lotterywest or at licensed retail outlets.
Gambling Taxes in Western Australia
Western Australia imposes gambling taxes on casinos, gaming machines, and sports betting operators.
How Gambling is Taxed in WA:
📌 Casino tax – Crown Perth pays a tiered tax based on revenue.
📌 Gaming machine tax – Crown Perth pays a separate tax on gaming machine earnings.
📌 Sports betting tax – A 15% Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) applies to all bets placed in WA.
📍 Did You Know? Western Australia was one of the last states to introduce a POCT on online sports betting.
Responsible Gambling in Western Australia
Western Australia has strict responsible gambling initiatives, enforced by the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).
Responsible Gambling Programs in WA:
✔ Gambling Help WA – Free counseling and support for problem gamblers.
✔ Self-Exclusion Programs – Players can ban themselves from gambling venues.
✔ Mandatory harm-minimization measures – Including bet limits and self-exclusion tools.
📍 Tip: If gambling is negatively affecting your life, seek support through WA’s responsible gambling resources.
Final Thoughts: Understanding WA Gambling Laws
Western Australia has some of the strictest gambling laws in Australia, focusing on responsible gambling and consumer protection.
✔ Crown Perth is the only legal casino in WA.
✔ Online sports betting is legal, but online casinos are banned.
✔ Gaming machines are only allowed inside Crown Perth.
✔ Lotteries are legal and available both online and in retail outlets.
If you’re gambling in WA, always choose licensed operators to ensure a safe and responsible gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is gambling legal in Western Australia?
✅ Yes, gambling is legal but heavily regulated by the DLGSC.
❓ Can I play online casinos in WA?
❌ No, Australian-based online casinos are banned, but offshore platforms accept WA residents.
❓ Is sports betting legal in WA?
✅ Yes, sports betting is legal and regulated, with providers like RT Bet, N1 Bet, and Roby.
❓ Are pokies allowed in WA?
✅ Yes, but only inside Crown Perth – not in pubs or clubs.
❓ Can I buy lottery tickets online in WA?
✅ Yes, WA residents can buy lottery tickets online through Lotterywest or at licensed retailers.