WA Enacts Laws to Shield Consumers, Small Businesses

• The Cook Labor Government congratulates the Albanese Government on the successful passage of the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026
• New laws come from strong advocacy from the Cook Labor Government and will protect consumers, small businesses and WA’s unique Lotterywest model

The Cook Labor Government congratulates Albanese Labor Government on the passing of amendments to Interactive Gambling Act this week.

The new laws come into effect on 1 January 2027 and ban dangerous online keno “pocket pokies” and foreign-matched lotteries in Australia. This comes after sustained advocacy from the Cook Labor Government highlighting the importance of a highly regulated and consistent lottery model.

The reforms will reduce the significant risk of gambling harm that online keno and foreign-matched lotteries pose to protect WA’s unique Lotterywest model, Western Australian consumers, and the 480 small businesses that sell Lotterywest products across WA.

Lotterywest is Australia’s only state-owned and operated lottery. It has a long tradition of supporting the WA community, with all available profits from Lotterywest games being returned directly to the WA community through prizes and grants.

Last financial year, more than $1.1 billion was returned to the WA community through lottery prizes and grants, and $404 million was provided through grants to over 450 organisations.

This is made possible by the dedication of the 480 small businesses who sell Lotterywest games across WA, and the 2,500 staff they employ. Small business continues to be the heartbeat of Lotterywest, with over 70% of sales still made in a physical retail store.

As stated by Premier Roger Cook:

“My government welcomes the amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act that will close critical loopholes that have historically allowed shadow lottery products into the State.

“These changes will ensure Western Australian consumers and small business are protected.

“I’m proud of the advocacy of my government, ensuring these reforms deliver a nationally consistent approach that prohibits foreign-matched lotteries and online keno organisations from circumventing state-based legislation.

“I congratulate the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese, and Federal Minister for Communications, Hon Anika Wells, for navigating the successful passage of this Bill.”