Our commitment
Lotterywest has a vision to be a leader in building a better Western Australia. Since our first lottery draw in 1933, we have achieved this through offering entertaining and safe lottery games, including the original draw lotteries known as ‘charity tickets’ and then over time, a variety of Lotto games and instant lotteries marketed under the name ‘Scratch’n’Win’.
We share the proceeds of these games with the State's health, Sports and recreation, culture and the arts and through our direct grants program to thousands of different community and charitable groups every year.
Operating our business in a responsible way is integral to all the decisions we make. No one benefits when players experience problems with gambling; that’s why we have a commitment to prevent it.
For most people, playing Lotto or buying a ‘scratchie’ is fun. There are, however, a small percentage of people who are at risk of developing gambling problems. While lotteries rarely cause issues, Lotterywest supports programs that help protect people most at risk. We also have a 16+ policy for all our games and our retailers are committed to ensuring this is upheld.
The following key areas reinforce our approach to ensure we uphold the highest standards of responsible play.
An organisation-wide approach
Lotterywest cares about players and the broader Western Australian community. We have committed to a responsible gaming framework in partnership with the World Lotteries Association (www.world-lotteries.org) and continue to provide players with information encouraging responsible play. Lotterywest, in partnership with our retailers, aims to offer the highest standards of service and information to play responsibly.
A responsible approach online
Lotterywest offers an online sales channel, Play Online, with strict spending limits, the option to set personal spending limits, an option to self exclude if playing online poses a risk and information on how to play responsibly.
Supporting essential services in the community
Lotterywest proudly supports Centrecare through our grants program. Centrecare is the specialist provider in gambling counselling in Western Australia. Lotterywest is also an active member of the Western Australian Problem Gambling Support Services Committee chaired by the Director General of the Department of Racing Gaming and Liquor along with representatives of the Burswood Entertainment Complex, Racing and Wagering Western Australia, the WA Bookmakers Association and the Department for Child Protection WA. Each year, community awareness campaigns supported by this committee highlight and lend support to those at risk of experiencing problem gambling.
Providing clear information to our players
Lotterywest believes it is important to minimise risk for players by clearly stating a range of factual information relating to playing our games:
- The odds to be displayed in any 'how to play' information and online
- Provision of ‘Play Responsibly’ information brochures and cards at retail outlets
- Carrying the ‘Play Responsibly’ message on the reverse of all tickets and the contact number for the Problem Gambling Helpline
- Ensuring that 'Play Responsibly' messages are on all in-store and print communication (posters, publications and print advertising), detailing the Problem Gambling Helpline and website