An expansion of popular electronic gaming options, including animated horse and greyhound racing, is being considered by the WA Government as part of the potential sale of the TAB.

A discussion paper recently released by Treasurer Ben Wyatt on the proposed sale of the state-owned betting agency revealed the Government would consider breaking with WA tradition and allowing "virtual" or "simulated" racing products in TAB outlets and pub TABs under a potential sale.

Such products are currently not allowed under WA's wagering licence, but are a common feature in other states.

One such product is Trackside — an animated racing game that is authorised under wagering licences issued to Tabcorp in NSW, Victoria and ACT.

According to the discussion paper, simulated racing products are designed to "complement" live racing at TAB outlets and are predominantly provided during periods between live races.

Trackside's website says it "combines the excitement and bet types of thoroughbred and greyhound racing with the simplicity and payout characteristics of a number of games such as Keno".

TAB's 'Trackside' electronic racing game is already available in the eastern states. ( Supplied: TAB )

Under current WA law, only Crown Casino is allowed to offer simulated racing products.

The discussion paper makes it clear that allowing any potential TAB buyer the right to offer such products would require legislative change.

McGowan 'playing politics' with gambling rules

WA Nationals MP Colin Holt said he supported the move but was quick to point out it was in stark contrast to Premier Mark McGowan's position when in opposition.

When the ABC revealed in 2016 the previous Barnett government was considering allowing a gaming machine expansion, including electronic horse racing as part of a potential TAB sale, Mr McGowan was highly critical.

"All that will mean, is more people will pour their money into those machines, … particularly those on pensions, and those who can least afford it, will lose money," Mr McGowan said at the time. "It brings some of those social ills, in particular gambling addictions and the like that we've seen in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland now for decades to Western Australia. "It is a very, very disturbing development and I oppose it absolutely."

Mr Holt, who was the racing and gaming minister in 2016, said it was the height of hypocrisy for Mr McGowan to now have changed his mind.

He claimed Mr McGowan's decision to "play politics" with a potential TAB sale when he was opposition leader had likely delayed the sale and all the while the state asset had lost value and therefore cost taxpayers money.

"The Government's spent another $400,000-plus on consultants just to kick the can down the road for another six months, I think that's playing politics," Mr Holt said.

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Acting WA Liberal Leader Liza Harvey said her party would wait to see the details of what the Government proposed, but labelled the move "pokies by stealth".

"The last thing we need right now is to provide more opportunities for people to gamble, particularly when people are already coming to terms with household fees and charges and paying mortgages on houses that have lost value," Ms Harvey said.

"Opening up more opportunities for people to gamble is fraught with danger."

Strict rules to govern virtual games: Wyatt

Mr McGowan's office referred queries on the matter to Treasurer Ben Wyatt's office.

In a statement, Mr Wyatt said allowing virtual racing products would increase a new TAB operator's ability to support the racing industry.

"If virtual racing was included in the WA TAB licence, there would be a range of strict regulatory controls in place," he said.

"This includes controls on where, when and in what form virtual racing is provided.

"The Government's advisor recommended the State Government consider expanding the WA TAB licence to include Keno, however the Government rejected that proposal."

The discussion paper makes it clear that the Government will not consider allowing poker machines in WA or for other games such as Keno to be played allowed outside of Crown Casino.