Responsible Gambling

CCV is committed to supporting clubs provide gambling in a responsible manner.
Gambling is enjoyed responsibly by the vast majority of members in clubs. However, some members may have difficulty with gambling responsibly and this may cause personal and financial problems for them and potentially their family and friends.

The decision to gamble lies with the individual and represents a choice based on an individual’s circumstances. We recognise that to make that choice responsibly, clubs’ members need to be informed about gambling products along with services and support available to them should they seek help with their gambling.

To access help for people or families dealing with problems associated with gambling, contact Gamblers Help on the free call number above.

Online counselling is also available with free and immediate access, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to a qualified gambling counsellor. Callers can choose to talk to an online counsellor anonymously.

Alternatively visit the website www.gamblinghelponline.org.au to understand the resources available and how to access them.

Responsible Gambling Codes Of Conduct

Certain licence holders in the gambling industry are required to implement a Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.

For clubs, the following relevant persons are required to operate a Code of Conduct:

  • a venue operator
  • a wagering operator
  • a keno licensee
  • the wagering and betting licensee
  • a commercial raffle organiser
  • a bingo centre operator

The Codes encompass a number of initiatives designed to ensure club members are able to make informed choices, as well as providing support mechanisms for those who need assistance.

RG Gaming Code

CCV recommends clubs adopt the Community Clubs Victoria’s Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct (Code 28)

Compliance with the CCV Code requires that the Code to be available on your clubs website (if you have one) including in community languages which you can download below:

Adopting the CCV Code of Conduct

There is no extra fee payable for member clubs who adopt the CCV code.

  • All venue operators, must complete a statement of adoption confirming that an approved Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct has been formally adopted:
    • New licensees – New Club licensees adopting the CCV Code of Conduct – Code 28 for the first time, must provide the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation with:
      • A completed Statement adoption form Code of Conduct – New Licensee
      • A copy of the minutes from a board or committee meeting confirming the decision to adopt a particular code of conduct. An appropriate minute could be: “(Your Club) will adopt the CCV Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct (Code 28) forthwith.”
    • Existing licensees – Existing club licensees switching to a different code of conduct, must provide the VCGLR with:

Please note: Transition at your club should occur as soon as reasonably possible.

In practice little change will be needed, however there are some things to consider:

  1. Ensure staff awareness of the change by convening a staff meeting or formal training session
  2. Ensure formal and regular contact with Gambler’s Help and Venue Support Workers
  3. Ensure the updated code versions in different languages are made available on your website if you have one
  4. Ensure your Responsible Gambling Register is current
  5. Preparation for the review of the Code (now every 5 years)

Responsible Gambling Message

Clubs adopting the CCV Code are required to display a Responsible Gambling Message in the gaming room.

Please print off a copy for display at your club.

Responsible Gambling Register

All venues are required to maintain a responsible gambling register The VCGLR provides a Gambling Fact Sheet on the use of a responsible gambling register.

Interaction with Customers-Signs of Distress

The Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct requires staff in the gaming area to monitor behaviour that might be consistent with gambling harm. Staff will have been introduced to this concept during their responsible gaming training, through a colour coding of patron behaviour.

Colour Coding Behaviours

Responsible Service of Gaming Training (RSG)

On 1 January 2017, a new model for Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG) training for Victorian gaming venue staff was introduced.

The purpose of RSG training is to equip gaming venue staff with the knowledge and skills required to ensure that gaming is provided responsibly.

Under the new RSG training requirements, gaming venue staff need to complete a standardised course of two modules. Module 1 is an online course hosted by the Regulator and module 2 is delivered face-to-face to staff in gaming venues by venue support workers. Module 1 must be completed within 1 month of commencing work in a gaming venue and module 2 must be completed within 6 months of commencing work in a gaming venue.

The new RSG training requirements replace the previous requirement that gaming venue staff complete a RSG training course or refresher course approved by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

Transitional arrangements have been made for gaming venue staff who completed RSG training under the previous model. Refresher training for those staff is the completion of modules 1 and 2. Staff who would have otherwise been required to complete refresher training between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2017 will have until 1 July 2017 to complete modules 1 and 2.

You can access module 1 from the RSG training website Clubs can use the RSG website to check whether gaming staff have completed the RSG training. You will need to enter the first and last name and unique code for your staff. If staff have forgotten their unique code, they will need to contact the Office of Liquor and Gaming on (03) 8684 1910 or by email to [email protected].

Gaming venue staff will be allocated a unique code once they have completed module 2. You can ask your staff to confirm their unique code once they have completed module 1. The code will also be displayed on the employee’s record of completion.

Staff can view, print and distribute electronic copies of their record of completion to their club from the RSG website.

Responsible Gambling Registers

Under the Responsible Gambling Codes of Conduct and Self Exclusion Programs, venues are required to maintain a Responsible Gambling Register. Maintaining the register is a way of capturing and tracking information required by your Code and SEP. It also allows VCGLR inspectors to determine whether venue operators are meeting their obligations.

The types of items that should be included in your Responsible Gambling Register include but are not limited to:
  • customer requests for information about problem gambling services or self-exclusion programs
  • the detection of a self-excluded person in your gaming areas
  • customer complaints about any aspect of your Code or SEP
  • instances of unacceptable customer behaviour
  • instances of extended customer time on an EGM without a break
  • staff training including meetings with Gamblers Help
  • requests by a customer for revocation of their self-exclusion
The VCGLR provide an on-line guideline to help clubs maintain their Register. The guideline includes information on what needs to be recorded and provides an example on how clubs can set out their register to allow staff to easily record relevant matters. The guideline can be downloaded at the link below.

Responsible Gambling Compliance

Responsible Gambling Register Guidelines
Club managers are responsible for ensuring compliance to the club’s responsible gambling commitment and the code to which they are a signatory.

To assist we have developed a Responsible Gambling Officers (RGO) position description that managers can easily tailor to the needs of their clubs. If you have an RGO whose single responsibility is responsible gambling compliance, then you would only need to tweak this document to suit the needs of your club. If you share the responsibilities across several people, it is easy to cut and paste the relevant sections into different PDs.

GENERIC RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING OFFICER POSITION DESCRIPTION

Clubs need to regularly check that they are displaying the required responsible gambling materials in their gaming rooms. This includes display of posters and EGM talkers as well as having available sufficient copies of Player Information brochures.

To ensure compliance, CCV recommends your Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO) develop a system that incorporates regular checks and that the RGO remains accountable for this responsibility through their position description.

Gaming Room Display Requirements

Clubs need to regularly check that they are displaying the required responsible gambling materials in their gaming rooms. This includes display of posters and EGM talkers as well as having available sufficient copies of Player Information brochures.

To ensure compliance, CCV recommends your Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO) develop a system that incorporates regular checks and that the RGO remains accountable for this responsibility through their position description.

Prize payment sign

The Foundation is an independent statutory authority established to focus on the impacts of problem gambling and to foster responsible gambling. They are funded by gaming machine taxes via the Community Support Fund.

They fund services for:

  • people affected by problem gambling
  • community education to foster responsible gambling
  • research to ensure decisions are based on the best available information

The Foundation works with key stakeholders including health professionals and the gambling industry to promote responsible gambling environments and increase awareness of the potential risks of gambling. They have defined responsible gambling in the following two ways.

they may gamble for pleasure and entertainment but are aware of their likelihood of losing, and understand associated risks. they exercise control over their gambling activity. responsible gambling occurs in balance with other activities in their lives and is not causing problems or harm for themselves and others.

shared responsibility for generating awareness of the risks associated with gambling. creating and promoting environments that prevent or minimise problem gambling. and being responsive to community concerns around gambling.

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is held every year to raise awareness about how to make gambling safer in our community.The week is a partnership between industry, the foundation, local councils, Gambler’s help services, and community groups. Resources are provided to event organisers to help them plan and promote their events.

Your Play

YourPlay, Victoria’s pre-commitment scheme, allow players to sign up for a swipe card and set their own limits and reminders to track their gaming play.

Players can also pick up a casual card and start tracking their play straight away.

YourPlay is available at every electronic gaming machine in the state.

You can find out more about the background of YourPlay or register on the YourPlay website. Clubs are charged YourPlay fees in arrears by IGS per calendar month.

Clubs must ensure they have all required YourPlay hardware installed and operational.

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