A new study has been commissioned by the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF), which will look to understand the effectiveness of the existing Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) training and practice in New South Wales.

It is a requirement that all licensees, club secretaries and staff involved with gaming machines in NSW complete RCG training and Natalie Wright, the Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling said the research is needed to provide an evidence-base on which improvements to RCG training could be made.

“There has not been a recent comprehensive examination undertaken in NSW into the effectiveness of RCG training,” Wright said.

“We are committed to working towards zero gambling harm in NSW. We need to ensure we have a dynamic and robust standard of RCG training for all accredited staff to support them to prevent gambling harm in our communities.”

Central Queensland University has been commissioned by the RGF to undertake focus group as well as an anonymous survey with RCG competency card holders.

A survey email will be sent to all those who have completed the RCG certificate or refresher course in the last five years, with findings expected to be published next year.

Meanwhile the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) has launched four new responsible service of gambling (RSG) training videos to complement their popular Behind the bar RSA series.

The series, called ‘High stakes’, use real-life scenarios to encourage gaming staff to be aware and know their role and options when identifying and approaching problem gamblers and providing support to not only them, but their friends and family.

Gambling problems can be harder to detect so with hotel staff knowing their venue, the popular machines, regular patrons and their behavior, they are in an ideal position to minimise harm.

The videos offer moments where licensees and RSG trainers can pause play and discuss tactics, tips and tricks with staff. Discussion starters are also available to download and distribute.

Posters that promote the series and outline indicators of gambling problems are also available to download and display to staff back–of-house.

These resources have been created thanks to feedback we received direct from industry and we hope they continue to help support a culture across Queensland gaming venues that promotes the responsible service of gambling and harm minimisation.

For further information visit www.business.qld.gov.au/rsg.

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.

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