The South Australian government has launched a 30-day trial aimed to encourage people at risk of gambling harm to take a break.
The Take a Break initiative will see materials displayed in pubs and clubs in both metropolitan and regional areas encouraging patrons to take a break.
The materials will contain a QR code that patrons can scan and it will direct them to a form where they can apply to bar themselves by selecting the types of gambling they want to be barred from, where, and for how long.
The state government said the initiative is targeted primarily at those individuals who may not be ready to talk to someone about their gambling, but who realise they may need help.
“We know that stigma and shame are among the main reasons why people delay seeking help. This initiative aims to weaken those barriers by giving South Australians a discreet way to press pause on their gambling and make time to rebuild personal relationships or find new, positive activities that can take the place of gambling in their lives,” South Australian human services minister Nat Cook said.
The initiative is being trialled in 24 hotels and seven clubs across South Australia, in both metropolitan and regional areas.
The Take a Break initiative is being administered by Consumer and Business Services in partnership with the AHASA, Gaming Care and Clubs SA.
“Gaming Care and the Hotels Association in South Australia is excited to be part of the Take a Break pilot program across a number of venues,” stated AHASA CEO Anna Moeller.
“Designed to assist those at risk patrons that may fall through the cracks, this new feature will complement the existing suite of harm minimisation measures already in place.
“South Australia proudly leads the nation with its harm minimisation strategies, most recently with the introduction of Facial Recognition Technology in gaming rooms.
“Access to Take a Break QR codes in venue is yet another valuable tool to assist those at risk of harm,” Moeller concluded.
This piece was first published by our sister publication, Club Management.