NSW launches study of responsible gambling practices

The New South Wales government has launched a study into the effectiveness of the state’s responsible gambling training and practices.

Commissioned by the Responsible Gambling Fund, the project will include an in-depth review of NSW’s Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) procedures to determine whether improved policies are required.

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

“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.”

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The study, to be conducted by the Central Queensland University, will see RCG card holders answer anonymous surveys and participate in focus groups.

The findings will be published in a publicly accessible report that is expected to come out sometime in 2020.

All venue licensees, club secretaries and gaming staff in NSW are required to undergo RCG training, yet several serious breaches of responsible gambling policy have surfaced in recent years.

Woolworths’ pokies business, ALH Group, was investigated this year after admitting that workers were encouraged to ply high-turnover gamblers with free drinks and other illegal benefits.

That led to formal charges for the South Tweed Tavern and the Westower Tavern, both situated on NSW’s north coast.

The Dee Why RSL also landed in strife last year when Gary Van Duinen, a known gambling addict, took his own life after an all-night betting binge at the club.