A suite of new regulations from the NSW Government is aimed at reducing harm caused by pokies machines.

Local clubs, however, wonder if the new requirements is suited to the environment of a smaller, regional club. 

Under the new rules NSW pubs and clubs with more than 20 gaming machines must have a responsible gaming officer on duty, whose role will be to identify concerning gambling behaviour, refer to gambling services, and facilitate requests for self-exclusion. 

Coonamble Bowling Club secretary manager Natalie Thurston said that the nature of their club meant that the new role might not make as much of an impact. 

“We walk around our gaming room, we speak to our patrons, they’ve got to come get drinks.”

“It’s not really going to affect any of our patrons.”

Further to that, Ms Thurston is concerned that face-to-face training to ensure the staff are all properly qualified might be difficult to access before the 1 July enforcement date. 

“In theory it’s great, but it’s not practical.”

As part of the changes, all hotels and clubs with gaming machines will also be required to keep a Gambling Incident Register and a Gaming Plan of Management.

Clubs with more than 100 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have more Responsible Gambling Officers. 

Shadow Minister for Gaming Kevin Anderson accused the new regulations of being ‘light on detail’.

“Evidence shows that those suffering from problem gambling can require professional help to overcome their addiction, and the Government’s proposal does not detail any consultation with professionals.”

“Furthermore, the hospitality industry in NSW is facing real issues in relation to finding the workers they need to run their venues and now the government is insisting they must also have specialist staff who will be responsible for engaging with patrons experiencing suspected gambling harm.”

Mr Anderson also said that the government should cover the training costs incurred from the changes.   

ClubsNSW to implement their own changes

On the same day, ClubsNSW announced their new Self-Facilitated Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion (MVSE) system, which will allow patrons to exclude themselves from gaming venues online, from home. 

The online model is designed to remove a challenge faced when patrons attend venues, even if to register for self-exclusion.

“Having to speak to staff at your local club about your gambling can be confronting, especially for those living in a small town, and it can be a deterrent to self-excluding,” ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said. 

Like existing self-exclusions, patrons wishing to cancel their self-exclusion will need to wait six months before a change can be made.