Gambling Harm Action Week

As part of Gambling Harm Action Week, the AHASA and Gaming Care were delighted to partner with Consumer and Business Services, South Australian Minister for Small and Family Business, Andrea Michaels MP, and Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook MP, to continue leading the nation in gambling harm minimisation.

The ‘Take a Break’ initiative, administered by CBS and currently being trialled in 31 venues, is designed to make it easier for people at risk of gambling harm to bar themselves from gaming rooms. By simply scanning the 'Take a Break' QR code, people will be directed to an online form where they can bar themselves in just a couple of minutes.

Gaming Care Manager, Tom Owens, said, “South Australia already has the most effective suite of harm minimisation measures and barring legislation in the nation, allowing individuals and people with concern for another's health and wellbeing to apply for a barring order from gaming venues.

“This initiative aims to fill the gaps in support services, providing a discrete way for those suffering from gambling harm or those who are too embarrassed to speak up, to quietly bar themselves and take a break.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the ‘Take a Break’ QR code trial,” Tom said.

It was equally important for the AHASA and Gaming Care to participate in Gambling Help Services events throughout the week, further cementing our relationships with support mechanisms.

Tom said, “I was delighted to attend Relationship Australia SA’s Gambling Help Services Meet and Greet at the Seaton Hotel.”

“Our Gaming Care Officers were able to meet with councillors and clinicians working in this sector, and fortunate to have representatives from Statewide Gambling Therapy, OARS Community Transitions, and Peace.

“We deepened our understanding of gamblingrelated harm and how we, along with venues, can play a proactive role in harm minimisation and early intervention.

“It’s not just about compliance though, this week was about actively creating a culture of responsibility and care for patrons.

“This networking also aligns with our Responsible Service of Gaming Services training, which ensures that gaming employees and their managers are recognised by CBS, are competently using the Barring and Online Employee Notification (BOEN) system, and recognising gambling harm in their venues.

“I remind members that RSG training is mandatory for those with gaming machines.

“We offer the most comprehensive RSG training package in the nation. When you do this training through Gaming Care, you’re not only receiving knowledge from an accredited trainer, but you’re also receiving insights and ongoing relationships with the Gaming Officers who visit your businesses.

“Our 200th participant has just completed RSG 3 online, and we’re just shy of our 100th participant completing RSG 2 online as well.

“Traction is definitely building and that’s definitely due to moving to an online training option. Through our new system, you can ask trainers questions and do the training in your own time,” Tom said.