ClubsNSW, the organization representing social clubs in New South Wales, Australia, has unveiled a revised code of ethics to combat compulsive gambling. The updated guidelines will encompass actions such as prohibiting entry to at-risk gamblers, mandating staff to monitor patrons every three hours, and educating personnel to identify indicators of gambling addiction. Each establishment will also appoint a designated responsible gaming representative.
Additional steps involve providing support services for individuals observed pursuing losses, seeking loans, or resorting to theft for gambling. These patrons will also face automatic exclusion from gaming zones. Relatives will have the option to request bans for members struggling with gambling, and anyone suspected of financial improprieties will be permanently prohibited.
These adjustments precede a state election in March, where gaming is anticipated to be a prominent topic. Current figures reveal that gamblers in New South Wales lose close to a million Australian dollars hourly. Advocacy for cashless gaming has also intensified following a study that uncovered billions of dollars being laundered through gaming machines within the state annually. ClubsNSW maintains that cashless gaming is not a viable solution to mitigate problem gambling.
The Premier of New South Wales, Dominic Perrottet, strongly supports this plan. He has stated his desire for New South Wales to move toward a future of digital-only wagering. Perrottet views this as a key chance to directly address the issue of compulsive gambling. He has stressed the importance of taking all necessary steps to minimize the negative impacts associated with gambling in New South Wales.
