Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO)

As part of a suite of gaming reforms to identify and support patrons at risk of gambling harm, the NSW Government has committed to the introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs) into hotels and clubs with more than 20 gaming machines.

What are venue responsibilities under the requirement?

The new requirements, which commence 1 July 2024, will be implemented through amendments to the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019.

Venues are required to:

• Maintain and conduct monthly reviews of a Gambling incident register, that records instances of potential or actual gambling harm identified in the venue, and
• Create and maintain a Gaming Plan of Management, and update at least annually
• Ensure RGOs and some categories of venue management complete Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling Training.

Responsibilities under the new licensed venue requirements are:

What is the role of Responsible Gambling Officers?

The purpose of the RGOs is to promote proactive gambling harm minimisation.

RGOs will be required at all times when gaming machines are in operation.

Anytime gaming machines are operating between midnight and 8am, at least one (1) RGO must be dedicated to the RGO duties. This is also scaled depending on the number of gaming machine entitlements a venue holds. This is to minimise the increased risk of gambling harm late at night.

*Nominated RGOs will still be permitted to perform gaming-related tasks that allow them to interact with, and monitor, gaming patrons. This may include incidental tasks, such as emptying bins on the gaming room floor. Nominated RGOs will also be able to discharge their other statutory duties such as Responsible Service of Alcohol obligations. RGOs will have a range of duties, including:

• Proactively check-in on and engage with patrons where the RGO suspects they may be experiencing gambling harm
• Record gambling incidents in the Gambling Incident Register
• Escalate serious instances of gambling harm to senior management
• Facilitate the provision of gambling help information and requests for self exclusion

RGOs will also be protected from adverse action by their employer for carrying out their role and will have a right to report harm minimisation breaches.