The Gaming Machines Regulation 2019 has been amended to allow for the introduction of a new and improved RCG tiered training framework. The new Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) and Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG) courses will ensure staff are trained at a level appropriate to their role. Based on recommendations from the Responsible conduct of gambling study conducted in 2019 into the efficacy of RCG training in NSW, the Office of Responsible Gambling (ORG) in collaboration with the University of Sydney and ClubsNSW has developed the new framework and training resources to support frontline staff, supervisors and managers in gaming related roles.
The framework strengthens training requirements and provides gaming staff with practical skills to identify and proactively intervene when patrons display signs of problematic gambling behaviour. The framework consists of:
The new standard RCG course will cover:
Please note, your role may require additional training. For example, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training is the foundation that qualifies you to sell, serve or supply liquor. Only a registered training organisation approved by L&GNSW (an ‘approved training provider’) can conduct RSA and RCG competency card training and issue certificates.
RCG training is mandatory if your work duties involve gaming machines. RCG training applies to:
To obtain an RCG competency, you must:
All RCG courses are delivered in a classroom or virtual classroom.
The price charged for an RCG training course varies between approved training providers. The amount you pay for your course includes the cost of your NSW competency card.
Interim certificates
On successful completion of your RCG course, L&GNSW will email you the link with instructions on how to access and complete the mandatory L&GNSW online RCG assessment.
The online assessment comprises of 25 mostly multiple choice and multiple answer questions. You need to score 100% to pass and have unlimited attempts to successfully answer each question as you go. The assessment is expected to take 30-45 minutes to complete.
On passing the assessment L&GNSW will email you an RCG interim certificate. The interim certificate is valid for 90 days and allows you to work immediately.
Competency cards
To obtain a NSW RCG competency card, present your interim certificate to a Service NSW Centre and complete a 100 point identification check. Service NSW will send your card to your nominated address via mail. Please allow up to one month for its delivery.
If you already have a NSW RSA competency card, on completion of your RCG course you will automatically be sent a new card with your updated competencies.
Note: in NSW all competencies must expire on the same date, calculated five years from the first competency gained e.g. if your RSA competency expires in June 2023, even if you gain your RCG competency in June 2020 both competencies will still have an expiration date of June 2023. This ensures all your competencies are current and expire on the same date.
Digital Competency Cards
You can obtain a digital competency card via the Service NSW app. The app is available via download from iTunes® or the Google Play™ store. Once you have the app, you’ll need your competency card holder number to add your competency.
Visit Service NSW to learn more about the NSW Digital Competency card.
The RCG Standard Course Participant Workbook PDF, 4707.76 KB reflects the new and improved RCG training framework.
Interview footage with problem gamblers and counsellors can be accessed on the GambleAware YouTube channel. Help for problem gamblers is available at GambleAware.
View our FAQs about the L&GNSW RCG online assessment.
You are required to renew your NSW RCG competency every five years by completing the online RCG refresher course.
The new RCG refresher course covers the following topics:
Anyone who wants to retain their RCG competency should complete the RCG Refresher course.
Your expiry date is on the front of your NSW competency card. If we have your email and/or mobile number, we will notify you 90 days before your competency expires that you need to complete an online refresher training course.
If we don’t have your contact details, update them here.
If you don’t receive a reminder 90 days before your card expiry, you should contact L&GNSW so we can update our records and give you access to the refresher course.
Note: Completing a full course through an approved training provider prior to the expiry of your competency card will not extend the expiry date on your current card
You only have to pay the cost of issuing a new competency card with the renewed competency. Refer to the Fee Schedule.
If you already have a digital competency card, your competency will automatically update once you’ve completed the Refresher course.
If you don’t have a digital competency card, you can obtain one via the Service NSW app. The app is available via download from iTunes® or the Google Play™ store. Once you have the app, you’ll need your competency card holder number to add your competency.
Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG)
The Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG) course provides the resources and practical skills required to identify and proactively intervene to support patrons that might be experiencing gambling harm.
The ARCG course covers:
The NSW government is proposing to mandate Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG) training for Responsible Gambling Officers (RGO) and other senior roles within hotels and clubs that operate gaming machines.
A staged implementation of the proposed training requirements will ensure that harm minimisation benefits are realised for the NSW community, while allowing NSW venues, staff, management, and training providers time to adjust.
The proposed ARCG training requirements reflect the increased risk of gambling harm that gaming machines represent and support a culture of proactive harm minimisation in venues.
Note: Your ARCG endorsement is automatically renewed on successful completion of the RCG refresher course prior to the expiry of your Competency card.
To create a proactive environment focussed on harm minimisation and provide support for RGOs, it is proposed that other individuals related to venue operations will also be required to complete ARCG training, including:
This ensures that senior management are aware of their harm minimisation obligations, can help drive venue culture, and are equipped to support RGOs in circumstances where RGOs may need to escalate serious instances of gambling harm to senior management.
The requirements for individuals in the above positions to undertake ARCG will be gradually introduced to ensure sufficient time for training to be obtained.
To obtain an ARCG competency, complete an ARCG course through an L&GNSW Approved Training Provider (ATP).
ATPs approved by L&GNSW to deliver ARCG competency training in NSW can be found here.
The price charged for an ARCG course varies between approved training providers. The amount you pay for your course will not include the cost of your NSW competency card.
However, if you wish to add your ARCG endorsement to your physical competency card, you will need to pay the cost of re-issuing the card. Refer to the Fee Schedule.
Upon successful completion of an ARCG course, you will receive an ARCG course completion certificate.
If you hold a digital competency card, the ARCG endorsement will be automatically added to your digital card free of cost.
To add the ARCG endorsement to your physical competency card, visit the competency card self-service portal to manage your competency card online.
Note: In NSW all competencies must expire on the same date, calculated five years from the first competency gained. For example, if your RCG competency expires in June 2024, even if you gain your ARCG competency in Jan 2023 both competencies will still have an expiration date of June 2024. This ensures all your competencies are current and expire on the same date.
The current ARCG course participant workbook can be found here ARCG Course Participant Workbook PDF, 4491.49 KB
T: 1300 024 720 | Monday to Friday | 9am - 4pmE: competency.card@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au
