CCAV is committed to the provision and promotion of gambling in a responsible manner. Within clubs, gambling is enjoyed responsibly by the vast majority of members. However, some members may have difficulty with gambling responsibly and this may cause personal and financial problems for them and potentially their family and friends.

The decision to gamble lies with the individual and represents a choice based on an individual's circumstances. We recognise that to make that choice responsibly, clubs' members need to be informed about gambling products along with services and support available to them should they seek help with their gambling.

Responsible Gambling Codes Of Conduct

All our licensed clubs with gaming and wagering operate under approved Responsible Gambling Codes of Conduct. The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation is responsible for approving those Codes and ensuring they are in place.

The Codes encompass a number of initiatives designed to ensure club members are able to make informed choices, as well as providing support mechanisms for those who need assistance. Clubs can access the codes from these links.

Gaming Code

CCAV recommends clubs adopt the codes of practice developed collaboratively with industry stakeholders and the licensed gaming operators. Tatts/Tabcorp Generic Code.

Wagering Code

www.tabcorp.com.au/responsible_code.aspx

Club Keno Code

www.tabcorp.com.au/responsible_code.aspx

Self Exclusion Program

The Gambling Regulation Act 2003 makes it compulsory for gaming venues to have a Self Exclusion Program. The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation is responsible for approving those programs and ensuring they are in place.

The program is an aid for people needing to make change but is most effective when linked to the availability of problem gambling support services. CCAV recommends clubs take up the self exclusion program administered by the Australian Hotels Association. Further information is available at www.ahha.com.au or by phoning the Self Exclusion Officer on 03 9654 3491.

Responsible Gaming Training

All club employees working in the gaming machine area of a venue are required to undertake an approved course within six months of commencing employment. Gaming employees are also required to undertake an approved refresher course within three years following completion of their initial course. Please refer to the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation's website (www.vcgr.vic.gov.au) for the current list of approved training providers.

Gamblers Help

To access help for people or families dealing with problems associated with gambling, contact Gamblers Help on
1800 858 858 or www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Online counselling is also available with free and immediate access, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to a qualified gambling counsellor. Callers can choose to talk to an online counsellor anonymously.

Club Staff

Frontline staff in clubs are in many cases, the closest contact between customers/members and the club. In the routine of their duties they may encounter customers/members whose behaviour indicates a potential problem with gambling. It is absolutely essential that staff know how to respond to these situations. In particular, staff need to understand how to escalate their concerns so that they are properly dealt with.

In most cases this will simply be a matter of referral to their supervisor/manager/responsible gaming officer. Procedures that make this happen also ensure that staff are freed up to continue their duties in the full knowledge that their concerns have been appropriately dealt with.

CCAV recommends that clubs work closely with their local Gamblers Help branches to educate and inform staff working in or near a gambling environment. This should occur on a regular basis to account for staff turnover or changes in staff's personal circumstances.

Signs of a gambling problem*

Not sure if someone has a problem? It can be difficult to know if someone has a gambling problem. Often problem gamblers themselves are not aware that they have an issue.

Initially we may not want to believe that someone we know or love has a problem with gambling. It can also be difficult to detect a gambling problem because many people that gamble do not show their feelings and may lie or get angry if questioned about their behaviour.

It is helpful to know some common warning signs of a gambling problem so that you can identify whether someone you know might need help with their gambling behaviour. Knowing the warning signs can help decide what action to take.

If gambling is a problem for someone you know, you might notice changes in the person's mood, schedule or finances. Problem gamblers may be moody, have unexplained periods of absence from home or work, or they may always seem to be running out of money.

Financial signs

Some common financial warning signs that someone may have a problem with gambling include:

• Money missing from bank accounts, wallet or money jar.
• Household items and valuables missing.
• Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage.
• Borrowing money on a regular basis.
• Having many loans at the one time.
• Being secretive about financial records or payslips.
• Unpaid bills/disconnection notices.
• Lack of food in the house.

Mood and behaviour signs

When someone develops a gambling problem, there are often noticeable changes to their mood and behaviour, including:

• Becoming withdrawn from others/family events.
• Performance at work is being affected.
• Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason.
• Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal.
• Changes in personality - sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns.
• Controlling and/or manipulative behaviour.
• Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others.

Changes in a person's mood and behaviour can impact significantly on work, study and personal relationships.

Time related signs

Some common time-related signs that could indicate someone has a problem with gambling include:

• Spending more and more time gambling.
• Being secretive about unexplained absences.
• Often being late for commitments.
• Over-using sick days and days off.
• Taking an unusual amount of time for simple tasks (e.g. taking two hours to get the paper from corner store).

*This information is provided courtesy of Turning Point. More information and can be sourced at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.