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Responsible conduct of gaming

The Gambling Legislation Amendment (Responsible Gambling) Act 1999 and other regulations aim to ensure that registered clubs and hotels adopt responsible practices for gambling activities conducted on their premises. Balgowlah RSL Club is committed to the principles of Responsible Conduct of Gaming.

Problem gambling may be characterised by a loss of control over gambling, especially over the scope and frequency of gambling, the level of wagering and the amount of leisure time devoted to gambling. Many negative consequences result from this loss of control such as failure of relationships, finances and employment.

Unlike alcohol-related problems, gambling abuses are more difficult to detect. Affordability is very important and employees play a primary role in observing, monitoring and communicating with patrons and management.

The Club's responsible gambling practices recognise that the vast majority of those patrons who participate in gambling do so as an enjoyable activity but that for some, gambling causes significant problems.

Characteristics of problem gambling include:

  • Anxiety, guilt or depression over gambling
  • Giving up formerly important social or recreational activities in order to gamble
  • Chasing losses
  • Repeated and failed attempts to give up gambling
  • Relationship breakdowns
  • Large debts

Is Gambling a problem for you? G-Line (NSW) is a confidential anonymous and free counselling service. Free call 1800 633 635. Promoting Responsible Gambling. Gamble with what you can afford, not your lifestyle.

Department of Gaming & Racing: www.dgr.nsw.gov.au
Clubs NSW: www.clubsnsw.com.au

RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL

The Liquor Licensing Act aims to ensure that those who consume alcohol only do so in a responsible manner. Balgowlah RSL Club is committed to the principles of responsible service of alcohol. All employees must adhere to the following responsible service of alcohol practices, below is an extract of Balgowlah RSL Clubs policy on Responsible service of Alcohol:

  • No liquor will be served to minors (under 18 years of age).
  • No intoxicated persons will be admitted to the Club.
  • Intoxicated persons will be refused service of liquor.

It is not only your right to follow the above principles; it is your obligation. Determining whether a person is intoxicated is not as easy as one may think. It is important to watch for signs that someone is becoming intoxicated, but common sense is also required. As well as mood and demeanour, and the number of drinks consumed, look for the following:

  • A notable change in behaviour, especially antisocial, inappropriate or violent behaviour, use of abusive language
  • Slurring of, or mistakes in speech
  • Clumsiness, knocking things over (like a drink or ashtray), or fumbling with change
  • A significant loss of co-ordination (usually swaggering or swaying)
  • A degree of confusion, a lack of understanding or ability to hear, and a difficulty in responding
  • Physical illness such as vomiting

Always be calm and polite when refusing service to a person you think is becoming or is intoxicated. If people are proving hard to reason with, repeat in a firm but controlled voice that, by law, they cannot be served another alcoholic drink. You should always approach these situations with tact and offer the patron a non-alcoholic alternative such as a soft drink, tea or coffee. It is also advisable to offer to arrange transport home for the intoxicated patron, such as a taxi. In all cases where you want to refuse service, you must first notify the Customer Relations Manager who will then deal with the situation further.

Responsible service of alcohol is becoming increasingly more relevant and you should be aware that serious offences are handed out to both licensees and individual bar employees who don't adhere to these guidelines.

  • In NSW the current applicable penalty is a maximum $5000 fine for the following offences:
  • Permit intoxicated or indecent or quarrelsome behaviour on licensed or registered club premises
  • Sell or supply liquor to intoxicated person on licensed or club premises
  • Sell or supply liquor to a minor

Department of Gaming & Racing: www.dgr.nsw.gov.au
Clubs NSW: www.clubsnsw.com.au

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