RESPONSIBLE GAMING POLICY
The following document is an overview of Bankstown Sports’ commitment to Responsible Gaming. The Policy outlines the current initiatives and support services that are available to members and guests at the club, while the Legislation refers to the various Government Acts and Laws that mandate this industry.
A copy of this policy can be found in-house, and on our website.
For more information, please contact a member of staff or call and request to speak to the Bankstown Sports Operations Manager on (02) 9722 9888 or contact our Responsible Gaming Manager at ResponsibleGaming@bankstownsports.com
Bankstown Sports is a member of ClubSAFE Premium, the preferred responsible gambling program in NSW, which is used in over 950 clubs state-wide. It is based on a Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion Program (MVSE), deswigned to assist people with a gambling problem to self-exclude from multiple venues around where they live, work and socialise.
Bankstown Sports is a member of the National Association for Gambling Studies Inc. (NAGS) which aims to promote discussion and research into all areas of gambling activity. Its membership base includes representatives from the industry, treatment agencies, academics, regulators and gamblers themselves.
INTRODUCTION
Bankstown Sports Club acknowledges the responsibility and privilege of holding a license to operate gaming machines and other forms of gambling within the state of New South Wales. Our venue encourages the responsible use of gambling facilities within the Club and abides by the Club Gaming Code of Practice.
The responsible gaming initiatives employed at Bankstown Sports Club and the club’s commitment to Clubs NSW Gaming Code of Practice focuses on harm minimisation and minimising any potential risk for customers who may develop difficulties with gambling related harm.
POLICY STATEMENT
The Board of Bankstown Sports Club have formally adopted the following policy statement and will always:
• Ensure the provision and use of gambling products occur in a safe and enjoyable manner;
• Bankstown Sports Club will prioritise customer welfare and sustainable gambling activities;
• Bankstown Sports Club will adopt responsible gambling and harm minimisation measures in accordance with the Club Gaming Code of Practice; and
• Bankstown Sports Club will promote the social and economic benefits of responsible gambling and the gaming industry.
EXCLUSION PROGRAMS
1. ENTIRE VENUE SELF EXCLUSION
This initiative allows patrons to exclude themselves from all areas of Bankstown Sports Club venues. In this instance of selfexclusion, the patron nominates that they will refrain from visiting Bankstown Sport Club venues for a specific amount of time. The system also allows patrons to exclude from other venues within our area through the Multi Venue Self Exclusion (MVSE) program. Bankstown Sports Club employees will assist the patron in honouring the commitment they have made.
2. PARTIAL SELF EXCLUSION
A partial self-exclusion allows patrons to exclude themselves from gaming activities in a venue but still allows access to other nongaming areas of the venue including restaurants, bars, and entertainment precincts. In this instance of self-exclusion, the patron nominates that they will refrain from accessing the gaming areas of the venue/s. Bankstown Sports Club employees will assist the patron in honouring the commitment they have made. If a person opted into the partial exclusion program and breaches the contract by entering a gaming area the club will adjust the exclusion to an Entire Venue Exclusion.
If a patron wishes to self-exclude from Bankstown Sports venues, they can speak with an Operations Support Manager or Responsible Gaming Officer. Alternatively, they can contact a gambling help counsellor.
3. THIRD PARTY EXCLUSION REQUEST
A family-initiated request for exclusion is available. This enables problem gamblers to be excluded from gaming venues as a result of information supplied by a third party. A third party includes a spouse, domestic partner, parent, adult child or by Bankstown Sports. Should a third party seek to initiate an exclusion request, application will be lodged with the Club’s responsible gambling provider ClubSAFE, who will contact the person who has been nominated for the exclusion. A counsellor will review the request and all information provided by both parties and an appropriate decision for exclusion will be determined. The person making the application will remain anonymous. Should an exclusion order be necessary, the person will be advised by ClubSAFE and the club will exclude the person for a period of at least 12 months. Bankstown Sports will honour all exclusion requests from ClubSafe counsellors.
To apply for a Third Party Exclusion Request click here
4. CLUB INITIATED EXCLUSION
The club must initiate a Multi-Venue Exclusion for a Player if it is of the opinion that it is necessary to prevent that Player from experiencing serious gambling-related harm.
The club will initiate a Multi-Venue Exclusion if a player displays any of the following problem gambling behaviours:
• seeking credit for gambling
• seeking to borrow money for gambling
• admitting to borrowing or stealing money to gamble
• leaving a minor unattended while playing gaming machines.
Should the club initiate an exclusion order it will be for minimum period of 6 months.
Bankstown Sports reserves the right to request an exclusion order on a person via the ClubSafe third party request system if it believes an individual is experiencing gambling harm.
A person can appeal a third-party request or club-initiated exclusion to the Clubs NSW Code of Practice Adjudication Panel. Information on this process can be obtained from the clubs Responsible Gambling Officer.
Bankstown Sports supports the ClubSAFE Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion (MVSE) program which allows players to exclude themselves from multiple venues within the nominated area, to avoid gaming activities. This program has helped more than 6,000 individuals to regain control over their gambling habits.
If a participant breaches the self-exclusion order and are detected within the venue, they will immediately be cited and/or barred. Additionally, it will be reported through the MVSE or BetSafe program for assessment by trained counsellors who will offer support and guidance.
As part of our commitment to responsible gaming, when a person chooses to self-exclude from one of our venues, they are automatically excluded from all venues in the Bankstown Sports Group.
VOLUNTARY PRE-COMMITMENT
This initiative allows members to set a limit on the amount of money they are willing to spend on gaming machines in a designated period – a day, week, or month.
The member will meet with an Operations Support Manager or Responsible Gambling Officer to discuss the requirements and regulations surrounding this initiative. The pre-commitment limit will be set, and an agreement will be signed outlining the required action to be taken once the limit is reached. The process is mutually agreed by the member and manager, within the requirements of the program.
Once the member has reached their nominated limit within their nominated period, an appropriate member of staff or an Operations Support Manager will receive a notification. They will approach the member to advise them that their limit has been reached, and the previously agreed and personalised next steps will be conducted. The member will no longer earn reward points or gain entry into any club promotion (gaming or member promotion), until the limit is reset (after the agreed ‘rest period’ has expired).
For more information about this initiative, please speak to an Operations Support Manager. This initiative is only available to club members. If this applicant is not a member but would like to utilise this support service, they are able to join (free of charge) as a member to ensure player activity can be monitored.
STAFF TRAINING AND AWARENESS
All staff at Bankstown Sports and its associated venues are required by law to obtain the appropriate accreditation and further training where required including:
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
• Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG)
• Anti Money Laundering (AML) awareness training
Gaming and Venue managers will complete:
• Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG)
• Anti Money Laundering / Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) awareness training
Responsible Gambling Officer:
• Responsible Gambling Officer Training
All Bankstown Sports staff undergo regular Responsible Conduct of Gambling Training (RCG), which involves yearly refresher courses to equip all staff with the skills and knowledge to identify and aid problem gamblers.
STAFF GAMBLING POLICY
Staff of Bankstown Sports and associated venues are not permitted to take part in any gambling or gaming activities at the club and associated venues, at any time.
A free, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to any staff member requiring assistance with gambling addiction, including financial and health issues.
INDICATORS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING
Bankstown Sports considers the following to be strong indicators of problem gambling:
• seeking credit for gambling
• seeking to borrow money for gambling
• seeking assistance or advice about controlling the person’s gambling
• admitting to borrowing or stealing money to gamble
• enquiring about self-exclusion
• showing a significant decline in personal grooming and/or appearance over several days
• showing obvious or repeated signs of distress (e.g. shaking, swearing to themselves, crying after a loss, or outburst towards staff or machine)
• Friends or family raise concerns about the person’s gambling
• leaving a minor unattended while playing gaming machines.
PLAYER WELFARE CHECKS
The club will perform a player welfare check in the following circumstances:
• staff observe the Player is displaying strong indicators of problem gambling; or
• a Family Member raises concerns about a Player’s gambling; or
• a Player reaches any voluntary pre-commitment limit set; or
• Staff observe a player gambling for three or more hours continuously.
Should the welfare check result in a player reporting any level of distress or hardship the player will:
• be offered information on counselling and self-exclusion procedures
• asked to take a break from gambling for a period of not less than 24 hours (this break does not require the Player to cease using other Club facilities)
MEMBERSHIP REWARDS PROGRAM
Bankstown Sports and its associated venues offer a Membership Loyalty Program, allowing members to accrue reward points every time they spend money in our clubs, which can then be redeemed for a variety of goods and services throughout the venue.
Any member involved in self-exclusion or partial self-exclusion will not be eligible to accrue membership points until their venue ban is complete.
For more information, please refer to the Bankstown Sports website for full terms and conditions
LOYALTY PROGRAM CHANGES
The Bankstown Sports loyalty program provides benefits to all members, while acting responsible and within stakeholder expectations. The program is compliant with all responsible gambling legislation and is reviewed regularly in accordance with any changes issued by ClubsNSW or the NSW/Federal Governments. The club may restrict a member within the loyalty program to reduce risks of gambling harm.
PLAYER ACTIVITY STATEMENTS
Player activity statements are a record of a member’s activity whilst playing gaming machines.
Bankstown Sports is required by law to present members with a Player Activity Statement free of charge, should it be requested.
The Player Activity Statement is available as a monthly report and outlines:
• total amount of turnover, total wins, and net expenditure.
• total points earned and redeemed through the club’s rewards program as a result of playing gaming machines.
• the entire length of time the player’s cared was inserted into gaming machines.
• gambling help information.
A request can be made in person at the club or request or via our website. Player activity statements can only be issued to the member who has made the request. We will advise all members via electronic media annually that these statements are available.
FACIAL RECOGNITION
Bankstown Sports has facial recognition technology to assist with its self-exclusion program. This system visually screens all members and guests who enter the doors of Bankstown Sports and additionally those people who move onto the gaming floor.
The system sends alerts to Management if a self-excluded visitor, or underage person, is trying to access a restricted area. The system also allows Bankstown Sports to identify any visitors who may have been banned or suspended from club premises for other reasons.
SECURITY
Our security provider ensures that all guards are trained in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) and understand the importance of compliance with relevant legislation. They are employed to ensure Bankstown Sports is a safe and enjoyable place for our members and guests.
The guards develop a strong rapport with customers on the gaming floor, and other areas of our venues. All gaming incidents are recorded and reported to our Operational Support Managers.
During key operating hours, security guards are assigned to be static at Club entrances. There is also a guard rostered 24/7 at Bankstown Sports to monitor the control room, who can assist in any responsible gaming measures via CCTV.
PROACTIVE INITIATIVES
Bankstown Sports management continually look to address how responsible gaming is approached, to ensure that all members are supported. A number of proactive initiatives are incorporated into regular practice at all Bankstown Sports Club venues, with some being listed below. Our responsible gaming strategy speaks to the range of current and future initiatives that are in place to increase our commitment to responsible gambling and can be found on our website
Some initiatives include:
• Regular reviews of our gaming operations to ensuring our venues are up to date with ClubsNSW recommendations and compliance with all NSW gaming legislation.
• Regular audits of self-exclusion registries
• Monthly member tier review upgrades
• Extended play initiatives
• Community and Wellbeing Advisor to act as a support for members and a standardised check procedure has been implemented
• The Responsible Gambling Officer will report to the board quarterly on gaming issues
CARDED LONG/EXTENDED PLAY ALERTS
Bankstown Sports has a long play alert system for members. A continuous three hour gaming session will be flagged and will generate an alert to an Operations Support Manager or Responsible Gaming Officer, who will conduct a welfare check.
COMPLAINTS OF NON-COMPLIANCE OF CLUBS NSW GAMING CODE OF PRACTICE
Should a person believe our club is non-compliant with the Clubs NSW Code of Practice they can lodge a complaint through Clubs NSW here
NSW LEGISLATION
MINORS/PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS
Bankstown Sports is a licensed venue, and as such, no person under the age of 18 is permitted entry into any part of the club, unless they are in the company of a responsible adult.
Proper identification will be requested if any speculation is raised related the age of any person within the venue. If an appropriate form of identity and age cannot be provided, entry will be refused. No person under the age of 18 is permitted in any bar area of the club.
Bankstown Sports complies with section 52 of the Gaming Machines Act 2001 (NSW) which prohibits minors from being in a gaming area of a club.
Bankstown Sports displays the appropriate signage concerning persons under 18 at the entrance to each gaming area.
If a person under 18 years of age is detected in a gaming area, staff are aware that the minor is to be removed immediately. If a person is suspected of being under 18 years of age, such person may be requested to produce documentary evidence of age.
We will ensure that staff induction and training provide information about which areas of the club are age-restricted areas (including gaming areas) and the relevant procedure if a person suspected of being under 18 years of age is observed in these areas.
A copy of the club’s minor’s policy is available on the website.
Any responsible adult bringing a minor to any part of the venue must ensure that the child is not left unattended. If a child is unattended, the parent or guardian will be asked to leave the premises and further restrictions might be enforced. The matter may also be referred to the police.
GAMING ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS
NSW has the most stringent gambling advertising restrictions and associated penalties in Australia. These restrictions are focused on inducements to gamble, meaning licensed venues cannot offer incentives or benefits to members and guests to encourage them to participate in gambling.
This may include, but is not limited to:
• Free or discounted alcohol
• Free playing credit
The laws restrict licenced venues advertising gaming machines external to the premises or any advertising that draws the attention to the availability of gaming machines. The law allows the club to advertise gaming machines within the premises and via electronic media to individual members if they give the club permission to do so.
Liquor and Gaming NSW has strict rules that all licensed venues with gaming rooms must comply with. These include, but are not limited to:
• All staff in gaming areas to have completed the Responsible Conduct of Gambling training
• All gaming managers to complete the Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training
• Responsible gaming information (brochures, contact cards and signage) displayed in venue.
• Adequate lighting
• Responsible service of alcohol
• No lending of money to patrons
• Automatic Teller Machines located away from gaming areas. These measures promote harm minimisation and a safe gaming environment for members and their guests.
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
In NSW, there are strict rules and regulations relating to the positioning of ATM and EFTPOS terminals, as well as cash-out facilities within gaming rooms. Problem gambling notices must be displayed on each cash terminal, and terminals must not be able to process withdrawals from credit card accounts.
There are also several restrictions that apply to financial transactions within Bankstown Sports. These restrictions include matters such as:
• Cheque cashing – cheques will not be cashed in exchange for money under any circumstances.
• Gaming machine winnings of up to $5,000 can be claimed in either cash, cheque or EFT. Any winnings over $5,000 will be issued as a cheque or EFT only. Winnings will only be issued to the person playing the machine at the time of the win.
GAMING FLOOR SHUT DOWN
All venues are required by law to shut down their gaming floor operations for a minimum period of three hours per 24-hour period to facilitate machine audits and cleaning. The closure at Bankstown Sports occurs between 6am – 9am every day, with the associated venues closing for longer periods depending on licence requirements and trade expectations.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
All licensed venues who earn over $1million in gaming machine profits in NSW are required by law to return a minimum 2.25% percentage of all gambling profits to their local community. Bankstown Sports contributes well above the required amount every year, through ClubGRANTS and community contributions.
ACHIEVEMENT IN COMPLIANCE
Compliance is an integral part of any successful, responsible gambling and harm minimisation program. Bankstown Sports promotes full accordance with responsible gambling legislation and the ClubSAFE best practice program, by providing highquality information and advice to all members and guests.
Bankstown Sports conducts independent compliance audits through the ClubSAFE premium program, with outcomes and remedial action plans reported back to the CEO.
An annual internal audit and a three yearly external audit will be conducted to ensure compliance with the Clubs NSW Gaming Code of Practice. Recommendations for improvements from audits will be submitted to the board for approval and appropriate action taken. A three yearly external audit will be conducted by an external auditor as per the Gaming Code of Practice.
We also ensure to meet BetSafe’s compliance requirements to train all staff in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) annually.
IMPLEMENTATION & REVIEW
This document is reviewed regularly. All customers and staff are welcome to provide feedback at any time, by writing to –
Mail: Operations Manager Bankstown Sports 8 Greenfield Parade BANKSTOWN, NSW 2200
Email: responsiblegaming@bankstownsports.com
Online Enquiry: www.BankstownSports.com
