Form 1(a)
[Insert Organisation Name & Logo]
Responsible Gaming Policy
1. Introduction
The [Organisation Name] has developed this Responsible Gaming Policy, in consultation with [the State Committee/Board of Directors/the Governing Body] to minimise harm associated with problem gambling. The [Organisation Name] is conscious of its aims and objectives in the development of this Policy. In addition, it seeks to adopt a responsible stance to the issue of problem gambling in the community. In particular [Organisation Name] has responded to: Customer concerns in relation to the impact of problem gambling and its potential to affect the good name of [Organisation Name]. The impact that gambling and in particular problem gambling has on the ability of [Organisation Name] to raise funds in order to fulfil its role in the community. The duty of care responsibility that [Organisation Name] must display in its fundraising activities particularly toward those members of the broader community who may have a gambling-related problem.
Through the adoption of this Responsible Gaming Policy [Organisation Name] displays a commitment toward the goal of lessening the harmful effects that gambling, particularly problem gambling, may have on customers of [Organisation Name] and on those in the broader community.
2. Reference Documents
The reference documents for the Responsible Gaming Policy are the: Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999. Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice.
Part 1 Section 3 ‘Objects of Act’ of the Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999 states: 3. The objects of this Act include ensuring: (a) appropriate standards and levels of accountability for the conduct of general gaming are set and maintained; and (b) the public obtains reasonable net benefits from the conduct of general gaming; and (c) individuals engaged in conducting general gaming do not derive a personal gain from it; and (d) the integrity of general gaming is maintained; and (e) public confidence and trust in buying general gaming tickets as a worthwhile way of supporting persons’ fundraising activities are maintained. The Guiding Principle of the Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice states: ‘’The Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice is based on shared commitment by gambling industry providers to the guiding principle of ethical and responsible behaviour. This principle recognises the importance of customers’ well being with the focus on minimising the potential harm of gambling. In addition customers’ rights to privacy are respected.’’
3. Policy Goals
The goals of the Responsible Gambling Policy are to:
Manage potential harm associated with gambling by creating a responsible gambling environment. Educate and inform customers, supporters and employees, about the potential harm associated with gambling. Create an awareness of the significant benefits that will arise where customers, supporters and employees assist the [Organisation Name] in its endeavours to minimise the potential harm associated with gambling. Ensure compliance with the Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999 and the Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice.
4. What is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling exists when gambling activity results in a range of adverse consequences where:
the safety and/or well being of gambling customers and/or their families and friends are placed at risk; and/or
Negative impacts extend to the broader community.
5. Potential Harmful Effects of Problem Gambling
Some potential harmful effects of problem gambling on individuals and the community are: Personal—stress, depression and anxiety, poor health, suicide. Work and study—job loss, absenteeism, and poor performance. Financial—financial hardships, debts, asset losses, bankruptcy. Legal—theft, fraud, scams. Interpersonal—domestic violence, relationship breakdown, family neglect. Community services—pressure on charities and the public purse.
6. What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling occurs in a regulated environment where the potential for harm associated with gambling is minimised and people make informed decisions about their participation in gambling. Responsible gambling occurs as a result of the collective actions and shared ownership by individuals, communities, the not-for-profit sector, the gambling industry and the Government to achieve outcomes that are socially responsible and responsive to community concerns. Gambling does include the various fund-raising activities of the [Organisation Name] and therefore customers, supporters and employees have an obligation to be alert to the needs of individuals who do have a gambling, related problem.
7. Harm Minimisation Strategies
The [Organisation Name] has a responsibility to ensure that the Charitable and NonProfit Gaming Act 1999 and the Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice are strictly adhered to and will implement the following strategies to minimise the potential harm associated with fund-raising activities:
a.
Provision of information
Responsible Gambling Information The [Organisation Name] will make available responsible gambling information at the point of sale of the various fund-raising activities including signage on the potential harm associated with gambling and information on where to get help for gambling-related problems. This information is for use by customers, supporters and employees. It is to be prominently displayed.
b.
Interaction with customers and community
Community liaison The [Organisation Name] will nominate an officer [Insert Position/Title] to be responsible for gambling and gambling-related issues. This individual’s role is to include communication between customers, supporters and employees on gambling-related issues. Customer complaints The [Organisation Name] will ensure that gambling-related complaints are dealt with promptly. Where the complainant is not satisfied the [Organisation Name] will inform the complainant of other avenues of redress, in particular the Queensland Office of Gaming Regulation and their solicitor. Training and skills development The [Organisation Name] will ensure that those employees involved in fundraising activities receive appropriate information and training, on an on going basis, in the responsible provision of gambling and gambling products. This is to ensure that they are better positioned to provide advice and assistance regarding the Responsible Gambling Policy and its goals.
c.
Financial transactions
Financial Transactions Policy The [Organisation Name] will not extend credit for the purpose of gambling.
d.
Advertising and promotions
Advertising and Promotion Policy The [Organisation Name] will ensure that any advertising or promotion for fundraising purposes:
-
complies with the Advertising Code of Ethics as adopted by the Australian Association of National Advertisers; is not false, misleading or deceptive; does not implicitly or explicitly misrepresent the probability of winning a prize; does not give the impression that gambling is a reasonable strategy for financial betterment; does not include misleading statements about odds, prizes or chances of winning; does not offend prevailing community standards; is not implicitly or explicitly directed at sales to minors or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups; does not involve any irresponsible trading practices; does not depict or promote the consumption of alcohol while engaged in the activity of fund-raising; and has the consent of the person before publishing or causing to be published anything that identifies a person who has won a prize. where appropriate, positive responsible gambling messages are incorporated in advertising and promotion.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8. Policy Implementation
The [Organisation Name] has commenced the implementation of the Responsible Gambling Policy on [Insert Date] and will have all measures in place within 3 months of this date.
9. Policy Review
The [Organisation Name] will make such changes as are reasonably necessary to comply with this Policy and the maintenance of a responsible, on going fundraising environment.