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Throughout Australia and New Zealand comprehensive responsible gambling codes of conduct/practice are in place.
Most codes are mandatory, in some jurisdictions provisions found elsewhere in codes may also be found in legislation and voluntary commitments.
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National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling
In Australia Commonwealth and state and territory governments launched the National Consumer Protection Framework (National Framework) for Online Wagering in Australia, which will provide stronger consumer protections for Australians gambling online.
The framework provides 10 nationally consistent minimum protections for consumers of Australian interactive wagering services:
- Prohibitions on lines of credit;
- Restrictions to protect consumers with regard to small amount credit contracts (payday lenders);
- A reduction in the time allowed to undertake customer verification requirements;
- Restrictions on inducments;
- Account closure provisions;
- Provision of a voluntary opt-out pre-commitment scheme;
- Provision of activity statements;
- Consistent messaging;
- Staff training; and
- A national self-exclusion register.
Click on the source website link below to access a fact sheet regarding the framework provisions on the website of the Australian Government Department of Social Services
Wagering Advertising and Marketing Communication Code
This Code has been adopted by the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) as part of advertising and marketing self-regulation. The object of this Code is to ensure that advertisers and marketers develop and maintain a high sense of social responsibility in advertising and marketing wagering products in Australia.
The AANA have made available a Practice Note to assist with the implementation of the Code.
ACT Gambling and Racing Control (Code of Practice) Regulation 2002
The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission has developed one code - via regulation - to provide minimum standards of harm minimisation across all gambling providers. The ACT Gambling and Racing Control (Code of Practice) Regulation 2002, is mandatory and has penalties for breaches.
Follow the link provided at 'Read More' below to access further information about the code.
NSW Responsible Gambling Codes of Conduct
Gambling providers throughout NSW adhere to detailed regulation that emphasise a number of responsible gambling requirements - among them:
- Clear provision of product information;
- Provision of responsible gambling messages and warnings;
- Provision of information about self-exclusion/exclusion; and
- Provision of information about assistance and counselling services.
See for example (for gaming machine venues) the Gaming Machines Act 2001 and Gaming Machines Regulation 2010
Providers in this jurisdiction may also subscribe to a further, voluntary code of conduct - such as The Star Entertainment Group Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct
New Zealand Host Responsibility Frameworks
New Zealand has extensive regulatory requirements to ensure that gambling is conducted and promoted in a responsible manner.
In addition, all SKYCITY properties have comprehensive host responsibility undertakings to ensure guests enjoy an environment that is safe, responsible, and regulated.
These initiatives include:
- Staff training;
- Preventing and minimising gambling harm; and
- Promoting safe and enjoyable gaming environments.
Other providers in New Zealand also offer comprehensive host responsibility programs - a selection of these include:
Mandatory Code of Practice for the Provision of Deferred Settlement Facilities for Northern Territory Licensed Sports Bookmakers 2015
A Code of Practice for the provision of Deferred Settlement Facilities (DSF), is a licence condition for all sports bookmakers licensed in the Northern Territory.
Northern Territory Code of Practice for Responsible Gambling
The Northern Territory has a mandatory Code of Practice for Responsible Gambling which was developed as a partnership between Northern Territory gambling providers, government, regulators and counseling services.
The Code addresses various matters including:
- Provision of information;
- Interaction with customers and community;
- Staff training;
- Gaming environment;
- Financial transactions; and
- Advertising and promotions.
The code underwent review in 2015 with a revised Code in effect from 1 March 2016.
Northern Territory Code of Practice for Responsible Online Gambling
A number of online gamblng providers are licensed in the Northern Territory. A Code of Practice for Responsible Online Gambling came into effect on 1 March 2016.
Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice
The Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice is a voluntary code developed by the Queensland Responsible Gambling Advisory Committee (RGAC) in consultation with key stakeholders and community.
The Code provides a whole-of-industry approach to the promotion and provision of responsible gambling practices, covering:
- Provision of information;
- Interaction with customers and community;
- Exclusion provisions;
- Physical environment;
- Financial transactions; and
- Advertising and promotions.
The code is supplemented by Queensland Responsible Gambling Resource Manuals - which are available in sector specific volumes, providing each industry with a step-by-step guide to implementing the Code of Practice.
Click on the 'Read More' link below to be re-directed to the website of the Queensland Government for more information about the Responsible Gambling Code of Practice and Resource Manuals.
South Australian Responsible Gambling Code of Practice Notice 2013
In South Australia a mandatory Responsible Gambling Code of Practice Notice 2013 (applicable since March 2014) applies to all gambling providers including:
- Bookmakers;
- SA TAB;
- Adelaide Casino;
- Licensed Racing Clubs;
- Gaming Machine Venues;
- Interstate Betting Operators; and
- State Lotteries.
There is also an Advertising Code of Practice.
Codes in South Australia are currently undergoing a process of revision.
Click 'Read More' below to be redirected to the website of South Australia's Department of Consumer and Business Services where you can access the codes and further information about the codes.
Tasmanian Responsible Gambling Mandatory Code of Practice
In Tasmania a Responsible Gambling Mandatory Code of Practice has applied since 1 March 2012 and covers matters including:
- Advertising;
- Lighting;
- Inducements;
- Service of food and alcohol;
- Player loyalty programs;
- Clocks in gambling areas;
- Access to cash;
- Staff training; and
- Player information.
The Code applies to all prescribed gambling licence holders in Tasmania but has variations in its application to differing gambling forms.
Read more about the Code at the website of the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission.
Access the Code by clicking 'Visit source website' below.
Victorian Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct
In Victoria the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 requires gambling industry licence holders to have a Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.
Codes of Conduct for gambling operators in Victoria must comply with the relevant Ministerial Direction.
The requirement to have a Code applies to:
- Gaming Venue Operators;
- Bingo Centre Operators;
- Commercial Raffle Organisers;
- Crown Melbourne Casino;
- Wagering and Betting Licence Holders or the Wagering Operator;
- Public Lotteries Licence Holders;
- the Keno Licensee;
- Interactive Gaming Licensees; and
- Registered Bookmakers.
Western Australia Responsible Gambling Codes of Practice
In Western Australia Crown Perth has a comprehensive Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct. Amongst other matters the Code covers:
- Provision of Information;
- Interaction with Customers and the Community;
- Exclusion;
- Physical Environment;
- Financial Transactions;
- Advertising and Promotions; and
- Cultural and Geographic Diversity.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) subscribes to a self-regulatory Code of Conduct which represents a whole of industry commitment to best practice in the provision of responsible wagering.