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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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Australian 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
Australian 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 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
NZ - 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:
NT - Code of Practice for Responsible Gambling 2022
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 patrons and community;
- Training and skills development;
- Exclusion provisions;
- Physical environment;
- Minors;
- Financial transactions;
- Advertising and promotions
- Participation in gambling research and evaluation; and
- Privacy policy.
The code has undergone a review with a revised Code released in August 2022.
NT - Code of Practice for Responsible Online Gambling 2019
A number of online gambling providers are licensed in the Northern Territory. This Code of Practice applies to online gambling licensed under an Act other than the Racing and Betting Act 1983.
NT - NT Code of Practice for Responsible Service of Online Gambling 2019
All online gambling providers licensed under the Racing and Betting Act 1983 must not contravene or fail to comply with this Code.
This Code came into effect from 26 May 2019.
QLD - 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 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.
SA - Authorised Betting Operations Gambling Code of Practice
This code of practice is prescribed under section 15 of the Gambling Administration Act 2019, for the purposes of the Authorised Betting Operations Act 2000 and is inclusive of the advertising code of practice and the responsible gambling code of practice.
The Authorised Betting Operations Gambling Code of Practice came into operation on 23 December 2021 and was updated on 30 March 2023.
Please click on the link below to access the Code and further guidelines for betting operators.
SA - Casino Gambling Code of Practice
This code of practice is prescribed under section 15 of the Administration Act 2019, for the purposes of the Casino Act 1997, and is inclusive of the advertising code of practice and the responsible gambling code of practice.
This code of practice is operational from 31 July 2022 and amended on 30 March 2023.
Click the link below to be redirected to the website of South Australia's Department of Consumer and Business Services to access the current code and further information/links.
SA - Gaming Machines Gambling Code of Practice
In South Australia the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner regulates the advertising of gambling products and responsible gambling practices.
Codes in South Australia have undergone recent revision, with a new Code of Practice, the Gaming Machines Gambling Code of Practice, applicable to Hotel and Club Gaming Operators in place from 3 December 2020. The Code of Practice was amended on 30 March 2023.
This Code of Practice is prescribed under section 15 of the Gambling Administration Act 2019, for the purposes of the Gaming Machines Act 1992, and is inclusive of the Advertising Code of Practice and the Responsible Gambling Code of Practice.
Click the link below to be redirected to the website of South Australia's Department of Consumer and Business Services to access the current code and further information/links.
SA - State Lotteries Gambling Code of Practice
This code of practice is prescribed under section 15 of the Gambling Administration Act 2019, for the purposes of the State Lotteries Act 1966, and is inclusive of the advertising code of practice (Part 2) and the responsible gambling code of practice (Part 3).
This code of practice came into operation on 23 December 2021.
Please click on the link below to access the Code.
TAS - 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 Responsible Gambling Code of Practice here
Click on the link below to access the current version of the Code - effective 30 March 2023 and current until 1 July 2023.
Please note. The Code has been revised to adapt to changes in the gambling environment as the Government takes steps to implement its gaming reforms from 1 July 2023. Please click on the link here to access the Code of Practice, Rules and Standards effective as of 1 July 2023.
VIC - Responsible Gambling Codes 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 which specifies the content that must be included and implemented by the operator.
The following gambling operators are required to have a Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct:
- Gaming Venue Operators;
- Bingo Centre Operators;
- Commercial Raffle Organisers;
- Wagering and Betting Licence Holders or the Wagering Operator;
- Public Lotteries Licence Holders;
- the Keno Licensee;
- Casino Operator;
- Interactive Gaming Licensees; and
- Registered Bookmakers.
Requirements for a Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct for gambling operators (except the casino) is available in the Ministerial Direction here (21 February 2020)
The Ministerial Direction stipulating requirements for Crown Melbourne Casino's Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct is available here (31 March 2023)
Links to all Victorian Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct documents are available on the website of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) here.
WA - Responsible Gambling Codes of Practice
In Western Australia Crown Perth has a comprehensive Responsible Gaming 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.