Username
Password
 

There is a distinct difference between gambling and gaming.

In the context of SA’s hotels, gambling is a broad topic that covers all forms of gambling, including gaming, TAB or wagering and keno.

SA’s hotels are proud of their commitment to gambling reform since the introduction of gaming machines into SA hotels on July 25, 1994. The following is a list of industry reforms that reflect our historical and continued commitment to the promotion of responsible gambling and harm minimisation:

  • In consultation with the State Government, the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund (GRF) was established in 1993, and the Break Even counselling services;
  • The gaming industry voluntarily contributes more than $1.5 million annually to the GRF;
  • SA hotels were the first in Australia to voluntarily fund gambling counselling services;
  • The hotel industry established “Smartplay” – a booklet located in gaming rooms for customers in order to provide information about gaming machines, encouraging customers to gamble responsibly, and to provide information for customers with a gambling problem;
  • SA hotels were the first hotels in Australia to establish a voluntary gaming code of practice;
  • With the total support of the hotel industry, the Code of Practice became law in 2001;
  • All staff trained in responsible gambling;
  • No cashing of cheques in gaming rooms;
  • Introduction of educational school-based programs highlighting the risks of excessive gambling;
  • No playing more than one machine at a time;
  • No alcohol served to customers while seated at or playing gaming machines;
  • The appointment of an AHA (SA) Responsible Gambling Officer; and
  • The establishment of Gaming Care, the Hotels Responsible Gambling Early Intervention Agency.

Also, the law in SA stipulates:

  • No access to cash withdrawals on credit accounts in Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) located in hotels with gaming machines;
  • Restrictions on cash withdrawal limits on savings accounts from ATMs located in hotels with gaming machines; and
  • Note acceptors on gaming machines banned.

Rhonda Turley became the AHA (SA)'s first Responsible Gambling Officer in May, 2004. She came to the AHA (SA) from the welfare sector, having previously worked for the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS). In September 2005, Rhonda became the inaugural Executive Officer of Gaming Care, the Hotels Responsible Gambling Early Intervention Agency.

Her responsibilities include:

  • Active liaison with the welfare sector and venues concerning barring and other early intervention strategies;
  • Venue compliance audits; and
  • Oversee and accredit all training for gaming room management and staff.

Rhonda manages a team of Gaming Care Officers. The officers are constantly out and about in gaming venues across SA ensuring they comply with the codes of practice.