Gaming Plan of Management — Everything You Need to Know

This new regulation is applicable to all clubs with gaming machines, regardless of how many gaming machines are on the premises. A GPOM is a mandatory requirement enforceable by Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) and serves as a timely reminder to all venues to re-evaluate their approach to the responsible conduct of gambling, to ensure they are aware of their obligations and remain compliant with changing regulations.

A Gaming Plan of Management identifies a venue’s responsible conduct of gambling (RCG) obligations and what the venue is proactively doing to meet these obligations. It provides guidance and direction on how the venue will ensure compliance with gaming legislation and promotes a best practice approach to gaming in your venue.

Whilst the GPOM is a mandatory requirement as of 1 July 2024, it also provides every club with gaming machines the opportunity to implement strategies that reduce gambling harm and demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility in relation to patrons, their families and wider community. By actively promoting a culture of responsible gambling, your club becomes more sustainable over the long term as patrons are more likely to return if they are confident the venue provides a safe environment, further establishing the position of a socially responsible industry.

The Gaming Plan of Management outlines a range of information including:
•    Venue gambling signage and information.
•    Player assistance including exclusion and counselling.
•    Prevention of minors using gaming machines.
•    How prizes will be paid and cheques cashed.
•    RCG certification and refresher training.
•    Responsible Gaming Officers (for venues with 20+ gaming machine entitlements).
•    Gambling incident registers
•    Premises plan including location of machines and cash dispensing facilities.

A Gaming Plan of Management must be easily accessible in the event of inspectors visiting your venue. In addition, the GPOM must also be actively provided to your staff to ensure they are informed of the venue’s approach to responsible gambling. By keeping your staff informed and empowered, your club can proactively create a culture of responsible gambling in your venue, demonstrating your commitment to compliance and your community.

We urge all clubs with gaming machines to start organising their Gaming Plan of Management now to ensure they are compliant come 1 July 2024.

With over 30 years’ experience in providing best practice solutions to the registered club industry, Barringtons can assist your club in developing a Gaming Plan of Management to ensure your compliant with the new changes, as well as ensuring your staff are trained and up to date with the latest information. Our Gaming Plan of Management also includes complimentary online training such as RCG Board Oversight Training and RCG Induction for Non-Gaming Staff. This ensures your approach to the responsible conduct of gambling is compliant and cohesive across all levels in your club and re-enforces your commitment to your patrons and wider community.

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Clubs should note that while the position paper has been issued, the draft regulation hasn’t been issued. As such, Clubs must be aware that there may be further updates.