The efficacy of responsible gambling measures in NSW clubs: the gamblers perspective

In 2000, the NSW Government legislated for gambling venues, including registered clubs, to implement certain responsible gambling measures. Many clubs also have introduced some voluntary strategies, including those contained in the Clubsafe program developed by Clubs NSW. However, no evidence exists that such measures are effective in minimising harm and protecting consumers in gambling. This paper reports on a 2002-2003 research project, funded by the NSW Casino Community Benefit Fund, which sought to address this gap in knowledge. It surveyed members from ten large Sydney clubs to assess their level of awareness of their clubs’ responsible gambling measures, how adequate they consider these measures to be, and whether these measures have changed their gambling behaviour in terms of frequency, expenditure and gambling session length. Comparisons are drawn between ‘problem’ and ‘recreational’ gamblers to inform a more grounded approach to responsible conduct of gambling, one that is better targeted at those most at risk of gambling-related harm.