Responsible gambling practices in outback Queensland: distinctive challenges in a remote location

While gambling can provide certain benefits, one of its negative social impacts, problem gambling, has lately gained unprecedented attention. Some governments and industries have responded with responsible gambling codes of practice, typically a set of operator practices aiming to reduce harm to gamblers. This paper draws on a study into the implementation of one such code, the voluntary Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice, by hotels, clubs and casinos in that state and how this varied amongst urban, regional and remote areas. This paper discusses that research in Longreach, a remote community. It found that the managers and staff of gambling venues had little awareness of the Code, had implemented few of its provisions, and were generally sceptical about its potential effectiveness. Distinctive features of Longreach's remote location are identified as key reasons for this low implementation rate.