What is the Venue Support Program?

The Gambler’s Help Venue Support Program provides training and support in responsible gambling practices and environments for gaming venue staff and management.

The program aims to build the capacity of staff to:

• identify behaviours that may be associated with problem gambling, and
• respond appropriately to these patrons.

The program also raises staff awareness of:

• state-wide and local Gambler’s Help Services
• Self Exclusion programs, and 
• other support services.

Launched in September 2010 the program is consistent with approved industry Responsible Gambling Codes of Conduct.

What do Venue Support Workers do?

Your venue has a dedicated Venue Support Worker who will talk to you to make sure training and support is tailored for your needs.

They work office hours and are employed by Gambler’s Help Services either on a full-time or part-time basis depending on the number of venues in their region.

Venue Support Workers will solely interact with you and your staff, not your patrons.

Venue Support Workers do not assess compliance – that remains the role of the VCGR.

About the Workers

Venue Support Workers have been recruited for their interpersonal skills and their ability to work in partnership with gaming venue managers to successfully train and provide assistance to venue staff. They come from diverse backgrounds and work experiences. Some have worked in gaming venues while others have a training background or have worked in the community sector.

Meet some of the workers

Tenille Thorburn – Gippsland Region

Tenille previously worked with a large group of hotels who were committed to providing responsible gambling in their venues.  Part of her role was to act as responsible gambling officer.

Since commencing her role Tenille says: “I’ve learnt that what the program offers is an extension of good customer service. Responsible gambling needs to be a core component of business operations and in my new role I get to work collaboratively with venues to ensure a fun, entertaining and safe environment for our community.”

Linda Bolton – Eastern Region

Linda is from a mental health background having worked as a nurse with drug and alcohol clients in a clinical hospital setting. In this role, Linda often worked with clients who had a gambling problem.  Linda also has experience in the hospitality and gaming industries. Having been involved with gambling from both the gaming industry and mental health perspective, Linda felt that this was the perfect opportunity to combine her experiences in this new initiative. 

Of her time so far as a VSW, Linda says: ”I have found that generally venue management and staff are very supportive of this new program and are open to strategies that can help their patrons in the areas of responsible gaming. I’m looking forward to forging strong and meaningful relationships with venue management and staff.”

Gareth Hanlon – Southern Region

Gareth has extensive industry experience, having worked at Crown Casino for 13 years. For the last seven years, Gareth has been working out of the Crown’s Responsible Gaming Support Centre as a Responsible Gaming Liaison Officer.

Gareth was attracted to the VSW role as he saw great opportunity to be involved in the establishment and development of an integrated cross-sectoral partnership involving the gaming industry. Since commencing as a VSW, Gareth says that he has been ”so positively accepted and appreciated by the managers and staff of the various venues attended.”

Gareth looks forward to assisting with the training and development of venue staff to better handle situations and challenges that arise for them.

To speak to your local Venue Support Worker contact your local Gambler's Help agency.

 

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