The Gaming Machine Act 1991 was amended in October 2009 by the Gambling and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2009. The date of commencement for the amendments will be 1 October 2010 and from that date, “a person must not carry out gaming duties or gaming tasks on licensed premises unless that person holds a current responsible service of gambling course certificate.”
This requirement “does not apply until 1 July 2011 in relation to a person who, immediately before the commencement day, was employed to carry out gaming duties or gaming tasks on licensed premises.”
Who must hold a certificate?
The mandatory training provisions will automatically apply to all eligible gaming licensees, licensed gaming nominees and licensed gaming employees. It is possible that this provision may also apply to employees who assist with gaming, but are not licensed gaming employees.
Who can provide the training?
To comply with the legislation, training must be provided by an OLGR approved trainer. At the time of writing (30 June 2010), OLGR has not approved any trainers to deliver the responsible service of gambling course. However, there are transitional provisions relating to training carried out before the commencement day by a trainer not approved by OLGR.
Will my existing training be acceptable?
Any person who has achieved either SITHGAM006A or THHADGO3B – Provide Responsible Gambling Services, in the 12 months before 1 October 2010, may apply for an exemption from mandatory training. The exemption, if granted, will remain in place until 1 July 2013.
Summary of requirements.
Training mandatory from 1 October 2010.
Existing Employees – must complete training before 30 June 2011.
New Employees – must complete training within three months.
Non-approved training – may qualify for an exemption up until 1 July 2013.
