The Code of Practice provides a proactive whole-of-industry approach to the promotion of best practice in the provision of responsible gambling. It encourages the creation of gambling environments which minimise any potential harm to gamblers, their families, friends and local communities.

The former Treasurer, the Hon. Terry Mackenroth, launched the Responsible Gambling Code of Practice on 29 May 2002.

No. It is a voluntary Code of Practice encouraging implementation of best practice rather than just adherence to minimum standards. There are no upper limits to that commitment. Following a review of voluntary compliance with the Code of Practice, minimum standards may be recommended and, where appropriate, put into legislation.

Regulation is always available to Government to bring uniform compliance to the gambling industry on broad issues of consumer protection. An industry commitment to the Code of Practice will encourage continuous improvement and active commitment to creating responsible gambling environments where harm is minimised.

The Code of Practice was developed by the Responsible Gambling Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee comprises community, industry and government representatives and provides advice to the Treasurer. In developing the Code of Practice, the Advisory Committee consulted extensively with key stakeholders within and outside the gambling industry as well as the broader community.

The Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice commits the gambling industry to implement and adhere to responsible gambling practices. These practices are organised into the following categories:

• provision of information
• interaction with customers and community
• exclusion provisions
• physical environment
• financial transactions
• advertising and promotions.

The peak bodies in each industry sector have developed sections in the Queensland Responsible Gambling Resource Manual to assist you to implement the Code of Practice. It is a practical resource providing a step-by-step guide and allows the industry to share best practice across all sectors.

It is expected best practice initiatives within the gambling industry will result in further development of the Resource Manual and, in some cases, changes to the Code of Practice.

Venues can be acknowledged as a provider of best practice:

• as a consequence of a routine visit to a venue by an inspector from Queensland Office of Gaming Regulation (QOGR);
• by self nomination – either by contacting the Responsible Gambling Officer in QOGR (Ph. (07) 3872 0898) or by identifying the venue as a provider of best practice on the Responsible Gambling Practices Survey, or;
• through nomination by Clubs Queensland or Queensland Hotels Association.