What is ClubSAFE?

Gambling is widely accepted in Australia as a recreational activity. Club patrons often enjoy gambling as part of the entertainment package provided in their club. However, a small number of patrons who engage in gambling may do so destructively, and this may have a harmful impact not only on them, but also on their families and the community.

There is good news for clubs – among gaming machine users, problem gambling is much less common at clubs than at other venues (such as pubs, hotels or casinos) and a high proportion of club patrons are low-risk or non-problem gamblers (Source: AC Nielsen, 2007).

The community has a right to be concerned about new forms of gambling such as sports betting, online poker and online gaming. These forms of gambling encourage credit card gambling, particularly by young men, to which the wider club industry is strongly opposed, given the dangerous non-regulation of the online gambling environment.

ClubSAFE  is the club industry's Responsible Conduct of Gambling Program. ClubSAFE, which was initially developed by ClubsNSW with significant input from the Australian Institute for Gambling Research, is a comprehensive program designed to help registered clubs manage responsible gambling operations that exceeds legislative requirements and community expectations.

Responsible gambling best practice goes beyond simple compliance with legislation and regulation. It can be defined as decisions and actions taken by the club industry that are consistent with the values and objectives of the community. Responsible gambling management practices seek to prevent or minimise the harm that may occur as a result of problem gambling.

ClubSAFE provides clubs with specific tools designed to minimise the harm experienced by a minority of gaming machine players. Harm minimisation seeks to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling in the interests of maintaining local community wellbeing. The measure of achievement is not an ideal gambling level or situation, but whether the likelihood of damaging consequences has been reduced by the preventative measures. ClubSAFE provides guidance for patrons who seek assistance to deal with gambling problems.

Clubs make a significant economic and social contribution to the community. Clubs employ more than 43,000 people, inject $5.6b into the state’s economy every year and have a social contribution estimated by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of $811m per annum.

For more information on ClubSAFE contact Member Enquiries Centre on 1300 730 001 or enquiries@clubsnsw.com.au .

Links:
ClubSAFE new member application