Training

All staff members who are directly involved in providing gambling services to patrons and their supervisors must successfully complete an approved training program before they start working at a gambling facility.

The Responsible Conduct of Gambling course is provided by organisations approved by the Commission. It includes material covered in SITHGAM201 - Provide responsible gambling services, as well as ACT-specific information.

A list of approved Responsible Conduct of Gambling courses are available in the Gambling Industry Training Factsheet (PDF 513KB)

Lottery providers and the totalisator licensee only need to provide training for the person in charge of each gambling facility (such as an agency outlet). This person then has to make sure that their staff and staff supervisors have completed an approved training course.

A Gambling Contact Officer (GCO) serves as the primary point of contact for patrons and staff to discuss gambling-related issues. Each licensee of a gambling facility must appoint at least one GCO.

GCOs must complete an initial approved GCO training program to start in the role.

A list of approved Gambling Contact Officer training programs are available in the Gambling Industry Training Factsheet (PDF 513KB)

GCOs must also complete an approved GCO training session in every year of appointment. This mandatory training for existing GCOs provides advanced training and professional development.

Annual GCO training sessions are provided by Access Recognised Training and Lifeline Canberra, with registrations taken online.

To find out more information and book into one of these sessions, please visit:

• Access Recognised Training
• Lifeline Canberra

GCOs wishing to apply for an alternative professional development option, to meet the legislated training requirements for ongoing appointment, should contact the Gambling Harm Prevention team for more information.

In certain circumstances the Commission may give an exemption to training requirement so that staff can start work immediately or continue working whilst they organise to complete training. The exemption may cover some or all of the training or give an extended date for completion of the training.

An application for exemption must be sent to the Commission before the staff member starts work or continues to work past their training expiry date. It must include the following information

• details of the nominated persons
• the reason for the application
• evidence that definite arrangements have been made for the person to attend the next available course
• the date of the next available course
• details of the course provider

To apply for an exemption please email gamblingharmprevention@act.gov.au.

The Commission also provides free, voluntary Gambling Harm Prevention information sessions for Community Club Board Members and senior management. Licensees can request a preferred session date. Please contact the Commission to arrange this session.

An organisation that wishes to have a training course approved by the Commission must lodge an Application Form - Approved Training Programs (PDF 70KB). Advice to Training Providers Seeking Approval of a Training Program (Information sheet) (PDF 204KB) gives detailed information about what documents should be included in the application. The application should be made to the Commission well in advance of the intended program start date.

For more information on the approval process and requirements, please contact the Commission.