Caversham Foundation has a legal requirement to have a Policy for identifying actual or potential problem gamblers.
Caversham Foundation supports the principals of responsible gaming.
Responsible gaming is where adults make an informed choice to participate in regulated and licenced gaming environments while having ready access to support if their participation causes harm.
Caversham Foundation believes that the few people who cannot, for whatever reason, responsibly participate in gambling for entertainment, must be protected from themselves.
POLICY FOR IDENTIFYING PROBLEM GAMBLERS
A problem gambler is a person “ whose gambling causes harm or may cause harm ” (Gambling Act 2003).
Harm means harm or distress of any kind arising from, or caused or exacerbated by a person’s gambling – including personal, social or economic harm suffered by the person, the person’s spouse, partner, family, whanau, or wider community, or in the workplace or by society at large.
You may be or may not be an actual or potential problem gambler, but please do not be offended if our gambling staff question you over any aspect of your gambling behaviour.
Once a problem gambler is identified this venue will then take all reasonable steps to offer that person advice and assistance.
WHAT ARE PROBLEM GAMING BEHAVIOURS
Unlike the occasional player who plays for fun, gambling is central to the life of the excessive gambler. As excessive gamblers continue to lose, they become increasingly obsessed with recouping their losses and increasing their bets over time. A common characteristic of excessive gamblers is that they behave according to false perceptions of gambling and luck. They often hold erroneous beliefs about gambling and imagine that they have some control over the machine and their ability to win or lose. They confuse games of chance with games of skill, and fail to understand that each game is totally independent of the previous one and that predicting or controlling the outcome is impossible.
( Reference - Professor R Ladouceur, Laval University,Quebec,Canada ).
Problem gambling can be described as occasional or regular gambling to excess to the extent that it leads to problems in other areas of life, particularly with finances and inter-personal relationships. These problems can range from minor ones involving, for example, arguments with the family over gambling expenditure, to problems involving a compulsive addiction to gambling resulting in major financial and inter-personal difficulties.
( Reference – DIA’s 1995 Report On The Social Impact Of Gambling )
Problem Gambling is gambling that causes harm or may cause harm to the individual, his or her family, or the wider community. Sometimes the harm may result from just one gambling session. In other cases, it might be the result of regular gambling sessions over a period of time and involving substantial amounts of money. The harmful effects of problem gambling can include :
- Financial problems
- Problems at work ( ranging from poor performance to fraud )
- Poor parenting and other relationship problems
- Family violence
- Alcohol abuse
- Mental health problems
“ Sometimes the damage is irreversible, for example, suicide.”
“ Problem gambling, almost invariably affects both the gamblers themselves and other people in their lives ”
( Reference – Department Of Internal Affairs March 2005 Gambits )
THE HIDDEN ILLNESS
For most people, gambling is entertainment – a fun activity that can be enjoyed without harmful effects. But for some, it is not just a game – it is a serious problem that continues, even after the fun is gone.
Just as some people can become addicted to alcohol and drugs, it is possible for a person to become addicted or obsessed with an uncontrollable urge to gamble.
The problem is called Compulsive Gambling – an emotional illness that often remains hidden until the consequences of repeated gambling begin to effect the financial and emotional security of the gambler and his / her family.
As the stress of these consequences increases, the Compulsive Gambler finds he / she must seek relief through even more gambling. The result is a progressive financial and emotional deterioration which can destroy both the gambler and his / her family.
Compulsive Gambling can affect men and women of any age, race or religion, regardless of financial or social status. It is not possible to predict who will develop a Compulsive Gambling problem, but once identified the problem can be successfully treated.
( Reference - Nevada Council On Problem Gambling, USA )
EVIDENCE OF HARM OR POTENTIAL HARM
Evidence of harm or potential harm may include the following:
Self disclosure by the individual that he/she is a problem gambler and has suffered harm or that his/her gambling has caused “others” harm. (Such disclosure may be a full disclosure, a partial disclosure or a veiled disclosure)
Evidence supplied by a family member or significant other that harm has been caused by the person’s gambling.
Any evidence of harm bought to the attention of the gambling manager or other venue staff.
THE WARNING SIGNS
Compulsive Gambling is not easily detected. The person with a gambling problem often will go to great lengths to cover up the problem and appear to look okay, regardless of the consequences of their gambling.
Some of the indicators that a person may be suffering form a gambling problem include :
- Losing time from work or family due to gambling.
- Repeated failed attempts to stop or control the gambling.
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts.
- Gambling to escape worry or trouble.
- Neglecting the care of one’s self or family in order to gamble.
- Lying about the amount of time and money spent on gambling.
- Gambling more money in an attempt to win back losses ( chasing ).
- Selling or pawning personal possessions to get money to gamble.
- Feelings of hopelessness, depression or suicide as a result of gambling.
( Reference - Nevada Council On Problem Gambling, USA )
GAMBLING OUT OF CONTROL
Gambling out of control, can include any of the following elements :
- Promised yourself “ I will not gamble ”and then later – gambled away.
- Promised yourself a set amount to gamble with, and then later gambled more.
- Promised yourself “ I will only gamble for so long ” and then gambled for longer.
- Been unable to stop gambling until the money runs out.
- Returned and gambled to get even or to chase losses from a previous gambling episode.
- Gambled winnings treating it as bonus money that you can afford to lose.
- Gambles on automatic in a dissociative “ trance-like” state.
- Gambled with total disregard to the consequences.
( Reference - Woodland Centre Charitable Trust Inc )
GAMBLING IN CONTROL
Dollars spent while gambling in control are not considered “ dollars lost ” as a gambling experience has been purchased in much the same way as any other form of entertainment for the discretionary dollar spent.
( Reference - Woodland Centre Charitable Trust Inc )
OTHER EVIDENCE – ON SITE OBSERVATIONS
Venue staff are encouraged to report any observed gambling behaviours that cause them concern.
Staff concerns may include (but not be limited to) the following observations:
- Patron requests credit on site.
- Patron has long sessions of play.
- Patron plays two or more machines.
- Patron exhibits disorderly behaviour.
- Patron repeatedly attempts to cash cheques.
- Patron plays more and more frequently and for longer periods.
- Patron raises bets or appears to play as long as he / she has money
- Patron often leaves to find money and comes back later
- Patron appears distressed.
- Patron causes damage to machine.
- Patron has frequent attendance in gaming area.
- Patron opens pay packet and inserts money during play.
- Patron has extreme mood swings.
- Patron attempts to borrow money from person on-site.
- Patron has arguments with other customers / staff.
- Patron makes verbal statements relating to harm factors related to gambling.
- Patron is verbally abusive towards machine.
- Patron does not respond to his / her own needs or responsibilities
- Patron is first in and last out.
- Patron is unaware of time he/she has been gambling.
- Patron attempts to sell personal effects at venue.
- Patron makes statements to staff about losing or family problems related to gambling.
- Patron stays after friends leave.
- Children left unattended.
- Attempts to cash cheques.
- Playing a number of sessions per week.
- Family enquiries.
HOW TO APPROACH A PROBLEM GAMBLER
All gaming staff will be encouraged to report any observed behaviour(s) that cause them concern to the venue manager or the gambling manager that a patron may be a potential problem gambler or an actual problem gambler.
The venue manager or gambling manager has to address all concerns raised and approach the person identified in a sensitive, confidential and appropriate way.
It is impossible to predict how the potential problem gambler or the problem gambler will react when approached, so be safety conscious.
Ensure that the approach focuses primarily on the provision of information rather than on counselling assistance.
Provide information on the characteristics of problem gambling and information about the potential risks and consequences of problem gambling.
Advise the person on how to access problem gambling services.
Inform the person that where a venue manager has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is a problem gambler, that the venue manager or gambling manager may ban the person from the gambling area for up to two years.
Inform the person that he or she can self-identify as a problem gambler and ask the venue to exclude them from the gambling area for up to two years.
Exclusion periods for days or weeks are ineffective, therefore please ban problem gamblers for a minimum of one year at least.
Inform the person that exclusion orders issued under the Gambling Act restrict entry to the gambling area of the venue only. They do not restrict entry to the entire area – only trespass orders can prohibit problem gamblers from entering any part of the venue.
If trespass orders are issued, please do so with discretion and realise that such orders may have the unintended consequence of discouraging people from entering into the self-exclusion process, and so defeat the purpose of harm minimisation provision under the Act.
Please note that exclusion orders cannot be revoked, rescinded or withdrawn by anybody once issued – and that includes the society, the venue or the excluded person.
All exclusion orders are in the Problem Gaming Section of the Caversham Foundation Site Operators Log Book.
Only the gambling manager or the venue manager are authorised to issue exclusion forms.
Venue managers or gambling managers must keep a record of every person issued with an exclusion order, including conditions of re-entry. Please file the order in the Problem Gambling Section of the Caversham Foundation Site Operators Log Book.
Caversham Foundation must keep a record of all exclusion orders issued by all of it sites ( rule 104 ) therefore, please notify Caversham immediately that an exclusion order has been issued and send a copy of that order to the Chairman, Caversham Foundation, P.O. Box 8100, Dunedin.
Please note the following :
If the person approached by the venue manager or gambling manager chooses not to act on the information and advice offered - the venue manager or gambling manager has two options.
Option 1. Decide to do nothing.
In this instance you must continue to monitor the gambler's behaviour and reserve the right to progress to option 2 below if warranted.
Option 2. If considered appropriate, issue a venue exclusion order to the gambler.
The Gambling Act is quite clear that whilst problem gamblers can independently choose to self exclude, sometimes exclusion orders will be issued either as a result of venue staff initiative, or the direct initiative of a venue staff member.
When undertaking Option 2 – ensure that the venue manager or gambling manager discusses this sensitive issue in an appropriate setting with respect, sensitivity and a willingness to help.
It would be very prudent and advisable to have another staff member witness and support the venue manager or gambling manager.
If the problem gambler is a female it may be prudent to have a female staff member present as a witness.
Be aware that the problem gambler may also ask for a support person or an interpreter.
Please note that there is an obligation under section 311 for all venue staff to remove excluded persons who attempt to re-enter the gambling area.
The Act states :
Every venue manager or person acting on behalf of the venue manager, commits an offence who knowingly allows a person to enter the gambling area of a class 4 venue, or knowingly fails to remove a person who has entered those areas –
- in breach of an exclusion order issued under section 310(1):or
- in breach of a condition of re-entry imposed under section (310) 2.
In both cases above – the penalty will be on summary conviction a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Please note – that it will be a judgement call for any venue manager or gambling manager to take action when he / she believes that there is sufficient supporting information that a person is a problem gambler and that his /her gambling causes or may cause harm.
To assist you in this judgement call, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Vicki Fowler of Woodlands Centre Charitable Trust or the Chairman of Caversham Foundation directly for further information or advice.
CAVERSHAM RESPONSIBLE GAMING CODE
Make information available such that gaming machine users can educate themselves on how to recognise the signs and symptoms of problem gambling and how and where to seek assistance with their problem.
Train and educate venue staff on responsible gaming service and how to identify individuals with problem gaming signs or symptoms.
Train staff to offer assistance to patrons displaying observable signs of distress or seeking assistance.
Expand behavioural characteristics of problem gamblers over time based on independent and authoritative research.
Appoint a gambling manager at each venue who is responsible for co-ordinating all harm minimisation policies. The gambling manager will be the venue contact point for problem gaming support services.
Staff training programmes will be continuously reviewed and updated.
Facilitate the provision of referral support to patrons who may have a problem with their gambling.
Have a working relationship with treatment providers and work proactively with these treatment organisations to provide services to customers who have been identified as problem gamblers.
Do not provide credit for gambling purposes.
Monitor and assess current problem gaming policies and continually improve those policies to develop further patron protection measures and initiatives.
Support objective on-going research.
Provide readily accessible information about self exclusion procedures.
Encourage the use of self exclusion orders for persons trying to deal with their addiction.
Venue Managers will issue site exclusion orders for a period of up to 2 years, as per section 309(3) Gambling Act 2003, if individuals are known to be in breach of the self exclusion orders.
Breaches of self exclusion orders or site exclusion orders will result in venue managers issuing deny entry/required to leave orders and then trespass notices.
All venue managers or a person acting on behalf of the venue manager will and must remove any person who enters the gambling area in breach of any type of exclusion order.
All venue managers will call on the police to assist in the removal of all persons breaching any order – if necessary.
Individuals breaching exclusion orders may be subject to a summary conviction with a maximum fine of $500.00.
The summary conviction penalty under the Trespass Act 1980 ( refusing to leave the premises i.e. Trespass ) is a maximum fine of $1,000 and / or a maximum three month imprisonment.
A venue manager who knowingly fails to issue an exclusion order to a self identified problem gambler is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000
For Any Information Or Advice On Any Aspects Of Problem Gambling, Please Contact : Woodland Centre Charitable Trust Inc 0800 – 333 - 122
The Woodland Centre Charitable Trust has caring knowledgeable counsellors who will provide information on available treatment and support groups in your area New Zealand for both the gambler and those affected by the gambler’s problem.
UNDER AGE GAMBLERS
THE PLAYING OF GAMING MACHINES BY PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AT THIS VENUE
Persons participating in gaming at this venue must be 18+ years.
Every person under the age of 18 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $500.00 if they participate in gambling at this venue.
Every corporate society that allows a person under 18 years to participate in gambling at this Class 4 Licensed venue, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.00.
Every venue manager or key person employed at this venue, who allows a person under the age of 18 to participate in gambling at this venue, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000.00.
Please do no be offended if we ask you for evidence of age documentation.
There are only three evidence of age documents that we will accept :
- Valid Passport
- NZ photo drivers licence
- HANZ 18+ card
Failure to produce evidence of age documentation will result in management excluding you from this venue.
PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WILL NOT BE PAID OUT ANY PRIZE MONEY
At this venue, staff with reasonable grounds to suspect that a person is underage the age of 18, will refuse to pay out any money won by that person.
If any money is withheld, the venue staff will keep a record of the name, address of the person concerned, the amount of money won, the date on which the money was won and withheld; and advise that person that if they can provide satisfactory verification of their age within 7 days, the person will be paid the money withheld.
Any money not claimed in 7 days will be treated as net proceeds of gambling at this venue.
Under age gambling may indicate a potential problem gaming issue.
If you are concerned about your gaming please contact Woodlands Charitable Trust for free information and advice or read the problem gaming brochures available at this venue.
ADMISSION TO A CLASS 4 GAMBLING VENUE
Please note the following ;
The fact that this venue is licensed as a Class 4 Venue does not entitle any person to enter or remain on these premises.
Any person at this venue, must leave if required to do so by, or on behalf of, the holder of the venue’s Class 4 licence.
The holder of a Class 4 Venue licence , or any person acting on behalf of the licence holder, does not need to give any reason for denying entry to a person, or requiring a person to leave this venue.
Please note also – that the above admission law applies in addition to the Tresspass Act 1980 and any other relevant enactment.
