AN EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING CODE OF PRACTICE AT THE GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

The Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice is a voluntary commitment by gambling providers to assist with responsible gambling. This qualitative research involving interviews with 20 managers and staff from 14 gambling venues at the Gold Coast aims to examine awareness and implementation of the Code plus perceptions of its effectiveness. After the first year, the average level of implementation of all the elements in the Code was 78% for these venues. Of the Code's six major practice areas, the physical layout and environment practice was reported as being very effective while the provision of information, including signage and the odds of winning, was perceived as the least effective practice. Training and education were seen as important facilitators in encouraging responsible gambling. The implementation of the Code supports the goal of sustainability for the Gold Coast as a tourist destination.