Responsible gambling codes of conduct: lack of harm minimisation intervention in the context of venue self-regulation

Figures & data

Table 1. Venue observations.

Venue type	Instances observed	Cumulative time (mins)	Venue losses 2016 ($AU)^a	Total venue EGMs 2016^b
Club A	4	150	6,173,931	60
Club B	3	210	516,534	18
Club C	2	135	3,650,148	60
Club D	5	180	2,510,251	39
Club E	5	210	8,335,537	10
Hotel F	4	260	13,654,131	88
Hotel G	4	165	8,932,615	55
Hotel H	2	85	8,436,834	85
Hotel I	5	150	5,564,880	45
Hotel J	4	315	9,744,649	50
Hotel K	4	200	8,557,097	66
Total	42	2,060	76,076,607	576
Average observation (mins)		50
Median observation (mins)		45.0

Observations were undertaken by the first two authors with both visiting each venue at least once. Eight venues were located in Site 1 and a further three venues were located in Site 2. ^aRounded to nearest dollar. ^bAnnual loss and EGM machine numbers for each venue to financial year 2016 (Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, 2016a).

Table 2. Characteristics of local EGM gamblers.

	N	Median	Mean (SD)
Total scores (0–27)	40	9.0	10.9 (8.4)
PGSI categories	N	%
Non-problem gambling (PGSI 0)	3	8.1
Low-risk gambling (PGSI 1–2)	3	8.1
Moderate-risk gambling (PGSI 3–7)	9	24.3
High-risk gambling (PGSI 8+)	22	59.5
Total	37	100.0
Past gambling problem (Did not gamble in past 12 months)	3
Lifetime gambling problem	N ^a	%
Yes	34	89.5
No	4	10.5
Total	38	100.0
Main gambling form	N	Primary %	Secondary N
Poker machines	32	80.0	2
Casino table games	3	7.5	2
Sports betting	2	5.0	2
Horse or dog races	2	5.0	6
Poker	1	2.5	2
Keno	0	0.0	0
Bingo	0	0.0	1
Lottery	0	0.0	0
Instant scratch tickets	0	0.0	0
Total	40	100.0

Percentages are based on available data and may not add to 100.0% due to rounding. Data presented was obtained from completion of the survey with additional information obtained at interview. a. Participants completed the PGSI and were also asked if they considered they had ever had a lifetime gambling problem when completing the survey. Four participants who answered no to this question had PGSI scores in the moderate risk range.

Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR). (2016a). Expenditure by Venue [Internet]. Available from: https://www.vcgr.vic.gov.au/CA256F800017E8D4/VCGLR/D6FBF3C7D7FC7E86CA257B3200786F30?OpenDocument

 Google Scholar