Resources for NZCT gaming room operators

Harm prevention and minimisation training

The Gambling (Harm Prevention and Minimisation) Amendment Regulations 2023 came fully into effect from 1 December 2023, imposing new requirements on operators and gaming venue supervising staff.

New harm minimisation training requirements applying from 1 September require that training must now include practical and interactive sessions on how to interact with players, information on why gaming machines can be addictive, and first-hand accounts from problem gamblers. The training must be provided to venue staff before they start supervising the gamblers (induction training is required for new staff). Refresher training must be provided annually.

The new training provided by NZCT meets the new requirements. Please contact your NZCT liaison if you have new staff to ensure they receive the required training before they begin supervising the gaming room.

The new regulatory requirements are summarised below:

See also links to the Harm Prevention and Minimisation Regulations incorporating the new amendments as at 1 December 2023 and to the new infringement offences now in effect.

Policy and training manual

NZCT is required to have a policy for identifying problem gamblers.

See also NZCT’s Harm Prevention and Minimisation Manual to guide venues supervising staff.

Resources for venues

Below is a copy of NZCT's 'Gambling Host Responsibility Record Sheet' that is available in all venues. If you need a new pad, ask your NZCT liaison person.

See also below the 'Sweep Analysis' booklet for recording all matters required to be recorded under the new regulatory requirements.

There is also a 'Gaming Personnel Training Register' for download and reprint, the POI exclusion process card and 'New Regulations NZCT GMANZ' posters.

Health Promotion Agency programme minimising gambling harm

NZCT uses the Health Promotion Agency's (HPA) resources to guide our venue staff in how to recognise the signs of harmful gambling and act on them to support problem gamblers to get help.

• Resources on the HPA website

Operating gaming machines when the sale of alcohol is restricted

The flowchart below shows when you can operate gaming machines during periods when the sale of alcohol is restricted, such as Easter and Christmas.

Class 4 Game Rules 2022

The Gambling Act (Class 4) Game Rules 2022, are made pursuant to section 367 of the Gambling Act and are additional to any requirements prescribed under the Act, any regulations under the Act and minimum standards for gambling equipment prescribed under section 327 of the Act.

A breach of these rules may amount to an offence under section 19 of the Act.

The following Game Rules need to be noted in particular:

You can only play one machine at a time, Game Rule 4.2

You can't make, induce or intimidate any player to vacate a gaming machine, Game Rule 4.3

You can not engage in syndicated play with any other player or players. Game Rules 2022, Game Rule 4.3

You can't solicit or induce any player to take part any player to take part in syndicated play arrangments, Game Rule 4.3

In addition to the 'Game Rules' poster there are the 'Apply On Line for a Grant' and 'Under R18' posters. These posters as well as the 'Game Rules' must be displayed at all venues

Class 4 sector key messages

These four key messages about class 4 gambling can be used when anyone asks you about having gaming machines as part of your venue's entertainment offering.

Grants lists for gaming rooms

Every year we publish regional grants lists to display in our gaming rooms, so patrons can see where our funding is going. The most recent lists are below. You can ask your NZCT liaison for hard copies or download and print them yourself for your Snappa frame.

The Wrap

The Wrap is our newsletter for venue operators.