Recent changes have been made to Form 3H, known as the Notice of Contravention of Self-Exclusion Order/Exclusion Direction. This form plays a crucial role in helping venues comply with regulations designed to manage gambling-related harm. It serves as a formal notice when a patron breaches a self-exclusion or exclusion direction and is required under various acts, including the:
- Casino Control Act 1982
- Gaming Machine Act 1991
- Keno Act 1996
- Wagering Act 1998
What Has Changed?
If a patron breaches an exclusion, and a gambling provider (excluding casinos) fails to identify the excluded patron within 30 minutes, they must now submit the Managing Gambling Exclusions Checklist along with Form 3H.
However, if the checklist has already been submitted to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) within the past 12 months, only Form 3H needs to be submitted.
What is Included in the Checklist?
The Managing Gambling Exclusions Checklist can be found in Attachment A of Form 3H or completed online via the OLGR website.
The checklist assesses whether gaming machine, wagering, and Keno providers have taken reasonable steps to identify and prevent excluded patrons from entering or remaining in gambling areas.
Mandatory Sections (Part C – Foundational Measures):
All gambling providers must complete Part C, which includes:
- Maintaining an Exclusion Register
- Establishing procedures for handling exclusions
- Ensuring staff training on exclusion policies
- Implementing governance and compliance processes
- Managing patron accounts effectively
- Ensuring advertising and promotions adhere to responsible gambling guidelines
- Conducting ongoing monitoring
- Using IT systems in clubs (for Licensed Clubs only)
Optional Section (Part D – Best Practice Measures):
Part D contains additional best practice measures, which are optional but recommended for venues at high risk of gambling harm. If a gambling provider chooses not to complete Part D, they must proceed to Part E – Declaration.
The reasonable steps outlined in the checklist align with the Gaming Guideline G16 – Preventing Excluded Persons from Entering or Remaining on Licensed Premises
Form 3H and Harm Minimisation
Form 3H plays a key role in harm minimisation by ensuring that venues comply with exclusion laws and take appropriate steps to prevent gambling-related harm.
Compliance with Legal Requirements
Form 3H is a legal requirement and must be submitted to OLGR within seven days of an exclusion breach. Failure to comply can lead to penalties or reputational damage for the venue.
Protecting Vulnerable Patrons
Self-exclusion programs help individuals manage their gambling behaviours. By enforcing exclusions, venues contribute to a safer gambling environment and demonstrate a commitment to responsible gambling practices.
Ensuring Proper Intervention
Form 3H also requires venues to detail the intervention steps taken by staff, reinforcing the importance of quick identification, corrective action, and support for excluded patrons.
Where to Lodge Form 3H
Once Form 3H and the checklist (if applicable) are completed, they can be lodged via:
- Email: gamingcompliance@justice.qld.gov.au
- In Person: At an OLGR office
- Mail: Gaming Compliance
Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
Locked Bag 180
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Prevention is the Key
While Form 3H ensures compliance, preventing breaches in the first place is crucial. Venues are encouraged to:
- Provide ongoing staff training
- Keep exclusion lists up to date
- Implement technology like facial recognition or membership systems
- Maintain strict oversight of gambling areas
By proactively preventing exclusion breaches, venues can avoid OLGR investigations and the associated risks.
Zealifi Can Help
Understanding exclusion laws and responsible gambling practices is essential for compliance. Zealifi offers tailored online training courses to equip staff with the knowledge to manage exclusions effectively, identify problem gambling behaviours, and monitor ongoing compliance.
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