Commonly used terminology referred to throughout this course is defined below:
Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS)
A payment system allowing electronic payments via card at the point of sale.
Gambling
Gambling is an activity in which:
money or a prize can be won;
a person pays money to participate; and
the outcome involves an element of chance.
Gambler's Help
Treatment and support services funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation for those affected by problem gambling.
Gaming machine
A machine with a screen where a random number generator determines the outcome (also commonly known as pokies).
Gaming machine jackpot
A feature on a gaming machine that enables players to be eligible for winnings accumulated from contributions made to a special jackpot prize pool.
Jackpots can be on individual gaming machines or be linked across multiple gaming machines.
Keno
A game where a player bets that their chosen numbers match up to 20 numbers randomly selected from a group of 80 numbers via computer or ball draw device.
Near miss
When results of gambling, such as the result of a spin on a gaming machine, give the impression that the outcome is close to a winning combination without a prize being awarded.
Pre-commitment
The act of setting a time or net loss limit prior to playing a gaming machine.
Player information display (PID)
An electronic screen on a gaming machine outlining rules and chances of winning.
Responsible gambling
Gambling without harm. It is a shared responsibility of the gambling industry, government, individuals and communities.
Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct
A document outlining a gaming venue’s commitment to responsible gambling and how it will meet various responsible gambling requirements.
All venue operators must adopt and comply with an approved Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.
Responsible gambling officer (RGO)
A staff member who has been nominated to provide information to customers about the venue’s Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct and responsible gambling. This person is commonly responsible for responding to customers showing signs of problems with their gambling and advising staff on how to respond. They also deal with other issues raised by customers and staff. A staff member performing these functions is available whenever gambling is being conducted at a venue. In some venues, all staff working in a gaming area may be required to perform these functions.
Some Responsible Gambling Codes of Conduct may refer to this person by another name, such as the “nominated person”.
Random number generator (RNG)
The computerised component of a gaming machine that generates numbers in unpredictable sequences.
Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG)
Training that must be completed by anyone working in the gaming room of a gaming venue.
Return to player (RTP)
An amount, usually expressed as a percentage, of turnover that is returned to the player within a given period. In Victoria this is a minimum of 85 per cent and is calculated over a year. A player should NOT expect to receive an 85 per cent return in a single gaming session.
Self-exclusion program (SEP)
A program through which gamblers can voluntarily exclude themselves from the gaming area of nominated gaming venues.
Self-exclusion programs in Victoria are operated by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Community Clubs Victoria (CCV).
Sports betting
Betting on approved local, national or international sporting activities (other than horse and greyhound racing).
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control (VGCCC)
Victorian independent statutory authority that regulates Victoria’s gambling industries.
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF)
An independent statutory authority whose objectives are to foster responsible gambling and to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling and the severity of harm related to gambling.
Venue Support Worker (VSW)
Workers employed by Gambler’s Help services to provide training and support to gaming venue staff on responsible gambling and engagement with customers.
Wagering
All legal forms of gambling on horse and greyhound racing and sporting events.