Owners of the Berkeley Hotel in Illawarra have submitted an application for new poker machines. The venue aims to add an additional 11 games to the property, bringing its total up to 30 pokies. In the venue’s Local Impact Assessment, the Berkeley Hotel states that it aims to minimise the risk of harm to patrons by complying with the gambling guidelines set out by New South Wales’ Australia Hotels Association.
As such, all employees will be required to hold a Responsible Conduct of Gambling Certificate, which must be earned by completing a responsible gambling course. The venue operator will also aim to reduce potential harm by ensuring that cash machines are not available in the gaming area. ATMs that are on the premises will prohibit patrons from withdrawing cash from credit accounts.
Clocks will also be visible in the gaming area, so that players cannot lose track of time. In the LIA, the applicants also note the potential positive contributions that the new games will present to the local community. For every new game that is approved, the venue will donate $5000 to Youth Off The Streets.
The hotel’s owners have selected this organisation because it is focused on providing at-risk youth with education about responsible gambling and treatment for problem gambling. Should all pokies be approved, the organization will receive a total of $55 000. The new pokies could also result in more job opportunities The Berkeley Hotel.
They venue will need to employ more individuals in the gaming area, as well as in the food service area, so there will be more jobs available to local residents. The Berkeley Hotel’s application and The Local Impact Assessment are currently on display on the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing’s website. Interested parties can view the application and make submissions until October 15, 2013.
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