Venues across Victoria have been reminded they can access free training for their staff to help have difficult conversations with patrons about their gambling.

The Responding to Patrons training is conducted by Venue Support Workers (VSWs) and during the sessions the VSWs will discuss the best approach to interacting with patrons.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) said: “It’s important that staff and managers have the confidence to interact with patrons and respond to any patrons who display behaviours consistent with gambling harm.”

The scenario role-play workshops will also contain group activities to help staff understand how to conduct those conversations with patrons who they believe could have a problem with gambling.

The VGCCC added: “We encourage you to contact your VSW to discuss your training needs and book in a free workshop for you and your staff.”

If you are unsure of who your VSW is, you can contact Elissa Wray on [email protected] to find out more.