A gambling provider, or the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, can bar a person from any type of gambling including gaming rooms, in person or online betting and lotteries.
A barring from:
- gaming machines (pokies) means a person cannot enter the gaming room in a specific venue(s) and gamble there
- betting (online/TAB) means a person is unable to place bets
- lotteries means a person is unable to purchase lottery products.
The barring is to protect the patron, or the patron’s family members from harm caused by gambling.
If you're worried about a family member or friend, you can request an involuntary barring.
The length of the barring will be determined based on all the information provided.
Who can request a barring order
A third-party barring can be initiated by a concerned family member or friend.
In venue
A third-party barring can be completed at a venue. A licensee can put an involuntary barring in place for that specific venue. It's then uploaded to the barring register for review and Consumer and Business Services (CBS) will then make contact to determine if the barring should include additional venues.
CBS
You can also contact Consumer and Business Services (CBS) to initiate the third-party barring process.
What you'll need
You'll need to provide evidence to support your request. Make sure you have electronic copies of:
- bank statements
- late bills
- messages or screenshots about gambling or borrowing money
- a list of venues or betting providers used by the person (if known)
- any other relevant information.
What happens next
CBS will contact you to hear your concerns and explain the next steps. A conversation (hearing) will be organised between the you, your family member or friend and the delegate to determine:
- if the barring is appropriate
- which gambling products to include in the barring (e.g. gaming, lottery and/or betting products)
- which venues need to be added
- how long the barring should be
If everyone agrees, the order can be made through the voluntary barring process. If the person doesn't agree, and its reasonable to think they'll suffer harm as a consequence of their gambling, CBS can make an involuntary order.
Involuntary barring orders can also be made if the person doesn't participate in the hearing. They can ask to have the decision reconsidered if they don't agree with the outcome.
If you're worried about being involved in the hearing - e.g you're concerned about domestic violence, speak with CBS, as there may be other options.
Confidentiality
Personal details are kept confidential by both CBS and each of the relevant gambling providers. However, if CBS is notified of a breach, they may provide information about barring and breaching to gambling providers and their organisations. This will only happen if it's important for the proper management of the barring scheme.
This information is about involuntary barring initiated by a third party. You can request to voluntarily bar yourself by contacting Consumer and Business Services.
Personal barring queries
If you want to be barred, or have questions about your barring, phone or text 0427 051 300.
