Club Blacktown launches Australian-first OK2PLAY? program to combat gamblers’ mental health problems

A western Sydney club has become the first in Australia to adopt self-reporting protection program ‘OK2PLAY?’, which uses technology to check in with gamblers and provide support.

Club Blacktown CEO Robert Heinrich said the club wanted to be a leader in western Sydney after launching the Australia-first “OK2PLAY” program. Picture: Supplied

Gamblers at Club Blacktown will have access to immediate mental health support under an Australian-first program, as experts raise alarm bells over problem gambling’s “silent epidemic” among western Sydney’s most disadvantaged communities.

The former Blacktown RSL is the first hospitality venue to launch the “OK2PLAY?” protection program aimed at removing a reliance on club patrons self-reporting mental health issues through a “discreet”, technology-based alternative.

Using a QR code or button, gamblers can inform staff they are “not okay”, which activates an immediate response from duty managers who ensure support is provided inside the venue and ongoing care is provided by appropriate services.

Club Blacktown CEO Robert Heinrich said the club hoped to be an “active leader” in the western Sydney community with the program providing a holistic service not just to gamblers, but also those affected by floods, economic strain, and other mental health issues.

“We wanted to remove any barriers preventing people asking for help,” he said. “The technology has been overwhelmingly accepted in the club, both by staff and patrons.

Club Blacktown CEO Robert Heinrich. Picture: Supplied

“It is also reassuring to know that the overwhelming majority of our members say that they are OK2PLAY.”

The initiative comes as the Centre for Western Sydney releases its report into problem gambling.

Residents in Blacktown are losing almost $1 million a day to gaming, according to the report, compared to just $210,000 in Canada Bay.

Author Tom Nance said problem gambling often correlated with other issues, including isolation and socio-economic stresses.

“It’s a symptom of the pockets of significant disadvantage within western Sydney,” Mr Nance said. “It‘s the people who can least afford it who are paying the highest price.”

Mr Nance warned the number of gaming machines in the region was “oversaturated”, but said club’s could be part of the solution.

“Its about how clubs can diversify and shift their reliance away from gambling revenue,” he said. “It‘s a golden opportunity to look at how clubs and pubs play a key role within the community as centres for activity and hubs for engagement.”

With little more than a month before the NSW election, problem gambling in Sydney has taken centre stage.

Last week, Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the government would spend $340 million overhauling the state’s gambling industry.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has also backed plans to cut gaming machine usage.

Speaking to this publication, The Green’s Riverstone candidate Rob Vail said western Sydney “couldn’t afford” gambling addiction.

“There are a lot of people that have been hurt by the gambling addiction,” he said. “People are desperate to see gambling brought under control.”