For more than a decade Victorian venues with poker machines have been required to ensure that while machines are in operation at least one Gaming Industry Employee (GIE) is on site.
This is in addition to the position of Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO), who is required to be within the poker machine area while it is open.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) advises a GIE licence is required for anyone working for a venue operator, the monitoring licensee or a gaming machine services provider – if part of their role includes the accessing or holding keys to the logic area of machines, or a restricted monitoring part such as a jackpot interface board, or if supervising or training another GIE licence holder.
The logic area is a secured cabinet housing critical electronic components that significantly influence the machine’s operation. Access is necessary when a reset is required or during training.
While on duty, a GIE licence holder must ensure their licence is always worn.
While not all gaming attendants are required to hold a GIE licence, venues may opt to have multiple licensed staff on duty at any given time.
Disciplinary action may be taken by the VGCCC against a licensed GIE should they breach their conditions of licence, with disciplinary action ranging from a letter of censure to licence cancellation and disqualification from receiving a gaming licence for up to four years.
Venues may also face disciplinary action.
Further information can be found on the VGCCC website or in Section 7 of the 2020 Ministerial Direction.
