If you intend to work in a pub or any gambling related establishment in Australia, the Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG) or Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) is a training you will have to do. In this article we will cover everything you need to know when choosing a course to acquire your RSG / RCG certificate in Australia.
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What is the RSG and RCG in Australia?
The RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling) certificate in NSW and the RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling) certificate in other Australian states are mandatory qualifications for anyone looking to work in gambling-related venues such as pubs, casinos, and racecourses. Obtaining this certification allows you to legally serve customers in gaming environments while ensuring responsible gambling practices.
Why Take the RCG/RSG Training?
The RCG/RSG course is designed to educate workers on the importance of social responsibility in the gambling industry, the prevention of gambling addiction, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
During the training, you will learn:
✅ How to identify signs of gambling addiction
✅ Strategies for preventing and addressing problem gambling
✅ Proper reporting procedures and compliance regulations
✅ How to responsibly operate and supervise gaming machines (pokies)
This nationally recognized course is essential for those working in the hospitality and gaming industry, providing the knowledge and skills needed to ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment.
The RSG / RCG is usually required in addition to the RSA (Read Get your RSA Certificate for more information).
Where to get your RSG / RCG in Australia?
Some states allow you to complete the course online, but others require you to attend in class training. Online courses generally take 3 to 4 hours whereas classroom training takes approximately 6 hours, including an exam.
Get your RSG online in QLD, WA, TAS & NT
For those states, you can complete the RSG course online. A good provider is Express Online Training (EOT). This course applies to WA, NT, TAS and QLD.
FEATURES & BENEFITS:
✅ Available 24/7
✅ Automatically save your progress
✅ Stop & Resume at any time
✅ Download & Print Certificate at the end of the training.
Once you have completed your course and made the payment, you will receive your nationally accredited Statement of Attainment as a PDF file. The certificate will be recognised by employers and government agencies in Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory. For the other states / territories, you can use the statement of attainment to apply for recognition of prior learning. In most cases, you will only have to do a short bridging course to become fully qualified in that state.
RTO registration code: 40592 SITHGAM201 – Provide Responsible Gambling Services Currently: SITHGAM001 & Formerly: SITHGAM006A
Note: You are required to create a USI number (Unique Student Identifier) for the completion of the course. It is free and easy. You can create this number even if you are on a Working Holiday visa. To get your USI, simply visit www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi.
Take your RCG in Sydney (NSW) – In-Class Training
If you want to complete your RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling) certification in person and are in Sydney, we recommend training with CBD College. Conveniently located at Level 4, 10 Quay Street, Haymarket, you can easily complete your certification in just one day.
✅ Approved Training Provider by Liquor & Gaming NSW (#CCR10000169)
✅ Course duration: 6 hours (from 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM)
✅ Standard price: $149 ($134.10 with discount)
Once you have completed the training, you will receive a Provisional Certificate, allowing you to apply for your competency card at a Service NSW center.
Click on the link and enter your details. You will then receive a promo code to use on CBD College. After that, you can select the training course from the dropdown menu at the top of the page.
Do I need to get the RSG certificate?
All states of Australia have different rules surrounding the Responsible Service of Gambling. Due to the important number of poker machines in hotels, pubs or even some restaurants, there is a good chance you will need to get your RSG. States such as Queensland and NSW have very strict gambling-related laws. Therefore, before completing the training it is good to know whether it is mandatory in the state or territory you want to work in.
- New South Wales: RCG is compulsory. Training must be completed in classroom. Online training is not available.
- Queensland: RSG is compulsory. Training can be done online or in a classroom.
- Victoria: You have 6 months from the start date of employment to get your RSG to complete and pass the RSG training. Training must be completed in classroom
- South Australia: You have 6 months from the start date of employment t to complete and pass the RSG training. Training can be done in a classroom or online.
- Western Australia: RSG is not required. If you are asked to get it, this can be done online or face to face.
- Northern Territory: You have 3 months from the start date of employment to complete and pass the RSG training. Training can be done online or in a classroom.
- Tasmania: RSG is compulsory. Training can be done online or in a classroom.
Is it worth completing a RSG/RCG course?
Having an RSG/RCG certificate will help you to secure work faster in the hospitality industry in Australia. Due to the strict regulations on gambling, getting the certificate before you apply for jobs will give you an advantage. It shows that you are serious about working in hotels, pubs and other establishments. The course is cheap and will definitely allow a broader range of jobs opportunities. Finally, you can claim it back as a work expense in your Australian tax return at the end of the financial year. So do not hesitate and get your RSG Course today!
Other Training & Certificates useful in Australia
If you want to work in gaming establishments in Australia, you may also find yourself in a place that serves food or alcohol. In this case, you will also likely need to obtain other certifications.
The RSA Certificate
The RSA is essential if you want to work in an establishment where alcohol is served. It shows that you are aware of the regulations regarding alcohol consumption in Australia.
Regulations are specific to each state and territory and there is no RSA valid for all of Australia. This means that you will need to obtain the RSA in the state you intend to work in. The training is done online or in a classroom, depending on the states and territories.
Read more : Get your RSA Certificate
The Barista Course
The Barista training teaches you how to use a coffee machine, how to make all kinds of coffee, etc. This training is national. It will be necessary for you if you are required to work in an establishment where you will have to serve coffee to customers.
Read more : Coffee Barista Course in Australia
Bartending course
The bartending training teaches you how to make cocktails, the art of serving, measurements, etc. Again, this training is not mandatory but is a plus in your job search in this field. Prices vary greatly but these trainings last several days.
Food Handler Course
Food Standards Australia New Zealand mandates that all personnel involved in food handling must possess verified training credentials for basic food handling tasks.
The Food Handler Course aims to provide essential knowledge and skills for maintaining food safety and hygiene across dining environments. This includes restaurants, cafes, fast-food chains, and catering companies. The training includes subjects like preventing foodborne diseases, correct methods for handling food, maintaining personal cleanliness, cleaning and sanitization practices, etc.
Read more : Get your Food handler certificate
