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Looking after members and guests is at the heart of Albury SS&A, and it is for this reason that CEO, Gerard Darmody implemented the digital platform, OK2PLAY?, just over twelve months ago.  A Responsible Gambling Technology that provides patrons and members with a mechanism to ask if they are “OK2PLAY?” and if not, seek support. OK2PLAY? is the ultimate tool in the SS&A toolbelt to ensure patrons had a discreet avenue to seek support from the Club if they ever needed it.  When asked, “Are you OK2PLAY?” with the click of a button or QR code scan, SS&A patrons and members who feel vulnerable can simply respond no, triggering a private and immediate response from Senior Management who will ensure the patron is connected to further support services if required. The OK2PLAY? platform serves as a reminder that a simple tool can in fact be one of the most powerful and effective means for a Club to ensure their venue is the safest environment it can be for patrons and guests.  Gerard Darmody, CEO of Albury SS&A said, “We as a Club wanted to offer as much assistance as possible to patrons who might feel they require support. The OK2PLAY? platform is the first step in the Club being able to offer a greater level of assistance to our Members, and we are proud to be utilising the technology”.

At the heart of the vibrant North Bondi lies a club that has been an integral part of its community for over six decades. The North Bondi RSL Club, with its rich history and commitment to their people, are making waves once again with the launch of OK2PLAY? during NSW GambleAware Week. The timing of OK2PLAY’s launch during NSW GambleAware Week 2023 is no coincidence. CEO North Bondi RSL, Jason Linke, believes OK2PLAY?’s Responsible Gambling Technology demonstrates their commitment to their members and patrons’ well-being, setting a precedent for other hospitality & gaming venues. North Bondi RSL Club CEO, Jason Linke expressed, “OK2PLAY? will show our community that we are progressive and do not shy away from difficult conservations, conversely we lean in with care through the utilisation of world-class technology”. With Bondi’s deep-rooted values and unwavering community engagement, the Club is the first Eastern Suburbs establishment set to make a positive impact with the market leading platform. In an era when problem gambling and mental health is at the forefront of the Australian hospitality industry, OK2PLAY? Responsible Gambling Technology provides a pioneering platform to protect venue staff, people, and the community.

September 2022 marked the Australia first implementation of OK2PLAY? in any Australian Pub or Club. Moorebank Sporties became the first venue to introduce the innovative digital platform as a way of protecting their members and guests, and twelve months on, the venue has asked 11,976 members if they are OK2PLAY? Designed to ensure players are in the right state of mind to utilise gaming facilities, and to connect those who may not be with appropriate support services, OK2PLAY? has enabled Sporties to actively assist members where needed. CEO, Jeff Gibbs, explained, “Here at Sporties our intention is to provide an entertaining and social experience, but we realise for a small number of our members, there can be issues arising both directly in terms of gaming, and wider life issues. We wanted to be proactive in this area, identifying members who require additional support as early as possible, therefore we implemented the OK2PLAY? platform. We have found the technology to be simple for both staff and patrons, and non-disruptive to the member experience”. Ahead of the curve in the industry, Mr Gibbs continued, “We are proud to say we were the first club in Australia to use the technology. When we were approached, we quickly saw the benefits of OK2PLAY? We know our members appreciate the innovative approach we have taken to ensuring their welfare as the flagship venue for the platform. To know we have a system in place to provide every member or guest an opportunity to reach out to us is a reassurance to both our Club and our Members”. To date, OK2PLAY? has demonstrated its efficiency with nearly 12,000 Sporties members affirming their positive experience at the venue. A notable 0.17% members proactively engaged with Moorebank Sporties staff through the OK2PLAY? platform, whose concerns were solved on their first initial interaction. Moorebank Sporties stands at the forefront of industry innovation, not merely acknowledging, but championing the advantages of OK2PLAY? for connecting both their club, staff, and the community at large.

Delivering a quality entertainment experience in a safe environment has always been essential to Gympie RSL and their recent introduction of the innovative Australian tech, OK2PLAY? is proving to be another way the popular venue is ensuring their members and community are protected. OK2PLAY? ensures the Club can provide another layer of protection for the community regarding their mental health and wellbeing, and gambling behaviour. Recently awarded the prestigious Queensland RSL Club of the year, Gympie RSL Club Manager, Daniel Ferguson, reflected on the Club’s decision to embrace the digital platform, “We believe the impact of adopting OK2PLAY will be positive by fostering trust with our members and the wider community. Conversations around mental health and problem gambling will become normal, and as a result, easier to approach”. Ensuring their patrons are the priority is a key element of the success of Gympie RSL. Mr. Ferguson continued, “We are proud to partner with OK2PLAY to provide a robust platform for ensuring our members, and our wider community, are OK2PLAY.  We have a responsibility to provide a safe environment and we take this responsibility seriously. A significant part of this responsibility is investing in and implementing key technologies that assist our community as a priority”. Throughout it’s history Gympie RSL has become involved in the local community, supporting veterans, their families, as well as providing support to groups as a major sponsor of the Gympie Devils Rugby League and Albert Park Bowls. In addition, the venue sponsors the Broncos Development Liaison Officer to support rugby league in the region.

With almost one hundred years of operation, the Moama Bowling Club has a deep seeded history within the local community. This history continues today as the Club is involved with more than eighty community groups and organisations across all areas, including youth engagement, disability support, tourism, health, culture and the arts. A social hub, the facility provides the Moama and surrounding communities not only a place to enjoy a meal, catch up with friends, world class sporting facilities, entertainment and, perhaps overlooked, employment for approximately 250 staff. It comes as no shock that a venue so deeply committed to fostering community and prioritising its members has made the bold decision to integrate the cutting-edge OK2PLAY? digital platform. With the innovative technology providing an opportunity for Moama Bowling Club to ensure their valued 27,000 members enjoy the best venue experience possible. Brianna Sanders, Moama Bowling Club Gaming Manager, explained, “OK2PLAY? forms a part of our Club’s Responsible Gaming Plan. It is a discreet avenue for our members and guests to ask for help should they need to and, importantly, another way we can connect with our community and provide resources for support”. “The team at OK2PLAY? are passionate about what they do, as are we, and the technology that supports their passion integrates easily with our existing technology. We want to support our gaming staff and give them clear direction on how our patrons can ask for help. Should a member or guest request assistance, this request will defer to our management team, allowing our team to offer assistance quickly and in real time,” Ms. Sanders concluded.  

Innovative Australian venue The RUC, based in the ACT, has been operating well ahead of the curve when it comes to player and staff protection, implementing a newly developed Australian technology platform in recent weeks. Termed OK2PLAY?, this cutting-edge technology prompts patrons to respond to the question, “OK2PLAY?” at various points throughout the venue. Patrons respond using the press of a button. Patrons who respond yes will have a relatively unchanged experience. For those feeling susceptible or uncertain, the OK2PLAY? technology triggers a private in-venue response from staff to assist, and these patrons are then linked with support services. Originally opened in 1958, The Club successfully operated for many years, and in 2014, the ACT Rugby Union Club and the Canberra North Bowling Club merged to become one entity known as the RUC, situated at their current site in Turner, ACT. Since then, the Club has gained an enviable reputation for being Canberra’s most fun, accessible, and welcoming venue with patrons and members ranging across all ages and backgrounds. Set in the leafy surrounds of Turner with a beautiful view of Black Mountain, The Club has a full range of offerings including bar, bistro, TAB, gaming room, ATMs, parking, bowling greens, and two sun decks to enjoy those long summer days.   Speaking with the Secretary Manager of The RUC, Jeremy Wilcox, who has been with The RUC for over 20 years and in his current role for 15 years, Mr Wilcox explains how The RUC is involved in their community and also getting on the front foot of problem gambling and implementing change for the betterment of the community in the area of mental health, by implementing OK2PLAY?.   “We are a classic community club for the Inner North of Canberra and we have university students, bowlers, families and all demographics who come along to The RUC to use our facilities, which include the bistro area, bar, dining room, gaming facilities, the real grass bowling greens, the large outdoor areas, and even the meeting room facilitates that we have in place for the community to use.”   “As a venue, we are set up to support Lawn Bowling and Rugby Union as well as other sports in the Inner North. In the ACT there is a requirement to give 8% of net gaming revenue to community groups. We go above that, and give over 55% of net gaming revenue to community organisations and we are also a social base for a lot of sporting groups throughout Canberra.”   “With the introduction of OK2PLAY?, we aim to improve the support systems and help keep our members safe from gambling harm. At the Club we take our social licence seriously, and with our gambling facilities we have a responsibility to keep our players safe. Harm minimisation is really important for all Clubs, and we want to be the safest Club in the country. As we strive for that, we believe that OK2PLAY? is the step forward to doing that,” Mr Wilcox continued.   “This platform is a direct message from the Club to all of our members to ask them if they are OK to use all our facilities along with our gambling facilities, and if they are not, it gives us a really great vehicle to initiate all the other programs we have available to us, to look after them, both from a gambling perspective and a mental health perspective.”    “The most important thing that is missing at the moment in terms of harm minimisation and helping a person who may have a gambling problem is the human-to-human connection and direct contact between one of our staff and a patron. It is often very difficult for our staff to know if a patron has an issue with gambling, but with this mechanism of a patron being able to reach out discreetly, then we can initiate some involvement and advice, and direct them to Relationships Australia for example, and the patron can gain the help they need from then on.”   “We have over 11,000 members at The RUC, and by introducing OK2PLAY? we are not only looking after them, but are directly asking our community to make our gaming facilities fun and a source of entertainment without becoming a problem,” Mr Wilcox said.   Bryan Te Wani, CEO of OK2PLAY? said “OK2PLAY? is a simple and effective technology that bypassed all the barriers society may put up for people to seek help. The anonymity of technology means people don’t have to consider who they might ask, what they will say, or what that person might think if they approach them for help. OK2PLAY? removes all those hurdles to capture patrons in action and prompt them to stop for a moment and consider, “Am I really OK to do this right now?”.   “OK2PLAY? is the technology platform that is the springboard that brings people together to have a human to human connection. If a patron is no longer enjoying the experience and is struggling in that moment, venues have a social license to care for these patrons and take their social licence and responsibility seriously, for the patron, staff and community. What OK2PLAY? provides is a tool for gambling, mental health and protecting players, while also protecting staff, who have previously been responsible for the incredibly difficult task of recognising vulnerable patrons”, Mr Te Wani continued.   OK2PLAY? technology provides venues with staff protection as the platform acts as the first level of detection and recognition for identifying at-risk patrons. In an era when gambling and mental health is at the forefront of Australian industry, the OK2PLAY? digital technology is providing a pioneering platform that can protect the people that need it and give the tools for the individual venue leaders to deliver this in a simple but meaningful way.

Club Parkview, Queensland’s premier community-centric hospitality venue, is leading the charge in responsible gambling technology with the introduction of OK2PLAY?. Developed by Australian technology company GPT, OK2PLAY? sets a new standard in gambling and mental health support, enabling seamless and immediate connections between patrons and staff in real time. As the rollout of OK2PLAY? continues across Australia, Club Parkview joins the ranks of progressive venues prioritising the well-being of their patrons, staff, and community. This cutting-edge technology empowers individuals who may not feel “OK” to access the necessary support they need, revolutionising responsible gambling practices. Beyond offering exceptional experiences such as events, entertainment, diverse food options, a gaming lounge, a café and quality beverages, Club Parkview’s commitment extends to the community. They actively support various initiatives, including school breakfast clubs, sports groups, and numerous local organizations. Notably, the club donates 5% of member purchases to these community groups every quarter. With the implementation of OK2PLAY?, Club Parkview takes their community support to the next level. By normalising conversations around gambling and mental health, they foster a culture of well-being where seeking help is encouraged. Through OK2PLAY?, members and patrons can discreetly request assistance, triggering an immediate response from dedicated staff within the venue who can connect them to vital support services. Bryan Te Wani, CEO of OK2PLAY?, commends Club Parkview’s Board of Directors and Management for proactively fulfilling their social license to operate and prioritising the welfare of their members and staff. OK2PLAY? now becomes an integral part of the club’s core values, emphasising their commitment to responsible practices and community engagement. Club Parkview’s adoption of OK2PLAY? sets a new industry benchmark for responsible gambling technology and support. By combining their dedication to the community with this advanced platform, Club Parkview ensures that patrons feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek assistance whenever needed. With their progressive approach, Club Parkview embraces responsible gambling practices within the hospitality industry and beyond.

CSI Club Southport, located in Queensland, Australia, is at the forefront of Responsible Gambling Technology with the introduction of the groundbreaking platform, OK2PLAY?. Developed by Australian technology company GPT, OK2PLAY? stands as a beacon of digital innovation, offering real-time assistance to individuals facing the challenges of problem gambling. The nationwide rollout of OK2PLAY? marks a significant milestone in the industry’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices and safeguarding those in need. OK2PLAY? is designed to revolutionise the way clubs respond to individuals seeking help, ensuring discreet and private communication for swift support. By simply scanning a QR code or using the patented OK2PLAY? digital platform to request assistance, members or patrons can access immediate support. OK2PLAY? triggers an instantaneous in-venue response from staff, enabling them to provide immediate assistance and connect individuals with the necessary support services. For over 50 years, CSI Club Southport has played a pivotal role in the Southport community. Inspired by a group of working-class locals who would gather at the club’s current location to share stories over cold beers, the club emerged as a Trade Union Club in 1967 after dedicated fundraising efforts and community support. Extensive renovations transformed the club into CSI Club Southport, offering a range of amenities including alfresco dining, gaming machines, bars, live entertainment, and various event spaces. The club’s commitment to supporting sporting and charity groups has been unwavering, embodying the essence of community clubs. The implementation of the OK2PLAY? system is a testament to CSI Club Southport’s dedication to fostering a healthy and sustainable culture that extends beyond liquor and gaming. By embracing Responsible Gambling Technology, the club prioritises the overall health and well-being of its community members. Bryan Te Wani, CEO of OK2PLAY?, commends CSI Club Southport’s Board of Directors and Management for their proactive approach in delivering on their social license to operate and their genuine concern for the well-being of members and staff. The industry’s increasing focus on protecting staff from the challenges and stress of supporting patrons in need is overcome by OK2PLAY?, which was designed in collaboration with leading clubs. Through the integration of OK2PLAY?, CSI Club Southport not only strengthens its core values but also positions itself as a leader among clubs investing in strategies to fulfill their social license to operate while prioritising the well-being of their community members. The club’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge Responsible Gambling Technology underscores its unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and responsible gambling practices.

Cowra Bowling Club has joined the ranks of industry leaders by embracing the cutting-edge OK2PLAY? technology, solidifying its position among the 50+ clubs that have revolutionised the hospitality and gaming industry. Developed right here in Australia, OK2PLAY? is a game-changing digital platform designed to protect and support individuals facing the challenges of problem gambling. Under the visionary leadership of Club Manager Marc Eisenhaur, Cowra Bowling Club has taken its commitment to responsible gambling to new heights by introducing OK2PLAY?. Recognising the vital role it plays in the community’s social well-being, the club is offering a lifeline through this ground-breaking platform. “The Cowra Bowling Club takes social wellbeing very seriously, and this is a part of that, as well as a part of responsible gambling at the club,” he said. As an integral part of the Cowra community for countless years, Cowra Bowling Club has been a champion of supporting the local community and providing a safe haven for like-minded individuals to gather. With the implementation of the OK2PLAY platform, the club showcases its unwavering dedication to fostering a healthy and sustainable culture that goes beyond the realms of liquor and gaming, encompassing the overall health and well-being of the community. Bryan Te Wani, CEO of OK2PLAY?, commends the Cowra Bowling Club’s Board of Directors and Manager Marc Eisenhaur for their proactive approach in fulfilling their social license to operate. Their genuine care and concern for members and staff, as they prioritise the well-being of all involved, deserves recognition and appreciation. Across Australia, the club industry is increasingly focused on the well-being of staff who provide support to members or guests dealing with mental health issues and the challenges of problem gambling. With an ever-growing number of clubs recognising the importance of safeguarding staff and patrons alike, OK2PLAY? stands at the forefront, with its design honed through collaboration with industry-leading clubs, staff, and their communities. Cowra Bowling Club’s embrace of OK2PLAY? is a testament to its unwavering dedication to the community, providing not just a safe place for gathering, but also actively addressing mental health concerns and the challenges of problem gambling.

OK2PLAY? continues to lead the way as we welcome CSI – Club Services Ipswich – to the more than 50 Clubs who have adopted this world leading technology. OK2PLAY? has been developed in Australia to help protect and support those in need from the challenges of Problem Gambling. “OK2PLAY? will have an extremely positive impact on the Club’s operations and the community in which we serve. This platform will allow our patrons to feel safe and always looked after, and know they can reach out to our staff members in times of need. This is very important for the Ipswich Community – knowing that whilst at CSI you will be welcomed and looked after and this platform will definitely make our patrons feel safe and comfortable,” explains Natalia Onoprichuk, General Manager, CSI – Club Services Ipswich. Across QLD and Australia, the rollout of OK2PLAY? is driving the focus to protect and support those in need from the challenges of problem gambling.  CSI – Club Services Ipswich, Queensland, has put their values of community and member protection first by launching this innovative technology. OK2PLAY? is designed to increase the speed of response between Club members or guests and staff. It enables discreet and private communication that delivers the fastest response times possible for a person in need. By simply scanning a QR code or signalling for help through the patented OK2PLAY? digital platform, members or patrons can request assistance for support. OK2PLAY? triggers a private in-venue response for staff to immediately (in real-time) provide help and then connect them with necessary support services. “Club Services Ipswich has made a strong footprint in this community. As the number one Community Club, we have made it our purpose to get involved, be present and make a difference in the Ipswich Community. With the support of our 2 Sub-Branches, Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch and Ipswich Railway Sub-Branch, our members and the greater community, CSI has been able to give back both in cash and in-kind back into our community the value of almost $300,000 in 2022,” explains Ms Onoprichuk. The implementation of the OK2PLAY? platform further demonstrates CSI’s commitment to fostering a healthy and sustainable culture that extends beyond liquor and gaming to the broader health and wellbeing of the community. “The Original Ipswich RSL was founded in 1979. However after an extensive renovation the RSL was re-named CSI- Club Services Ipswich, still training under Ipswich RSL INC.  Whilst our mission is to support the serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families, we have made significant inroads to a huge range of sporting and community organisations and initiatives that otherwise go under-supported in the Ipswich region.  Without the support of our community, this would not be possible, and for that from myself and the Board of CSI, we would like to say thank you,” said Ms Onoprichuk. “We have implemented this technology to really give back to the community. OK2PLAY? is the best platform available and allows the industry to really dial in and support their members and community. By implementing OK2PLAY? it means we can really look after our patrons and guests whilst they are in the Club. By having such a ‘quiet’ and at the same time direct platform, patrons will be able to reach out for help without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. This allows us, as leaders, to not only start the conversation, but normalise the conversation around mental health.” Bryan Te Wani, CEO of OK2PLAY? noted “CSI’s Board of Directors and Natalia as GM are to be applauded for proactively seeking to deliver on their social licence to operate, more importantly they are to be applauded for caring for members and staff.” A growing focus in the Club industry, across Australia, is being placed on the need to care for staff who have to assist a member or guest when they are dealing with mental health issues and the challenges of problem gambling. Mr Te Wani added, “We see a growing number of Club’s looking to protect their staff from the negative impact of managing patrons in need and not just the patron, OK2PLAY? by its design, created from working with leading Clubs does that.” OK2PLAY? will now form a key part of the Club’s values and the ever-growing focus on a need to invest in strategies to deliver on the Club’s social licence to operate.