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Innovative Australian venues have been operating well ahead of the curve when it comes to player and staff protection, implementing a newly developed Australian technology platform in recent months. 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. 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?”. “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 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? is the technology platform that is the springboard that brings people together to have a human to human connection.” Popular Sydney venue Moorebank Sporties was one of the first venues to introduce OK2PLAY? CEO, Jeff Gibbs said, “The industry needs a player protection tool which makes gaming safe for the patron and makes the industry and the individual Club more sustainable. It’s our responsibility to provide care to patrons. OK2PLAY? was the platform that created this solution seamlessly with ease to patrons and staff”. Central Coast Leagues Club have also had positive results from their initial period employing OK2PLAY? “I’m glad to be one of the first Clubs to implement OK2PLAY?,” CEO, Mr  Edward Camilleri, Central Coast Leagues Club, said. “The purpose is for members to feel secure, and if they do have a problem and they are a bit shy in talking to our staff and trained personnel, this is a way they can go to an easy touch and get help fairly quickly.” OK2PLAY? technology provides venues with staff protection as the platform acts as the first level of detection and recognition for identifying at-risk patrons. Mario Machado, CEO of Hornsby RSL, who has been using the OK2PLAY? system since September reflected, “We are quite an advanced Club as far as technology is concerned, and we do put digital at the forefront of the decisions we make. “This technology makes it easier for our patrons to reach out to us if they have a problem. It also makes it easier for our staff in the manner that first approach and first contact is made via a discreet and seamless system”. Leading Central West Club, Bathurst RSL implemented OK2PLAY? To be proactive and be genuine about their player protection. Peter Sargent, CEO, Bathurst RSL Club, explains, “we want to get on the front foot and show that we are fair dinkum about looking after our members, and we want to make sure we are making it as easy as possible to ask for support, and to make that seamless.” “In terms of Player Protection, we find in most cases people stay inside their means while they are enjoying playing the machines, but we are conscious that sometimes there may be a person who may start to feel uncomfortable and if that is the case, OK2PLAY? and our staff are there to assist them. “We are conscious that we provide gaming as an entertainment product, and it is incumbent on us that we want to make sure that the best possible protection measures are in place and that it is as easy as possible to access that if you need it. “It is important that we are proactive about this. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to enjoy themselves, but also put their hand up if they are having difficulty.” Mr Sargent said. Venues throughout New South Wales and Queensland have embraced OK2PLAY? technology with launches in further venues planned over the coming weeks and months. In an era when mental health is at the forefront of Australian industry the OK2PLAY? digital technology is providing a pioneering technology 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.

“In the first forty days over 52,000 (fifty two thousand) people have been asked directly the question, “Are you OK2PLAY?”. If numbers are your thing, the recent introduction of OK2PLAY? at Sporties Moorebank has yielded some telling results. In the first month of implementation, almost 8,000 Sporties members were asked to simply answer, “Are you OK2PLAY?”at various, convenient points throughout the venue, and in simple terms, 99.4 percent of players have felt safe and secure to continue their venue experience without any further discreet intervention. That’s almost “perfect” numbers, but it’s the remaining less than one percent that paints the success of the OK2PLAY? technology. This portion of members who responded that they did not feel OK2PLAY? were approached discreetly by Sporties Senior staff, who facilitated in-venue assistance within an average time of 36 minutes. Jeff Gibbs, CEO of Sporties, observed, “We had 115 of our members who responded, ‘Ask Me again’, and when OK2PLAY? technology checked in with them a second time they responded they were OK2PLAY? “By introducing the OK2PLAY? technology into our venue, it allows us to continue to support our customers and staff, support player protection, and also support the whole community. We would like to continue to build on the current measures we have already here at Albury SS&A Club for both our patrons and staff, and by implementing this technology, it will allow us to do that.” Mr Gerard Darmody, CEO, Albury SS&A Club. “This technology makes it easier for our patrons to reach out to us if they have a problem. It also makes it easier for our staff in the manner that first approach and first contact is made via a discreet and seamless system.” Mr Mario Machado, CEO, Hornsby RSL. “The purpose is for members to feel secure, and if they do have a problem and they are a bit shy in talking to our staff and trained personnel, this is a way they can go to an easy touch and get help fairly quickly.” Mr Edward Camilleri, CEO, Central Coast Leagues. Our members are asking themselves the question, and this is the best aspect of the OK2PLAY? platform. It’s simple, effective and normalising members checking themselves and asking for help should it be required.” The OK2PLAY? digital technology is so far proving to be the conduit between members and in-venue assistance for which it was designed. Bryan Te Wani, CEO of GPT, the leading technology business who developed the platform OK2PLAY? said the platform was working in the manner it was intended, to connect people for a support-based human to human connection, through the use of technology. “We are already seeing successful implementations of OK2PLAY? into New South Wales and Queensland venues,” Mr Te Wani explains. “We’re excited to facilitate the change in these venues where barriers that might previously had been are removed, and the new normal is to scan the QR code and ask for help if you need it. “In implementing OK2PLAY?, our partner venues are ensuring this meaningful connection between their patrons and their staff is maintained and the hospitality venues are taking their social licence seriously. All while protecting untrained staff with the growing challenge leaders face due to stress in venue and on the front line. “Our venue partners are true thought leaders in the market, often the first in their geographical area to speak to community and care with such a focus. You can see the venue leaders really value the importance of their customers, staff, patrons and the industry, as a priority in everything they do,” Mr Te Wani said.

The OK2PLAY? team has today expanded, with the exciting news of the appointments of two leading industry professionals, Matthew Eaton and Rachel Corcoran, coming into the company, leading sales throughout hospitality venues, across Australia. The OK2PLAY? platform, is the world leading technology system built by Australian Tech Company, GPT, that has been developed to increase the speed of response between a patron of a venue and staff, creating the pathway for connecting patrons to assistance in a discreet, seamless, and frictionless manner, in real time. Matthew Eaton is no stranger to the hospitality industry, starting his career in gambling and account management before moving into the tech space. Matthew has a passion for both technology and hospitality and on joining OK2PLAY? said “This is a natural fit for me. I am combining two of my passions to come into this role, and really drive the need for support for player protection across the hospitality industry in venues. “This technology is about normalising the conversation and reaching out to ask for help if a punter feels they need it. Hospitality venues offer entertainment and people go out to use the gaming machines for entertainment purposes. OK2PLAY?  focuses on the player themselves and bridging a gap between a patron who may need support and getting them to the support itself. Asking if a punter is “OK2PLAY?” is only a positive step forward to normalising the conversation around gambling and gaming.” Rachel Corcoran brings a vast array of knowledge and previous experience from the HR/WHS compliance space to this newly created sales role at OK2PLAY? Rachel is a dedicated communicator and has received nominations and awards for outstanding sales and leadership. When asked about what excited Rachael about joining the OK2PLAY? team, Rachel stated ” this technology takes something that is so complicated in every way and enhances the way we help people. We help patrons, we help the club, we help the staff. What I love most is that OK2PLAY? is the definition of something I love which is simply putting a person’s wellbeing above all else.” To connect with OK2PLAY? reach out to; Matthew Eaton – 0497 928 436 and Rachel Corcoran – 0455 588 786 or visit our website. You may also reach us out through our email: enquiries@ok2play.io

The ground-breaking hospitality technology, OK2PLAY? continues to roll out across NSW and Qld, with Beresfield Bowling Club being the latest Club to implement the platform. The OK2PLAY? platform creates an avenue for patrons of Beresfield Bowling Club or Bero Bowlo as it is affectionately known to the locals, to gain quick access to help and normalise the conversation between Club staff and patrons. It allows patrons to ask for help knowing that it is socially acceptable for them to do so. The world-leading technology platform developed by Australian Tech Company, GPT was designed to increase the turnaround time between Club patrons getting help discreetly and swiftly, in real-time. As a Club that started its origin in 1950, under a tree with a keg on the back of a ute, and then progressed into a Town Hall and then went from growth to growth to the current site that they hold today, Beresfield Bowling Club has a lot to be proud of. Recently, entering into their first diversification project for the Club, a newly constructed building was fitted out for the purpose of providing child care facilities to the region. Run by Bright Steps, the 86 child facility is an example of how this Club is looking after the community as a whole. “The Club built an 86 capacity purpose built child care facility that was completed in 2022. It has specific age built areas for babies through to 4 to 6 years old. This project and facility was undertaken because we can’t lose track of the fact that we are a big part of the community and child care facilities are in limited supply, so it is giving an asset back to the community at large to fill a need,” Mr Phillip Ticehurst, CEO, Beresfield Bowling Club explains. With over 8,000 members and 50 staff, the Club as a whole, from the Directors, to management to staff, hold their community responsibility in the highest regard. On speaking of the importance of the implementation of OK2PLAY? into the Club, Mr Ticehurst stated; “we realise we are a big part of the community and we do not take that for granted. “We take it very seriously and in any way we can help our community, we do it, and we believe OK2PLAY? is a big tool to be able to fill that need for support for both our patrons and our staff.” “OK2PLAY? is a tool for our Club to check in with our members and patrons. “If there is anyone in the community that is not feeling well, it is a mechanism for them to reach out and we can guide them to the support and help that they need. “With all systems, if they are not user friendly they are bound to fail. OK2PLAY? is a very simple system and it is easy to use for the patron,” Mr Ticehurst concluded.

Panania Diggers is putting their staff, members and community first when it comes to player and staff protection, implementing a newly developed Australian technology platform this week. 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 or a scan of a QR code. Patrons who respond yes will have a relatively unchanged experience. For those feeling susceptible or uncertain, the OK2PLAY? technology triggers a discreet and private in-venue response from staff to assist, and these patrons are then linked with support services. Panania Diggers, CEO, Ian Lowndes has been an operating staff member of the Club for over 20 years and has held various positions throughout that time. Speaking with him on the latest technology implementation for Panania Diggers, OK2PLAY? It is clear how important community is to the fundamental heart of the operations. “All of the staff are part of the local community and either live locally or have lived locally and know and have friendships with the community members that come into the Club,” Mr Lowndes explains. “We are big on families and big on community here. “The RSL is why we exist primarily and from that is where the friendship with the community has grown and stemmed from. As an example of this, the RSL look after the welfare of returned servicemen and current servicemen, if they need the help, across all decades and all aspects. They help with financial assistance and also raise money for those that need it and also offer support for those who may be struggling with their mental fitness. They also facilitate visits to the Club with an informal meeting called ‘Veterans Brew’. Any serviceman or ex-serviceman can come in and have a chat and get things off their chest and if they need to seek more counselling they can through this connection,” Mr Lownes continues. “It is our duty to look after our members in whichever way we can and we need to be on the front foot when it comes to members, staff and the community and that is why we have chosen to implement OK2PLAY? “Our duty of care is of prime importance at the Club and to offer a system that is protecting our staff and players is a no brainer. “The human to human contact is very important and the staff can have an empathetic conversation with our patrons and members, and can offer assistance when it is needed. The technology just helps in support and makes it so much easier for a member to reach out,” Mr Lowndes concluded.  

Club Marconi this week introduced the leading technology platform, OK2PLAY? Australian tech developers, GPT, built this cutting edge platform that prompts patrons to respond to the question, “OK2PLAY?”. Patrons respond using the press of a button or the scanning of a QR Code, that are positioned throughout the venue. Patrons who respond yes will have a relatively unchanged experience. For those feeling uncertain, the OK2PLAY? technology triggers a discreet and private in-venue response from staff to assist, and these patrons are then linked with support services as required. “When we started to see this being developed and the program coming into its initial stages, we were interested in the platform for the Club, staff, patrons, members and for the  community,” Matthew Biviano, CEO, Club Marconi explains. “We need to create a sustainable model for the long term, so when we saw this as an opportunity to provide another layer of extra protection for our members, patrons and community, there was no second thought. This was a program we wanted to get on board with. “Having held different positions throughout Club Marconi from Operational roles through to Management, I know that this is absolutely a fundamental part of the roles and responsibilities of the Club. This system has been built into our processes and procedures and if someone does volunteer that they need some assistance, we are there to facilitate. “Not everyone is comfortable in that initial period that they are reaching out for assistance. Sometimes they are not confident or sure on how to approach for help and this program will give another discreet or immediate way that is comfortable to them. Then that helps facilitate that next level of assistance,” Mr Biviano continued. “It takes a lot of energy, and it is a form of bravery to step up and say ‘I need help’, and to raise your hand to ask for that help, is quite a big move. So the fact that they can harness that, and say today is the day for help, and there are no barriers, is a wonderful thing, and we are here to help people. “The visual prompts throughout Club Marconi are imperative and it brings it to a conscious level that there are trigger points around the venue that if a member or patron are having a second thought or having a bad day, can say, ‘I have a prompt there, I can click on that QR code and get the necessary assistance I need’. “Whatever help that might be, we are here for the members, patrons and the community,” Mr Biviano concluded.

Wagga Rules Club went live with OK2PLAY?, a world-leading technology platform on Wednesday, October 12. The platform, built by Australian Tech Company, GPT, was developed to increase the speed of response between patrons of The Rules Club and staff, creating the pathway for connecting patrons to discreet assistance in a seamless and frictionless manner, in real-time. Gaming Manager, Brandon Pomeroy said they were happy to be up and running. “The initial response has been positive,” Mr Pomeroy said. “We’ve had positive feedback from our members and the community. “OK2PLAY? allows us the opportunity to be proactive and to support our members, staff, patrons and community at large. “We take things seriously here at the Club.”   With just over 10,000 members, the club has been around since about 1974. “We’re a registered sporting club so our core focus is sporting groups,” Mr Pomeroy said. “We have bowling greens, netball courts and AFL football grounds. “We provide these facilities and maintain them for our members.” The club also supports the community and other sporting groups in a variety of ways. “We sponsor Turvey Park Football Netball Club, South Wagga Cricket Club and Wagga City Wanderers Football Club,” Mr Pomeroy said. “We’ve sponsored the local hockey league and touch football, and other sporting clubs and organisations.” That support has been given in a variety of ways from direct financial assistance to in-kind support. As an integral part of the community, Wagga Rules Club takes its social responsibility to its patrons, members and the community at large very seriously. Their investment in OK2PLAY? is an investment in their continued support of their community.

OK2PLAY?, the world leading technology platform, built by Australian Tech Company, GPT, that has been developed to increase the speed of response between a patron of a Club and staff, creating the pathway for connecting patrons to assistance in a discreet, seamless, and frictionless manner, in real time, has recently been implemented at Emu Sports Club.. Emu Sports Club, home to the Leonay Golf Course, is located at the foot of the Blue Mountains, and holds an ethos of being a family friendly Club tailored with facilities such as a large playground with soft fall, the picturesque 18 hole golf course along with a bistro that caters to every taste. On implementing OK2PLAY?, Andrew Gardner, CEO of Emu Sports Club stated, “I saw it as a natural next step to showing our members and the community that we care for them. “We offer the Club as a family venue, with a green space that the locals can use with the Golf Course for exercise and walking the dog, for example. “By offering OK2PLAY? we are showing the community, our members and patrons, that we are socially responsible in how we operate. Yes, we do have a gaming area within our Club and we want to run Emu Sports sustainably and responsibly,” Mr Gardner, continued. “To look after people as they come into the Club to use the facilities and enjoy the Club that we have, is a social responsibility we take very seriously.”

The Australian technology platform, OK2PLAY?, developed by GPT, has this week been implemented by Club Harrington for their community. OK2PLAY? allows patrons who may not feel “OK” to access support in real time, making OK2PLAY? the most advanced player protection digital platform in the world. “Being a small community, the Club really is the heart of the Harrington community,” Michael Burgess, General Manager, Club Harrington explains. “The club has around 3,500 members and the population of the community itself is around the same number. “Being the small community we are, it is necessary to support our members and patrons in everything we do. By implementing OK2PLAY? we can assist in giving support to those who need it, in a discreet manner and with speed to respond to people if they do have a problem. “The technology platform makes it easy for people to ask for assistance and to get assistance in a private and confidential manner. It really does break down the barriers to getting assistance to people who need the help, at the time they need it,” Mr Burgess says.

OK2PLAY? continues their roll out across NSW with Club Blacktown being the first in area to implement the leading Australian technology platform this week. As the digital leaders in Player Protection, OK2PLAY? has been developed by Australian technology company, GPT, to increase the speed of response between a patron of a Club or Pub and a staff member, creating the pathway for connecting patrons to assistance in a discreet, seamless, and frictionless manner, in real time. “OK2PLAY? is a great tool. This technology adds another layer to the assistance in respect of responsible gaming that we already have in place with Bet Safe, and offers a better level of engagement that can be had with our patrons where they are asked a simple question at the electronic members kiosks– “Are you OK to Play?” Robert Heinrich, CEO, Club Blacktown explains. “Sometimes people, until they are asked the question and step back and think about it, can then respond, no, I would like to talk to someone who is helpful and can offer assistance. “I’m a strong believer in our community and assisting people. If they identify that they may have a problem, whether it be with a problem with gambling, or even if they have other problems, when they come into the Club, we can support or guide them. “I see this as another positive method of a discreet intervention, a private intervention, to assist those people who may not have the courage or confidence to stand up and have a difficult conversation initially and have to go through a chain of people in order to get the help and support they need, at the time they need it,” Mr Heinrich says. “We understand at times a person can be very embarrassed to make the initial approach. We are trying to remove that awkwardness or embarrassment. “This type of tool gives the individual a choice as to take that next step to get confidential assistance with gambling no matter what their situation may be. “By asking the question to our members that come into Club Blacktown or by anyone scanning the technology driven QR codes strategically placed through the gaming areas, they have that opportunity to discreetly speak to someone and get assistance and ask, “can you help me?””