To help address potential harms associated with electronic gaming machines, West HQ has partnered with a leading gambling research institution to undertake a world-first research program to assist in the development of safer gambling environments and practices.
The board of the leading Sydney hospitality, fitness, leisure and entertainment venue has approved funding and support for The University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic to undertake the voluntary and anonymous research.
The first of its kind research project in the world, which will have access to anonymised actual player data plus anonymous survey, will help in the development of fit for purpose harm minimisation initiatives by exploring gaming attitudes and behaviours of members and guests.
West HQ CEO Richard Errington said the decision to undertake the research program, including $200,000 in funding through ClubGRANTS, was part of West HQ’s commitment to continuously enhance the experiences of its valued members and guests and to help shape a future of safer gambling practices.
“While most electronic gaming machine players enjoy a safe and positive experience, we acknowledge the importance of providing the appropriate supports to those who do experience harms,” Mr Errington said.
“This is why West HQ is supporting The University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic on this groundbreaking research program to aid in the development of safer gambling environments and practices which will minimise the risk of harms.
“This independent research will be led by a prominent gaming research team, which will maintain full control over the research design and evaluation to guarantee neutrality and transparency throughout the process.
“Based on the findings and recommendations of the research, we will look to implement further policies, procedures and harm minimisation and intervention strategies to providing safer gaming experiences and environments for the community.”
West HQ was one of the few venues who publicly backed initiatives by governments and other stakeholders on proposals to overhaul of gaming, including the introduction of cashless poker machines.
“We hope through our investment and the outcomes of this research report, it will help the rest of the industry to consider how they can better cater for the communities they serve, as opposed to thinking about how to feed their addiction to poker machine revenue,” Mr Errington said.
About us:
West HQ is the leading Entertainment, Fitness, Lifestyle and Accommodation destination in the heart of Western Sydney. At the apex of the M4 and M7, this unique 8-hectare space is home to a collaboration of businesses such as Sydney Coliseum Theatre, West HQ Box Office, Zone Bowling, Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre, ONE55 Health & Fitness, Sydney West Sports Medicine, Rooty Hill RSL, Corner Café, Eat St. Bar, Gelatissimo, New Town Thai Street Food, PizzAperta Manfredi, Steak & Oyster Co by Sean Connolly, Chu Restaurant by China Doll and Novotel Sydney West HQ. West HQ boasts an impressive 40,000 members. For more information, please visit: https://westhq.com.au/
Contact details:
Peter Laidlaw 0419 210 306
Terri Murphy 0439 140 392