At Gaming Care, we understand that while gambling is a popular activity, it can sometimes lead to harm for individuals and families. One of the most important tools available to reduce this harm is a Barring Order — An approach to protect an individual by temporarily stopping their gambling when it supports their wellbeing.

What is a Barring Order?

A barring order is a formal restriction placed on a person, preventing them from entering a gaming area, buying lottery products, or, in some cases, entering the whole venue. Barrings can be:

• Voluntary — requested by the person who wants to take a break from gambling.

• Involuntary — requested by a venue, family member, or third party when someone’s gambling is causing harm.

These orders are made under the Gambling Administration Act and are there to protect both the person at risk and those around them.

How Does It Work?

• Requests: A request can be made by the patron themselves, by a Licensee (Venue Manager), or by a concerned third party such as a family member.

• Immediate Action: All barring requests are taken seriously and MUST be actioned immediately, whether they are made in person, over the phone, or even by email.

• Recording & Reporting: Every barring order is logged in the state’s Barring Online Employee Notification system (BOEN) within seven days, along with a photograph for identification.

• Duration: Barrings can be set for a minimum of three months, through to indefinite. Patrons can also ask for their barring to extend to multiple venues using the Gaming Barring Addendum.

Using the Gaming Barring Addendum

The Gaming Barring Addendum is a simple way for a person to extend their barring beyond a single venue. Instead of being barred from just one gaming room, the individual can nominate multiple venues across South Australia—reducing the temptation or risk of venue-hopping.

Who can request it? The Addendum is voluntary and must be requested by the person who is being barred. Venue staff can explain the option, and your Gaming Care Officer can support the process.

How it works: The patron and venue complete the Addendum form, nominating additional venues. The venue then submits the documentation (with support from Gaming Care if needed). Once processed, the barring applies at all nominated venues, aligning identification and enforcement procedures.

When to consider it: The Addendum is especially helpful if a person visits several local venues, travels for work, or wants a stronger barrier during recovery. It’s a proactive step that strengthens protection and supports wellbeing.

Breaches and Penalties

If a barred person enters a gaming area or tries to gamble, it’s considered a breach. In these cases:

• Staff are legally required to act and remove the person from the gaming room.

• The breach must be reported to the Commissioner.

• Any winnings may be withheld and paid into the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund.

• Allowing a barred person to remain in the gaming area can result in fines of up to $10,000 for staff or venues.

Breaches can be detected manually by staff or through approved facial recognition systems.

Reconsideration and Revocation

If a person believes a barring order has been made unfairly or wishes to have it reviewed, they can apply to the Commissioner for Consumer and Business Services (CBS) within 14 days of the order. The Commissioner has the power to confirm, vary, revoke, or extend a barring after reviewing the case.

Only the Commissioner can revoke an order, and counselling through Gambling Help Services is often encouraged before an application is considered.

Support Along the Way

Anyone requesting a barring — whether for themselves or someone else — will be offered information and referrals to their local Gambling Help Service (GHS). These services are free, confidential, and designed to provide support for individuals and families affected by gambling.

Venues also have the option of setting up flexible informal arrangements with patrons as an alternative to barring, where access to gambling is limited or managed in a less restrictive way. Your Gaming Care Officer can assist with these scenarios.

A Safer Gambling Environment

At its heart, the barring system is about safety and responsibility. It allows people experiencing harm to take control, gives families a voice when they are worried, and ensures venues uphold their obligations.

Gaming Care is proud to work with venues, staff, and support services to make sure barring is handled with compassion, respect, and efficiency — ensuring gambling remains a safe and responsible form of entertainment in South Australia.

For further information regarding barring please speak with your Gaming Care Officer.