RSG vs RCG: What Is the Difference?

The short answer is that both are forms of responsible gambling training, but the name and requirements depend on what state you work in. RSG generally refers to Responsible Service of Gambling or Responsible Service of Gaming, while RCG stands for Responsible Conduct of Gambling.

They cover similar ideas, including responsible gambling, gambling harm and the responsibilities of people working in gambling-related roles. However, you can’t assume that an RSG course completed in one state will meet the requirements for an RCG role in another.

If you’re planning to work in gaming, check the requirements in the state or territory where you want to work before enrolling in a course.

RSG vs RCG at a glance

	RSG	RCG
What does it mean?	Responsible Service of Gambling or Responsible Service of Gaming	Responsible Conduct of Gambling
What is it about?	Responsible gambling and minimising gambling harm	Responsible gambling and minimising gambling harm
Where is it used?	Used in several states, including Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.	Most notably used in NSW
Who needs it?	Depends on the state and the type of work you do	Depends on the state and the type of work you do
Can you automatically use one instead of the other?	No	No

The important thing to remember is that RSG and RCG aren’t simply two different names for a single Australia-wide qualification. Gambling training is regulated differently across the states and territories.

What is RSG?

RSG stands for Responsible Service of Gambling or Responsible Service of Gaming, depending on the jurisdiction.

The training is designed for people working in gambling-related roles in establishments including pubs, hotels and casinos. It helps staff understand their responsibilities, recognise signs of gambling harm and follow the rules that apply to responsible gambling.

The exact requirements vary between states.

In Queensland, for example, people who carry out gaming duties or tasks in licensed clubs and hotels must complete RSG training. The required certification is a Statement of Attainment for the national competency Provide Responsible Gambling Services, completed through a registered training organisation (RTO).

That doesn’t mean everyone working in a pub or club automatically needs RSG. The requirement relates to people carrying out specified gaming duties or tasks.

In Victoria, the terminology is Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG). Staff working in a gaming machine area, or who have more than incidental contact with gaming machine users, must complete the required RSG training.

In South Australia, RSG also refers to Responsible Service of Gambling, but the system involves three tiers of training for gaming employees and managers, known as RSG1, RSG2 and RSG3.

So, while the basic purpose of RSG is similar, the actual training requirements can be quite different depending on where you work.

What is RCG?

RCG stands for Responsible Conduct of Gambling. The term is particularly associated with New South Wales, where people working in certain gambling-related roles need to complete approved RCG training.

Like RSG, RCG training is designed to help people understand responsible gambling practices and their responsibilities when working with customers who gamble.

The training covers areas such as gambling harm minimisation, interacting with customers, identifying situations that may indicate gambling harm and following the rules that apply to gambling venues.

If you’re looking for work in NSW and the job requires RCG training, you should make sure you complete the NSW-approved training rather than assuming an RSG course from another state will be accepted.

Liquor & Gaming NSW maintains information about approved training providers and the training required to work in the NSW industry.

Is RSG the same as RCG?

There is a lot of overlap between RSG and RCG. Both are intended to help people working around gambling understand their responsibilities and support gambling harm minimisation.

The difference is that states and territories set their own requirements. This means the course you need isn’t determined simply by whether a job advertisement says ‘RSG’ or ‘RCG’. You also need to consider where the job is located and what your role involves.

For example, Queensland requires RSG certification for people carrying out specified gaming duties or tasks in licensed clubs and hotels. NSW has its own RCG training requirements, while Victoria uses Responsible Service of Gaming and also has its own training system.

Do I need RSG or RCG?

The easiest way to work out whether you need RSG or RCG is to start with where you want to work.

New South Wales

NSW uses the term Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG). If your role requires RCG training, you need to complete the training that meets NSW requirements. It’s important to check that the provider and course are approved for the role you’re applying for.

Queensland

Queensland uses Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG). People who carry out gaming duties or tasks in a licensed club or hotel need the appropriate RSG certification. The required certification is a Statement of Attainment for the national Provide Responsible Gambling Services competency.

Unlike some other types of hospitality training, the Queensland RSG Statement of Attainment does not expire once obtained.

Victoria

Victoria uses Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG). Gaming venue staff working in the gaming machine area, or who have more than incidental contact with gaming machine users, need to complete the required training.

Victoria’s RSG training is completed in stages, with refresher training required every three years.

South Australia

South Australia uses a tiered RSG system. Gaming employees and managers may need to complete RSG1, RSG2 and RSG3, with further training required at different stages. RSG3 training is then repeated every two years.

Other states and territories

The terminology and training requirements can also vary in Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

If you’re moving interstate or applying for a job somewhere other than where you completed your training, check the current requirements in that jurisdiction before assuming your existing qualification will be accepted.

Do I need RSG or RCG to work in a pub or club?

Not necessarily. Just because a pub or club has gaming machines doesn’t mean every employee needs responsible gambling training. The requirement generally depends on what you do at the venue. For example, in Queensland, RSG training is mandatory for people who carry out gaming duties or tasks within a licensed club or hotel.

Someone working behind the bar may have different training requirements from someone working in the gaming room or performing specific gaming duties.

This is worth checking before you enrol in a course. If your new job doesn’t require RSG or RCG, you may not need to complete the training simply because the venue has gaming facilities.

Can I use an RSG certificate in another state?

Don’t assume that you can. Responsible gambling training has many similarities across Australia, but each state and territory has its own regulatory requirements.

For example, Queensland requires the national Provide Responsible Gambling Services competency for its RSG certification. Victoria has its own RSG training system, including specific modules and refresher requirements, and South Australia has its own RSG1, RSG2 and RSG3 structure.

If you’re moving interstate, don’t rely on the name of your existing certificate. Check whether your training meets the requirements of your new state and your new role.

Do RSG and RCG expire?

There isn’t one Australia-wide expiry period for RSG or RCG training. The answer depends on where you completed the training and which requirements apply to your role.

For example, a Queensland Statement of Attainment for Provide Responsible Gambling Services does not expire once obtained, while in Victoria, RSG refresher training is required every three years, and South Australia’s RSG3 training must be completed every two years.

This is another reason to check the rules for the state where you intend to work rather than relying on a general expiry period for ‘RSG’ or ‘RCG’.

RSG vs RCG: which course should I choose?

If you’re deciding between an RSG and RCG course, choose the training that meets the requirements for the job and state where you intend to work.

The name of the course is less important than whether it gives you the training and certification you need to legally do the job.

If you’re not sure what training you need, check the requirements with the relevant state or territory regulator or ask the employer before enrolling.