Quick answer: The RCG (NSW) and RSG (Queensland) are the certificates you need to work anywhere near poker machines, Keno or TAB terminals in those two states. They are one-day courses on the unit SITHGAM022 and are almost always asked for together with the RSA. If you want pub or club work in Sydney or Brisbane, get both in the same week.
Pubs and clubs are the backbone of backpacker hospitality work in NSW and Queensland, and most of them have a gaming room. That is why the RCG or RSG matters: without it, a manager cannot roster you across the whole venue, and they will usually hire someone who has it.
What the certificate covers
Both are built on the nationally recognised unit SITHGAM022 Provide responsible gambling services. The course covers:
- gambling laws and the venue’s obligations
- how to recognise problem gambling and what you can do
- self-exclusion schemes
- handling payouts, cash and gaming room procedures
- signage, advertising rules and what you must not say to patrons
It is one day, with a short assessment. No prior experience needed.
NSW: the RCG
In NSW the certificate is called the RCG, Responsible Conduct of Gambling. It is issued as part of the NSW competency card, the same card that carries your NSW RSA. The training must come from a provider approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW. When you finish, you get an interim certificate so you can start work while the card is processed.
Anyone who works in a gaming area in a hotel or club in NSW needs it, and in practice almost every pub and club expects bar staff to hold it too.
Queensland: the RSG
In Queensland it is the RSG, Responsible Service of Gambling, regulated by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation. Queensland accepts nationally recognised training, including online courses, and the statement of attainment is your proof. Gaming staff and anyone who sells Keno or handles gaming payouts must hold it.
Other states
Victoria has its own gaming certificate for gaming venue staff, and other states have their own arrangements. This article focuses on NSW and Queensland because that is where most working holiday makers do pub and club work. If you are heading to Melbourne, ask the venue what they need.
Why it pairs with the RSA
Think of the RSA as the licence to pour and the RCG/RSG as the licence to work the gaming room. A venue that has both a bar and poker machines wants staff who can do both, especially on quiet shifts when one person covers the floor. Doing the two courses in the same week, ideally the same provider, means you finish your paperwork once and start applying with a full set.
| Certificate | Lets you | Needed in |
|---|---|---|
| RSA | Serve and sell alcohol | Every state (state rules differ) |
| RCG | Work in gaming areas | NSW |
| RSG | Work in gaming areas | QLD |
See our RSA guide for the state-by-state rules on that side.
Who should bother
- Anyone targeting pub, club, RSL or hotel work in NSW or Queensland
- Bar staff who want more shifts and higher-value rosters
- Backpackers heading to regional NSW or Queensland towns, where the pub is often the main employer
If you only want café work, skip it and consider the barista course instead.
Where to book
CBD College (RTO 91399), which is owned by the same people as KoalaGuide and pays KoalaGuide a commission on bookings made through our links, runs the course in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, usually on the day after its RSA class so you can do both back to back. KoalaGuide readers get a discount code. Other approved providers exist; for NSW, check the Liquor & Gaming NSW approved list, and for Queensland any current RTO delivering SITHGAM022.
RCG / RSG — Responsible Conduct of Gambling
CBD College — RTO 91399 · Unit SITHGAM022
- Cities
- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
- Duration
- 1 day
- Price
- see current price
- Discount
- 10% off for KoalaGuide readers
CBD College is owned by the same people as KoalaGuide and pays us a commission when you book, so we are not neutral here. We also list other providers where they are a better fit. How we make money
What to do next
- Confirm the state you will work in and which certificate it uses.
- Create your USI if you have not already.
- Book the RSA and RCG/RSG together: RCG / RSG — Responsible Conduct of Gambling
- Update your résumé with both certificate numbers and start applying to pubs and clubs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RCG and RSG?
They are the same idea with different names. RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling) is the NSW certificate. RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling) is the Queensland one. Both are built on the unit SITHGAM022.
Do I need the RCG if I only work behind the bar?
In a NSW venue with poker machines, usually yes. Most pubs and clubs roster bar staff to pay out or assist in the gaming room, and they will not hire you for the bar without it.
Can I do the RCG online?
In NSW the RCG must be delivered by a Liquor & Gaming NSW approved provider in an approved format. In Queensland the RSG is accepted from nationally recognised online courses. Check the regulator before you book.
Does an RCG from NSW work in Queensland?
No. Each state issues its own certificate. If you move between NSW and Queensland you will need the version for the state where you work.
