“When I started in 1992, there wasn’t much awareness about problem gambling,” Ms Rinaldi said. “There was no advertising or help. It wasn’t spoken about but I saw it every day.”

She said things have changed a lot since then, including at her workplace North Ballarat Football and Sports Club.

“When I started we only had 30 poker machines but as we have grown there is more training (about the issues of problem gambling),” she said.

“(Now) we have a self-exclusion program where patrons can self-exclude for a minimum of a year.

“They can enter the venue ... (but) they can’t come into the gaming room and play poker.”

Ms Rinaldi said the program was becoming increasingly popular.

“We have minimum 100 people self-exclude a year,” she said. “It started 10 years ago and has slowly increased.”

The venue also had brochures offering information on getting help.

Ms Rinaldi said she often chatted to customers if they seemed to be having trouble.

“The majority of our customers are regulars who come in to enjoy the company and be looked after,” she said.

“We get to know the customers and we encourage them to take a break (if they seem to be having a problem). I stress to them to play for fun and don’t chase your losses.”

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week runs until May 20th.