I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the way I was treated at Fuller Sports club.
I had been playing the pokies and had already lost money. Rather than continue gambling and withdraw more money, I made the responsible decision to stop because I know my limits and did not want to keep chasing my losses. As the designated driver for my family, I stayed at the club to wait for them, as I could not leave without them.
While waiting, I sat for a period of time and then got up to walk through the gaming area with my husband, who was still playing. As we were walking, I briefly glanced at another machine while passing by. I was not standing over anyone, watching someone play, or interfering in any way. It was simply a quick glance while walking.
An employee immediately approached me and told me not to look at other people's machines. The player using the machine did not appear bothered and had not complained. I felt embarrassed and singled out by the way I was approached.
I understand that there may be policies regarding behaviour in the gaming area, and I respect those policies. However, if there was a concern, it could have been explained politely and respectfully rather than making me feel as though I had done something wrong.
What made the situation even more upsetting was that I had already chosen to stop gambling. I accepted my loss and did not want to continue withdrawing money. Instead of being treated as a customer who had made a responsible decision, I was left feeling as though I was no longer welcome in the venue.
I also noticed other patrons looking at machines or around the gaming area, which is something people naturally do while walking through. I did not observe staff approaching or warning those patrons in the same way. Because of this, I felt singled out by the interaction.
As an Asian customer, the experience left me feeling uncomfortable and questioning whether I was treated fairly and consistently compared with other patrons. While I cannot know the employee's intentions, the difference in how I felt I was treated compared with others left a lasting negative impression.
Customers should be able to expect respectful and consistent treatment regardless of their background. Unfortunately, I left feeling embarrassed, unwelcome, and disappointed by the way this situation was handled.
This experience has left a very negative impression on me, and unfortunately I will not be returning to Fuller Sports club.