Operator News
Australia – Crown given until December to launch mandatory carded play and pre-commitments on its slots
By Phil - 4 May 2023
Crown Melbourne will need to introduce mandatory carded play as well as time and spend pre-commitments for players on all electronic gaming machines by December.
The instruction came from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) who said carded play was a key anti-money laundering measure, meaning all play will be linked to a customer’s identity.
To play the state’s YourPlay system, all slot players will need to set their own restrictions on time on device and spend per session.
VGCCC Chairperson Fran Thorn said “We have again demonstrated our strong commitment to minimizing gambling harm and reducing the risk of money laundering by going above and beyond Royal Commission recommendations in our direction to Crown. We were pleased to see Crown step up and identify additional measures beyond those recommended by the Royal Commission to improve the safety and integrity of gaming at the Melbourne casino. We will be carefully monitoring the implementation of these changes.”
The VGCCC added that it welcomed Crown’s own harm minimization and AML measures which will see Crown take out all unrestricted gaming machines, i.e. those where spin rate, bet limit, auto play and note acceptors are unrestricted, from the main gaming floor, allow them only in high-roller areas. Crown will also remove the continuous play function.
Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Volkert added: “Crown has been working collaboratively with the Victorian Government on these worldclass reforms and once implemented will put Crown on a path to industry best practice by reducing and preventing gambling-related harm. We will now work at pace to train our team members and embed the new Code.”
“This work builds on our whole-of-company transformation that has been underway for more than 18 months, as we continue to build a Crown that exceeds the expectations of our stakeholders and communities.”
“This includes the implementation of our new and enhanced approach to responsible gambling which aims to bring about a healthier, safer gambling culture for all,” he added. “This approach, which puts harm reduction and guest wellbeing at its centre, includes: evaluation and monitoring impacts; uptake of gambling safety features and technology; building a safer future; embedding a safer gambling culture; and building transparency and collaboration with our stakeholders.”
