Crown Resorts has introduced carded play measures at its Melbourne Casino, aiming to enhance gambling harm prevention.
According to the press release on Thursday, the company notes that the implementation of carded play on all Electronic Gaming Machines at Crown Melbourne represents a “significant investment in gambling harm prevention,” signaling a new era of transparency and commitment not seen before in the gaming and entertainment industry.
Supported by the Victorian Government’s YourPlay scheme, the new carded play technology has been rolled out over the last month and is now fully operational at Crown Melbourne.
Starting December 14th, all guests using electronic gaming machines at Crown Melbourne will be required to obtain a valid Crown Player Card. This card can be used to track and monitor play, ensuring that guests can better manage their gambling activity.
Key features of carded play include:
- Time and Spend Limits: Guests will be required to set personal time and spending limits, helping them to stay on track.
- Track and Monitor Play: Guests will be able to track their play and access Player Activity Statements to monitor their spend.
- Player Safety Checks: The card provides actionable insights into player behaviour, allowing Crown’s PlaySafe team to identify and undertake safety checks with those who may be engaged in prolonged or unsafe gambling.
- Access to Support: Once activated, the card will provide quick and easy access to information and resources for safer gambling, including contact information for support organizations.
Regarding the move, Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers said: “Crown’s ambition is to operate the safest casinos in the world, and we are proud to pioneer this transformative and world-first shift with the introduction of carded play at Crown Melbourne.
Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Volkert said: “Crown Melbourne is committed to providing an environment where our guests can enjoy themselves and have confidence in the support and safeguards available to them.
“The changes are part of a number of world-leading reforms being implemented across Crown, and we look forward to the positive impact carded play will have on our guests and the broader community.”
Earlier this year, Crown announced, Crown PlaySafe and a broadening of its player support measures, with a renewed focus on gambling harm prevention.
As part of the new approach, Crown has already introduced new advertising guardrails to reflect updated harm minimisation principles, online self-exclusion across its three Australian resorts, new community partnerships and cashless gaming on electronic table games at Crown Sydney.
The company is now working to deliver mandatory carded play on electronic gaming machines at Crown Perth.
Currently, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) will conduct a separate investigation over the conduct of Crown Resorts CEO, Ciarán Carruthers, as the Australian operator carries out an internal investigation on the executive for allegedly overruling the casino’s security officers over banning intoxicated customers.
