Crown Resorts has announced that it has completed the introduction of carded play and enhanced safety measures at Melbourne Casino.
The measures have been implemented by the casino operator as part of an investment into gambling harm prevention and transparency.
Supported by the Victorian Government’s YourPlay scheme, the carded play technology was rolled out over the past month and is now fully operational at Crown Melbourne.
All guests who use an electronic gaming machine at the casino will be required to obtain a valid Crown Player Card, which helps to track and monitor play and assist players in managing their gambling activity.
Features of carded play include time and spending limits; the ability to track and monitor play and spending; player safety checks with actionable insights for those who may be engaged in prolonged or unsafe gambling; and access to safer gambling support information and resources.
“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,” commented Mike Volkert, CEO of Crown Melbourne.
“Through our collaboration with the Victorian Government and our Crown PlaySafe program, carded play provides a roadmap for our industry, and is a significant step forward in realising our shared vision.
“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.”
Crown PlaySafe was introduced by Crown Resorts earlier this year, a responsible gambling initiative to help reduce gambling harm at its casinos.
PlaySafe 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 operator noted that mandatory carded play on EGMs at Crown Perth is also in the works.
Ciarán Carruthers, CEO of Crown Resorts, added: “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.
“The implementation of carded play begins a new era of transparency and commitment, helping to reshape the gambling landscape and ensure our guests are better able to manage and play within their personal limits.
“Carded play will help to foster a safer, more enjoyable experience for all and revolutionise the way our guests engage with gambling and entertainment.”
Carruthers is reportedly being investigated internally by Crown for overruling security staff and allowing intoxicated players back onto the casino floor after they had been removed.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has stated that it will review the outcome of the internal probe as well.
