In a bid to address concerns about problem gambling, Australian casinos are pushing for mandatory “carded play” across the entire industry. This system, already implemented by Crown Resorts in Victoria, requires players to pre-set spending limits linked to a central database.
Crown’s technology, adopted as a condition of its license following a damning inquiry that exposed money laundering adn negligence towards vulnerable gamblers, has seen over 400,000 people sign up. The system only relays information to the casino about whether a player is within their self-imposed limits, ensuring responsible gambling practices.
However, industry leaders like Crown’s responsible gambling chief, shane Volkert, argue that making carded play voluntary would undermine its effectiveness. “If it’s voluntary,you have to ask yourself – do we really care about player safety or not?” Volkert stated.
Volkert believes public opinion on poker machines is shifting, drawing parallels to the societal shift against indoor smoking in the 1990s. “At some point we decided as a society we weren’t going to allow smoking indoors … and if you lit up in a restaurant now, people would freak out,” he said.
He emphasizes the need for the gambling industry to prioritize player well-being for long-term sustainability. “Unless the whole gambling industry was forced to play by the same rules, people would simply play pokies at other venues,” Volkert added.
The debate over mandatory carded play highlights the ongoing struggle to balance entertainment with responsible gambling practices in Australia.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most vital and captivating stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Australian Casinos Push for Mandatory “carded Play” to Combat Problem Gambling
As concerns about problem gambling intensify, Australian casinos are advocating for a system of mandatory “carded play” across the entire industry. This move, championed by Crown Resorts in Victoria, would require players to pre-set spending limits linked to a central database. CrownS system, implemented as a condition of its license following a damning inquiry that exposed money laundering and negligence towards vulnerable gamblers, has seen over 400,000 people sign up. While the system only informs the casino if a player exceeds their self-imposed limits, industry leaders argue that making this system voluntary would undermine its effectiveness.
To delve deeper into this debate, we spoke with Shane Volkert, Crown’s responsible gambling chief, who has been at the forefront of advocating for mandatory carded play.
The Case for Mandatory “Carded Play”
WTN: Why does Crown believe that mandatory “carded play” is crucial for responsible gambling in Australia?
Shane Volkert: If it’s voluntary, you have to ask yourself – do we really care about player safety or not?
Volkert argues that making “carded play” voluntary would significantly reduce its effectiveness. He emphasizes that a universal approach is essential to ensure all venues operate with the same safeguards, preventing players from simply moving to establishments without spending limits.
Shifting Public Opinion and Industry Sustainability
WTN: You’ve drawn parallels between the push for mandatory “carded play” and the societal shift against indoor smoking. Can you elaborate on that comparison?
Volkert: Just as we decided as a society that indoor smoking was unacceptable, I believe we’re seeing a similar shift in attitudes towards gambling. People are becoming increasingly aware of the potential harms of problem gambling, and they expect the industry to take proactive steps.
For long-term sustainability, Volkert believes the gambling industry must prioritize player well-being. He sees a parallel between the decline of smoking rates and the potential future of “carded play”.
Addressing Concerns and Practical Considerations
WTN: Some people argue that “carded play” infringes on personal freedom. How do you respond to this concern?
Volkert: We believe that responsible gambling measures, like “carded play”, are essential safeguards for individuals who may be vulnerable to harm. It’s about providing tools and support to help people make informed choices and gamble within their means.
Volkert acknowledges concerns about privacy but emphasizes that the system only relays details about whether a player is within their limits. The focus remains on promoting responsible gambling habits rather than intrusive surveillance.
Looking Ahead: A future of Responsible Gambling?
The debate over mandatory “carded play” underscores the ongoing challenge to balance entertainment with responsible gambling practices. As public opinion evolves and technology advances, Australia might potentially be on the cusp of a paradigm shift in how gambling is regulated and managed.
What are your thoughts on mandatory “carded play”?
Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.
For more insights into the future of gambling regulation, check out our related articles on the impact of technology on responsible gambling and the evolving landscape of gambling legislation in Australia.
