Facial recognition technology to help problem gamblers in NSW gaming venues
Facial recognition scans will be introduced into NSW pubs and gaming venues to identify problem gamblers.
If a problem gambler is identified, staff will be alerted and the patron referred to support services.
The technology will be introduced to help problem gamblers stay away from venues.
Cameras will be rolled out in 2023 and will help those who have opted into the state's Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion scheme, which uses digital images to identify problem gamblers and ban them from gaming venues.
Problem gamblers will have already supplied their image to the scheme and given full consent to its use by the scheme.
Director of liquor and policing for Australian Hotels Association [AHA] NSW, John Green is on board with the move.
"People can change over time and using facial recognition technology just makes sure we've got the best chance of identifying those people as they enter," Green said.
"We've tested how it operates and quite frankly it can identify people wearing masks, wearing glasses and trying to avoid detection."
According to the Office of Responsible Gambling, nearly one in 10 gamblers in NSW are at risk.
ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said other patrons would not be affected.
"This is designed in a targeted way to help those who have a problem — not to impact anybody else," he said.
"We believe it's critical to support those people that have a problem in a targeted way where ordinary people are not affected.
"They can enjoy their pub or club the way that they ordinarily would — but the people who have a problem are genuinely looked after to ensure they get the help that they need."
The technology is a joint venture between ClubsNSW and the AHA and is currently being used in around 100 venues across the state.
South Australia has a similar scheme in 300 venues.
In a survey of self-excluded gamblers, 85 per cent were found to be in support of the use of facial recognition.
"It really is effective at identifying those people who want to be excluded and want our help," Green said.
"This is about improving the process that we've already got in place, but using the latest technology, to ensure that we are doing as much as we can to get them the treatment they need."
NSW Gaming Minister Kevin Anderson is hopeful the technology can help people control their addiction.
"Proactively self-excluding is a big step for many at-risk gamblers," he said.
"This technology will mean venues can help patrons to stop gambling and get the support they need."
AHD - 20-10-22
