Problem gamblers will ban themselves from Crown
Problem gamblers will soon be able to ban themselves from Crown casinos.
The entertainment giant is completely overhauling its harm minimisation approach, to bring in a safer gambling program that includes a dedicated gambling policy team to monitor customer playing behaviour and create interventions to better prevent gambling harm from occurring.
Gamblers will be able to ban themselves online. The new digital self-exclusion portal will prevent problem gamblers from attending the venue and dealing with the designated responsible gambling centre run by Crown.
Crown boss Ciaran Carruthers, who has led other global casino groups including Wynn Macau, said “I have been in this business for 34 years and I can tell you – no one does this.
“It is critically important to me that when I look at the long-term viability of this business that people see our resorts as entertainment to enjoy safely.”
Crown has taken the inquiry into its practices seriously, as it works to prove it is fit to hold its licences. The group has also moved to cashless gaming at Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney and introduced $10 maximum bet limits on poker machines at Crown Perth.
The group has gone beyond government regulation of its practices and is also encouraging customers to take breaks every three hours. It said it is dedicated to establishing advisory panels to work with state regulators on harm minimisation, prevention and education.
Crown’s new head of gambling policy research, Dr Jamie Wiebe, said “We want to prevent a problem from ever happening.”
While the introduction of these policies is likely to affect its bottom line Carruthers said its diversity will offset any losses.
“I want people to enjoy the experience of our casinos whether they’re coming for dining, casino or retail. I’m fairly agnostic across which one of those experience or how many of those experiences you want to enjoy,” he said.
Jonathan Jackson, 31st July 2023
