Key points:
- Carded play, aimed at enhancing responsible gambling practices, will now be mandatory across all gaming venues in Victoria
- Crown Melbourne introduced carded play on electronic gaming machines in December 2023
- Crown has pledged to assist the government and industry in implementing the statewide rollout
The Victorian Government has announced the introduction of mandatory carded play across all gaming venues, a measure aimed at promoting safer gambling practices throughout the state.
The move builds on Crown Melbourne’s adoption of carded play on its electronic gaming machines in December 2023, which has since registered over 400,000 participants.
This measure is reportedly designed to encourage safer gambling habits and reduce harm associated with gambling. The system, first implemented at Crown Melbourne, is now set to become a standard feature across Victoria’s gaming venues.
Good to know: Carded play requires gamblers to use a registered card when accessing electronic gaming machines, allowing users to set spending limits and monitor their activity
Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Volkert stated: “Our experience in developing and implementing these reforms means that we are well-placed to assist the government and industry as they work to establish a safer and more sustainable gaming environment throughout Victoria.”
Crown Melbourne’s adoption of carded play forms part of a series of reforms undertaken by Crown Resorts in response to heightened regulatory scrutiny. The company has invested over AU$200m ($129m) in initiatives to improve governance, compliance and harm minimisation following investigations into its operations.
Earlier this year, Crown Melbourne retained its casino licence after implementing significant reforms but continues to face oversight from regulators.
