All gaming patrons at Crown Melbourne will now need to set time and loss limits before using electronic gaming machines after new mandatory pre-commitment laws officially came into effect on Thursday.
Under the enhanced regulations, which stem from the findings of the Finkelstein Royal Commission into Victoria’s casino license, anyone who reaches their set limit will no longer be able to use a gaming machine at Crown Melbourne for either a 24-hour or seven-day period, depending on what they’ve chosen.
Crown will be required to check the identity of patrons when they sign up for a membership card, which will be linked to a YourPlay account providing users with real time updates at the gaming machine and detailed activity statements on their play.
This, the government said, builds on earlier changes requiring Crown to enforce 15-minute breaks for patrons gambling continuously for three hours. Patrons must also take a day’s break if they’ve been gambling for 12 hours in any 24-hour period and are restricted to 36 hours of gambling in any given week.
While mandatory carded play is currently restricted to EGMs only, the scheme is expected to be implemented across all table games at the casino by December 2025.
Meanwhile, new money laundering controls include a AU$1,000 cap on the amount of cash winnings that can be collected, with anything greater only payable by electronic transfer or cheque.
“We are delivering nation-leading reforms to protect the most vulnerable from gambling harm and putting the power back into the hands of patrons,” said Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne.
“Those who think they can get away with criminal activity like money laundering are wrong – these changes are about tracking, stopping and prosecuting this illegal activity.”
Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers 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.”
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