Casino Boss Calls for Mandatory Pokies Reform

‍ Casinos Push for mandatory “Carded ⁢Play”⁤ to⁢ Combat⁣ Problem Gambling

Industry Leaders Say Voluntary System Isn’t Enough to Protect Vulnerable Players

The push for mandatory⁢ “carded play” in ‍casinos is gaining momentum, with industry leaders arguing that a voluntary system simply isn’t enough to protect vulnerable⁤ gamblers.

Crown Resorts, one of Australia’s largest⁢ casino operators, has already implemented a system where players must pre-set spending limits⁣ linked to a central database. This technology, mandated by⁣ the Victorian government following a scathing⁤ inquiry into Crown’s practices, ⁣aims to curb problem gambling by⁤ allowing players to control their spending and preventing them from exceeding their self-imposed limits.

However, Crown’s Chief Executive, Steve‍ Volkert, believes that⁤ a truly effective ⁢system requires industry-wide adoption.”If it’s voluntary, you have to ask yourself – do we really care about player safety or not?” Volkert stated. He argues that without mandatory carded play, gamblers will simply choose to play at venues that don’t have these safeguards in ⁢place.

Over 400,000 people have already signed‍ up for ⁣Crown’s system, demonstrating a growing awareness of the need for responsible gambling ⁢measures. The ‍system works by linking players’ personal accounts to a central database, where they set their own spending limits. The⁤ casino only receives details on whether a ‍player is eligible to gamble based on their pre-set limits.

Volkert draws a parallel between the current debate and the public health response to 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 believes that public sentiment towards poker machines is shifting, and the industry needs to prioritize player health if it wants to⁤ ensure a sustainable future.

⁢Casinos Aim ⁢for Mandatory “Carded play” to Tackle Problem Gambling ⁢

Will a Voluntary System Suffice or is Mandatory Action Required?

the casino industry is facing growing pressure to implement mandatory “carded play” systems in a bid to combat problem⁤ gambling. While some casinos, like⁤ Crown resorts in Australia, have adopted voluntary pre-set spending limits linked to a central database, industry leaders argue that this approach isn’t enough.

Crown’s Chief Executive, ⁢Steve Volkert, champions a system-wide mandate. “If its voluntary, you have to ask yourself – ‍do we ⁣realy care about player safety or not?” he stated. Volkert believes that a lack of universal adoption woudl simply drive gamblers towards venues ⁢without ⁣these safeguards.

Crown’s system, already embraced by over 400,000 people, ⁣allows players to set their own spending ⁣limits which are then verified ⁤against a central database. This enables the casino ‍to ensure players do⁤ not exceed their pre-determined boundaries.

Volkert likens the situation to the societal shift away from indoor smoking⁤ in the 1990s, emphasizing that public opinion is evolving on the issue of problem gambling. “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 believes⁢ a similar‍ shift is underway regarding poker machines and that the industry needs to prioritize player well-being for long-term sustainability.