Crown Perth, one of Crown Resorts’ three integrated resorts in Australia, will implement mandatory carded play across its entire gaming floor beginning December 1, 2025. This move aligns with a primary recommendation from the 2021 Perth Casino Royal Commission, which aimed to enhance responsible gambling measures.
The introduction of carded play will require all patrons using electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at Crown Perth to utilize a personalized membership card. This card, intrinsic to each player’s account, will set time and spending limits, allowing for no more than 12 hours of play per day and capping weekly play at 28 hours. Moreover, mandatory breaks will be enforced every three hours to ensure the well-being of players.
Players have the flexibility to set personal limits within these maximum thresholds, but any decision to increase limits will only take effect after a seven-day cooling-off period. Existing members must update their cards to comply with the new system, whereas new patrons will need to register by having their photograph taken and setting their preferences with the help of casino staff. The system also includes on-screen tracking and provides monthly activity statements to assist players in managing their expenditures. Additionally, it empowers the casino to identify risky behavior, thereby enabling timely intervention and support.
The introduction of mandatory carded play at Crown Perth follows similar initiatives at Sydney casinos operated by Crown and its competitor, Star Entertainment Group, as well as at SkyCity Entertainment Group locations in New Zealand. This development follows Crown Perth’s clearance for a casino license earlier this year, representing a significant milestone for Crown Resorts as it continues to pursue its expansion strategy in Australia.
In commenting on the new mandatory carded play rules, Gary Dreibergs, chair of the Gaming and Wagering Commission, emphasized that the carded play initiative is part of several reforms aimed at mitigating gambling-related harm in the Western Australian community. He described the measures as pivotal in protecting casino patrons. The Commission, he assured, will rigorously monitor the effectiveness of these initiatives, holding the Perth Casino licensee to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia echoed these sentiments, stating that the carded play system represents an additional safeguard against gambling-related harm. He noted that the limits on gaming time and spend will bolster Western Australia’s already stringent gambling regulations. Papalia highlighted that this initiative is a significant reform resulting from the Perth Casino Royal Commission, with most of its recommendations now either fully implemented or nearing completion.
Despite the positive reception from officials, the mandatory carded play scheme has sparked discussions within the gambling industry and among casino patrons. Some industry analysts argue that while these measures are crucial for responsible gambling, they could potentially impact customer experience and casino revenue. They suggest that regulated environments might dissuade some players from frequent visits, as the new system requires a higher degree of personal data transparency and monitoring.
On the other hand, proponents of the carded play system argue that these changes reflect a necessary evolution in the gaming industry, balancing entertainment with player safety. They point out that responsible gambling is now a global imperative, and casinos must adapt to maintain their social license to operate. These measures, they claim, will ultimately lead to a more sustainable gaming environment and could enhance the public perception of the casino industry as a whole.
The debate touches on broader economic implications as well. With Crown Perth being a significant contributor to the local economy through tourism and employment, any fluctuation in its operations might have ripple effects. Casino representatives are optimistic, however, projecting that the system could attract a new demographic of players who appreciate the focus on safety and responsible gaming.
As December approaches, all eyes will be on Crown Perth to see how effectively the new system is rolled out and what impact it will have on the casino’s operations and clientele. The success of this initiative could serve as a benchmark for similar implementations across Australia and possibly influence international gaming policies.
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