Australia's Crown Perth Casino announced that from December 1, 2025, a mandatory card-based gaming system will be fully implemented on all electronic gaming machines. This system requires players to use a real-name membership card to play, with restrictions such as a maximum of 12 hours of gaming per day and 28 hours per week, and a mandatory break every 3 hours. This measure aims to implement the recommendations of the 2021 Perth Casino Royal Commission, to help players control gambling behavior, facilitate the casino's identification of harmful patterns, and intervene early. The new regulations also include adjustments to spending limits and a cooling-off mechanism, reflecting the Australian gambling industry's trend towards enhanced responsible gambling and consumer protection.
New Regulation Content and Implementation Schedule
From December 1, 2025, Crown Perth Casino will require players to use a personal membership card to operate electronic gaming machines. This card is linked to an account and comes with several restrictions: no more than 12 hours of gaming per day, no more than 28 hours per week, and a mandatory rest every 3 hours. Existing members will need to update their cards, and new customers must register on-site and set personal limits, with casino staff providing assistance.
This measure aims to implement regulatory recommendations, enhance player control, and increase behavior visibility.
Restriction Measures and Player Control
The system allows players to set their own spending or time limits, but increasing limits requires a 7-day cooling-off period to take effect, while decreasing them applies immediately. The gaming screen displays real-time activity data, and a monthly statement summarizing gaming time and expenses is provided to help players make rational decisions. The casino also gains new tools to identify potential risky behaviors and provide timely support.
The restriction measures balance flexibility and protection, reducing the risks of impulsive gambling and continuous addiction.
Policy Background and Industry Impact
The mandatory card system stems from the recommendations of the 2021 Perth Casino Royal Commission, aimed at enhancing consumer protection and industry accountability. The Minister for Racing and Gaming of Western Australia stated that this reform is a key step in reducing gambling harm and maintaining responsible gambling standards. Several casinos in the Australia-New Zealand region have implemented similar systems, such as Sydney's Crown Casino, properties under The Star Entertainment Group, and SkyCity in New Zealand, while Melbourne's Crown Casino has been granted an extension until 2027 to complete the promotion of card technology for all table games.
This policy reflects the industry's increasing focus on traceability and proactive harm reduction, with similar systems also being piloted in local bars and clubs.
