In a bid to enhance responsible gambling practices and reduce gambling harm, the minister for casino, gaming, and liquor regulation, Melissa Horne, has issued a directive requiring Crown Casino to update its code of conduct. These new rules aim to curb excessive gambling by introducing mandatory breaks and maximum weekly gambling limits. By enforcing these measures, Crown Casino aims to become a global leader in promoting responsible gambling practices and minimizing the negative impacts associated with excessive gambling.
Code of Conduct Updates:
Under the new regulations, individuals who have engaged in gambling for more than 12 hours within a 24-hour period will be required to take a mandatory 24-hour break. Furthermore, there will be a maximum limit of 36 hours of gambling per week. Crown Casino’s responsible gambling staff will now have the authority to exclude customers from the casino floor. Additionally, if a person has been gambling continuously for more than three hours, they will be required to take a 15-minute break. These measures aim to provide individuals with opportunities to pause, reflect, and avoid excessive gambling.
Government’s Expectations:
Melissa Horne emphasized that Crown Casino must strive to become a global leader in reducing gambling harm, or risk losing its license. Crown’s commitment to implementing mandatory pre-commitment in all electronic gaming machines by the end of the year, along with the strengthened code of conduct, positions the casino as a leader in harm reduction measures for a casino of its size.
Royal Commission Implementation:
The government’s directive aligns with the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and License. Although the Commission concluded that Crown Casino was “unsuitable” to hold a license in Victoria, immediate revocation was not deemed appropriate due to potential economic implications. The government has been proactive in implementing the Commission’s recommendations, with 29 out of 33 already fully implemented or awaiting commencement in the coming months.
Enhanced Staff Guidelines:
In addition to the code of conduct updates, Crown Casino staff will receive new guidelines regarding interactions with individuals displaying observable signs of gambling harm. These guidelines will emphasize the importance of encouraging breaks and providing information about support services to mitigate potential harm.
Collaborative Approach:
The government developed the new direction in consultation with various stakeholders, including the union, advocacy groups, operators, and harm researchers. This collaborative effort ensures that the regulations align with industry best practices and incorporate a range of perspectives.
Enforcement and Penalties:
Crown Casino has a six-month deadline to update its code of conduct in accordance with the directive. Any breaches of the code may result in disciplinary action from the regulator, with a maximum penalty of $100 million. The strict enforcement and substantial penalties underscore the government’s commitment to responsible gambling practices and holding operators accountable.
New “Evidence-Based” Warnings:
Melissa Horne also issued a separate directive to gambling advertisers, calling for the replacement of generic “gamble responsibly” taglines with more impactful and evidence-based warnings. Examples of these new taglines include “Chances are, you’re about to lose” and “You win some. You lose more.” This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of responsible gambling messaging and further discourage excessive gambling behaviors.
The implementation of stricter regulations and code of conduct updates at Crown Casino represents a significant step forward in promoting responsible gambling and reducing gambling harm. With the government’s commitment to implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, Crown Casino aims to establish itself as a global leader in responsible gambling practices. By prioritizing the well-being of its customers and embedding a healthier gambling culture, Crown Casino strives to exceed the expectations of its stakeholders and communities while fostering a safer gambling environment for all.