In an effort to enhance responsible gambling practices across Australia, Crown Resorts’ CEO, Ciarán Carruthers, advocates for the establishment of an industry-wide forum. This forum aims to extend the stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling measures implemented by Crown to other gaming venues, including pubs and clubs. Carruthers emphasizes the necessity of uniform regulations to prevent individuals with gambling issues or intentions of money laundering from circumventing safeguards by seeking venues lacking such protections. Crown Resorts’ proactive approach, exemplified by its PlaySafe program, underscores its commitment to fostering safer gaming environments.
Challenges and Solutions:
Implementing comprehensive AML and responsible gambling controls presents challenges, particularly regarding cost and complexity. Carruthers acknowledges the difficulties but emphasizes the feasibility of such transitions, drawing from Crown Resorts’ own experience. He proposes leveraging Crown’s expertise by establishing an industry forum, facilitating the sharing of knowledge, resources, and technology. This collaborative approach not only benefits individual operators but also strengthens the entire industry, aligning with community expectations for safer and more enjoyable gaming experiences.
Crown Resorts’ Progress:
Crown Resorts’ transformation from profit-focused to compliance-driven reflects a significant cultural shift. With a substantial investment of AU$71 million, Crown has bolstered its compliance and responsible gambling teams, augmenting its capacity to uphold regulatory standards. The implementation of mandatory carded play through the PlaySafe program demonstrates Crown’s proactive stance in mitigating gambling-related harm. Carruthers underscores the urgency of extending these measures beyond Crown’s properties to ensure consistency and effectiveness across the industry.
The Need for System Neutrality:
Carruthers stresses the importance of system neutrality, advocating for consistent regulatory frameworks within each state. Without such uniformity, individuals seeking to evade safeguards can easily exploit regulatory disparities by patronizing venues lacking stringent controls. By establishing a level playing field, the industry can collectively address issues of problem gambling and money laundering, safeguarding both patrons and communities.
Industry-wide Collaboration:
The proposed industry forum, spearheaded by Crown Resorts, serves as a platform for collaboration among operators. Through this forum, stakeholders can exchange research, data, and best practices, facilitating the adoption of effective measures across the industry. Carruthers emphasizes the shared responsibility of operators to prioritize safety and enjoyment for patrons, underscoring the broader benefits of collective action.
Crown Resorts’ proactive approach to responsible gambling sets a precedent for the industry, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing safety and compliance. By advocating for system neutrality and proposing collaborative initiatives, such as the industry-wide forum, Crown aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. As operators unite to share knowledge and resources, the industry can collectively advance responsible gambling practices, ensuring safer and more enjoyable experiences for all patrons.