Facial Recognition - A Game Changer for Harm Minimisation in Gaming Venues
13/9/24, 10:00 am
Facial recognition technology has sparked significant debate in recent years, especially regarding its role in gaming venues. With problem gambling on the rise in Australia, this technology is increasingly seen as a powerful tool for enforcing harm minimisation strategies and ensuring the security of gaming venues. Here’s how facial recognition can positively impact the industry:
Key Benefits of Facial Recognition in Gaming Venues
Enforcement of Self-Exclusion Programs
Facial recognition enables venues to identify individuals who have chosen to self-exclude from gambling, ensuring they are unable to access gaming machines even if they move between different venues.
Prevention of Financial Crime
The technology can help prevent money laundering and other illegal activities by identifying individuals who might be engaged in financial crime.
Seamless Implementation
Many venues in South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales are already using or preparing to implement facial recognition to enhance their harm reduction efforts.
Industry Support and Advocacy
One of the most prominent advocates for facial recognition in gaming is Endeavour Group, which operates approximately 300 hotels and pubs. The company has called for a national, coordinated approach to the use of this technology:
Endeavour Group's Call for a National Framework
CEO Steve Donohue has urged state and territory governments to work together on a common framework. “We believe that if someone has chosen to self-exclude, we should use technology available to assist them to do so”
Implementation Across States
South Australia has already mandated the use of facial recognition in venues with more than 30 poker machines, with New South Wales predicted to follow suit.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
While the benefits are clear, some privacy advocates have expressed concerns about the collection and use of sensitive biometric data:
Potential for Misuse
Privacy advocates worry that biometric data could be used for purposes beyond harm reduction, such as marketing or customer profiling.
Regulatory Safeguards
To alleviate these concerns, oversight from organisations such as the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is crucial. Regulations will focus on ensuring the technology is used solely for harm minimisation and security purposes.
Why Facial Recognition Over Other Tools?
Efficiency vs. Cashless Cards
Some argue that cashless gaming cards could serve the same function as facial recognition. However, facial recognition provides a more seamless and immediate method to enforce exclusions, especially in cases where people attempt to gamble across multiple venues.
Wider Benefits
Beyond harm minimisation, facial recognition can also strengthen venue security by identifying potential criminals and preventing financial crime.
Looking ahead
The future of facial recognition in gaming venues is promising, provided that privacy concerns are adequately addressed. As technology continues to evolve, its role in responsible gaming will likely expand, offering a vital layer of protection for vulnerable patrons and enhancing the security of gaming venues across Australia.
In summary, facial recognition technology represents a robust tool for improving the integrity and safety of gaming venues. With proper regulation, it can support both harm minimisation and broader security goals, ensuring that the technology serves the public good.
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Mark Chadwick
National Manager - Biometrics
mark.chadwick@nec.com.au