Endeavour Group, the operator of approximately 300 hotels and pubs, is calling on state and territory governments to collaborate on a unified national approach for using technology, including facial recognition, to combat problem gambling and money laundering at gaming venues.
The company has reached out to state governments seeking a more coordinated and collaborative effort in implementing facial recognition and other digitally-oriented gambling controls. By sharing knowledge and adopting a common national framework, different jurisdictions can effectively utilize facial recognition technology to minimize harm and prevent financial crime associated with gambling.
Endeavour Group’s CEO and managing director, Steve Donohue, emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology, such as facial recognition, to support individuals who have chosen to self-exclude from gambling activities. Already, South Australia has made it mandatory for venues with at least 30 poker machines to use facial recognition technology to enforce self-exclusion schemes. Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) are also planning to introduce the technology for the same purpose.
Some Pubs and Clubs have voluntarily deployed facial recogition technology
While facial recognition is intended to limit problem gambling, reform advocates are concerned about potential risks and inadequate regulations. They fear that the industry might use biometric data collected through facial recognition to encourage gambling or target customers more effectively. Regulating the use of biometric data lies with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner in NSW, where some pubs and clubs have voluntarily deployed facial recognition technology.
Privacy and consumer rights group CHOICE questions the need for facial recognition when alternatives, like mandatory, pre-commitment cashless cards linked to users’ identity, are being trialed and introduced. They argue that such cashless cards serve the same purpose as facial recognition in identifying self-excluded individuals attempting to use poker machines.
Overall, the debate over facial recognition technology in gaming venues underscores the need for thorough consideration of privacy, human rights, and the intended benefits when introducing new technologies.
