As of July 1, 2021, all patrons at Crown Melbourne are required to adhere to gambling time limits. This new policy is part of the Victorian Government’s efforts to promote responsible gambling and reduce the harm caused by problem gambling.
Under the new policy, patrons will be limited to a maximum of six hours of continuous play on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and table games. After six hours, patrons will be required to take a break from gambling for at least one hour before they can resume playing.
The time limits will be enforced through Crown Melbourne’s loyalty program, which tracks patrons’ gambling activity and alerts staff when a patron reaches their time limit. Staff will then approach the patron and inform them that they must take a break from gambling.
The new policy has been welcomed by gambling harm prevention advocates, who argue that time limits are an effective way to reduce the risk of problem gambling. Research has shown that the longer a person gambles, the more likely they are to experience harm from gambling.
Time limits also help to promote responsible gambling by encouraging patrons to take breaks and reflect on their gambling behavior. By taking regular breaks, patrons can better manage their gambling activity and make informed decisions about when to stop playing.
However, some critics have argued that time limits may not be effective in reducing problem gambling. They point out that problem gamblers may simply switch to other forms of gambling or continue to gamble outside of Crown Melbourne’s premises.
To address these concerns, Crown Melbourne has also implemented a range of other measures to promote responsible gambling. These include self-exclusion programs, where patrons can voluntarily ban themselves from the casino, and mandatory pre-commitment, where patrons can set limits on their gambling activity before they start playing.
Overall, the new policy requiring all patrons at Crown Melbourne to adhere to gambling time limits is a positive step towards promoting responsible gambling and reducing the harm caused by problem gambling. By encouraging patrons to take regular breaks and reflect on their gambling behavior, Crown Melbourne is helping to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment for all.
