Key Moments:
- Crown Perth will implement compulsory carded play for all electronic gaming machines starting December 1, 2025.
- Players must use personalized membership cards with daily and weekly time and loss limits under the new system.
- This reform addresses a recommendation from the 2021 Perth Casino Royal Commission and is described as a global first for binding limitations on electronic gaming play.
Major Operational Change at Crown Perth
Crown Perth in Western Australia has announced a major change. Starting December 1, 2025, all patrons using electronic gaming machines must use personalized membership cards. This move fulfills a key recommendation from the 2021 Perth Casino Royal Commission. It also aims to promote safer and more responsible gambling among visitors.
How the Carded Play System Functions
The new system links each membership card to a player’s account. It enforces session limits of 12 hours per day and 28 hours per week. All players must take a mandatory break every three hours. Players can choose their own limits within these caps. However, any request to increase a limit takes effect only after a seven-day cooling-off period. Limit reductions are enacted immediately upon request.
Current Crown Rewards members will need to update their cards. New guests can register with the help of casino staff. The process includes taking a photo and setting individual time and spending limits.
The technology will offer on-screen tracking and monthly statements. This will help players better monitor their gambling activity. Crown Perth intends to leverage this system for early detection of potentially risky play and to proactively offer support as needed.
The Western Australian Government said the carded-only system, with strict time and loss limits, is groundbreaking. Combined with the Crown PlaySafe program, it makes WA the only jurisdiction in the world with such a model.
States and territories across Australia are under increasing pressure to introduce gambling reform. The WA government says its now leading the way. The changes mean every player at Crown Perth will soon face strict time and spending limits before they can start playing. @SBSNews pic.twitter.com/T1ssPE1ATr
— Christopher Tan (@christophert77) October 24, 2025
Government Support and Regulatory Oversight
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia expressed full support for the reform, stating, “The new carded play system will provide an additional safeguard for people at risk of gambling harm. Limits on gaming time and spending will help complement WA’s robust gambling rules.” He added, “This is another key Perth Casino Royal Commission reform delivered, with most recommendations now complete or close to it.”
This implementation follows other regulatory enhancements at Crown Perth, all intended to increase transparency and player protection within the gaming industry.
Gaming and Wagering Commission Chair Gary Dreibergs commented, “The introduction of carded play for EGMs at the Crown Perth Casino is just one of many reforms that have been put in place to help achieve the Gaming and Wagering Commission’s objective of minimising gambling harm within the WA community.” He noted that requirements also include maximum bet limits, restricted play periods, mandatory loss limits, the provision of player activity reports, and now, the mandatory use of carded play for EGMs to better monitor for signs of harm.
He emphasized, “The GWC remains vigilant in monitoring the ongoing effectiveness of these initiatives and will continue to hold the Perth Casino licensee to the highest standards of integrity and accountability in all of its operations.”
Crown Perth’s Ongoing Commitment to Safer Gambling
The operator highlighted this announcement during Gambling Harm Awareness Week, reflecting on its drive to improve safer gambling practices. Crown Perth CEO Brian Pereira stated, “Carded Play is a cornerstone of our commitment to safer gambling – it allows us to better understand and support our guests while fostering a safer environment.” He further added, “Carded play empowers guests with more information about their playing habits, promotes informed choices and allows earlier intervention if someone needs help.”
Crown Perth’s dedicated PlaySafe team will provide round-the-clock assistance, both on property and online, supporting players in setting limits, accessing resources, and seeking help if required.
Regional Rollout and Industry Impact
Mandatory carded play has already been adopted at Crown Sydney and at operations managed by Star Entertainment Group in Sydney and SkyCity Entertainment Group in New Zealand. In Victoria, Crown Melbourne has received an extension until December 2027 to implement carded play technology across all table games. Similar systems are also being trialed in New South Wales and Victoria’s pubs and clubs.
Timeline and Next Steps for Players
By the end of November 2025, every guest intending to use EGMs at Crown Perth must obtain an updated Crown Rewards Membership Card. The casino commenced the phased transition to carded-only machines on October 13, 2025, and maintains on-site updates regarding machine conversion schedules.
| Key Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start phased rollout of carded-only EGMs | October 13, 2025 |
| Mandatory carded play for all EGMs in effect | December 1, 2025 |
| Deadline for players to update or obtain membership cards | End of November 2025 |
The transition to compulsory carded play represents a new standard in responsible gambling efforts in Australia and marks a significant milestone in Crown Perth’s operations.
- Author
Daniel Williams
