- $10 maximum bet cap for electronic gaming machines at Crown Casino Perth now in place
- Cap will help reduce the risk of gambling-related harm
- Reforms continue to deliver recommendations from the Perth Casino Royal Commission final report
The State Government continues to deliver reforms addressing concerns raised by the Perth Casino Royal Commission (PCRC), particularly around reducing the risk of gambling-related harm.
Since 1 July this year, a cap of $10 per bet has been introduced for all electronic gaming machines (EGMs) across the main gaming floor at Crown Casino Perth.
EGMs are a popular form of gambling for visitors to Crown Casino Perth. In the 2019-20 financial year they generated approximately 52 per cent, or $206 million, of the casino’s gross income.
The Crown Casino Perth is currently allowed to have up to 2,500 EGMs across its gaming floor, which varies depending on their business needs.
The popularity of EGMs is an area of concern for at-risk gamblers who are unable to moderate or control their betting.
The State Government is also planning to introduce further EGM harm minimisation measures including:
- pre-set weekly loss limits;
- pre-set weekly time limits; and
- cashless EGMs with mandated carded play to monitor player gambling.
The Cook Government remains firm on its commitment to prohibit EGMs outside of the Crown Casino Perth.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby:
“WA is committed to having strong measures to promote responsible gambling and protect at-risk gamblers, but we can do and are doing more.
“Betting on electronic gaming machines on the casino’s main floor is a popular activity and an identified area of concern when it comes to at-risk gamblers.
“Harm minimisation was one of the key recommendation themes of the Perth Casino Royal Commission and we are working on introducing further measures, including pre-set loss limits and pre-set time limits, by 2025.”
As stated by Gaming and Wagering Commission Chair Dr Michael Schaper:
“The Gaming and Wagering Commission is committed to fully exploring all options to reduce the harm caused by problem gambling.
“Gambling problems, like all addictions, are complex and there is no single solution. But helping at-risk gamblers, by reducing the amount of money they can bet in one go on an electronic gaming machine, is a responsible harm minimisation measure.
“It won’t take away the odd recreational bet that many people in the community enjoy as a social outing, but it will help prevent that now-and-again punt from becoming an everyday problem.”
