The Canberra Clubs Association, representing entertainment establishments in the Australian capital, has proposed utilizing facial identification software to assist individuals with gambling difficulties in avoiding gaming areas. They advocate for a pilot program of this system across multiple locations. This program, created by a firm from New Zealand, would employ facial identification to notify personnel if a customer entering a gaming zone is registered on a self-exclusion roster. This technology is already operational in New Zealand and select Australian sites.
The Canberra Clubs Association contends that this measure would merely strengthen an individual’s personal choice to self-exclude. Nevertheless, the ACT Attorney-General voiced apprehensions regarding personal data protection and authorization, inquiring if this constituted the optimal strategy. He recommended continued discussions between establishments and gaming authorities to examine the legal implications and ascertain if patrons would genuinely desire such a system. He stressed the importance of investigating alternative methods to mitigate gambling-related harm.
Shannon stated that the setup is present in multiple establishments but remains non-functional. The go-ahead hinges on a submission to the Attorney-General originating from the ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate concerning the expanded utilization of facial identification technology. The ClubsACT collective indicated that if the test receives authorization, it could commence within the coming weeks.
