Mandatory Carded Play Set to Begin at Crown Perth Casino on 1 December

Crown Perth Casino is preparing to switch its entire electronic gaming machine floor to mandatory carded play from 1 December 2025, marking a major shift in how gambling will operate in Western Australia. The change will complete one of the key responsible gaming reforms recommended by the Perth Casino Royal Commission and will apply to every player using an EGM at the resort.

The casino has already begun phasing in the new system, with selected machines requiring card activation from October to November. Before the final rollout, anyone who wants to use an EGM will need to hold an updated Crown Rewards membership card linked to their identity and play limits.

How the New System Will Work

Once the system is fully active, EGMs will only operate when a valid membership card is inserted. Each card will carry personalised time and loss limits, and play will be automatically paused after three hours to ensure mandatory breaks. The system will enforce a maximum of 12 hours of play per day and a total weekly cap of 28 hours.

Players can choose stricter limits for themselves, and these changes apply immediately. Any attempt to increase limits will require a seven-day cooling-off period. On-screen notifications and account statements will provide clear breakdowns of session times and spending, giving players more visibility over their gambling behaviour.

Crown Perth Casino will also use the data to identify when someone may be playing in a risky manner. A dedicated PlaySafe team remains on site around the clock to offer support or guidance when needed.

Reform Stemming From the Royal Commission

Mandatory carded play is one of the most significant consumer-protection measures introduced since the 2021 Perth Casino Royal Commission. Regulators have been pushing for technology that gives both players and the casino more oversight, with a strong focus on minimising gambling harm.

Western Australia’s Gaming and Wagering Commission will oversee the rollout and ensure the system meets the standards set out in the state’s enhanced regulatory framework. The combination of fixed limits, break requirements and real-time tracking brings Western Australia in line with international recommendations for safer gambling, while also making Crown Perth Casino the first venue to implement the full suite of controls under one system.

How This Fits Into Wider Industry Changes

The move at Crown Perth Casino reflects a broader trend across Australian and New Zealand land-based casinos. Crown Sydney, Star Sydney, and several SkyCity properties in New Zealand already use similar technology. While Crown Melbourne has been granted more time to introduce carded play on table games, the push towards traceable gambling activity continues across both states.

Trials in pubs and clubs across NSW and Victoria are also testing whether a lighter version of carded play could be used outside major casinos. These trials form part of the wider conversation on gambling reform and harm-reduction measures in Australia.

What Patrons Need to Do Before 1 December

Anyone planning to play EGMs at Crown Perth Casino after the rollout must have a current Crown Rewards membership card. Existing members who haven’t updated their details will need to visit a Crown Rewards desk with valid identification. New members can register at the casino, where staff will take their photo and help them set their initial limits.

The venue has released information showing which areas of the gaming floor are switching over each week. With the final deadline approaching, Crown Perth Casino has framed the move as part of a long-term strategy to improve transparency, reduce the risk of gambling harm and set clearer expectations around machine use. The shift is also likely to shape future policies at other Western Australian casinos as the state continues strengthening its approach to regulation.