ClubsACT suggests trialling self-locking facial recognition technology for problem gamblers
Problem gamblers could soon have their faces scanned using facial recognition software to keep them out of some Canberra clubs.
Key Points:
- Technology to prevent problem gamblers from entering gambling areas has been proposed for Canberra clubs
- Patrons would “opt in” to the system to help staff identify them
- ClubsACT chief executive Craig Shannon says the technology is not about filming patrons without their knowledge
According to ClubsACT’s proposal, several venues would test the system, which was developed by New Zealand-based COMS Systems Limited.
The technology alerts staff to customers registered in the database if they arrive at the poker machine or gaming area of the gaming venue.
According to COMS Systems, the technology has already been implemented in some pubs and clubs in South Australia and around 170 venues in New Zealand.
ClubsACT chief executive Craig Shannon said the system is different from the controversial facial recognition technology used by Kmart and Bunnings, which is currently the subject of a privacy investigation.
“The system is based on the idea that a person who chooses to self-exclude from a club and is already part of the self-exclusion system will be photographed if they were to just go into the playing area,” Shannon said.
“It’s really just to reinforce their own self-isolation request.”
But Attorney General Shane Rattenbury said ClubsACT’s proposal still raised concerns about privacy and patron consent.
“I’m not clear that’s the best way to go,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“We have certainly encouraged clubs to contact the Gambling and Racing Commission to discuss the details, consider restrictions and data protection legislation.
“Also, is this what their customers really want or are there other ways we can really work to minimize the harms of gambling.”
Rattenbury said that while there was similar federal and territorial legislation on data collection by private organisations, there were currently no ACT laws preventing the use of biometrics.
“There is Commonwealth data protection legislation relating to the collection and use of biometric data by private organisations, and there is a range of ACT legislation that would be relevant,” he said.
Shannon said the system will only be installed in the playing areas of the venues, so those enrolled in the program will still be able to use the dining and bar areas.
He said that at the moment, patrons of clubs or pubs who had decided to shut themselves off from the gaming area could be missed if they entered the venue’s poker room from the dining room or bar while staff were busy.
“This is not about filming patrons without their knowledge or in any way extending this beyond the original poker machine or gaming area.”
“We’re just hoping to add some honesty to the way the self-exclusion system works – this is about a person refusing to want to be in game areas and we’re giving that decision some honesty.”
“Technology removes human errors”
in South Australia, Venues authorized to play at least 30 poker machines must have approved facial recognition technology installed identify people who are banned from game areas.
Director of the Gambling Research Center of the Australian National University, Aino Suomi, said that little information has been published on the use of facial recognition technology to prevent gambling problems in Australia. But he said there had been some promising results.
“We have heard from our colleagues in South Australia that this automatic identification of players who have excluded themselves from the playing field has proven to be effective,” Suomi said.
“In the ACT we have had self-exclusion in place for many years. This would just be the addition of a new automated process.
“At the moment in the ACT, if you want to self-exclude – you sign a document and provide a photograph – and you can do this for six months to 36 months and self-exclude from multiple places.
“I think using technology eliminates human error.”
But Dr Suomi said mechanisms are needed to support people who have excluded themselves if the system identifies them.
“You still have to have a human response,” he said.
“If [self-excluded people] then you want to use venues, what do venues do?
“How do they support these people who are likely to be in crisis?”
The Minister for Justice is currently awaiting a briefing from the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety on wider issues related to facial recognition technology.
Mr Shannon said the system had already been installed in a number of clubs but was inactive and if the board gave ClubsACT the go-ahead they could start the trial within a few weeks.