Crown Resorts introduces AI to strengthen player protection
Crown Resorts has announced it will use artificial intelligence (AI) on its Australian gaming floors to strengthen player safety and reduce gambling-related harm. The new system, called GameScanner and developed by Danish firm Mindway AI, will track gambling behaviour and flag signs of risk so that harm can be reduced.
According to Mindway AI, this is the largest global rollout of its technology in a physical casino setting and the first land-based application in Australia.
GameScanner uses data models trained by gambling harm experts, researchers and psychologists. The system is designed to highlight problematic behaviour patterns and allow earlier intervention to reduce gambling-related harm.
Crown PlaySafe approach
Dr Jamie Wiebe, Group EGM of Crown PlaySafe, said the initiative will support Crown’s focus on harm minimisation and prevention.
“The introduction of this technology at Crown is yet another example of our commitment to continuous safety improvements and harm minimisation,” said Dr Wiebe. “This will greatly assist in identifying risks and preventing harms from occurring in the first place, which is a major focus for us at Crown. In collaboration with our Crown PlaySafe initiatives, technology plays a critical role in helping us provide a safe environment and uphold our industry-leading standards for our guests.”
Mindway AI’s land-based expansion
Mindway AI provides responsible gambling tools in multiple markets. Its GameScanner software currently monitors around 12.8 million players in 64 jurisdictions every month.
Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO of Mindway AI, described the partnership as a milestone for the company’s expansion into land-based casinos. Kjaergaard said, “We are thrilled to partner with Crown Resorts in this significant initiative. Our shared vision for player welfare is the foundation of this collaboration. Our move into land-based applications signifies a significant milestone for Mindway AI. With GameScanner, we are reinforcing our commitment to player welfare across all gaming platforms, creating an environment where care and safety are paramount.”
Regulatory background
The rollout comes as Crown Resorts faces ongoing regulatory challenges. In May 2023, the company was fined AU$450m (US$294m) for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing failures.
Crown Perth recently retained its casino licence after a three-year investigation found that the operator had not adequately reduced gambling harm or prevented criminal activity. Meanwhile, Crown Melbourne was censured by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for repeated breaches of harm minimisation rules.
These issues have placed pressure on the operator to demonstrate stronger safeguards and compliance measures.
Industry impact
The introduction of GameScanner is expected to increase damage minimisation in Australian casinos and may impact industry practices more broadly. Crown employs AI to detect problematic gambling behaviour earlier and fix it before it causes more harm.
For Mindway AI, the partnership strengthens its position in responsible gambling technology and marks its first large-scale project in a physical casino environment.
Future outlook
Crown Resorts has announced a partnership with Mindway AI that will see GameScanner introduced across its Australian casinos. The move is aimed at improving harm minimisation, addressing regulatory concerns, and setting a benchmark for the use of AI in land-based gambling operations.
