Facial recognition cameras are being touted as a means of reducing problem gambling rates across New Zealand. Installed in poker machines, the cameras would instantly identify problem gamblers and prevent them from wagering. Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell has suggested the idea, and local politicians seem to be interested in its potential.
Facial recognition technology would allow gaming venues across the country to improve their self-exclusion programs. Currently, these programs suffer due to human error. Staff members are unable to identify all of the gamblers who have taken part in self-exclusion programs, so they are unable to turn them away and help them uphold their self-inflicted bans.
As such, many problem gamblers who have taken the necessary steps to treat their issues are unable to get the get they need. “We can certainly lead the world in the formation of facial recognition in respect of minimisation of harm," says Flavell. The new technology would prevent this problem from ever occurring.
When problem gamblers sit down at a poker machine, their image will be cross-referenced with a database full of self-excluded players. If they are identified, they will be locked out to the game and they will be escorted from the venue by casino staff. The technology will also allow players to exclude themselves on a national level.
By registering themselves with one venue, it is likely that their photo will show up in databases across the country. Rather than having to sign up to each self-exclusion program separately, they can sign up on a national level. This would help to greatly improve New Zealand’s self-exclusion program. This will not only help problem gamblers but also protect gaming venues.
Many self-excluded gamblers have sued casinos and gaming club operators for failing to keep them away. With facial recognition cameras, that will no longer be an issue.
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