Pubs, clubs turn software on problem gamblers
Facial recognition could soon be used as a matter of course in pubs and clubs to prevent problem gamblers using pokies.
Gaming Machine Association chairman Bruce Robertson said cloud technology was making it viable for its members to use facial recognition.
Robertson said a system called The Guardian, developed by Kiwi companies Torutek and Coms Systems, was being trialled in 10 pubs and clubs and would be extended to another 10 venues soon.
The Guardian scans people entering gaming rooms and checks their images against photographs that problem gamblers have voluntarily submitted and which are stored in the cloud.
If there is a match, staff members can be alerted ‘‘within seconds’’ to check the person’s identity and ask them to leave.
Andrew envisaged the trial could pave the way for a ‘‘national database’’ of photographs of problem gamblers that would make it possible to exclude people from multiple pubs and clubs in one step.
Pubs and clubs are regulated separately from casinos, which have also tested similar technology.
SkyCity Entertainment Group trialled facial recognition to block problem gamblers from using its pokies in 2013 and spokeswoman Rebecca Foote said it was preparing to carry out another trial.
Coms Systems director Paul Andrew said The Guardian would be built into gaming management systems in ‘‘venues across the country in the coming year’’ and forecast it would be a game changer.
Coms Systems managed about half of New Zealand’s 1200 gaming venues, he said.
Robertson said a full rollout would depend on the Health Ministry ‘‘coming on board’’ with the proposed national database. ‘‘But we are proving the technology, and that is looking very promising.’’
The focus would initially be on larger pubs and clubs, he said.
‘‘It is probably going to be less necessary in a small country pub, where they have got two or three machines and every customer is known.’’