The Gaming Machine Association has stated that the New Zealand Ministry of Health’s refusal to fund facial recognition software in gambling venues will have a detrimental effect on problem gambling in the country.
The facial recognition software which is installed on ‘pokie’ machines will stop people who self-identify as problem gamblers from using the machines by notifying the venue owner that a self-excluded gambler was trying to gamble on the premises.
Peter Dengate Thrush, chairman of the Gaming Machine Association said the facial recognition cameras were “mostly funded” and already installed in many gambling venues. However, the software has high and prohibitive licensing fees that gambling venue owners were hoping the government could assist with.
He said:
New Zealand Ministry of Health Refusing to Fund Facial Recognition Tech on Pokies New Zealand Ministry of Health Refusing to Fund Facial Recognition Tech on PokiesHe noted that the Ministry of Health’s refusal to allow problem gambling funds to be used in this way was having a detrimental effect on problem gamblers who were trying to self-exclude.
Meanwhile the New Zealand online casinos market is thriving with a wide variety of international gambling companies serving the local gambling market.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.