Miranda RSL has become the first club in the Sutherland Shire to implement AI-powered monitoring of its gaming floor, using facial recognition and behaviour analysis to identify patrons who may be experiencing gambling harm.

The system, installed as part of a broader harm minimisation strategy, tracks time spent at machines, betting patterns, and physical indicators of distress. When concerning patterns are detected, it alerts staff to check on the patron’s welfare.

“No one comes to the club hoping to develop a gambling problem,” said club CEO Graham Matthews. “But it happens, and we have a responsibility to intervene before it destroys lives.”

How the System Works

The AI system combines multiple data sources:

Facial Recognition

• Identifies patrons who have self-excluded or been banned
• Tracks cumulative time spent on the gaming floor
• Flags patrons who appear frequently at unusual hours

Behaviour Analysis

• Monitors betting patterns for signs of loss-chasing
• Detects physical indicators of distress or intoxication
• Tracks players who skip meals or take minimal breaks

Intervention Protocols

• Automatic alerts sent to duty manager devices
• Staff trained in non-confrontational welfare checks
• Connection to support services including Gambling Help

The technology was developed in partnership with AI specialists in Sydney, who customised an existing platform for the club’s specific needs and integrated it with their existing self-exclusion database.

Privacy Considerations

The system has attracted some criticism from privacy advocates, who question the collection of biometric data in social venues.

“There’s a tension between harm reduction and surveillance,” acknowledged NSW Privacy Commissioner Amanda Chen in a statement. “Clubs implementing these systems need to be transparent about data collection and ensure robust security measures.”

Miranda RSL says facial recognition data is stored securely and deleted after 30 days unless linked to an incident or self-exclusion record. Patrons are notified about the system via signage at gaming floor entrances.

“We’re not trying to spy on people,” Matthews insisted. “We’re trying to help people who might not be able to help themselves.”

Early Results

Since implementation three months ago, the system has:

• Generated 147 welfare check alerts
• Identified 12 banned patrons attempting to enter the gaming floor
• Facilitated connection to support services for 8 patrons
• Detected one patron who had self-excluded but not registered with the club

Staff report that welfare checks, when conducted sensitively, are generally received positively by patrons.

“Most people appreciate that someone is looking out for them,” said duty manager Sharon Lim. “The few who get upset usually calm down once we explain we’re not kicking them out, just checking in.”

Industry Implications

Other clubs in the region are watching Miranda RSL’s trial closely. ClubsNSW has indicated interest in developing industry guidelines based on successful implementations.

The Sutherland Shire Club has begun consultation with the same technology providers, while Cronulla RSL is evaluating different systems.

Matthews believes the technology will eventually become standard across the industry. “Clubs that don’t take harm minimisation seriously will face increasing regulatory pressure and community opposition. This is about being a responsible venue.”

Patrons seeking support for gambling-related harm can call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit any club’s reception for confidential referral to support services.