Crown First App is Crown Perth's innovative mobile platform designed to enhance guest experiences while prioritizing responsible gambling. The app integrates Crown PlaySafe features, providing real-time controls, spending limits, and direct access to support services.
Crown Perth has transformed its approach to guest care with the introduction of Crown First App, a mobile platform that represents a fundamental shift from reactive support to proactive harm prevention. This comprehensive digital tool empowers guests to maintain control over their gambling activities while enjoying the entertainment value that Crown venues provide. By integrating cutting-edge technology with evidence-based responsible gambling practices, the app addresses a critical gap in the gaming industry: providing real-time support and intervention before gambling behaviors escalate into harmful patterns.
The Crown First App is not simply a monitoring tool but a complete ecosystem designed to support safer play across all touchpoints. It reflects Crown Perth's commitment to the Crown PlaySafe Code of Conduct, which mandates taking all reasonable steps to prevent guests from experiencing gambling-related harm. The app serves as a bridge between entertainment and responsibility, ensuring that gambling remains what it should be: a source of fun and social engagement rather than a pathway to financial, emotional, or relational distress.
Crown PlaySafe represents Crown Perth's enhanced approach to responsible gambling, moving beyond traditional harm minimization to a comprehensive prevention framework. The Crown First App serves as the digital cornerstone of this initiative, providing guests with unprecedented access to tools, resources, and support services. The PlaySafe Centre, located on the lower level of the Eastern Tunnel Entrance, operates 24/7 with dedicated staff trained to provide confidential support for any guest concerned about their own gambling or someone else's.
The integration between the Crown First App and the physical PlaySafe Centre creates a seamless support network. Guests can use the app to schedule appointments, access resources, or request immediate assistance without drawing attention to themselves. This discretion is crucial, as research shows that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help until gambling problems become severe. The app's interface is designed to be welcoming and non-judgmental, reflecting the same principles that guide the physical PlaySafe Centre environment.
According to Professor Nerilee Hing's research, safer play is defined as gambling enjoyed as entertainment while exercising control and informed choice to ensure activities remain within affordable limits of money and time. The Crown First App operationalizes this definition by providing concrete tools that help guests recognize and maintain these boundaries. Safer play involves staying in control of time and money spent, only gambling with funds set aside for entertainment, recognizing that gambling is not a money-making strategy, understanding house advantage, avoiding chasing losses, taking regular breaks, and ensuring gambling does not cause distress to oneself or loved ones.
The app includes features that prompt users to reflect on these principles before, during, and after gambling sessions. Pre-commitment tools allow guests to set limits before entering the venue, while real-time notifications provide gentle reminders when approaching predetermined thresholds. Post-session summaries help users evaluate whether their gambling aligns with safer play principles, creating opportunities for self-reflection and course correction.
The Crown First App delivers a comprehensive suite of features designed to support informed decision-making and maintain control throughout the gambling experience. These tools are grounded in behavioral science research and designed to be intuitive enough for all users regardless of technical proficiency.
One of the most powerful features is the pre-commitment system, which allows guests to set spending and time limits before they begin gambling. Research consistently shows that pre-commitment is more effective than attempting to exercise willpower in the moment, particularly in environments designed to encourage continued play. The app enables users to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits for both expenditure and time spent gambling. Once limits are set, the app provides escalating notifications as users approach their thresholds, with final alerts when limits are reached.
The system includes cooling-off periods for limit increases, preventing impulsive decisions made during losing streaks. If a guest wishes to increase their limits, the change does not take effect immediately, allowing time for rational consideration. This feature directly addresses the common pattern of chasing losses, which is a key warning sign of developing gambling harm.
The Crown First App provides transparent, real-time tracking of gambling activity, including total amount wagered, time spent gambling, wins and losses, and frequency of visits. This data is presented in clear, easy-to-understand formats that help users recognize patterns in their behavior. Many individuals experiencing gambling harm are unaware of the true extent of their spending or time investment, making this transparency crucial for informed decision-making.
Crown First App operates as part of Crown Perth's comprehensive PlaySafe initiative, placing guest wellbeing at the center of the gaming experience. The app enables users to set personalized limits before they start gambling, monitor their activity in real-time, and access immediate support when needed.
The platform integrates evidence-based harm prevention strategies developed in consultation with gambling research experts. Users can complete self-assessments, access educational resources about safer play, and connect with the Crown PlaySafe Centre team without leaving the gaming floor.
The app's analytics go beyond simple tracking to provide contextual insights. For example, it might show how current spending compares to previous weeks or months, highlight increases in frequency or intensity, or identify patterns such as returning to the venue shortly after losses. These insights are presented without judgment but with clear connections to the warning signs of gambling harm, encouraging users to reflect on whether their gambling remains within safer play parameters.
Perhaps the most critical feature is the direct connection to Crown PlaySafe support services. With a single tap, users can contact the PlaySafe team via phone at 1800 801 098, email, or in-app messaging. The app also provides information about the physical PlaySafe Centre location and hours, though the team is available 24/7. For guests who prefer anonymity, the app offers access to self-help resources, educational materials, and external support services including counseling referrals and financial assistance programs.
The app includes a self-assessment tool based on validated screening instruments used in gambling research. This confidential assessment helps users evaluate whether their gambling might be causing harm across multiple dimensions: financial, relational, emotional, health-related, work or study impacts, and legal issues. Results are provided with clear explanations and recommendations for next steps, whether that means continuing to monitor behavior, implementing additional controls, or seeking professional support.
The Crown First App educates users about the spectrum of gambling harm, moving beyond the outdated binary of problem gambler versus recreational gambler. Research by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation identified that gambling harms exist on a continuum and can affect individuals, families, and communities in diverse ways. The app provides information about potential harms including relationship difficulties, health problems, emotional or psychological distress, financial problems, issues with work or study, cultural problems, and criminal activity.
Warning signs that gambling might be leading to harm include gambling more frequently and intensely, spending longer periods gambling, increases in spending, and continuing to play to recover losses. The app helps users recognize these patterns in their own behavior through the tracking and insights features. Because it can be difficult to recognize when one's own gambling is causing harm, the app encourages regular check-ins and provides objective data that can reveal concerning trends before they escalate.
The Crown First App also includes resources for individuals concerned about someone else's gambling. Family members, friends, or colleagues can access information about how to approach conversations about gambling concerns, what support services are available, and how to protect themselves from the secondary harms of another person's gambling. This feature recognizes that gambling harm extends beyond the individual gambler to affect entire social networks.
The Crown First App operationalizes the commitments outlined in the Crown PlaySafe Code of Conduct, which sets out Crown Perth's obligation to take all reasonable steps to prevent gambling harm. The Code is available in multiple languages, reflecting the diverse community that Crown serves. Guests who wish to make complaints regarding Crown PlaySafe practices can email [email protected], with the app providing easy access to this contact information and guidance on the complaints process.
The Code of Conduct represents a binding commitment that goes beyond regulatory minimums, positioning Crown Perth as a leader in responsible gambling practices. The Crown First App serves as tangible evidence of this commitment, providing guests with practical tools that translate policy into action. By making these tools accessible, intuitive, and integrated into the overall guest experience, Crown demonstrates that responsible gambling and entertainment value are not competing priorities but complementary goals.
The Crown First App represents a significant advancement in responsible gambling technology, providing Crown Perth guests with unprecedented control, transparency, and support. By integrating pre-commitment tools, real-time tracking, educational resources, and direct access to professional support, the app addresses the full spectrum of needs related to safer gambling. It reflects a prevention-focused approach that recognizes gambling harm as a public health issue requiring proactive intervention rather than reactive crisis management.
For guests who use Crown venues for entertainment, the app enhances the experience by providing peace of mind and tools to maintain control. For those who may be at risk of developing gambling problems, it offers early warning systems and pathways to support before harm becomes severe. For families and communities affected by gambling harm, it provides resources and avenues for intervention. The Crown First App is more than a technological innovation; it is a manifestation of Crown Perth's commitment to placing guest wellbeing at the center of the gaming experience.
The Crown First App is available for download through standard app stores for both iOS and Android devices. Once installed, guests can create an account using their Crown membership details or register as a new user. The app is free to use and provides immediate access to all responsible gambling tools and resources.
Yes, the pre-commitment feature allows you to set both spending and time limits before you arrive at Crown Perth. These limits can be configured for daily, weekly, or monthly periods. Any requests to increase limits are subject to cooling-off periods to prevent impulsive decisions during gambling sessions.
Crown Perth maintains strict confidentiality protocols for all data collected through the Crown First App. Your gambling activity information is protected under privacy legislation and is only accessible to you and authorized Crown PlaySafe staff when you specifically request support. Data is never shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
If the self-assessment tool or activity tracking suggests concerning patterns, the app will provide recommendations ranging from implementing stricter limits to contacting the Crown PlaySafe team. You can reach out via the in-app contact features, call 1800 801 098, or visit the PlaySafe Centre in person for confidential support and guidance on next steps.
While the app is primarily designed for individual users, it includes a dedicated section with resources for family members and friends concerned about someone else's gambling. This section provides guidance on having supportive conversations, understanding gambling harm, and accessing external support services for affected family members.
The app is designed to support informed choice rather than impose restrictions. You maintain full control over your limits and can adjust them according to your preferences, though increases are subject to cooling-off periods. The app enhances your gambling experience by providing transparency and control, not by limiting your entertainment options.
Crown Perth collaborates with leading organizations in gambling research, harm prevention, and community support to deliver evidence-based responsible gambling programs.
The Crown PlaySafe Centre provides a welcoming, comfortable, and confidential space for guests seeking information, support, or intervention services related to gambling activities.
Learn the evidence-based principles of safer gambling, including how to recognize warning signs, set effective limits, and maintain gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a source of harm.
Crown Perth has introduced updated self-assessment features in the Crown First App, incorporating the latest research on gambling harm indicators and providing more personalized feedback.
The Crown PlaySafe Centre has expanded its range of support services to include financial counseling referrals and family support programs for guests affected by gambling harm.
Crown Perth has added responsible gambling resources in multiple languages to the Crown First App, ensuring all guests can access critical information in their preferred language.