How are new technologies impacting casino surveillance and security?

New video surveillance and analytic technologies are changing the game for casinos and their security personnel. We are seeing more use cases where surveillance is augmenting existing security measures, while also improving the efficiency of the business, and providing a better guest experience. While casinos continue to see the return on investment (ROI) on surveillance for security purposes, we are also seeing more emphasis on “know your customer” initiatives – leveraging facial recognition. Additionally, traffic heat mapping with video surveillance is highly beneficial to slot and table games departments, as well as licence plate recognition which can identify and prevent known bad actors from entering the premises. To take it a step further, modern video analytics are taking over mundane roles such as monitoring casinos, allowing surveillance staff to focus on investigations and other tasks that require human creativity and empathy. 

Flexible, scalable, data-driven video technologies are revolutionising casino surveillance and enhancing security measures. To access these new technologies, many casinos are migrating to open-platform video management systems (VMS). This shift away from proprietary systems has been beneficial for the gaming regulation side of the casino, but it has been a major boon for casino security and operations teams! An open platform VMS can seamlessly integrate with existing and new data systems to provide a unified, single-pane-of-glass video solution that enables security teams to be more proactive and informed than ever before. While the gaming regulation component of the casino has distinct requirements for the technologies employed, the security team stands to benefit significantly from the integration of the latest video technologies into the VMS. An open platform enables casinos to use AI- and ML-driven analytic software and VMS plug-ins, and a vast ecosystem of smart cameras, sensors, and edge devices. 

Casinos often rely on multiple disconnected systems for their security needs. However, switching to a unified approach to security can allow the casino’s security team to view video surveillance, access control, and automatic licence plate recognition (ALPR) via a single user interface. The data collected through this unified system helps staff not only protect their casino but also use this data to enhance the customer experience. For example, the security software solution can be configured to use ALPR data to alert customer service when a VIP customer approaches the casino. A unified security system can also be used to make it easier for customers to find parking. As cars enter and exit lots, data on open spaces can be updated in real-time and shared with staff and on information screens so that customers know which lot is most likely to have a space for them. It can also be used to can be used to identify barred individuals, enabling casinos to enforce fines or licence suspension. 

Automation and standardisation are critical in an ever-changing workforce. Recent improvements in artificial intelligence software enable automating tasks that are otherwise time-consuming but important for keeping the security system compliant with gaming board regulations. Regulations include making sure that cameras are working and recording clear evidence of all gaming activities. Software solutions now exist that regularly check that all the cameras, NVRs, and servers are “live” on the network, recording that the view from each camera is clear and free of obstructions and that none of the views are tilted.