Forbes predicted that the casino industry would generate more than $44 billion in revenue by 2021. Although that statistic astounds us, we suspect that those who work in the industry aren’t as taken aback as we are. Casinos have always been at the forefront of security practices because they are responsible for securing such large sums of money and such a large amount of personal information. Venues use a wide range of technologies and security mechanisms to ensure that dishonest customers have the best experience possible while also preventing cheaters and thieves from stealing money.
Casinos are expected to maintain an extremely high level of security
Casinos do not take any chances with the safety of their customers. In addition to more traditional security guards, casinos are constantly looking into new and improved security methods, such as artificial intelligence. Criminals are constantly devising new ways to either break into or steal from casinos. To stay one step ahead of competitors, management must be proactive and anticipate their next moves. When you’re dealing with millions of dollars and thousands of bank IDs, even the best security system won’t keep your assets safe.
Protection guards
Security personnel are the first line of defense against potential threats in any casino. Even if humans cannot do everything that technology and software can, their presence serves as a reminder to those around them that they are being watched. It’s possible that knowing there’s security on the premises will deter worried burglars from carrying out their plans. The cameras do not move from their position despite the fact that they are constantly monitoring. Guards on patrol are constantly on the move, and their routes are not predictable. As a result, a person who is not authorized to be there will have a much more difficult time breaking into a room or area that is off-limits to the general public. The majority of larger casinos have more than 20 distinct dispatch codes that security officers must know. They are also taught how to use supplementary tools that are required to detect and eliminate security risks. Guards are instructed to report any suspicious activity to management and to work with their fellow security personnel if a theft occurs. Security guards, if properly trained, have the potential to play a significant role in preventing thefts.
Cameras
When someone arrives at a casino, the security staff is most likely able to track all of their movements (except trips to the restroom), beginning with the moment they drive into the parking lot and continuing until they leave the venue. This includes tracking their entry and exit from the venue. Larger casinos frequently have over 2,000 cameras linked to fifty different displays. On the other hand, only a few employees are assigned to monitor the live surveillance footage. Despite the fact that surveillance systems can review footage in the event that something suspicious occurs, they are not physically capable of preventing crimes from occurring.
As a result of the casino industry’s significant shift away from analog video surveillance and toward IP-based surveillance, cameras no longer require a local recording device to function; instead, all they require is a local network. Furthermore, cameras can collaborate with analytics software, increasing the value of video data collected. For example, software that generates heat maps may be able to provide useful statistics on loitering. A similar point could be made about how technologies that can count customers will help with dynamic security guard allocation.
Recognition of faces
Unlike in other countries, casinos in the United States usually do not ask for identification from customers unless they appear to be underage. As a result of this change, repeat offenders will find it much easier to enter and exit venues without raising red flags. When it comes to detecting cheats or advantage gamers, video evidence that uses facial recognition technology can be extremely useful.
Real-time data can be extracted from live video sources using facial recognition. Following that, security will be able to take preventative measures to prevent the repeat offender from entering the premises. Facial recognition technology can also be used to improve the overall visitor experience and assist staff members in making customers feel unique and appreciated.
Digital information security
Hacking is a problem in many industries other than online casinos. Cybercriminals can compromise physical structures made of brick and mortar. A criminal may gain access to sensitive personal and financial information if a location is vulnerable to attack.
In May 2015, a well-known institution was the target of an attack in which the perpetrators were successful in stealing cardholder names, credit card numbers, and CVV codes from customers. Only one year later, the same organization was subjected to similar attacks as a result of malware installed on POS systems.
Casinos should prioritize the protection of their customers’ personal information and conduct data checks on a regular basis. Certain casinos may decide to staff themselves with internal analysts or cyber security directors to manage this aspect of their security systems.
Detection of Weapons
Casino patrons are not permitted to bring weapons into the establishments, though some may gamble anyway. Casino security procedures are being updated to include touchless weapon detection technologies in order to reduce the risk of criminal activity while also shortening the time consumers must wait in lines.
Evolv Technology, for example, has created a solution that combines powerful sensor technology with artificial intelligence, as well as secure ecosystem integrations and extensive venue analytics. Unlike traditional metal detectors, this technology can detect potential threats in real time and does not require visitors to stop, empty their pockets, or open their luggage. It can distinguish between a mobile phone and a potentially dangerous object. The use of this type of technology helps to make casinos safer without negatively impacting the customer experience.
Silent warnings
In the event of a heist, casinos must have a way to contact authorities that does not alert the thief. Silent alarms allow businesses to contact the police and receive assistance without drawing the attention of the burglar.
Motor vehicle transportable armor
Criminals will always try to target the most vulnerable part of a security system. The vehicle used to transport money to and from the casino is almost always one of the weakest links in the casino’s security. Having said that, armored trucks aren’t exactly easy to shoot down. These trucks are guarded by security personnel, who frequently carry heavy weapons.
Salary of a casino guard
Casino security guards are expected to perform well in stressful situations. Even though casinos are places where people go to have a good time, security guards must be prepared at all times in case someone tries to break the law while customers are having a good time.
A casino security guard in the United States can expect to earn $38,255 per year in salary and benefits. This is a significant increase over the salary of an unarmed security guard patrolling a shopping center or condominium complex. Casino security officers can earn anywhere from $18,000 to $111,500 per year, but the vast majority of casino security officers earn between $23,000 and $36,500.
There are a variety of possible salaries, indicating that there is opportunity for advancement and compensation increases based on a person’s level of expertise, location, and number of years of experience in the field. Salaries for security guards in Sunnyvale, California, Santa Rosa, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts are generally higher than salaries for security guards in other cities. Despite the fact that security managers earn an average of $80,400, their responsibilities are vastly different from those of guards.
Conclusion
Casinos are constantly devising new security measures in order to keep their establishments and customers safe from criminals. Because their security procedures are so sophisticated, only a small number of people have a chance of successfully committing a traditional heist or a cybercrime. Casino security is an excellent example of a comprehensive and integrated security system. Security personnel and technological advancements work together to ensure that visitors have a pleasant and risk-free day. Casinos’ technological capabilities continue to advance, making it significantly more difficult for thieves to steal from them in the future.