What Does Casino Surveillance Look For?
Casino surveillance is essential to the safety of a casino and its patrons. Surveillance cameras are everywhere, but what is it that they are actually watching and looking out for? Let’s discuss the different aspects of casino surveillance and how it works to keep the casino (and its staff and patrons) safe.
There are various types of surveillance. Casino surveillance is typically composed of a combination of CCTV cameras, facial recognition software, and other advanced technology. CCTV cameras are used to monitor the casino floor, entrances, exits, and other areas of the casino. They can also be used to monitor staff and patrons. Facial recognition software is used to identify people entering the casino more and more in 2023, and it can also be used to detect suspicious or non-normal behavior in casinos.
Casino surveillance teams look for anything that could be a potential threat to the casino or its patrons. This includes suspicious behavior, illegal activities, and people who may be trying to cheat or steal. Surveillance personnel are also trained to look for signs of intoxication or underage gambling, and they must recognize and document any illegal activities that may occur on the premises. They watch casino tables and high stake areas with particular and increased scrutiny, especially blackjack tables which are known for possible card counting and roulette tables and wheels which are known for late bets and other roulette system cheating scams.
Surveillance personnel are trained to monitor all aspects of the casino floor (including the slots, tables, and entertainment areas, and the mighty and powerful cashiers cages where cash abounds) and other areas of the casino (like restaurants, bars, and other facilities). They use CCTV cameras throughout their properties, and also outside of them to monitor carparks and sometimes access roads too. CCTV footage is normally stored for a period of time on digital video recorders (DVRs) so that the footage can be reviewed and studied if necessary. The casinos use advanced technology, such as analytics software, to detect patterns in behavior and to identify potential threats – ideally before they happen. No system is perfect, but a decent casino surveillance operation will catch a large number of issues for the casino.
Casino surveillance helps to keep the casino and its patrons safe. It also helps to deter criminals and cheats, as they know that they are being watched. Surveillance also helps to identify any potential threats and allows the casino to take action before any harm is done. And if crimes are later identified as having occurred on casino premises, the DVR saved footage can be shared with law enforcement agencies.
Casino surveillance is absolutely essential to the safety and security of a casino and its patrons. Ever felt you’re being watched in a casino? You are – but it’s for your safety and the safety of others around you.