**High Stakes: How Casinos Can Beat Challenges with Smarter Security**

Casinos are bustling hubs, teeming with energy and drawing visitors from across the globe. But behind the glitz and glamour, operators face a complex web of challenges as they strive to safeguard their premises, streamline operations, and deliver an unforgettable experience to their guests. Let’s delve into the hurdles casino operators encounter and explore how security solutions can offer a helping hand.

Casinos are vibrant ecosystems, attracting throngs of people daily. Las Vegas, for instance, welcomed approximately 111,863 visitors each day in 2023. These visitors are the lifeblood of casinos, driving substantial revenue. In 2024, Macau’s gross gaming revenue soared to US$28.4 billion, marking a remarkable 23.9 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Casino challenges

Operating a casino is no walk in the park. Operators grapple with a myriad of challenges daily, which can pose security risks and tarnish the customer experience. These challenges typically include:

Criminal activities

Criminal activities remain a persistent headache for casinos. The dimly lit, smoky ambiance doesn’t help matters either. “Criminal activity ranges from petty theft, including pickpocketing, to sophisticated scams involving collusion between employees and patrons and money laundering. With subdued lighting, sometimes smoky conditions, chips, cards, and cash rapidly changing hands, and crowds gathering at tables, gaming areas have always been obvious targets,” notes Koray Ozyildirim, Country Manager for IDIS Türkiye.

Cheating

Cheating at gaming tables is an ever-present concern, whether it involves card counting, electronic devices, or traditional methods like card marking. In many instances, casino employees, not visitors, are the culprits. Casinos must remain vigilant against cheating to uphold the integrity of their games.

Compliance

To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, casinos must adhere to stringent safety requirements dictated by national regulations and local laws. “Every casino must obtain a license from the relevant regulatory authority, which oversees compliance with gaming laws and safety standards. This licensing process often includes rigorous background checks and financial audits to ensure that the casino operates fairly and transparently,” Ozyildirim explains.

Massive property and workforce

Casinos are sprawling, multi-property operations with vast workforces, making management a daunting task. “With over 10,000 employees spread across multiple properties, maintaining strict access control and credential management becomes a monumental task. Ensuring employees have the right access to specific areas while preventing unauthorized entry is critical,” emphasizes Joe Fan, Regional Marketing Manager for Asia at Gallagher.

Customer experience

Striking a balance between security and a seamless customer experience is a critical challenge. “Casinos must ensure visitor safety and prevent unauthorized access while maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere for patrons,” Fan adds.

Security comes in handy

Security systems can be invaluable in tackling these challenges. Video surveillance, for example, can be instrumental in detecting suspicious activities. Advanced analytics can also alert operators to the arrival of VIPs or high-profile guests, enhancing the customer experience.

“Casinos need continuous real-time and high-definition surveillance of gaming floors, to allow rapid intervention if operators detect suspicious activity. Efficient footage review is vital too, with search tools that enable rapid resolution of disputes and queries. In addition, casino resorts typically host VIPs and high rollers, so it is vital that they foster customer loyalty through efficient and professional guest services, ensuring minimal disruption to gaming,” Ozyildirim points out.

Similarly, access control and other security solutions can help casinos bolster their security, safety, and compliance readiness.

“Advanced access control systems allow casinos to grant, manage, and revoke credentials seamlessly across thousands of doors and multiple properties. Third-party integrations, such as with biometric systems, VMS, lift, door lock and alarm systems, ensure a unified, centralized platform for all security needs,” Fan elaborates. “High-risk areas such as VIP zones, cash handling areas, and server rooms benefit from biometric authentication, which offers an additional layer of security beyond traditional credentials. Biometrics also reduce the risk of stolen or duplicated access cards.”

He adds, “Integrated emergency systems ensure a rapid response to critical situations, such as fires, medical emergencies, or security breaches. These systems can automatically trigger alerts, lockdowns, and evacuation protocols across the property.”

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