Video surveillance plays a crucial role in the gaming industry and is governed by rules and regulations established to preserve the integrity of the gaming activities. These regulations, established by state agencies, set stringent specifications for the monitoring of gambling businesses and the performance of the surveillance function. But now, with increasing regularity hospitality management can tap into these video and security resources to help enhance business and operational systems throughout the entire property.
The massive new CityCenter complex – developed by MGM Resorts International and the Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World – is the largest privately-funded construction project in U.S. history. The 18-million square-foot facility spreads over 67 acres and includes the ARIA Resort and Casino, which hosts more than 4,000 hotel rooms, 10 bars and lounges and a 150,000 square-foot gaming space with 145 table games and 1,940 server-based slot machines.
A panel of casino security directors and industry suppliers discuss the unique protection challenges facing gaming operations and some potential solutions for these issues
Operating a casino security and surveillance network is a difficult task in the best of times. These days, the chore appears positively herculean; thanks to the ongoing recession and uptick in crime that is forcing gaming security departments to be ever more vigilant while at the same time cutting costs and operating as efficiently as possible.
Casinos are like little cities in that they have the security needs you would normally associate with banks, hotels, retailers and a host of other businesses but in a much smaller space. They also have the gambling itself. These functions generate a large amount of cash, which makes casinos an attractive target for both outside criminals and internal theft.