Hospitality & Casinos

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The eye in the sky can now see better than ever. New Internet protocol (IP)-based megapixel cameras are becoming more common in the casino environment, bringing with them advantages such as clearer images, better resolution and the ability to cover larger areas with fewer cameras. Surveillance systems that incorporate megapixel or high-definition (HD) cameras are better equipped to monitor fast-paced gaming action and better able to differentiate the suits of a playing card, the numbers on a die, or the quick moves of a cheater looking for an advantage over the casino.

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.

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.