Casino security: A Philippine perspective

The Philippines has a robust gaming industry. As such, security systems are in high demand to secure facilities, combat fraud and meet compliance requirements. This article looks at security applications for casinos, from a Philippine perspective.
 
When journeying around the vicinities of Metro Manila, it’s common to see huge, brightly illuminated mega-complexes like Solaire and City of Dreams looming over the horizon, seemingly luring visitors/tourists to go in and try their luck. Indeed, the Philippines has over the years developed a robust gaming industry that is one of the most booming in Southeast Asia.
 
“The Philippine casino industry is one of the fastest moving industries now in the Philippines. Its rapid increase has contributed a lot in terms of financial income with the Philippines. It is considered one driver of the Philippine economy, and its growth has generated jobs, incomes and encouraged foreign tourism,” said Wilfrando Del Rio, Owner of New Armstrong Security.
 
“The Philippine casino industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by integrated resorts, online gaming, and strong tourism. Key players include major casinos like Solaire, City of Dreams, Okada Manila, and Resorts World Manila, all regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR),” said Mary Anne Gonzales, Senior Design Engineer of Integrated Building Electronics Systems Technologies.
 
“The Philippine casino industry is booming, fueled by strong domestic demand and a steady stream of foreign visitors, notably from China, South Korea, and other ASEAN countries,” said Sherwin Santiago, Strategic Business Development Manager at Mustard Seed Systems. “The country has become a premier gaming hub not just in Southeast Asia but in Asia as well, with much more than just gambling to offer — luxury hotels, entertainment, and shopping experiences as part of the package.”
 

Various challenges

 
Despite its robustness, the Philippine gaming industry isn’t all smooth sailing as casino operators are faced with various challenge, which include the following:
 
Regulatory compliance: Strict guidelines are imposed by PAGCOR on casino security and operation. Operators must also comply with AML (anti-money laundering) laws, while facing ongoing pressure from international watchdogs like FATF (Financial Action Task Force);
 
Fraud and cheating: Like their counterparts in other parts of the world, Philippine casino operators face various fraud and cheating issues such as card marking, collusion and the use of electronic devices. Insider threats from ill-intentioned employees/dealers also present challenges for operators;
 
Theft and robbery: Security-wise, cash-heavy environment is always a prime target for thieves and robbers. Unauthorized access to sensitive locations such as VIP rooms, cash handling areas and IT rooms can occur. Risk from both external criminals and internal staff can also arise;
 
Cybersecurity threats: Online gaming platforms are vulnerable to DDoS attacks, hacking and data theft. Payment fraud and phishing scams are also rising.
 

How security can help

 
That said, Philippine casino operators turn to security technologies to address the aforementioned challenges. Below we look at what technologies are used.
 

Video surveillance

 
Video surveillance can play a key role in helping Philippine casino operators secure premises, combat fraud and meet compliance requirements. “Advanced surveillance can intercept cheating at table games. AI-based cameras are capable of recognizing suspicious activities like card switching or collusion. Vaults footage is kept for a required period, allowing for quick retrieval for investigations or audits,” Santiago said. “Casinos must conform to rigorous PAGCOR protocols and AML regulations. Security measures can assist.”
 

Access control

 
Philippine casino operators also turn to access control solutions to limit access to critical areas. “Sensitive locations such as VIP rooms, cash handling areas, and IT rooms require stringent access control to avoid security incidents. Walkthrough metal detectors, RFID and biometric access for high-security areas and multi-layer authentication to protect vaults, IT rooms, and restricted zones are used. Visitor management systems are also deployed to control guest access,” Santiago said.
 
Juner Yaneza, R&D Director at RSPOT Solutions, adds that at this point, conventional access control solutions are more common in the Philippine gaming industry. “Mostly RFID Mifare is used, as facial biometrics are still largely in consideration due to privacy issues,” he said.
 

Incident management and emergency response systems

 
Centralized dashboards linking cameras, alarms, and logs that enable faster response to emergencies, theft, or altercations are used. “In case of fire, medical emergencies or security risk, casinos require quick response systems coupled with surveillance to facilitate guest safety,” Santiago said. “Smart alarm systems for fire, medical, and security emergencies and AI-based detection for unusual behavior or threats are implemented.”
 

Cybersecurity

 
According to Santiago, with Internet-based transactions and digital payments, casinos are exposed to hacking, and Philippine casino operators are not exempted. Cybersecurity solutions are thus needed. “Firewalls and threat detection to prevent hacking and data breaches, multi-factor authentication to secure digital transactions and AI-powered fraud detection for financial monitoring are all used in this regard,” he said.