Casinos operators face various challenges in their effort to secure casino premises, boost operational efficiency and deliver the best customer experience. This article looks at some of the challenges facing casino operators and how security can help.
Casinos are busy and vibrant places frequented by local and international visitors. Yet operators face a variety of challenges in their effort to secure casino premises, boost operational efficiency and deliver the best customer experience. This article looks at some of the challenges facing casino operators and how security solutions can help.
Casinos are robust and vibrant environments that attract droves of people on a daily basis.
Las Vegas, for example, had approximately 111,863 visitors every day in 2023. Needless to say, visitors and tourists are money generators for casinos. In 2024,
Macau recorded gross gaming revenue of US$28.4 billion, a 23.9 percent increase compared to 2023.
Casino challenges
Yet operating casinos is no easy task. Day in and day out, casino operators face a variety of challenges that can pose security risks and sour the customer experience. Typically, challenges facing casino operators encompass the following:
Criminal activities
Criminal activities remain a challenge for casinos. And the smoky and dimly illuminated conditions aren’t helping, 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,” said Koray Ozyildirim, Country Manager for IDIS Türkiye.
Cheating
Cheating at gaming tables is a constant concern, whether it involves card counting, electronic devices, or traditional methods such as card marking. In many cases, cheating is done by
casino employees instead of visitors. That said, casinos need to remain constantly alert against cheating to maintain the integrity of their games.
Compliance
To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, casinos must adhere to safety requirements, which are governed by a mix of 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 said.
Massive property and workforce
Casinos are multi-property operations with massive workforces. Managing all that can be a daunting challenge. “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,” said Joe Fan, Regional Marketing Manager for Asia at Gallagher.
Customer experience
Finally, balancing security with a seamless customer experience is a key challenge. “Casinos must ensure visitor safety and prevent unauthorized access while maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere for patrons,” Fan said.
Security comes in handy
Security systems can come in handy dealing with those challenges. Take video surveillance, for example. Video surveillance can play an effective role in detecting suspicious activities. Advanced analytics can also inform operators of incoming VIPs or high profile guests, boosting 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 said.
Similarly, access control and other security solutions can help casinos become more secure, safe and compliance-ready.
“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 said. “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.”