Businesses that are required to have a substantial security presence are continually facing the challenge of keeping up with evolving technology and security needs. The casino industry has long depended on high security as a vital part of their day-to-day operations. As times change, so does the security challenges in modern casinos. Here is a look at 4 of the biggest challenges facing modern casinos with solutions on how to solve them.
1. Transitioning to a Full IP Camera System
Although many modern casinos have transitioned their camera systems from analog to a full IP system, the challenge lies with the casinos who are still stuck on the analog systems. The functionality of the analog systems just isn't there. For example, analog cameras that cover entrances and exits have a harder time processing the light refraction that comes through the glass, especially during sunrise and sunset hours. Full IP systems will provide greater functionality and sharper images. IP cameras are better equipped to handle light changes and ensure a crisp, clear picture. The recorded footage can be stored longer and can be reviewed for additional analytics, further increasing the value of a full IP system.
The solution is finding a technology vendor that shows the potential return on investment to casino management, so when budget planning rolls around, a transition to a full I.P. system is accounted for.
- Rapid Deployment of Guards to Specific Locations
The tragic Las Vegas mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay Casino in 2017 is an example of how quickly chaos, panic, and disaster can accumulate. Regardless of the severity of a security situation, casinos need to be prepared to use their guards efficiently. The key to doing this is knowing where their officers are at all times and having a system to deploy them based on their availability and proximity to the situation.
The solution to this challenge is implementing a security software that can track and locate guards easily in real time using GPS technology. This technology allows administrators to review response times and adjust procedures accordingly. Security administrators can also provide reports to casino management to show an overall proof of presence.
- Personnel Access and Control
Casinos employ a lot of people, all with varying levels of security clearances and access to restrictive areas. Modern casinos present a lot of security risk ranging from theft to counterfeiting. The most critical measure an organization can take in minimizing these risks is to manage access to all areas of the casino.
The solution is to find a tech vendor that specializes in access management, a vendor that does more than just provide access cards and keypads. You need a vendor that is a managed service provider who will continuously update your systems as new technology becomes available. Access management needs to be monitored, evaluated and adapted as necessary to meet the needs of the organization.
- Guard Training
The detrimental effects of poorly trained guards can be far more severe to a casino than to other businesses. The good news is that there are plenty of security software options that can help administrators manage the training and skills tracking of their guards to ensure compliancy. Officers can stay on top of the newest scams and threats specific to the casino industry, and managers can ensure their guards have been briefed and signed off on these threats. Reports can be generated on command to see who has received necessary training and who hasn't. The detrimental effects of poorly trained guards can be far more severe to a casino than to other businesses.
The good news is that there are plenty of security software options that can help administrators manage the training and skills tracking of their guards to ensure compliancy. Officers can stay on top of the newest scams and threats specific to the casino industry, and managers can ensure their guards have been briefed and signed off on these threats. Reports can be generated on command to see who has received necessary training and who hasn't.
Casinos are among the top industries in need of strong security practices. The good news is that technology is developing just as quickly as new threats arise, and as long as a security team has the support of casino management, threats are addressed with the most advanced and efficient countermeasures available.
