• License plate readers
• Biometric face recognition
• Angel Eye
• RFID chips
• TableEye21

License Plate Readers

Any suspicious car can be removed from casino property before security even sees the faces of those inside. This is due to Plate Recognition technology in which a camera snaps a picture of the license plate of every car entering the casino. Optical character recognition software then converts the characters on the license plate into text which is compared to the plates of undesirable individuals.

Biometric Face Recognition

The second you walk in the door of a casino, your face is scanned by the cameras. In the past, manned security cameras would identify unwanted guests. However, biometric face recognition technology has changed this method. Dumb biometric systems detect human faces and grab a snapshot of every guest. Smart biometric systems take a snapshot and analyze the face of each guest and compare them to a database of undesirables.

Angel Eye

Even if the undesirable character makes it past the biometric face recognition technology, the Angel Eye at baccarat tables will pick him up. This equipment was designed to eliminate card-switching problems in Asian countries due to bar codes on each card. As the dealer distributes the cards, a sensor in the shoe tracks the cards being dealt and communicates them to a computer. Once all cards a dealt, the dealer presses a button which analyzes each hand.

RFID Chips

Many casinos are now implementing small Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips into their playing chips. These mechanisms broadcast serial identifiers via radio frequency so counterfeit chips will not churn out the correct waves. Other users include tracking chips leant to players for credit as well as tracking playing information for specific tables.

TableEye21

TableEye21 is the combination of many technologies. An overhead video camera tracks all moves and is analyzed by software and information sent from RFID chips. The output is real-time information of the cards being distributed and chips being wagered. Meanwhile, the software tracks a variety of statistics for the table such as rounds per hour; trend reports and the player win percentage. If a player is counting cards, this software will identify an odd trend.

There are many different types of security mechanisms in place at casinos. Technology has advanced so far that the bottom line is, don’t cheat you will get caught. However, many thefts continue to occur daily and many individuals go to jail as a result.

Within the Surveillance and Security departments, it is easy to fall into a repetitive daily routine without being alert and observant at all times during operations. These typical functions include:

• Checking specific areas of the property
• Patrols
• Escorting fills to specific games
• Slots drops

These actions become so routine the employee begins to get to know those individuals they interact with, even the less desirable employees. This type of repetitive activity dulls the sense causing the employee to be less alert and less ready to spot wrongdoers. This also creates procedural sloppiness and tolerance of error.

For example, if an officer carries money at a predictable time on a predictable route that puts them in reach of criminals and the money is stolen, the officer is likely to be responsible for the theft. The insurance company could also be hesitant to cover any injuries the officer may incur. This is because that employee did not follow the procedure for transporting money which consists of using pre-determined back-halls route.

From a corporate viewpoint, the company could be partially liable for the officer’s injuries if they had not been properly trained and corrected following the incident. For the same reason, the corporate insurance could hesitate in paying most of the medical bills. As a society, the United States is considered complacent and vulnerable to sneak attacks and this is a perfect example.

However, since alertness and awareness are the job of a Security or Surveillance officer, there is no excuse for complacency. The job entails being responsible for the assets of the casino and safety of its employees and patrons. Without these job functions, balance would disappear and disorder would ensue.

Complacency is a serious issue in the security and surveillance world in an industry. Since they are hired to protect the company, its services and its guests, acquired routine can become the enemy. Any type of error by either department due to complacency can have catastrophic results for the business. This is one of the primary reasons Surveillance and Security Officers and staff are being constantly trained and retrained.

Therefore, it is imperative to follow the procedures to ensure no theft at the casino occurs and employees are able to keep their jobs. It is necessary to always let other departments know the Surveillance Department has everyone’s back with the eye in the sky. Surveillance is preset to help correct errors, detect cheating, identify theft and log procedural errors.

In return, there are specific guidelines that must be followed by pit personnel and other departments when calling for the assistance of the Surveillance Department. These include:

• Giving your name and the pit number
• Give the game number
• Provide the name of the player and their position at the table
• Describe the situation
• For those with a heavy accent, speak slowly and clearly
• For cheating, after providing your name and the game number immediately state your suspicions
• For a cheating situation do not allow payoff until Surveillance has reviewed

The previous are the most basic guidelines for pit personnel when calling surveillance for help. Another rule to follow is to report any suspicions regarding a dealer directly to the pit supervisor or a higher position as opposed to calling surveillance. Also, if a dealer makes an error, call surveillance with the name of the dealer. This will not get them into trouble but consistent errors will result in retraining for them.

If card-counting or other out-of-the-ordinary betting patterns are detected, contact the pit supervisor prior to calling surveillance. Finally, after calling, back away from the game to give the suspect air and allow surveillance to do its job. If you hang over them, the suspect will disappear leaving no evidence of their wrongdoing.

These are the common procedures most game floor departments follow when dealing with surveillance. This allows the department to utilize the cameras to catch someone in the act or acquire further evidence against them. Once again, all departments must work together to allow the casino to run effectively and efficiently. These blips in the normal flow can be eliminated through collaboration between surveillance and all departments.

• Dieing cameras
• Cameras not recording
• Wheel camera out of focus
• Drive going down

The rare situations where a camera is not available for a game is the same time a patron wins a huge jackpot or someone is cheating. In many instances, the Surveillance Department is not aware of this malfunction or in worse cases this is not reported to the proper gaming department. When this occurs it can be a hectic and unsure scenario.

Another application of Murphy’s Law occurs when cameras are not recording a specific game even though the camera was previously working fine. This will be the same time one guest steals from another guests chip rack. Had it been caught on tape, the player will be arrested within moments. Since the camera was not recording, there is no proof of this misdeed.

A third application is occurs when the wheel camera on a Roulette table is out of focus and the dealer mismarks a number with all six players placing multiple wagers around the board. This will cause chaos amongst those players that have won but there is no recorded proof to substantiate this claim.

The finally instance occurs when there is an equipment failure at the cashout window. At this same time, a customer will question a specific cash out as being incorrect. If the equipment is down, there is again, no way to validate the claim by the customer.

This is a phenomenon that occurs in most businesses. The best way to manage these situations is to maintain a high attention to detail and continue to do your job. Also, ensure all cameras are focused in the correct spots and recording. Additionally, never focus game cameras on inactive areas of the casino. Instead, keep all active areas covered by cameras.

If there is an equipment issue, immediately report it to technical services so they can be fixed. While waiting, move other cameras to observe the area and notify management in the uncovered area so they can shut the games down. If these tasks are not completed, they will eventually come back against you.

Cameras in casinos are some of the most important pieces of equipment to verify wins, observe cheats and ensure all transactions are running smoothly. If they break and are not fixed in a timely manner, it is common for Murphy’s Law to come into play and make situations much worse than necessary.

Levels of Security

The first level of security is the game floor employees. Dealers, pit bosses, waitresses and security guards are all watching gaming patrons to ensure all rules are being followed. Dealers focus on their current game; looking for cheaters and thieves. Table managers are watching multiple tables at once looking for cheaters, watching the dealers, changing money and gambling accessories.

Pit bosses keep an eye on the table managers as well as look for betting patterns among the patrons. Meanwhile, the numerous cameras spread throughout the casino watch everyone. The only area of the casino that doesn’t have floor security constantly watching is the slots section. This is because slot winners are generated randomly utilizing computer chips.

The “Eye in the Sky”

Security cameras are mounted throughout the casino; in the ceiling, change window and doorways. The cameras can usually turn in a 360 degree motion and zoom in on specific players or areas of the casino. These are operated by security guards in a room filled with monitors. All video is recorded in the case that a crime occurs. This allows the casino to review the tapes and find the offender.

Tips to Ensure Rules are Followed

There are a few tips to ensure you will remain in security’s good graces. These include:

• Don’t touch gaming equipment
• Don’t reach across the table
• Don’t disturb others
• Don’t touch your chips after a bet has been placed

One of the most important rules is to not touch any gaming equipment such as cards, dice or other player’s chips. If you must touch something use only one hand and make it as visible as possible. Also, instead of reaching all the way across the table to grab something, ask the dealing to move it for you. This way you aren’t in the way of others and are less likely to spill drinks.

Another beneficial tip is to not disturb others while they’re playing. Although watching games is permitted, don’t disturb others while watching. Finally, never touch your chips

Casinos employ dozens of ways to protect their money and their casino. Each casino is different and uses a different tactic. However, there are three common strategies almost every casino from Las Vegas to the American Indian casinos uses to ward of cheaters.

The Eyes on Floor- Casino Staff

If you have visited a casino, you have probably noticed the hoard of casino employees walking around the floor. These employees serve a variety of functions; fixing stalled slot machines, making change, assisting visitors, etc. However, all casino employees have one thing in common- they are all trained to spot cheating. Every casino employee on the floor has their ears and eyes peeled for suspicious behavior. They have undergone hours of training from advanced security teams. Chances are; you will be spotted.

Table Managers and Pit Bosses

The dealer isn’t the only one watching your poker table. Casinos also have table managers and pit bosses. These casino employees are trained to notice patterns that could indicate cheating at the poker table. Most casinos assign a pit boss or table manager to one specific table or any area of tables. If there is a high-stakes game going on, you can be assured at least one pit boss is watching that table like a hawk.

Eyes in the Sky

Casinos don’t just rely on the human eye to watch over their investment. Every major casino has a set of security cameras installed that look over the flood. These cameras are manned off the floor by an entire staff. They are angled to watch the tables, the slots, the cashier, and just about everywhere in the casino. Odds are the casino you frequent has dozens of security staff who spend their days with their eyes glued to the security camera monitors. Security staff positioned at the monitors are equipped with two-way radios that connect them with other employees on the casino floor. Chances are; a cheater won’t make it out of the building if they try.

The urge to cheat your way into winnings can be great, especially for gambling enthusiasts. People who frequent one casino can start to believe that they “have things figured out.” Odds are; they don’t. Casinos invest a large portion of their holdings in to stopping these people in their tracks.

Pittsburg River’s Casino Has Security Truck Stolen

The security patrol stopped a man in the River’s Casino parking lot when he noticed the man exhibiting strange behavior. The man asked to for a ride home, so the security officer drove the man to the front of the building where he could call a cab. Once the two arrived at the front of the building, the man got in an altercation with a woman standing at the casino doors. When the security guard got out of his truck to stop the altercation, the man jumped in the driver’s side and drove off.

Man Leads Police on Chase from Casino

The security guard contacted the local police who begin looking for the man. They found him when he was headed the wrong way down the street and almost struck their police car. The police followed the stolen security truck for several miles. Finally, the man parked the security truck and proceeded to run on foot from the police. When he was apprehended it became apparent to police that the man was intoxicated.

Driver of Apprehended Stolen Casino Security Truck Turns out to be Local Firefighter

As it happens, the man who stole a Rivers Casino security truck is actually a local Pittsburg firefighter. The man, William White, has been a firefighter in Pittsburg for nearly sixteen years. Unfortunately, this won’t help White much, as his blood alcohol level was over three times the legal limit when he was apprehended in the stolen casino security truck.

William White, local Pittsburg firefighter, is now facing several criminal and civil charges. White was charged with drinking and driving after he was found to have an excess of alcohol in his system. He may also face charges of grand theft auto from speeding away in the security truck. There is no word yet if the River’s casino plans to press any civil charges for damages that may have occurred to their property, or if the woman who White was found to be arguing with plans to press charges.

Recognizing eCOGRA

eCOGRA is perhaps best recognized by its Seal of Approval, which signifies credibility and excellence in the online gaming industry.  When out hunting for a casino, you will likely observer a number of sites that bear this official seal.  This particular honor is given to casino operators that meet a wide variety of criteria, such as providing adequate security for players, ensuring fair gaming and ultimately running a responsible business.  These operators are approved because they not only meet criteria of eCOCRA, but player standards as well.  Honest promotional offers, unbiased RNG (random number generators) and efficient payment processing all goes into approval requirements.

Resolving Matters Through eCOGRA

Choosing to play at a casino site that displays the eCOGRA Seal of Approval is something you want to consider.  Why?  Well, it is this simple logo that ensures your questions or concerns will be addressed accordingly.  Of course you should try to get your matters resolved through the casino first, but if they do not cooperate for whatever reason, rest assured that eCOGRA is a trusted body that will stand in your corner.  The organization, does however, ask that you allow time to pass, generally two weeks from the original report to work out a resolution.  For better service, it is advisable to provide eCOGRA with copies of all documents and correspondence to support your claim.  While it does not support any players you have been involved in questionable online gaming practices, if you have truly been wronged, this is the best ally to have on your side.

What separates eCOCRA from other independent regulatory bodies is the fact the it is not in the business for success or profits.  Instead, this organization is designed for longevity and to keep the industry fairly balanced.  Casino operators who earn its honorable seal agree to demonstrate their commitment to the both eCOCRA and the customer.  When choosing to play at a site approved by this reputable organization, you can relax a bit easier with the confidence of knowing your payments will be processed and distributed in a secure and efficient manner, and most importantly, that the site you are gambling on believes in fair play and will likely be around for some time to come.  If you are completely new to the online gaming experience, we highly recommend keeping your eyes peeled for the eCOGRA Seal of Approval.

You can find a list of approved online casinos on the eCOGRA website.

Schemes and Scandals are Abound

First and foremost, you should know that a large number of illegal gambling sites exist out in cyberspace.  The global reach of the internet and World Wide Web create a rather larger scope for fraudulent practices.  Because so many of these sites are created and run in other countries, the casino operators are often exempt from legal punishment by U.S. authorities, pretty much giving these fraudsters the green light to manipulate and compromise unknowing players.  With that said, it should at least be good to know that these illegal sites usually don’t last long.  If you do your research, you will find that several illicit online casinos have been exposed and shut down by the authorities in their respective jurisdictions.

Ensuring Security and Fair Play

There are a few solutions providers that have developed concepts to better assure integrity and security in the market of online casino gambling.   The OGA (Online Gambling Association) is one such body dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of players looking to gamble at online casinos.  This regulatory body performs regular checks to make sure internet casino sites are providing adequate levels of security to their customers and keeping them from engaging in illegal activities.  There are also organizations who have committed themselves to ensuring fairness.  Because this is such a major issue in the online gambling business, it is critical that you keep a casino’s payoff percentage in mind.  If the payout percentage is considerably low, it could be a sign that the online casino operator is not paying out its players the appropriate amount of winnings.  This is actually defeating the purpose of gambling and only adding to the casino’s wealth in the end. The eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) is an organization leading the charge in making sure players are getting their fair share at the virtual jackpot.

Secure a Safe Environment

If you really want a chance to win and truly enjoy the online gaming experience, it is imperative that you seek out nothing less than a secure casino site.  Separating the contenders from pretenders can be difficult as a newbie, so it is advisable that you conduct extensive research to find yourself a reputable site.  In an industry that has been littered with so many scams and sharks, reputation is everything.  The researching process can prove to be a very tedious undertaking but when landing yourself that highly secure, dream casino, you will be glad that you put forth the effort.

There are literally hundreds of casinos online, all offering you the chance to sign up and take your shot at the jackpot.  Unfortunately, many of these casinos do not have a good reputation.  Almost any online gambling site will let you play, but it is up to you to find one that you can trust.  Because online gambling has been closely tied with so many scams, some expert players suggest finding a casino that allows you to play for free before placing any real wagers.  This is very understandable because when you are playing for free, there is no money to lose.  Even then, you need to be very careful as free casino games have been associated with malicious programs such as viruses, Trojans and spyware.

Knowing Where to Look

You can learn a lot about internet gambling sites by reading reviews.  These sites are very useful as they can tell you what to expect in terms of bonuses, payment and withdrawal options, gaming software and the level of security.  If the feedback from other members indicate that the casino is not reliable, there is a great chance that the site is also lacking in the security department and could put you at risk.  Taking a gamble with a company you know nothing about could put you in a situation where you lose your money and possibly your identity, especially if the casino doesn’t put security first.

Proceed with Caution

As someone new to online gambling, you should take it upon yourself to find out more about the security measures a casino employs by doing a little investigating.  A reputable company will publish this information and make it easy to find.   If there security policies are sketchy and not comprehensive, you should probably find yourself a new casino to play at.  Furthermore, when your money and personal information is on the line, you should never hesitate to contact the casino staff and gather more details about their level of security.  If the online casino is truly reliable, it should have no problem answering your questions until you are completely satisfied.

When you don’t make security a priority, the gamble you take at an online casino could be much more than rolling a pair of cyber dice.  The internet is a haven for hackers, malware writers and more scams than you could ever imagine.  If you don’t feel that a particular online casino can provide you with adequate security, keep moving along until you run across one that does.