Casino security advances with artificial intelligence and robots

For decades casinos across the globe have invested in a range of security options in order to protect their venues and personnel from unlawful behavior and crimes. Usually, casino security consists of a couple of units that help prevent and, in some cases, solve crimes.

Generally speaking, casinos have live security guards and closed-circuit television system (CCTV) units that constantly monitor and record the actions of patrons as well as employees. Referred to as the "eye in the sky," CCTV or casino security cameras typically cover all gaming areas, as well as entrances and exits of the casino, enabling casino security personnel to identify potentially suspicious activities.

Live guards often patrol casino floors and high-traffic areas

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However, with the advancement of technology, casinos stepped up their security systems, implementing artificial intelligence (AI) for facial recognition and monitoring, significantly improving their security capabilities. At the same time, across the United States, casino security robots can also be seen, a sight that used to sound like science fiction even a decade ago.

Why is casino security important?

At the end of January this year, the American Gaming Association (AGA), the premier national trade group representing the US casino industry, released its State of Play report, highlighting that there are 1011 tribal and commercial casinos across the country as of December 31, 2023.

The Association estimated that the economic impact of the sector is nearly $330bn, with casinos supporting more than 1.8m jobs. The estimated tax impact and tribal revenue share per AGA's report is $52.7bn.

In light of the significant monetary investments and economic impact of the casino industry, operators across the country constantly strive to improve their security. This is because land-based casinos are often targets of financial and in some cases even violent crimes. The inherent risk of dealing with large amounts of cash keeps casinos vigilant, as in cases of financial crimes they can also be affected by regulatory sanctions such as fines, the addition of license conditions and even casino license revocation.

AI solutions help with monitoring, data processing

Constantly evolving, AI tools and solutions play a key role in the global gambling industry. While AI can impact the online gambling sector, it also helps brick-and-mortar venues with monitoring capabilities and the possibility to process large quantities of data.

For example, some casinos use AI tools that help with facial recognition. Such technology truly grants casinos with a next-level advantage when it comes to identifying people who shouldn't be on the casino floor. Through AI-powered facial recognition, operators can easily identify people who are voluntarily or involuntarily excluded from gambling in a particular state.

At the same time, AI-powered solutions can identify individuals who have been banned from casinos due to criminal activities. This innovation in casino security is an unquestionable asset for the operators who choose to put their trust in the new technology.

Besides identifying unwanted casino guests, operators can leverage casino security cameras with AI software to detect patrons who may be carrying firearms or other weapons. Analyzing video feeds enables software to detect guns in real time, enabling the casino operator to receive an alert within seconds of spotting. Such software is usually easy to set up as an addition to an existing monitoring system and serves as a proactive security measure, vital for any land-based casino.

Previously, operators invested a lot in casino security guards and large CCTV teams in order to monitor patrons and employees. However, AI-powered solutions enable the operators to improve their monitoring capabilities cost-efficiently and have a proactive system that can prevent crimes before they happen.

Security robots can be seen on casino floors across the US

Besides AI solutions, security robots are also making their way into casinos across the US. Earlier this year, the leading innovator in robotics and AI technologies, focused on public safety, Knightscope Inc., announced it deployed more of its robots at a casino and an international airport. In a statement, the company confirmed that each of the two locations received its 5th Generation K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR).

Per Knightscope's announcement, the casino that received the security robots is in Louisiana, while the airport is in Texas. The launch at the Louisiana casino marked the 10th such deployment for the company and it comes under a larger master agreement, details of which first emerged in 2023.

Besides the launch at a Texas international airport and a casino in Louisiana, back in August, the company rolled out its ASRs, as well as K1 Hemispheres at a Michigan casino.

Knightscope 5th Generation K5 Autonomous Security Robots and K1 Hemispheres

Image credit: Knightscope

The 5th Generation K5 ASRs provide security services not only to casinos and airports but offices, lobbies and hospitals. The security robots which feature pre-recorded messages, live audio, sonar and 4 cameras, among other features, are also suitable for warehouses and malls, among other locations.

The introduction of robots at casinos strengthens the venues' physical deterrence. The K5 ASRs can be set up to detect individuals during specific restricted hours and are also streaming and recording in HD. Weighting 420 lbs per unit, which is close to 200 kg, the robots enable casinos to monitor 24/7/365 internal as well as external areas. As an innovative casino security solution, the robots can navigate multiple levels and patrol parking lots or other structures. Undoubtedly, such robots are going to play a key role in the future security of casinos and other businesses.

Knightscope 5th Generation K5 Autonomous Security Robots

Image credit: Knightscope

Enhanced casino security serves as a deterrence to criminal attempts

Thanks to AI used for monitoring and security robots, casinos across the US are already benefiting from proactive security options. Combined with live security guards, such innovative solutions serve as a deterrence and help prevent criminal actions that can take place on the casino floor or surrounding areas.

Thanks to HD video recordings, suspects and culprits can be easily identified and tracked. Such records can also play a key role in litigation against individuals who may have attempted or engaged in criminal activities at casinos.

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