Page 111 - Security Today, March 2018

The first thing to note is that casinos often maintain their operational tempo 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Therefore, round- the-clock situational awareness is always needed to resolve customer disputes, prevent fraudulent claims, improve staff productivity, and cover large areas and intersections around the facilities. A typical facility might be armed with thousands of cameras, which watch gamblers as they enter, while they play, and when they leave. Since IP cameras function on a network, they’re extremely flexible and can be installed almost anywhere. There’s no need for coaxial cables. Simply mount cameras in the desired locations and establish a connection to the network video recorder. A complete solution offers a variety of benefits, such as:
PLAYER MONITORING
There’s always the threat of gamblers looking to beat the system through methods of cheating and hustling. Strategically placed cameras provide clear views of gaming tables, allowing the security department to closely monitor individual players.
CROWD CONTROL
In casinos, where large throngs of people are a constant, video surveillance can keep watch for suspicious activity and disruptions.
THEFT PREVENTION
Surveillance cameras can deter crime by putting the fear-of-getting-caught into the minds of thieves, and also aid authorities in identifying criminals during investigations. Employee theft is another major concern that can be prevented with proper video surveillance.
REDUCED VIOLENCE
Large crowds, high stakes gambling, and alcohol can at times lead to testy situations. Video surveillance allows employees to quickly dispatch security workers to the scene upon detection of a tussle.
REMOTE MONITORING
IP surveillance technology enables the security department to monitor footage and operate cameras from remote locations.
Another critical note about casino solutions is that most gaming agencies around the world require surveillance cameras that are 25 to 30 frames per second minimum. The 1080p Arecont Vison MegaDome® G3 camera has a specific casino mode, which overrides camera exposure settings to maintain that 30 frames per second, and helps to overcome the typical gaming floor challenges of chrome, glare, and movement.
Arecont Vision’s Mitch Fagundes, Director of Global Strategic Accounts, offers a variety of reasons why MegaDome cameras are well suited for covering gaming tables and slot machines. He points to their installer-friendly housings with motorized remote focus and zoom for easy installation, IR LEDs to enhance poor lighting conditions, and ample resolution to zoom-in for details in live or recorded video. In addition, he notes that SNAPstreamTM technology reduces bandwidth without impacting image quality.
With the growth of casino locations, and with them, opportunities for resellers, Mr. Fagundes points out how Arecont Vision helps their reseller partners to approach casino operators and close the deal. “Each casino has a unique combination of lighting, colors and regulations that can make picking the right camera solution and camera settings challenging,” he says. “We help our resellers provide best-in-class video by helping the reseller give a live demonstration of our products on site so the customer knows exactly what they can achieve with our cameras.
To be successful at the gaming tables, you need practice, dedication, and a whole lot of luck. To be successful in selling casino video surveillance systems, you need to know your customer’s business hurdles, possess experience and expertise of your own discipline, and connect with the right partners. If you’re looking to win big, leave the luck to the gamblers, and stick with the safe bet.
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