Casino security plays a crucial role in safeguarding the establishment’s finances, assets, and patrons. With significant amounts of cash exchanged daily, both employees and guests may be tempted to engage in illicit activities, necessitating comprehensive security measures.
Evolving Security Measures
Gone are the days when casino security relied solely on physical presence. Modern security strategies represent a multimillion-dollar investment, akin to the complexity of a police department. Key components of contemporary casino security include:
- Physical Security Forces: Trained professionals patrol the casino floor, responding to incidents and ensuring guest safety.
- Surveillance Departments: Often referred to as the “eye in the sky,” this department operates closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to monitor activities for any misconduct among guests and employees.
These two departments collaborate closely to maintain a secure environment, significantly reducing crime rates. Before the advent of video surveillance, many casinos utilized catwalks above the gaming areas, allowing personnel to observe activities directly through one-way glass.
Security Protocols and Regulations
Beyond technological solutions, casinos enforce strict behavioral rules to ensure security. For example, in card games, players must keep their hands visible at all times. The level of security implemented is often influenced by local laws and the willingness of local prosecutors to act against violations.
Purpose of Casino Security
The main objectives of casino security include:
- Surveillance: Utilizing manual and video surveillance to monitor the premises.
- Patron Protection: Ensuring the safety of all guests.
- Asset Protection: Securing cash and valuables within the facility.
- Cheating Prevention: Identifying and deterring cheating gamblers.
- Age Verification: Ensuring compliance with legal age requirements.
- Incident Management: Addressing fights and other disturbances.
- Rule Enforcement: Removing individuals who violate casino rules.
- Law Enforcement Collaboration: Assisting in building cases against violators for prosecution.
Game-Specific Security Measures
Roulette
In roulette, several rules are strictly enforced for security reasons:
- Players cannot collect winnings until all bets in the same box have been settled.
- Touching chips after the dealer signals “no more bets” is prohibited.
- Players must not handle chips once the winning number is marked with a “dolly.”
- Players must place cash on the table to exchange for chips; dealers cannot take money directly from a player.
- Use of electronic devices at the table is banned.
Craps
In craps, security is overseen by a “pit boss” who manages all tables, supported by floormen assigned to observe for cheating. Specific rules include:
- Players must use one hand to handle the dice and cannot take them off the table.
- Dice must hit the far wall when rolled; short rolls may be deemed invalid.
- A roll is invalid if dice land outside designated areas or leave the table.
- Players cannot touch dice once thrown, and dealers must not directly handle players’ chips.
Conclusion
Casino security has transformed into a sophisticated system that combines technology, trained personnel, and strict regulations to ensure a safe gaming environment. By understanding the protocols and measures in place, patrons can enjoy their experience while maintaining the integrity and security of the casino.
