Why are casinos using facial recognition?

Managing security in a sprawling casino is not easy. With the loud noises, colorful lights and constant activity, security staff have to remain extremely focused in an environment that is tough to control.   

While most people will visit a casino without creating any issues, there are always a few “bad actors” who enter with intentions of cheating or stealing.

    

Table of contents

• What is facial recognition?  
• How does facial recognition work?
• Is this legal?
• Why are casinos using facial recognition?
• Drawbacks
• Is facial recognition security a good idea?

    

Security must do all they can to keep these individuals out, but that task becomes difficult when there are groups of people entering the establishment at the same time. Staff must be quick but thorough so they don’t inconvenience patrons who intend to spend their money at that location.   

Facial recognition makes the process of verifying identities less tedious. This technology has the potential to improve a security team’s performance, as well as increase revenue for a casino. However, there are drawbacks that need to be considered before a casino moves ahead with installing a facial recognition system.

    

What is facial recognition?  

Facial recognition is technology that can identify a human face through biometrics. The software will usually map facial features from a photograph or video and then compare that information with a database of known faces to find a match.

Depending on what purpose it is serving, the facial recognition system may sound an alarm or notify authorized personnel if there is no match, grant access if there is a match, or passively store the new information.

Facial recognition systems are already being used more frequently than many of us realize. Airports, schools, retailers, and casinos are all leveraging this technology. Individuals may also choose to use it to unlock their phones.

    

How does facial recognition work?

Facial recognition uses technology and biometrics to identify human faces. It maps facial features from a photograph or video to create a facial signature, and compares the information with a database.

In many cases, the software will try to match the current video or photo with something already in its database. The system can sort through thousands of facial signatures in a matter of seconds.  

 The facial recognition system will determine whether or not the facial signature is a match to anything in its database. Some systems may also calculate an accuracy score or provide alternatives.

Accuracy is still a big issue for this technology as false positives can lead to legal issues. Companies that are confident in their software may boast accuracy rates of nearly 100%. However, these results are usually generated in controlled test environments using clear images. In the real world, accuracy rates can be as much as 9% lower.

    

Is this legal?

The short answer is yes. Currently, there are no laws that regulate the use of facial recognition technology or other AI technology.

However, people have expressed their concerns about the invasiveness of this technology, as well as breaches and misuse of very personal data. Women and minorities are also more likely to be wrongly identified as security risks/criminals since the software is often designed by and tested on white males.

The Federal Trade Commission is actively policing this technology using existing consumer protection laws. The agency has also issued guidance on the use of consumers’ biometrics.

Multiple lawmakers have proposed potential regulations for facial recognition, but all of them have fizzled out due to a lack of interest or conflicting opinions.

Until clear rules are established, private companies should seriously consider whether this technology will solve existing security problems, or if it is more likely to create new ones.

    

Why are casinos using facial recognition?

The main reason casinos are implementing this technology is to accurately identify bad actors while reducing dependency on human oversight.

Technology can identify a banned patron in seconds, giving security more time to prevent the person from entering at all. Less disruption leads to a more welcoming environment for people who play by the rules.   

Casinos can also spot VIP guests with ease, allowing them to provide a better experience for those guests.

    

Proactive security

Regardless of how big or small a casino is, it is guaranteed to have a list of people who are banned from returning to the facility. Casinos do not want card counters, thieves or violent people hanging around. But even if someone is banned, they may still come back.

Facial recognition is sophisticated enough to identify a bad actor before they reach the front door, giving security time to defuse a potentially combative situation before it escalates.  

A facial recognition system can also allow staff to passively monitor people as they move through the building. This allows them to watch a potential suspect without being unnecessarily confrontational or aggressive.

    

Helping people with gambling addictions  

Gambling addiction has become more prevalent since it is now easier than ever to participate. Facial recognition may help casinos support individuals who have chosen to self-exclude from gambling.

Gaming laws and options vary from state to state, and there is presently no unified self-exclusion program in the US. However, idPair, a gaming analytics firm focused on responsible gaming services, has launched the country’s first nationwide voluntary exclusion program. California, Colorado, Iowa and Michigan are currently participating, but more states are expected to join.  

Individual states, such as Illinois and New York, have their own self-exclusion programs too.

Casinos could create a list of people who have self-excluded, and use facial recognition technology to identify them. When alerted that someone on the list is approaching the entrance, staff would know to treat these individuals with more care and compassion, but could also help keep them on track by denying them entry.  

    

Enhanced customer service

A separate list could be created for VIPs. When big players arrive, an alert would be sent to the appropriate people who would then prepare to greet them when they come in. These guests may be provided a complimentary drink or a pair of tickets to a show so that they feel valued and compelled to return to the casino.  

    

Comprehensive understanding of spending habits

While more controversial, some facial recognition systems have the ability to create comprehensive profiles of patrons. These systems can successfully correlate faces with casino data and financial transactions. This allows management to understand individual patrons’ spending habits.

    

Drawbacks

    

Discriminatory readings

Facial recognition systems, like any other automated technology, still have their shortcomings. Most notable is their tendency to make errors when reading the facial signatures of black, brown and female faces.

Facial recognition technology introduces problems associated with human decision-making, not just technical problems, which could ultimately create legal issues for casinos. The technology is only as good as the company that designed it.  

    

It can be tricked

Facial recognition can be tricked, especially if the source of data (a surveillance camera, for example) is not supported by good lighting or does not provide clear visuals.  

Furthermore, a hat, sunglasses, or even heavy makeup can make facial recognition less accurate. 

    

New security concerns

When a company collects and stores any type of personal data, it must do all that it can to ensure that information remains safe. Hackers may be more enticed to steal data from a casino if they know facial signatures are available.

    

Is facial recognition security a good idea?

If you are considering facial recognition, conducting a risk assessment can help you decide if this product is right for your casino.

Facial recognition systems will become more ubiquitous and sophisticated in the next 10 years, so some companies may want to wait before installing the controversial technology.  

Keep in mind that this technology cannot stop someone who is determined to get into the building. Security guards are still an integral part of any casino’s security strategy.