Casinos strive to be cutting-edge when it comes to tech and security. Casino USA reports major properties invest billions annually upgrading to the latest solutions. They aim to impress guests with innovation while optimizing operations behind the scenes.
2021 saw casinos bounce back strongly from the pandemic by embracing new technology. Contactless experiences, cashless wagering, and automation rose to the forefront. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence, extended reality, and blockchain will shape the future.
Let’s explore some of the most exciting tech and security advances casinos are implementing right now.
AI and Machine Learning
AI already drive countless optimizations at modern casinos. Machine learning algorithms process data to boost loyalty programs, resolve service issues, spot cheating, and more.
Natural language AI chatbots can handle customer inquiries without human assistance 24/7. They provide quick access to room service, concierge tips, and scheduling requests.
Computer vision fueled by AI allows casinos to estimate crowds, identify high-value players, ensure safety protocols, and detect suspicious behaviors automatically. Operators also gain better insights into site usage for strategic planning.
Enhanced Cybersecurity
Casinos contain a wealth of sensitive customer data making them prime targets for cyber attacks. Billions of transactions flow through their systems annually.
To protect networks and data, modern information security protocols are standard. Behavioral analytics and AI track users to rapidly detect unauthorized access attempts. Advanced firewalls and threat monitoring provide 24/7 system oversight.
Cloud computing enables flexible storage and computing scalability with built-in redundancy to minimize downtime from outages or breaches. Regular audits ensure protocols meet strict cybersecurity standards worldwide.
Contactless Technology
In a post-pandemic world, customers expect services without touchpoints. Casino technology providers like International Gaming Technology or IGT now offer comprehensive contactless solutions.
Mobile keys allow hotel check-in/out via apps instead of waiting in line. Digital wallet funding through QR codes, Apple Pay, etc. removes handling cash. For gaming, mobile betting cuts unnecessary interactions.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
VR and AR provide immersive experiences that casinos are increasingly integrating into games and tours. Slots come alive when played with VR goggles and controllers. 360 VR content makes you feel part of the action.
Augmented overlays during events, gambling, or restaurants enhance engagement. Some casinos implement AR gaming experiences in concert halls, transforming the area into a surreal battlefield or alien world.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain offers transparency and decentralization casinos are tapping into. Cryptocurrency payments give players more options while eliminating banking intermediaries. Loyalty programs can migrate to tokens on the blockchain.
On the gaming side, providers like slot giant IGT and Austria’s CPI are unveiling slots using decentralized blockchain technology. Winnings get automatically recorded in digital wallets for easy tracking.
Cashless Payments
Cashless transactions surged over 50% during the pandemic according to research firm EILERS. Casinos implemented VIP mobile apps, “Tap and Play” card readers, and QR codes as contactless solutions.
Going cashless speeds up transactions while allowing more consumer data gathering. Players simply tap a card or mobile phone to transfer funds. Many payment processors now optimize software specifically for casino use cases.
Wearable Tech
Smartwatches and other wearables are entering casinos as well. Digital watches allow players to check reward points, book services, and conduct touchless payments through the wrist.
For staff, smart glasses like Google Glass enable hands-free assistance to customers. Panic buttons worn on belts allow discreetly signaling security in emergencies. Casinos also deploy fitness trackers to monitor guest and employee health.
Enhanced Mobile Apps
Casinos nowadays rely heavily on mobile apps to enrich visits. Apps allow reservations, ordering amenities, checking rewards accounts, receiving offers, and more.
Added functionality like controlling in-room lighting, temperature, and entertainment from your phone delivers convenience. Wayfinding maps help navigate large properties via live GPS.
Beacon Technology
Bluetooth beacons placed throughout casinos enable micro-location proximity promotions. As guests pass a beacon, special offers relevant to nearby attractions pop up on their smartphone.
For example, a happy hour deal might display when walking by a beacon outside a bar. Personalized promotions based on past behaviors improve relevance since they fit your interests.
Robotics & Automation
Casinos adopt robotics and automation to improve experiences while optimizing operations. Drink-mixing robotic bartenders like Makr Shakr craft over 200 cocktails. Other robots deliver amenities to rooms, sanitize surfaces, and handle simple customer service inquiries.
Automated warehouses speed supply retrieval. Kitchens implement AI-driven robotic arms to cook and plate food with extreme consistency. Self-driving vehicles transport items between locations.
IoT & Smart Casinos
The Internet of Things or IoT allows virtual interconnection to all casino systems through sensors and data exchanges. This collective insight enables “smart” casinos.
Surveillance cameras, slot machines, point-of-sale systems and more all generate real-time data. Combined with machine learning, patterns and anomalies get detected immediately. As an example, HVAC adjustments occur automatically based on occupancy to conserve energy.
Biometric Security
Finally, biometric security enhances access control and fraud prevention at key entry points. Facial, iris, palm, and fingerprint recognition replace badges and pin codes.
Casinos install biometric scanners at secured doors, transaction points, and loyalty clubs. Verifying identify scans rather than cards prevents unauthorized access. Some ATMs even permit biometric cash withdrawals.
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