Casino operators face increasingly sophisticated security threats that rely heavily on technology rather than traditional physical methods, according to industry experts at the recent Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in San Diego.
Modern threats involve elaborate social engineering schemes and sophisticated technological approaches, often requiring little to no physical presence at the venue. The rise of online gambling has introduced additional vectors for attack, with cybercriminals targeting both digital platforms and traditional venues.
To see how UK casinos compare, Genevieve Cruz notes that security and licensing are crucial aspects for ensuring players have peace of mind when using UK online casinos. With modern technology and encryption software, players can be sure their personal and banking details are safe – so always look for sites with these measures in place.
Security experts note that British operators face an identical landscape of threats, with sophisticated hackers and social engineers targeting vulnerabilities in both online systems and physical locations across the global gaming industry.
A panel discussion titled “Navigating Emerging Threats in Casino Gaming” highlighted the scale of these new challenges and presented evidence of recent successful attacks including a 2023 incident where a Chicago man stole $700,000 from Four Winds Casino in Michigan through an elaborate social engineering scam. The perpetrator convinced an employee to pack cash into a designer bag and drive 85 miles to deliver it, using calls and texts that appeared to come from tribal officials. Similar scams have been reported in Nevada and other western states during the same period, pointing to a widespread and coordinated approach by criminal networks.
External threats often come from highly organised groups conducting remote and coordinated attacks. These groups possess advanced organization and sophisticated capabilities that deserve serious consideration. Most attackers combine comprehensive information about casino procedures with technical and personnel weak points.
However, internal threats remain equally concerning. At Firekeepers Casino Hotel in Michigan, there have been instances where employees collude with outside criminals. In one case, a table games dealer was prosecuted for “dumping games” to friends, leading to losses of $16,000 over just a couple of weekends. Another documented case involved an employee at a Mississippi casino who was charged with adding fraudulent points to a friend’s player card, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses over more than a year.
The ongoing threat posed by employees in collusion with outsiders is a greater risk because these activities may occur almost daily and can go undetected for extended periods. These internal vulnerabilities often stem from weaknesses within operational processes, gaps between internal controls, and outdated gaming regulations that fail to address modern technological threats.
Staffing problems are one of the leading sources behind security weaknesses. Properties across the country hired uncharacteristic staff members following the pandemic because of workforce deficits. The staffing issues create security weaknesses in key control areas such as surveillance because high standards of detection for suspicious activities are essential for maintaining surveillance effectiveness. Lack of proper surveillance personnel creates monitoring holes and alongside this shortfall they develop knowledge of security flaws which they can potentially use to their advantage.
Effective casino security now requires extensive cooperation between management, security teams, surveillance professionals, and regulators. Clear communication proves vital when weaknesses are spotted and requires robust protocols to safeguard assets properly. Some operators may view regulators as a nuisance, but they maintain high security standards across the industry. Most security policies were created because something bad happened and was recognised as a vulnerability that needed addressing through formal procedures.
To combat these evolving threats effectively, casinos must implement multi-layered security measures that tackle technological weaknesses and human vulnerabilities. This includes regular staff training on recognising social engineering attempts, maintaining strict internal controls, conducting thorough background checks on employees, and investing in advanced surveillance technologies. Industry experts advise businesses to create thorough incident response plans which organizations should activate right after detecting security breaches.
With criminals continuously developing new methods to target gambling establishments, the industry’s security professionals face an ongoing arms race against increasingly sophisticated adversaries. Casinos must remain vigilant, adaptable, and committed to security innovation if they hope to stay one step ahead of those who would exploit vulnerabilities in their operations.