Biometrics and Face Scanning
Biometric face scanning is a new technology that is used in casinos as a surveillance mechanism that can link a face with a name – and a personal record. Biometrics is the study of a person’s physiological features and behavioral characteristics. Face scanning is the technology in which people can be identified based on their facial features. This technology works by analyzing a person’s face based on distinguishing features, which include specific proportions and angles that are unique to a person’s face that cannot be hidden by beards, makeup, glasses or hats. This technology recognizes a person by using special security cameras to scan people’s faces and create three-
dimensional images out of multiple two-dimensional scans. The end result is then stored in a database and scanned across the casino records for VIPs, problem gamblers and criminals. If no record is found, the system creates a new account for that person. One of the huge benefits this technology gives casinos is the ability to identify people without having to stop them as they walk through the doors. Dr. Thomas Zielke, vice president of Cross Match Technologies notes, “There is always the question of how to monitor visitors in public areas without significantly limiting access. Identifying the target individuals without denying entry to the unknown public is the key to success, and facial recognition is one of the best ways that this can be achieved” (German Casinos, par. 5). The objective of the technology is to monitor people without disrupting them, but isn’t it important for the visitors to know what they are walking into?
Face Recognition Teams Up With RFID
The use of Face Recognition Systems ties in closely with the use of RFID chips. While the Facial Recognition System creates a profile of an individual, the RFID chips store important data about the individual. Some of this information includes the games that are being played, the amount of money the person is willing to bet and the strategy the individual has been using. All of these statistics are recorded and put into a database that is accessed the next time the individual’s face is recognized. This all leads to more moneymaking opportunities for the casinos. Biometrica Systems, one of the leading providers of face recognition technology to the gaming industry, states that biometrics “[enhances] a casino’s operational intelligence, which can be used to reduce unnecessary losses and drive a more profitable business operation” (Biometrica, par. 1). Casinos have already eliminated losses they used to incur by proactively removing problem gamblers who are identified by the cameras on the casino floor. As a known cheater is identified, a red flag instantly goes off in the surveillance room, signaling that the person is banned from the casino. The casino floor security is notified and the person is immediately removed from the property. With this current level of technology, it is rare that any gambler known to have a prior record of cheating can get any farther than the casino doorway.