casino machines

Major Casino Game Company Will Add Facial Recognition Software to Machines, Adding Security Capabilities

Konami plans to roll out facial recognition software on its machines in the next six to nine months.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Oct 29, 2019

Facial recognition technology could soon be available on casino machines, according to plans released by the gaming giant Konami.

Earlier this month, the company announced that it is developing slot machines equipped with small cameras and similar technology for table games, according to reports by KSNV News in Las Vegas. The software would allow a customer to be recognized by the machines once they have registered their photo with the casino, making player cards potentially irrelevant.

In addition, the technology could have security implications as well, according to Konami executive Jay Bertsch.

“They can start to identify suspicious activity,” Bertsch said. “Identify people who probably shouldn’t be in there who are barred from a regulatory standpoint or barred patrons.”

Casinos are already heavily surveilled, with hundreds to thousands of surveillance cameras deployed depending on the size of the facility. But facial recognition could add another layer to the security operation, tracking if a person is attempting to tamper with a machine or identifying someone who has been banned from the building.

Biometric technology has been tricky territory for casinos in the past, with two casinos facing legal action related to their gathering of facial recognition data. The casino companies, Caesars and Penn National, allegedly failed to tell customers that they were tracking their movements, which violates the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act.

Bertsch told KSNV News that it will ultimately be up to the casinos themselves to determine how to use facial recognition and meet local regulations. His prediction is that most companies will allow customers to opt out of using the software to identify them at machines, and have their data deleted after a certain period.

Konami’s rollout of facial recognition should take place in the next six to nine months, he added.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • New Report Says 1 in 5 SMBs Would Be Forced to Shutter After Successful Cyberattack

    Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, making up 99.9% of all businesses and contributing to half of the nation's GDP. However, these vital economic growth drivers face an escalating threat—cyberattacks that could put them out of business. Read Now

  • The Yellow Brick Road

    The road to and throughout Wednesday's and Thursday's ISC West was crowded but it was amazing. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.