Inside Asian Gaming

IAG DEC 2022年12月 亞博匯 122 as other network-based systems. IT decision-makers are therefore well advised to at least participate in the technology decisions of their security colleagues. How are systems technically secured? Are there the same security precautions known from the IT world: from protection against hacker attacks, to the possibility of separating networks even within the video system– such as separate cameras and recording – to forcing strong passwords? What about the geographical origin of the systems – do they come from countries with a constitutional framework or is there a danger of accidental or deliberate “backdoors” into the systems through intervention by autocratic governments? HOW MANY DEVICES DOES SURVEILLANCE REALLY NEED? Linked to the cybersecurity aspect, but primarily associated with cost, is the issue of complexity. It is not uncommon for IT managers, when talking to their security colleagues, to come across a whole series of procedures and set technology “truths” that are seemingly unalterable but above all cause complexity and thus high costs and risks. A classic example is the adherence to the so- called “PTZ” (Pan Tilt Zoom) technology for general gaming floor surveillance. This allows the operator to change the field of view as desired and to zoom in and out of certain areas. The disadvantage of these cameras, however, is that usually only a certain detailed area can be observed. For a complete monitoring of the gaming floor, a large number of cameras must be installed, supplied with a network connection and maintained. 90% LESS TIME NEEDED TO CATCH THE GUY – AT 25% LOWER COST There are more efficient alternatives: particularly powerful 360° cameras (see blue panel on page 128 for selection criteria) reduce the number of cameras needed significantly and offer an overall view of very large spatial contexts. In particular, resolving incidents and tracking one or multiple persons can be performed much faster than with traditional PTZ-systems. Casinos using 360º systems report up to 90% less time needed to resolve situations or catch offenders. LESS OF EVERYTHING – MORE FOR BOTH THE IT MANAGER AND THE SECURITY CHIEF However, it is important to look closely: only a few systems are able to show a complete 360-degree hemisphere; most TECH TALK