Facial recognition technology

Global casino developer Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd has said it is ready to introduce facial recognition technology at casino entrances if regulators in a given region request such a security measure.

These gantries would utilize facial recognition cameras at each entrance to the casino floor. Such systems are ready to deploy once a jurisdiction says that’s what they want, according to Avery Palos, chief information officer and senior vice president of Melco Resorts.

gantries would utilize facial recognition cameras at each entrance to the casino floor

The company has already introduced facial recognition technology in its casino in Macau. However, this technology is not in place at the casino floor entrances. In its current form, the technology also fails to identify people that should not be in the casino.?

Instead, the technology is being used to stop self-excluded gamblers from being able to participate in any of the casino’s gambling offerings. This system has been in place since 2016.

Plans are in place for similar technology to be integrated into the company’s casino in the Philippines.

Concerns raised

It was revealed in June that some casinos in Macau are already using facial recognition technology on their casino floors. This caused some concern about privacy protection laws.?

Speaking about the importance of using this facial recognition technology, Palos said: “There are just too many faces out there, and you can’t expect a security guard to memorise a book of faces… and have the force to stop someone who shouldn’t actually be coming in.”

To combat concerns about the financial information of gamblers being stored, Melco Resorts has introduced the Melco Blockchain. This blockchain system was implemented to prevent hackers accessing or modify data.?

Source of technology

Some of these technologies have been showcased in Melco’s bid to secure one of three coveted casino resort licenses in Japan. Melco believes that its transaction-custody technology and digital consumer oversight can play a key role in its license application.

these technologies have been showcased in Melco’s bid to secure one of three coveted casino resort licenses in Japan

This is largely due to the considerable emphasis authorities in Japan are placing on minimizing problem gambling. Authorities also want to ensure that there is financial integrity and transparency in this space.?

Global presence

At the moment, Melco Resorts holds a license in Macau. One of its subsidiaries operates the City of Dreams Manila casino in the Philippines. 

It also has a monopoly on the Cyprus casino market, possessing the sole gaming license in the region. Its City of Dreams Mediterranean resort is currently under development.