Michael Gips, Principal, Global Insights in Professional Security describes how advanced weapons detection systems were successfully deployed at casinos in California.

The luxury experience

Luxury casinos thrive by making visitors feel energized, pampered and safe. Service, quality and attention to detail are paramount.

That’s certainly the case at the family of card houses and gaming institutions that constitute Parkwest Casinos. Parkwest has a flagship location near Los Angeles and five high-end satellite sites nestled between the Bay Area, Stockton and Sacramento in central California.

Collectively, the properties welcome more than 4.2 million visitors per year and employ 2,000 staff members who need around-the-clock access.

While the casino system didn’t have a problem with violent guests, several years ago it decided to proactively add weapons detection screening to the main property – Parkwest Bicycle Casino in Bell City in 2022.

The Bicycle location is a high-profile facility as it has been a stop on the World Series of Poker tour, with its clientele including billionaires. Parkwest rolled out metal-detection portals at all entrances, while also conducting identity checks.

The checks aimed to make sure that people banned from the premises, such as problem gamblers and card counters, would not get in.

Next-generation weapons detection

While that system was functional, it had several deficiencies.

First, it relied solely on metal detection, to the exclusion of several other useful weapons-detection technologies.

Second, the system was blind to suspicious movements, like turning around at the site of a weapons-detection system (WDS) or attempting to bypass it.

Third, the metal detectors didn’t generate usable data.

Fourth, there was no integration across properties.

Fifth, ID checks were conducted, stored and retrieved manually, with the security teams at various locations having to remember to share information about personae non grata, other visitors of concern or even elite members who should receive special service.

Finally, the existing system stood out as an eyesore at the entrances of these pristine properties.

Parkwest opted to replace its existing WDS at Parkwest Bicycle Casino with a solution from Athena Security, after having observed Athena systems located at casinos, schools, hospitals, jewelry stores and other locations.

The Athena WDS includes an OPENGATE HD active walkthrough metal detector, a high-resolution visual camera, patented AI technologies, a controller tablet and monitor, and a LiDAR camera.

The suite of services includes real-time alerts, real-time alert resolution, digitized incident reporting, automated compliance documentation, reports and analytics, officer check-in, secondary-screening procedure monitoring, evasion and turnaround detection, and other features.

This solution promised to significantly enhance security while maintaining a seamless and elegant guest experience.

The new WDSs were installed at the two main entrances, a VIP entrance and the dedicated access point for staff.

One goal of the upgrade was to gain data, insights and efficiencies by integrating weapons detection and ID scanning at each property that required a system.

Security staff no longer just glance at visitor IDs and cross-check them with a list, but now enter the ID into a system where the identity is checked against multiple databases, including problem gamblers, banned patrons and Athena’s exclusive database, which is continually updated to include potential threat actors and other persons of interest.

The previous WDS could only alarm on a metal object.

The new system uses a combination of other technologies to detect suspicious shapes, patterns and movements.

That includes looking for anomalous behavior such as guests ignoring signage or circumventing entry procedures.

AI also ensures that guards are performing secondary screening procedures consistent with US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) standards.

In addition, while the previous detectors were eyesores, the new units are much more sleek and streamlined, fitting the upscale sophisticated ethic of the properties.

Entryways remain welcoming and luxurious, integrating with the aesthetics of a high-end establishment.

Of course, WDSs are only as effective as the people who operate them.

Casino security staff received training on all aspects of the system, as well as on general screening best practices.

The latter included placement of personnel, use of signage, bag-check procedures and communication with other security staff.

The results have exceeded expectations. AI ensures that operational practices are accurate and uniform, increasing officer accountability while also providing replicable processes that enhance efficiency and speed guests onto the property, where the casino wants them.

The user-friendly interface makes the system easy to use for all screening staff.

With the new WDS, the number of visitors flagged as problem gamblers, banned persons and other people of interest has soared.

Security has used this information to identify trends in such attempts to enter the casinos.

Patrons have commented on both the unobtrusive stylishness of the WDS, which complements the casinos’ luxury and the faster entry time.

Patrons and staff alike have praised the new AI capabilities.

Operational efficiencies have emerged from adding technology and integration.

The Athena system includes advanced documentation capabilities and regular updates, which improve incident tracking and help the casino remain compliant with legal standards – a critical issue for gaming properties.

The casino also leverages the system for concierge services, which heightens customer experience and grows revenue.

For example, management can track visitor time on property, identify preferences and connect security data with rewards programs.

Improved casino security

Parkwest was so pleased with the results that it added Athena WDSs to its locations in Sacramento (Lotus Casino) and Livermore (580 Casino).

Patron information is now shared instantaneously among the three properties, so a problem gambler can’t simply go to another Parkwest casino after being denied entry at a sister location.

With this implementation, Parkwest Casinos showcases how cutting-edge technology can be leveraged to enhance safety without sacrificing guest experience.

“We required a system that screens for guns and large knives, maintains a welcoming environment for our guests and quickly scans IDs for additional screening,” said Parkway Director of Security Loren Pallatin.

“We got that and a whole lot more.”

This article was originally published in the December edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.