| A 360-degree technology solution can be installed across the gaming floor, integrated right into the VMS and used for forensic purposes |
New 360-degree cameras are providing new video surveillance benefits to the casino market. MGM Resorts International has rolled out Oncam’s 360-degree technology solutions to the Aria, MGM Grand, Bellagio, Mirage and New York-New York properties along the Las Vegas strip. More specifically, the surveillance team at the Aria manages more than 1,100 cameras in the casino, which includes 35 choke-point cameras – focused on entrances, exits and other areas – and 50 360-degree fisheye cameras.
360-degree cameras – the crime investigators
A 360-degree technology solution can be installed across the gaming floor, integrated right into the video management system (VMS) and used for forensic purposes. As Ted Whiting, surveillance director at MGM Resorts International, says, 360-degree cameras are “the best forensic tool ever,” and have become an integral part of the MGM Aria’s surveillance operations.
A 360-degree field-of-view allows casino staff and security to spot incidents from across the gaming floor at one vantage point and then track a specific person to a choke point or narrow pathway. At these choke points, high-definition cameras are able to “put a face to the person” |
Whiting says that one 360-degree fisheye camera has allowed the casinos to replace four to five pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. Not only is this more cost-effective, it also eliminates blind spots that can prove costly to hotel security. A 360-degree field-of-view allows casino staff and security to spot incidents from across the gaming floor at one vantage point and then track a specific person to a choke point or narrow pathway. At these choke points, high-definition cameras are able to “put a face to the person.”
360-degree fisheye for clever identification
Additionally, the recorded video from the 360-degree camera allows the security team to track this person back in time, thus enabling identification. The two cameras work together in tandem to achieve the common goal of identification. Whiting boasts one of the Las Vegas Strip’s best track records at catching cheats and thieves, and he and his staff are constantly on the lookout for new ways to improve.
“We will see more adoption and use of 360-degree fisheye cameras in casinos, where they capture a larger area with greater detail than typical PTZ cameras,” says Russ Tate, Oncam’s Vice President of Sales, Americas.
Oncam Evolution 360 – suits as per need
Oncam’s technology also is now widely used in the retail market for health and safety purposes, where malicious slips and falls are more easily sifted from legitimate claims.
Inside the New York-New York property in Las Vegas, Tom’s Urban Restaurant uses Evolution 360-degree fisheye cameras from Oncam throughout the restaurant, providing total situational awareness, including bar coverage, as well as indoor and outdoor dining areas. These 360-degree views have provided more actual video coverage throughout the facility, assisted in reducing camera counts and cost, and have provided better usable video to help security officials make quick decisions on risk and liability events. Additionally, Hershey’s Chocolate World within the casino utilises indoor and outdoor 360-degree coverage using the Evolution 360 cameras. Along the Brooklyn Bridge outside the hotel, Outdoor 360 Evolution coverage provides tracking of any event that could be considered a security risk or liability to the public.
360-degree views have provided more actual video coverage throughout the facility, assisted in reducing camera counts and cost, and have provided better usable video to help security officials make quick decisions on risk and liability events |
At the Mirage Hotel and Casino, 360-degree camera technology is used at receiving docks and coolers, providing more usable video to give security officials the information they need to make quick decisions in the case of an incident, helping to protect property assets and mitigate liability risks. Outdoor 360 Evolution cameras are used for the Las Vegas Boulevard entrance to the property and back office receiving area.
Founded in 2007, Oncam is part of Oncam Technologies and is an independent, specialised IP video and technology company. Oncam designs, delivers and deploys IP video solutions that leverage 360-degree fisheye cameras and other technologies. In the gaming sector, Oncam leverages its IP technology to deliver high-value surveillance and business solutions for casino customers. Oncam has worked in the gaming sector for a number of years and helps customers to reduce security costs, minimise disruption of operations because of false alarms, and maintain the integrity of gaming operations.