STATESIDE How does this happen? Via social media, these mobs
assemble, share ideas on stealing and not getting caught. It spreads fear among customers already in the shops. I’ve talked about this before, but it is worth repeating that
consequences are crucial in these cases. Sadly, in many jurisdictions, officials call these actions “unacceptable” or that young people need more opportunity to overcome summer restlessness. The new Chicago mayor, Brandon Johnson, believes these
“children” need understanding. Following a riot of hundreds who looted a convenience store, Johnson stated, “We’re not talking about mob actions…These are large gatherings … it’s important that we speak of these dynamics in an appropriate way.” Sorry, Mayor, these predators just happen to be young. Of the
40 arrested, 32 were teens. Because casinos are typically 24-hour businesses, entry is
much easier. Who needs to break the windows when the doors remain open? Imagine dining or shopping at the world-class Forum Shoppes
Technologies bought its assets for about $1.3 billion. Not a bad return on investment (ROI). Although the shuffler remains necessary and viable for
multiple decks, technological theft could compromise its use. A report in a recent Wired magazine article reveals a potentially troubling situation. Researchers from security firm IOActive in Seattle, Washington
claimed the Deckmate 2 card shuffling machine, considered invulnerable to hacking, may actually be quite vulnerable. The alleged breach could alert skilled poker players to the cards in every other player’s hand. The heavily-used poker table device can shuffle cards in 22 seconds, avoiding any real game interruptions. That could make detection difficult. An incident last year at Hustler Live Casino in Los Angeles
sparked the investigation after a new player bluffed a veteran poker customer in a way that drew attention and accusations of cheating. The casino’s official report refuted the claim, citing a lack of evidence of foul play. They ensured the security of the Deckmate 2 used at that game. Not long after IOActive lead researcher Joseph Tartaro told
security conference attendees in Las Vegas that his team identified the Deckmate 2’s exposed USB port as the hacking source. A cheat could divert attention, going under the table to insert a device into the USB port. The Deckmate 2’s internal modem is another possible alternate method. Parent company Light & Wonder, Inc., formerly Scientific
Games Corporation, disputed IOActive’s findings. They argued IOActive’s laboratory setting does not simulate regulated, monitored casino environments. Admitting they had no real casino testing data, Tartaro’s team
still questions whether an “undetectable” hacking scenario prevents the manufacturer from actually discovering a breach. Probably more to come on this story. The second situation, rapidly spinning out-of-control, must be
resolved quickly. As 24-hour open operations, casinos could easily become targets. Social media has now morphed into a call to criminal
behavior. Almost daily nationwide, the media reports on a mob that rampages along a city’s busy streets or loots a store by smashing windows and stealing jewelry, clothing or whatever else they can grab. It has repeatedly happened in Los Angeles, Chicago, San
Francisco and elsewhere, running the gamut from luxury outlets to small convenience stores.
10 SEPTEMBER 2023
in Las Vegas. Suddenly, a mob runs swoops in, terrorizing the clientele. Would you return? Or, you are visiting one of almost 1,000 casino properties
nationwide and little is done to prevent or stop violence once it happens. Nevada has hundreds of small stores with banks of slot machines. This is such a possible devastating scenario that I hope G2E
sets seminar time aside to address this. The experts must present strategies to operators to maintain security. If not, I view it as a missed opportunity and almost a dereliction of duty. Gaming has some of the smartest professionals out there.
Protecting the personal safety of millions of customers at their favorite casinos requires innovative thinking. Security is an enormous issue that can no longer be limited to
hackers, card-counting cheats, money laundering attempts and other crimes.
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