Merit International, a leading casino operator in the Balkans, has taken a significant step towards enhancing security and operational efficiency at its latest luxury casino and hotel resort, the Starlit development in Budva, Montenegro. This ambitious project features a comprehensive video surveillance system provided by IDIS, a global leader in video solutions. Installed by Volga Electronics, the system covers the expansive 2,500-square-meter resort, which includes the casino, hotel, and various entertainment areas.
The Scope of Surveillance: An Overview
The surveillance system at the Starlit resort is a crucial component of the overall security strategy. With over 90 NDAA-compliant cameras strategically positioned throughout the resort, every corner of the facility is monitored in high-definition detail. This includes gaming tables, slot machines, entrance and exit points, and other key areas. The goal is to create a secure environment where guests can enjoy their experience with peace of mind, while also ensuring that the casino’s operations run smoothly.
The importance of such a comprehensive surveillance system cannot be overstated in the casino industry. Casinos are environments that require heightened security measures due to the large volumes of cash transactions, high-stakes gaming, and the presence of valuable assets. A sophisticated surveillance system acts as a deterrent to potential criminal activity, helps in the rapid resolution of incidents, and ensures that the casino complies with regulatory requirements.
Centralized Monitoring with IDIS Solution Suite
A standout feature of the surveillance setup at Starlit is its centralized monitoring and management environment, made possible by IDIS Solution Suite (ISS) federation services. This system allows for the integration and management of surveillance across multiple properties owned by Merit International, providing a unified platform for monitoring and responding to incidents.
With ISS federation services, surveillance operators can seamlessly switch between live feeds and recorded footage from different locations, enhancing their ability to respond quickly and effectively to any security threats. The centralized nature of this system also means that resources can be managed more efficiently, with operators able to monitor multiple locations from a single control room.
The integration of this system with the casino’s ERP software further enhances its functionality. By overlaying transaction data onto recorded video footage, the system allows for rapid and accurate incident investigations. For example, if a dispute arises over a transaction at a gaming table, surveillance operators can quickly retrieve the relevant footage and cross-reference it with the transaction data, providing a clear and indisputable record of the event.
AI-Powered Analytics: The Future of Casino Surveillance
In addition to its robust surveillance capabilities, Merit International is also exploring the use of AI-powered analytics to further enhance its operations. The potential applications of AI in a casino environment are vast, and Merit International is keen to capitalize on these opportunities as it continues to expand its operations.
One of the most promising areas of AI application is in the use of people counting and heat mapping technologies.
Furthermore, by comparing footfall and dwell time metrics with customer spending patterns, the casino can gain a deeper understanding of what drives customer behavior. This information can be used to tailor marketing strategies, optimize staffing levels, and improve the overall customer experience.
Modular Design for Future Growth
One of the key advantages of the IDIS video solution is its modular design, which allows for easy expansion and integration of new technologies as needed. As Merit International continues to grow and its security, safety, and business intelligence requirements evolve, the system can be adapted to meet these changing needs.
For instance, additional AI capabilities can be integrated into the existing system without the need for significant infrastructure changes. This ensures that Merit International can stay ahead of the curve in terms of both security and operational efficiency, while also maintaining its reputation for excellence in the highly competitive casino industry.
Industry Perspectives: Expert Insights
Koray Ozyildirim, IDIS Türkiye Country Manager, highlighted the importance of the new surveillance system, stating, “As well as ensuring the safety and satisfaction of guests, and providing a deterrent to would-be criminals, the IDIS solution opens new routes to harnessing AI-powered video analytics.”
Ozyildirim emphasized that while traditional data collection systems provide valuable insights, the addition of heat maps offers a unique layer of business intelligence. “For example, allowing directional footfall and dwell time metrics to be compared to customer spending patterns; and revealing the most-used areas where customers spend time even when they are not spending money,” he explained. This level of detail can help the casino to fine-tune its operations and increase profitability.
Malik Oğuz, Surveillance Director at Merit International, also expressed his satisfaction with the new system, stating, “As we continue to expand and build Merit International’s reputation for excellence, we are delighted with the value and performance of IDIS video solutions.”
Oğuz pointed out that the flexibility of the IDIS system is particularly valuable, as it allows Merit International to adapt to new challenges and opportunities as they arise. “IDIS gives us the best surveillance capabilities and the flexibility to adapt and take advantage of new AI video functions in the future as our security, safety, and business intelligence requirements evolve,” he added.
The Role of AI in Future Casino Operations
The implementation of AI-powered analytics at the Starlit resort represents just the beginning of what could be a broader trend in the casino industry. As AI technologies continue to advance, they have the potential to revolutionize the way casinos operate, providing new tools for enhancing security, optimizing operations, and improving the customer experience.
For example, AI could be used to develop more sophisticated fraud detection systems, capable of identifying suspicious behavior patterns and flagging potential security threats in real time. This would allow casinos to respond more quickly and effectively to incidents, reducing the risk of financial loss and enhancing the overall security of the facility.
As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more and more casinos adopting AI-powered analytics as part of their operations. Those that do will be well-positioned to stay ahead of the competition and deliver a superior experience to their customers.
The implementation of the IDIS video solution at Merit International’s Starlit resort is a prime example of how advanced surveillance technology can be used to enhance both security and operational efficiency in a casino environment. By integrating AI-powered analytics and centralized monitoring systems, Merit International is not only ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its guests but also gaining valuable insights that can drive business growth and improve the customer experience.