A few years ago, before the conception of IP cameras the analogue camera was "king". Selecting the camera with the right lens which was able to identify the cards, money denominations, type of chips and the number of them was critical to the success of the surveillance system. The clearer the image the easier it is to satisfy any customer disputes and hopefully improve the taking on the table.

The following blog I will concentrate on the roulette table however, the same guidelines and considerations also apply to card table. Over the years the gaming table surveillance camera technology has greatly improved with the advent of the IP camera over the original analogue models. The conventional camera position has always been in the ceiling from the wheel end of the roulette table. However, as the architects and designers provide casinos with increasingly more stunning backdrops and exceptional lighting effects it becomes more difficult to provide the surveillance image that the casino management need. 

Fig 1. Ceiling Camera View of Roulette Table from the Wheel End End

Fig 2. Close Up Ceiling Camera View of Roulette Table from the Wheel End

Fig 3. Ceiling Camera View of Roulette Table from the Baulk End

Fig 4. Close Up Ceiling Camera View of Roulette Table from the Baulk End of the Gaming Table.

1. Baulk end of the table - ceiling image (Fig 3) and the zoomed in image (Fig4).

Provides the same detail as the wheel end view but as soon as a customer stands at the table the view is obstructed and an additional camera is required as a backup view for the obstructed main view and the wheel drop area is the further away from the camera.

Fig 5. Ceiling Camera View of Roulette Table from the Player Side of the Table.

Fig 6. Close Up Ceiling Camera View of Roulette Table from the Player Side of the Table.

2. Customer side of the table - ceiling image (Fig 5) and the zoomed in image (Fig 6). Provides the same detail as the wheel end view but there is an increase risk as soon as customers stand at the table, some part of the table will be obstructed, and an additional camera is required as a backup view for the obstructed main view. Also, another recent issue because of the Covid segregation guidelines it can be seen that the screens can also produce their own light refraction issues which have to be borne in mind, and this side image does create most of the visibility issues.

Fig 7. Ceiling Camera View of Roulette Table from the Croupier Side of the Table.

Fig 8. Close up Ceiling Camera View of Roulette Table from the Croupier Side of the Table.

3. Croupier side of the table - ceiling image (Fig 7) and the zoomed in image (Fig 8). Provides the same detail as the wheel end view but there is the position of the croupier to consider and their position will obstruct some part of the table and the "race-track" so again, an additional camera is required as a backup view for the obstructed main view.

The above three positions all require and additional "backup" viewing camera, and providing ceiling and lighting features allow then one possibility is the vertical view (Fig 9). This does not however, provide any indication as the chip stack sizes or denominations.

Fig 9. Vertical Overview of the Gaming Layout - a good backup on any table if the budget allows its!

To address all the above issues, another camera position worthy of consideration is one that is fitted to the table and utilising either the number display on roulette tables, the advertising display on some card tables or a bespoke table mounted bracket.

Fig 10. Camera image from the top of the Number Display Position.

Fig 11.Close Up Camera image from the top of the Number Display Position.

The top of the display provides an ideal location and providing the table construction is solid and ridge there is no chance of camera vibration as the customers leans or hits table. As the table image (Fig 10) shows, due to the location the full roulette wheel is not visible, but the wheel drop and layout can be clearly seen and the zoomed in image as shown (Fig 11), ensuring good inspection viewing of the table layout. The location either inside or on top of the display is ideal for the installation of either a micro dome or the sensor type camera with a varifocal lens. Using the digital zoom of the operating software is always available bearing in mind the pixilation if taken too far. 

Fig12. Surveillance Camera to Observing the Players Interaction at and between Gaming Tables.

The final view which is worthy of being an additional camera image (Fig 12). This provides a full horizontal view of all the players and their actions and where the table are close together it allows the camera operator to track the player between tables whilst keeping the layout in view. Dependant on the height of the display this camera also provides a relatively helpful view of the stacks until the table becomes very busy. Again the installation of either a micro dome or the sensor type camera with a varifocal lens is ideal for this application.

As the operating costs in the casino industry are under increasing pressure to be reduced, the advantage of having the cameras on the number displays or table brackets, with the table microphones connected directly into the cameras becomes more important. Table moves are a necessity for any club as it maintains interest and if done correctly, they can increase the usage of gaming equipment. As outlined earlier the same basic principles apply to both roulette and card tables especially if the card tables have similar advertising displays.

With everything being on the table, the disruption of a table move is down to hours as opposed to days and in most case the tables are just moving to a different floor network point.

David Brock CMgr. CMI

Brock Business Support 2021

If you have any questions or enquires please contact  - dave.brock@brockbusinesssupport.com or please feel free to use the button below.