How Does Facial Recognition Technology Work in Casinos?
Many UK casinos now use new technology to strengthen security for everyone inside. One of the biggest changes is the growing use of facial recognition in both land-based venues and some online processes.
You might wonder how recognising faces could help staff and what it means for people who visit.
Below, we explain how facial recognition is used in UK casinos, why it is gaining ground, and what it means for slot machines and player privacy. Read on to learn more.
Do Slot Machines Have Facial Recognition?
Most slot machines in UK casinos do not include facial recognition. Instead, the technology usually sits within the wider security system. Cameras placed at entrances and around the gaming floor capture footage, which is then analysed by software running on secure servers. The software creates a numerical template of a face and compares it with watchlists, for example people who have self-excluded or those who have been barred for security reasons. If there is a match above a set confidence threshold, staff receive an alert and can respond.
Online slot play is different in structure. Sites verify accounts and payments, and some may offer optional biometric login on mobile devices, but facial recognition is not generally used to control gameplay on slots. If you are unsure what a site collects, its privacy policy will set out the details.
Any technology that processes faces must be handled in line with UK data protection law. Casinos that use it are expected to keep data secure, limit who can access it, and only retain it for set periods. Clear notices are typically displayed on site to explain when and why cameras are used.
If you decide to try your hand at slot games, always remember to gamble responsibly and within your means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Why Would Casinos Use Facial Recognition?
Facial recognition helps casinos maintain a secure environment without interrupting the experience for most visitors. A common use is entry control. When a person walks in, their face may be checked against lists of those who must not enter, such as people who have self-excluded or individuals previously excluded for security reasons. This supports legal duties and helps staff act quickly and discreetly.
It can also assist with incident prevention and response. For example, security teams may monitor for known offenders linked to theft, chip passing, or card fraud. If software flags a potential match, staff can observe, verify, and intervene where appropriate. In busy venues, this can be more effective than relying on memory alone.
Some operators use aggregated, non-identifying metrics from camera systems to understand how crowds move through a building. That information can inform staffing levels, queue management, and floor layout. When used in this way, data is typically anonymised to avoid identifying individuals.
Are Players Personally Identified by Slot Machines?
A standard slot machine does not identify the person who sits down to play. If someone uses cash or a ticket, the machine records wagers and wins, not personal details.
Where identification can come into play is through optional loyalty programmes. If a member chooses to insert their card, the casino can link activity to that account to award points or tailored offers. Participation is voluntary, and the data must be handled securely and only for stated purposes.
Online casinos work on an account basis, so play is tied to a verified profile. Operators conduct checks to confirm identity and age, and they must protect the information they hold. If a site offers additional security options, such as biometric login on a phone, these are typically for account access rather than game control.
What Alternatives Do Casinos Use to Monitor Player Behaviour?
Facial recognition is only one part of a broader toolkit. CCTV covers entrances, exits, and gaming areas so trained teams can monitor the floor and respond to issues. Footage helps with real-time decisions and, when needed, with investigations after an incident.
Electronic loyalty systems provide another layer. When players opt in, the data can be used to spot patterns, manage rewards, and identify when support might be needed. In the venue itself, staff training is crucial. Team members learn how to recognise when someone may be struggling and how to offer discreet guidance, such as explaining time-outs or signposting help.
Online, monitoring relies on account data. Algorithms look for unusual activity or rapid changes in spending and can prompt safer gambling tools like deposit limits, cooldown periods, or self-exclusion. These tools are there to help people manage their play.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
 *All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.