Floor supervisors have long been used to prevent criminal activity. However, today, there are less of them to be seen on the gaming floor than in previous years. This is because, as with other businesses, casinos are trying to cut costs by getting rid of excess labor and either replacing this workforce with technological alternatives or giving some of the responsibilities to other employees.
Downsizing
Experts in security issues, along with casino employees, have warned that downsizing the staff will mean a possible increase in the theft of chips and cash. In addition, the possible temptation to steal is currently very high compared to at other times.
Where once a supervisor would be expected to keep an eye on one to four tables, nowadays a shift consists of watching six to 10 tables. In many casinos, pit bosses, who used to overlook the supervisors, have already been dismissed and their roles taken over by either machines or other employees.
An industry consultant and Professor of UNLV gaming management at UNLY, Jeff Voyles, explained that less concern is being placed on security due to the expense of payrolls.
“When I first got into this business, I thought it was amazing to have a manager every 10 feet,” he said. “Nobody has that. But they could afford that at the time.”
Financial Gains
After the state dumbed down legislation concerning the number of supervisors required to watch a game, Atlantic City casinos quickly downsized their staff. This was deemed particularly necessary because the casino industry within this region had been struggling. They say that they have managed to save tens of millions of dollars due to this move.
Video surveillance has also changed the supervisor role in some casinos. Some have evolved into customer service workers which has seen their pay rise from $60,000 up to $80,000. In addition, they no longer have to keep track of what is occurring at the table due to computers and loyalty cards.
Figures So Far
According to the Gaming Control Board, after an increase in casino employee theft in 2009, arrests decreased in 2010. Although arrests cannot be seen as a reflection of the amount of theft, it is thought that since less supervisors have been around, there has not been an increase in theft.
Jerry Markling, enforcement chief of the Control Board, backs up this argument stating that large casinos will usually get the Control Board involved if an individual is found to be stealing or cheating.
Concerns
However, a previous Nevada regulator and current casino security consultant, Bill Zender, feels differently about the situation and thinks that this is not a wise move by casinos.
“A floor supervisor can’t reasonably watch more than six games,” he explained. “So they’re not going to catch mistakes. And surveillance only has a handful of people (watching security cameras) so they’re not going to catch them either. I think (the casinos) are going overboard trying to save a few dollars and I think they’re missing the point.”