Human trafficking is one of the most profitable and pervasive forms of transnational organized crime, affecting an estimated 25 million people worldwide annually. Unfortunately, casinos and hospitality venues are often targeted by traffickers due to the transient nature of these environments. In response to this growing crisis, eConnect hosted a powerful webinar on September 24th titled, "Enhancing Casino Security: Leveraging Facial Recognition Technology to Combat Human Trafficking."

Hosted by Chris Faria of Tribal Gaming & Hospitality, the webinar featured industry leaders Henry Valentino and Matthew Carrier of eConnect, alongside Dalton Schadewitz, Surveillance Investigations Supervisor at Ilani Casino Resort. Together, they explored how facial recognition technology is being deployed to detect and prevent human trafficking, while also protecting casino guests and employees.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

  1. The Disturbing Reality of Human Trafficking Human trafficking remains a global crisis, with reports of activity in all 50 U.S. states. According to a report from the American Gaming Association, the gaming industry has a moral and legal obligation to ensure safe environments for both customers and employees, free from exploitation. Casinos, especially those located near major transportation hubs, can be prime locations for traffickers to operate. The average age of a trafficking victim is just 13 to 14 years old – a shocking and tragic statistic that underscores the urgent need for more effective tools to combat this crime.

  2. How Facial Recognition Technology is Making a Difference Dalton Schadewitz shared how Ilani Casino Resort has been using eConnect’s facial recognition technology to track potential traffickers and their associates. This tool has been invaluable in identifying trafficking patterns and flagging individuals who have a history of involvement in trafficking networks. Even when traffickers use fake identities, their faces remain a key identifier, allowing casino surveillance teams to take action before further harm is done.

  3. Association Mapping: A Critical Tool One of the most innovative features of eConnect’s facial recognition software is its ability to map associations between individuals. Dalton explained how this feature helps casinos uncover networks of traffickers by analyzing how often and in what context people enter the property together. This insight is essential for identifying and disrupting organized crime rings, which often include traffickers, drug dealers, and money launderers.

  4. Proactive Security and Time-Saving Technology In addition to combatting human trafficking, facial recognition helps save time for surveillance teams by providing real-time alerts when flagged individuals re-enter the property. This proactive approach ensures that potential threats are dealt with before incidents escalate. Dalton shared how this technology not only helps prevent trafficking but also mitigates other crimes like theft, property damage, and fraud, protecting both the casino and its guests.

  5. Troubling Connections to Other Crimes Dalton emphasized that human trafficking is often just one piece of a larger criminal network. According to his experiences, trafficking operations are frequently connected to drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crimes, such as murder. Recognizing and tracking these interconnected activities is critical for maintaining a safe environment in the casino.

Why You Should Watch the Replay:

With so many disturbing facts surrounding human trafficking, now more than ever, it’s essential for casino operators to stay ahead of these threats. If you missed the live webinar, you can still watch the replay and learn how eConnect’s facial recognition technology is making a real difference in the fight against human trafficking.

In this webinar, you’ll hear:

  • Real-world success stories from Dalton Schadewitz on how Ilani Casino Resort is using this technology to protect their guests and combat trafficking.
  • Expert insights on how mapping associations between individuals can help detect and disrupt trafficking networks.
  • Practical advice on how to integrate facial recognition into your casino’s existing security infrastructure to prevent trafficking and other criminal activity.

Click below to watch the replay and see how eConnect’s innovative technology can enhance your casino’s security:

 

 

Human trafficking is a heinous crime that affects some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. By leveraging cutting-edge tools like facial recognition, casinos can play a vital role in the fight to end this global crisis. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to protect your property, guests, and community.

 

About the Author

Dave McCormick

Dave McCormick

Dave McCormick is a seasoned marketing director and expert in marketing technology, with a background in software development and technical support. Originally from Michigan, Dave is based out of Las Vegas and has witnessed firsthand the transformation and growth of the city, adding a unique perspective to his professional and personal life. Having spent over a decade at eConnect within the gaming industry, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. Outside of work, Dave is a dedicated family person, happily married with two children.