Dr. Ian Messenger, Founder and CEO of the Association of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists (ACGCS) chats to Canadian Gaming Business about the newly launched Certified Casino Security and Surveillance Specialist certification, specifically designed with casino security in mind. Messenger outlines why the course is so beneficial, and dissects some of the key security issues facing the casino sector in 2024.

CGB: Tell us a little bit about the CCSSS certification. What is it and what does it cover?

Ian Messenger: This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the critical components of casino security and surveillance. Students will explore the fundamental principles of securing casino environments, including risk identification and mitigation strategies tailored to the unique challenges of the industry. 

Emphasising both theory and practical applications, the course covers surveillance techniques used to detect and prevent fraud, theft, and other criminal activities in gaming establishments. Students will gain an understanding of the legal and ethical considerations inherent in casino security operations, while also developing key communication and incident management skills. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a safe, secure and compliant casino environment.

SBC: What was the thinking around the launch of the new certification and why do you think that security and surveillance required a whole certification of its own? 

IM: The creation of this new certification was driven by interest from industry. While we address Security and Surveillance in our Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification, these roles have specific knowledge and techniques that require a fuller exploration beyond a compliance overview. The Certified Security and Surveillance Specialist certification allow us to explore in depth essential topics including:

• Security Personnel Roles and Responsibilities
• Surveillance Technologies and Systems
• Casino Layout and Vulnerability Assessment
• Cheating Methods and Detection Techniques
• Preventing and Detecting Fraud and Theft
• Guest and Employee Safety
• Investigations and Reporting
• Legal and Ethical Considerations in Surveillance
• Emergency Management and Incident Response
• Risk Management and Security Planning
• Communication and Coordination in Security Operations

CGB: What risks do casino operators face if they lack adequate security and surveillance?

IM: Without adequate security and surveillance, casino operators face significant risks including financial losses from fraud and theft, legal and regulatory violations, and reputational damage. 

Fraudulent activities like cheating or employee theft may go undetected, leading to financial harm, while non-compliance with strict regulations could result in hefty fines or loss of operating licences. Poor security also increases the likelihood of violent incidents or customer disputes, which can harm both staff and patron safety, and damage the casino’s public image. 

Additionally, inadequate surveillance may hinder effective incident response, allowing crimes or emergencies to escalate. These issues can lead to increased operational costs, including legal fees and damage control expenses, and may ultimately erode customer trust, reducing the casino’s competitive edge. 

CGB: Why do you think casinos need human security and surveillance expertise? Could this not be done by AI?

IM: Casinos need human security and surveillance expertise because human judgement, intuition, and adaptability are crucial in managing the complex and dynamic environment of a casino. While AI and technology can assist with data processing and pattern recognition, they still struggle with interpreting context, handling unpredictable situations, and making ethical or legal decisions. 

For example, detecting subtle signs of fraud, understanding the motivations behind certain behaviours, or managing a crisis situation requires the nuanced understanding that only trained human professionals can provide. Additionally, human security personnel are essential for interpreting and responding to situations in real-time, making decisions about legal compliance, and interacting with customers in ways that AI cannot. Human oversight is also needed to ensure AI systems are functioning properly and to adapt to evolving threats.

SBC: Who is the target demographic for the courses and how will you target them?

IM: The target demographic for this course are twofold; existing surveillance and security officers who are looking to develop their knowledge and expertise, and individuals who are looking to start a career in casino security and surveillance roles. 

SBC: How will ACGCS deliver the certification to students and in what ways will you assess? 

IM: This certification will be available as an ACGCS course granting the Certified Casino Security and Surveillance Specialist (CCSSS) certification, and also as a University Microcredential from Dalhousie University. Our courses offered in partnership with Dalhousie University, when students receive our Certification as well as a University Microcredential, are popular with individuals and teams alike who are seeking an academic qualification in casino gaming. Similar to Casino Gaming Investigations, we have to option to run private, specialised, versions of Casino Security and Surveillance to organisation

SBC: How does the CCSSS fit into the ACGCS’ overall product mix and will you be able to cross sell multiple courses to prospects?

IM: Certified Casino Security and Surveillance Specialist (CCSSS) certification both complements our flagship Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification and provides a more specialised course for those in security and surveillance. We have designed our certifications to be stand alone with no duplication of content. 

As a result, we believe that many individuals will find value in both certifications as their careers in compliance develop and broaden. For example, there is a natural career pathway from security and surveillance into other areas of casino compliance that are covered in our Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification. Similarly, senior compliance leaders who have a broad responsibility for compliance will find value in both; we have already seen senior leaders who hold the CGCS certification plan add the Certified Casino Security and Surveillance Specialist (CCSSS) to their 2025 training plans. 

Over the course of 2024 we have seen many casino professionals returning to us and completing additional ACGCS courses. For those who develop a broader knowledge in casino compliance, we wanted to recognise this through the creation of the Fellowship in Casino Gaming Compliance and Security (FCGCS). This advanced designation is awarded to those who have completed the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS), Certified Casino Security and Surveillance Specialist (CCSSS), Responsible Gaming and Player Protection, as well as Human Trafficking Risks in Casino Gaming. After completing these four courses, the FCGCS is awarded as an additional designation.