This is Why RFID Key Control is the Best Solution for Casino Security

Security professionals often don’t realize how critical physical key security is in casino gaming. The world is going increasingly digital, and gaming is no exception. The loss of a single key can lead to steep fines and force casinos to rekey entire wings of their venue to the tune of five or sometimes even six figures. In rare cases, a single lost key can result in major theft too.

RFID is one of many popular wireless standards used for technology in business settings, but it is perhaps the best choice for key tracking. RFID key tags come in both active and passive versions. 

Active-powered RFID tags include a small battery to boost their signal so sensors can read

 them at a distance, typically up to about 20 meters. They’re more versatile but can also be more expensive and must be replaced when the battery eventually wears out. 

Passive RFID tags have no internal battery. Instead, they draw wireless power from a sensor when they’re in close proximity, such as when taken or removed from a sensor-embedded lock slot. They are solid state technology and durable. Providers, like Real Time Networks, issue them with a lifetime warranty. 

In addition, passive tags are small enough to fit on even the smallest key rings. They can even be embedded into critical assets, like casino security radios, when the tags are used for asset tracking. 

RFID tags are durable and rarely break, which is why RTN offers a lifetime warranty on tags. But they’re still very cost-effective. These inexpensive tags have powerful capabilities for what amounts to a bit of hardened plastic with a computer chip embedded.

Modern RFID key systems are networked, which means you can have a sprawling venue with key lockers everywhere, and manage them together from a single software dashboard. You can also network together different systems, like key exit and asset storage systems with key lockers, and manage them together from the same dashboard. 

Real Time Network’s software is browser-based, which means you can manage your key lockers from any authorized PC, tablet, or phone. 

RTN key fobs are cylindrical, which means there is no right or wrong way to insert them into a lock slot. The RFID sensors can also identify a key stored in any locked slot. When a user signs out a key, the lock slot lights up wherever the key is so that users can find it.

In many jurisdictions where casinos operate, key tracking is strictly regulated. A key exit alarm system paired with a key tracking locker can give you instant awareness about who has which keys and where in real-time anywhere in your venue.

RFID key lockers not only improve how casino workers already work, they support entirely new workflows not possible before. You can create checklists that employees must complete at signout or return to the access terminal. For example, you can prompt employees to report any issues using the keys or damage to the keys or tags. Supervisors can receive instant alerts, and you can expedite repairs. 

RFID key lockers not only improve how casino workers already work, they support entirely new workflows not possible before. You can create checklists that employees must complete at signout or return to the access terminal. For example, you can prompt employees to report any issues using the keys or damage to the keys or tags. Supervisors can receive instant alerts, and you can expedite repairs. 

As we've discussed, RFID signals can pass easily through paper, plastic, and other organic materials like wood. But metal and water can both interfere with signals. Think about the layout of your facility if you’re considering a key exit alarm system in a mostly metal venue, like a riverboat. Signals will bounce down the length of every hallway, giving you a nonstop stream of false positives. 

Instead of a key exit system in that setting, you might want to consider other casino security measures to control key signouts. For example, you might want to set curfews on key transactions so supervisors receive instant alerts when a key is overdue for return. 

Sensors need to read passive tags at close range. They can’t be read at long range as actively-powered RFID tags can. So consider when and where it is appropriate in your venue to use passive tag key tracking. 

There are potential read issues at range with actively-powered tags too. For example, sensors can read active tags up to 20 meters away, but they have difficulty determining how close tags are once they’re less than 5 meters away or so. 

That can be an issue in tightly packed offices. For example, if there is a thin wall between your rear exit and your breakroom. If employees routinely take keys into the breakroom, you may get a constant stream of false positives from the rear exit alarm.

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