Las Vegas casinos focus on protecting profits, not spotting threats, experts say

In the shadow of the worst mass shooting in modern history, Las Vegas is hosting the world’s largest gaming convention with nearly 150 panels. But of the handful of speakers slated to address security concerns at the Global Gaming Expo this week, nearly all are focused on protecting casinos from dangers such as cyber threats, frivolous lawsuits and scams.

The only panel that might discuss mass shooters focuses on internal workplace violence. Some experts say the lack of attention to thwarting the kind of mass shooting that killed 58 concertgoers here Sunday outside Mandalay Bay reflects a priority for protecting profits and a reluctance to inconvenience guests.

“They’re really good on the casino floor finding cheating and picking up on financial irregularities,” said Michael Rozin, a former Israeli security agent whose company provides consulting on threats to large venues like Mall of America. “As far as potential threats like terrorists, shooters, the focus is simply not there.”

Rozin said indicators like the large amount of heavy luggage, changes in gaming patterns tracked on player cards and the cameras Stephen Paddock planted in the Mandalay Bay hallways could have been important warning signs to casino security. Authorities say Paddock broke out two windows in the hotel and rained bullets on the crowd at a nearby country music festival.

Other security experts say thwarting a lone gunman intent on carrying out mass murder is nearly impossible without major invasions of privacy and constitutional rights.

Jeffrey Slotnick, president of Setracon Enterprise Security Risk Management Services, said mass shooters usually give signs they might attack on social media or confide in others, warnings that would often be outside the purview of casino security.

“This gentleman is so far out of the normal model that it would be hard to spot,” he said.

While casinos in Macau screen customers with metal detectors, experts say many here would likely not put up with such measures.

Other experts pointed out that Paddock was a high roller and that casinos are reluctant to inconvenience people who spend a lot of money at their properties.

Big players get perks so casinos might not want to hassle them, said consultant C. David Shephard, a former security director at The Venetian.

“If you’re a multimillionaire, you get what you want,” he said, adding it is tough to fault the casino in the Paddock attack.

Mehmet Erdem, associate professor of hospitality at University of Nevada Las Vegas, said hotel employees are focused on guest privacy, which is why he believes the cameras set up in the hotel hallway leading to Paddock’s room, if seen by staff, should have raised red flags.

“There’s no way somebody is going to see it and not report it, because that is not a normal thing,” Erdem said.

MGM spokeswoman Debra DeShong said the casino continues to work with authorities to keep customers safe.

“Security continues to be a top priority at all of MGM Resorts as our security team is working tirelessly to protect the safety of our guests and facilities,” she said. “MGM Resorts has increased its level of security to add to the level of comfort and safety of our guests and employees.”

Contact Arthur Kane at akane@reviewjournal.com. Follow @ArthurMKane on Twitter. Contact Brian Joseph at bjoseph@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5208. Follow @bjoseph1 on Twitter.