• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • iGaming
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Melco updating face recognition tech in Macau this year

Apr 16, 2019 Newsdesk Japan, Latest News, Macau, Philippines, Top of the deck  


Melco updating face recognition tech in Macau this year

Asian casino promoter Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd says it is “preparing to install the latest generation” of facial recognition technology in its venues in Macau and Manila this year. The firm gave the news in its Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2018 issued on Monday.

“In 2016, Melco became the first operator in Asia to deploy real-time facial recognition security systems at every entrance to our gaming areas in Macau, assisting self exclusion,” noted the report.

“Melco [Resorts] has since been refining the technology and is preparing to install the latest generation in its properties in both Macau and Manila in 2019,” it added.

In some Western jurisdictions, public debate on the use – either by the state or the private sector – of facial recognition technology has focused on whether it poses a threat to privacy and personal liberty. In some parts of Asia it has been embraced as a useful tool for crime control and protective surveillance.

Last month a representative of Macau’s Unitary Police Service said that cameras equipped with facial recognition technology would help deter criminal activity in the vicinity of the city’s casinos.

Melco Resorts also has its sights on gaining a casino licence in Japan, where the authorities have expressed some interest in facial recognition systems as a way of mitigating the potential social harm of gambling. This is on the basis it can be used to control – more efficiently than relying on the eyes of security staff alone – who has access to gaming venues.

Persons that casinos might want to exclude include those already registered as having problems with compulsive gambling; those already blacklisted for whatever reason; or people that are under age.

Melco Resorts said in its latest sustainability report that its “MelGuard” system was the world’s first “’biometric intelligence system’ for responsible gaming, developed by Melco”.

The report added: “The technology uses biometric indicators to prevent restricted individuals” – including the self-excluded – “from entering the casino floor, while complying with data privacy requirements”.

The document further stated, referring latterly to a system that Japan has been introducing whereby the country’s citizens are being issued with a unique card that can give them access to a range of public services: “For potential operations in Japan, our plan is to use MelGuard in conjunction with the “MyNumber” card as a means of authentication for those seeking to enter the casino areas of the integrated resort.”

Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, chairman and chief executive of Melco Resorts, had pitched the MelGuard technology during a presentation in Tokyo in late 2017 presenting a possible concept for its vaunted Japan casino venue.

Melco Resorts also announced on Monday a sustainability strategy called “Above and Beyond”. According to a press release, the group’s strategy focuses on meeting some key goals by 2030, including achieving “carbon-neutral resorts”; setting targets for achieving reductions across a range of emissions; and achieving “zero waste” in relation to resort operations.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • CoD Mediterranean construction facing delays: Lawrence Ho
    CoD Mediterranean construction facing...

    May 06, 2022  

  • Melco Resorts 1Q EBITDA of US$56mln, narrows loss
    Melco Resorts 1Q EBITDA of US$56mln,...

    May 06, 2022  

More news
  • Melco to launch new family attraction at Studio City in June
    Melco to launch new family attraction...

    May 19, 2022  

  • Andrew Lo takes controlling stake in Suncity, Summit Ascent
    Andrew Lo takes controlling stake in...

    May 19, 2022  


Latest News

Melco to launch new family attraction at Studio City in June

Melco to launch new family attraction at Studio City in June

May 19, 2022  

Casino operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd announced on Thursday that it would launch at the end of June a new, themed zone for “family-friendly” entertainment at its majority-owned...
Read More
Andrew Lo takes controlling stake in Suncity, Summit Ascent

Andrew Lo takes controlling stake in Suncity, Summit Ascent

May 19, 2022  

Okada Manila chair Manuel Lazaro dies aged 87

Okada Manila chair Manuel Lazaro dies aged 87

May 19, 2022  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day


US$403.9 million

Interim normalised profit after tax and amortisation reported by slot machine maker and online gaming content provider Aristocrat Leisure



Most Popular

  • Wynn CEO, Macau execs in base pay cut in return for sharesWynn CEO, Macau execs in base pay cut in return for shares May 17, 2022
  • U.S. says Steve Wynn ‘foreign agent’, lobbied for ChinaU.S. says Steve Wynn ‘foreign agent’, lobbied for China May 18, 2022
  • Andrew Lo takes controlling stake in Suncity, Summit AscentAndrew Lo takes controlling stake in Suncity, Summit Ascent May 19, 2022
  • New Lim cruise biz only months after GEN HK in liquidationNew Lim cruise biz only months after GEN HK in liquidation May 18, 2022
Copyright 2014-2022 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us