How a sharp eye at Holland Casino exposed cheating
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9 Nov 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes In the latest episode of Stand van Nederland, the WNL research program, theft in the workplace was examined. This time, Holland Casino landed in the spotlight. The state casino uses thousands of cameras to keep a close eye on everything in all its branches and to prevent fraud.
For the broadcast, the team visited the control center of Holland Casino in Hoofddorp. Here, in a room with more than 3,300 cameras that are on 24/7, everything in the casino is continuously monitored. The presenter spoke with Danielle Quaita, team leader of the control center. Together they looked at what exactly can be seen from this center.
With fixed cameras and drones, the control center sees everything
Danielle Quaita said that they can literally see everything thanks to the combination of fixed cameras and drones. The presenter was curious about what the control center looks for in the staff of Holland Casino. Quaita explains that they keep a close eye on employees who are in corners or only talking to one guest.
“If you see someone who is always standing in a corner, that is a signal, someone might be secretly putting money in their pocket.”
Quaita also emphasizes that Holland Casino employees must work exactly according to procedures. For example, they must show that their hands are empty and that they are not putting anything in their pockets.
“You want to show that you are working according to procedures anyway. So that your hands are empty, that you are not putting anything in your pockets, that you place the payments in such a way that it is clear to everyone what is there.”
“Continuously watched during your work, but you don’t notice it”
The presenter notes that it seems quite intense to be under constant supervision. But Quaita, who worked as a croupier for 21 years herself, says that she has never experienced it that way.
“It feels good, you know you’re protected. When you’re working with so much money, it’s reassuring to know that someone is watching you.”
Jim Hessling, who works as a croupier at Holland Casino, also talks about the camera surveillance in the broadcast.
“I’m actually never concerned about being watched. You know that this is quite a fraud-sensitive job. You’re constantly working with money and chips, so I understand that they’re keeping an eye on us.”
Recent incident: three arrests after attempted cheating
The fact that Holland Casino keeps a close eye on things is no unnecessary luxury. Less than a week ago, three Chinese people were arrested for attempted cheating in several branches of Holland Casino. The three used a clever trick in the casino game Punto Banco, which earned them a substantial profit in Venlo. When they tried again a few days later in Utrecht, their plan was seen through by an observant employee. It just goes to show how important it is to stay sharp in the world of casinos.