The casino surveillance profession is experiencing one of the most significant periods of change in its history. What was once viewed primarily as a monitoring and investigative function has evolved into a critical component of enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and operational intelligence.
For the past five years, surveillance professionals and casino executives have participated in the International Association of Casino Surveillance Professionals (IACSP) Annual Surveillance Survey, helping create one of the industry’s most valuable benchmarking resources. The survey provides a unique snapshot of how surveillance departments are staffed, organized, compensated, trained, and equipped across the gaming industry.
Participation in the survey has grown substantially in recent years, reflecting the increasing importance of surveillance within modern casino operations. The industry’s willingness to share information and benchmark performance has helped identify emerging trends and provided valuable insight into how surveillance departments continue to evolve.
The survey experienced a 55% increase in participation between 2023 and 2025, demonstrating growing industry interest in benchmarking and sharing best practices.
Five-Year Industry Highlights
Technology Adoption is Accelerating
Over the past five years, surveillance departments have continued to invest in advanced technologies, including facial recognition, video analytics, integrated security platforms, and AI-assisted investigative tools. What was once considered cutting-edge technology is rapidly becoming part of the industry’s standard toolkit. The trend is clear: surveillance operations are becoming increasingly technology-driven and data-focused.
Staffing and Retention Remain Industry-Wide Challenges
While surveillance responsibilities continue to expand, many departments report ongoing difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. Competition for experienced surveillance operators, supervisors, and technical staff remains strong. The data also shows continuing upward pressure on compensation, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals throughout the gaming industry.
Surveillance Has Become a Strategic Business Function
Perhaps the most significant finding from the past five years is the changing role of surveillance within casino organizations. Surveillance departments are increasingly involved in enterprise risk management, fraud prevention, compliance, cybersecurity support, and operational intelligence. Executive leadership is relying more heavily on surveillance teams to provide actionable information that helps protect assets, support regulatory compliance, and improve business performance.
Why Participate?
For casino executives, the IACSP Survey provides objective benchmarking data that can support decisions regarding staffing, budgets, technology investments, and organizational structure. Understanding how peer organizations are responding to industry challenges can help management teams make more informed strategic decisions.
For surveillance directors, managers, supervisors, technicians, and agents, the survey provides an opportunity to compare their operation against industry norms and identify areas for improvement. The collective knowledge gained through participation benefits the entire profession and strengthens the voice of surveillance within the gaming industry.
The 2026 survey arrives at a pivotal moment. Artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cyber threats, organized fraud activity, and evolving regulatory expectations are changing the operating environment for casinos throughout North America. Reliable industry data has never been more important.
Every completed survey strengthens the industry’s ability to identify trends, establish benchmarks, and support the continued advancement of casino surveillance. Whether your operation is a small regional property or a large integrated resort, your participation helps create a more accurate picture of the challenges and opportunities facing our profession.
A Message from IACSP President Derk Boss
“The casino surveillance profession is changing faster today than at any point in my career. New technologies, evolving threats, increasing regulatory expectations, and ongoing staffing challenges are reshaping how surveillance departments operate and contribute to their organizations.
The IACSP Annual Surveillance Survey gives us an opportunity to measure those changes, identify emerging trends, and learn from one another. Over the past five years, the survey has documented the growing importance of technology, the continuing challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, and the expanding role of surveillance as a strategic business partner within casino operations.
The strength of our survey depends entirely on the participation of professionals throughout the industry. Every response helps create more accurate benchmarks, stronger industry insights, and better information for surveillance leaders and casino executives. Whether you work as an agent, supervisor, technician, manager, director, or executive, your perspective matters.
I encourage you to participate in the 2026 IACSP Surveillance Survey and help us continue building the industry’s most valuable source of surveillance benchmarking data. Together, we can strengthen our profession and better prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
— Derk Boss
President, International Association of Casino Surveillance Professionals
Take the 2026 IACSP Surveillance Survey
Your experience matters. Your insights matter. Your participation helps shape the future of casino surveillance.
Complete the 2026 IACSP Surveillance Survey and help build the industry’s most comprehensive source of surveillance benchmarking data.
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