With the growing popularity of online casino games, cellphones have proven to be an integral part of the gambling industry. Nowadays, developers make a point of optimizing casino games for mobile so that gamblers can also play on the go. Despite this, the reality is that the casino industry (particularly land-based casinos) can be compromised by cellphones, which is why they block or regulate the use of cellphones.
While some casinos deploy signal-jamming technologies, many opt for behavior-changing measures. The casino may ask players to leave the premises if a player violates these. Some casinos also rely on thick walls to block cellphone reception.
Reasons Why Cellphones Are Blocked at Casinos
Casino etiquette and rules dictate that no electronics, including cellphones, may be used while a player is seated at a casino table. The one table game where phones are universally banned is roulette. This is because cellphones can be used to estimate ball landings with statistically significant accuracy once the ball is in play, but before ‘’No More Bets’’ has been called.
More generally, many players prefer the casino to be a social space free of any video recording or picture-taking without their consent while they’re on the floor or enjoying a game.
But there are other reasons why casinos block cellphones.
Security
Cellphones can be used to take pictures and videos of the casino layout as part of mapping the building for a potential robbery, heist or even kidnapping winners for their fortunes. To increase security, casinos block cellphones and make use of both overt and covert casino surveillance measures.
Privacy
Gambling establishments are big on privacy. Not all gamblers are open about their love for casino table games or live dealer casino games. To ensure player privacy, casinos notify patrons at the entrance that the taking of photos and videos is not allowed. In this day and age, casinos are frequented by public figures and influencers and being seen at casinos may compromise their brand affiliations because of misconceptions and the many gambling myths that exist in modern society.
To Prevent Cheating
For a casino, the downside of a smartphone is that it can be loaded with apps that may give a gambler an unfair advantage over the casino, such as a card counter for live dealer blackjack games to determine when to hit, stand, and double their wager.
High-end systems can perform probability calculations and statistical algorithms on the outcome of several games. For instance, dishonest players may measure the speed of the ball on a roulette wheel using a built-in laser scanner on their phones and then have that information processed and used to forecast where the ball is likely to land.
Isolation
The casino industry is a highly lucrative one. Like any business, casinos want to make the most of gamblers and their bankrolls. This is one of the reasons why casinos are built with no windows or clocks — players are isolated and lose track of time.
The longer players feel isolated from the outside world, the greater the chance of them dedicating more time to variety games, slots and more. Blocking cellphones limits contact with the outside world and encourages players to spend more time on their favorite games.
Casino Surveillance and Why You Should Avoid Doing Anything Illegal
Because of the vast amounts of money that flow through them, casinos are high-risk establishments. As such, they’re obvious targets for potential robberies. This explains why casino surveillance is extremely tight, from armed security to cameras, and general on-the-ground staff. It is also why trying to cheat in a casino is a silly idea. Casinos have eyes everywhere — you’d get caught no matter how sneakily you tried to use your cellphone. Adhere to a casino’s rules to avoid being asked to leave, suspended, or banned.
How Cellphone Usage Rules Vary Depending on the State You’re In
Cellphone usage rules differ depending on the casino and state you’re in. As a general rule of thumb, you can’t use your cellphone on the floor, especially if you’re playing table games. However, there may be a bit more freedom when it comes to slots. Slot machines are randomized, and very little can be done to affect the outcome. As such, some casinos and states may permit the use of cellphones only when spinning the reels.
It’s always best to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of the state and casino you find yourself in.
How Do Online Casinos Differ Regarding Cellphone Usage?
Two of the main motivations for regulating cellphones in land-based casinos are privacy and confidentiality. To an extent, these aren’t as much of a concern when playing online casino for real money. Online casinos have other measures to prevent cheating and infringement on the privacy of others. After all, a cellphone is one of the important ways in which players access online casinos.
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There’s no doubt that for the integrity of both gambling and players, it’s important for casinos to have measures in place to limit the use of cellphones. If you want to access online slots, live dealer and table games at your fingertips, register now at Borgata Online to start playing.