Facial recognition technology is garnering growing interest in the UK gambling industry as operators explore new ways to manage entry, enhance security, and support responsible gambling initiatives.
Many visitors are curious whether slot machines themselves use this technology, how it might affect privacy, and what role it plays in self-exclusion and player protection. There’s also increasing attention on how UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) rules shape what casinos can and cannot do with biometric data.
This blog post breaks down what facial recognition is, how it might be used in UK casinos, whether it’s built into slot machines, and what safeguards are in place to protect your data.
Read on to learn more.
Facial recognition technology works by using images of faces to identify or verify individuals. It’s a digital tool that compares what a camera sees to images held for specific reasons. In casinos, it is starting to shape how some things are done behind the scenes—particularly at entrances and in areas where closer oversight is needed.
While this technology is being adopted, it’s important to note that its use is not yet widespread across all UK casinos. Currently, it is mainly present in larger venues or those operated by companies focusing heavily on player well-being and compliance. Smaller venues may not use it at all.
It may be used for a number of specific tasks, helping staff respond more effectively and in line with venue rules. While it supports these processes, it does not make decisions on its own.
In the UK, there are clear requirements around how this kind of data must be handled. Only essential data should be collected, and it must be stored securely, used only for stated purposes, and explained to those visiting the venue.
In the UK, facial recognition is not typically built into slot machines themselves. Instead, the technology—where it is present—is part of the wider venue setup. This might include cameras at entry points and around the casino floor, but not inside individual gaming terminals.
Some newer machines are designed to connect with external systems, such as venue-wide networks or player membership features. However, this is different from the machine itself performing any facial scanning or identification. These connections often support loyalty tracking or responsible gambling prompts rather than biometric recognition.
Monitoring at the machine level usually relies more on traditional methods, such as overhead cameras, loyalty cards, and the trained staff who observe play across the floor.
To understand how a specific venue manages this, visitors can refer to the privacy notice and signs available onsite, which describe how both the machines and the wider area are monitored.
Facial recognition is mainly found in land-based UK casinos and is typically focused on entrances and restricted zones. The systems can support staff by checking whether someone should be allowed in or whether further steps are needed before entry. In some cases, the technology is also in use inside the venue, where it supports teams in responding to specific situations.
One way it is being used is in connection with individuals who have chosen to stay away from gambling environments. When a potential match is detected, staff step in to decide what should happen next. This review is important—it ensures that action isn’t taken based solely on an alert.
There are also uses that go beyond entry points. For example, cameras may assist with managing access to certain areas or with responding to incidents on the floor. Some casinos are exploring ways it can support interactions with players, but always as a prompt—leaving the final decision to staff.
The level of implementation varies greatly between venues. While some leading operators are investing in this technology, many UK casinos still rely on more traditional surveillance methods, especially smaller or independent establishments.
Signs and privacy notices are there to outline what each casino is doing.
Yes, it often is. Self-exclusion is a system that allows individuals to take a step back from gambling environments for a set period. Facial recognition can help casinos support that choice, particularly by making it easier to identify if someone under an exclusion has entered or is about to enter the premises.
In some cases, the system goes a little further. It may be used to prompt staff to speak with someone already inside the venue, based on what the technology notices and the rules of the casino. These prompts are there to support staff awareness—not to make decisions automatically.
Importantly, this system works alongside other methods such as checks on ID, tools connected to accounts, and other oversight processes. It is one more element in a broader set of measures designed to assist in how staff respond.
Understanding these uses helps explain why there are strict rules on how the technology is managed.
The UKGC sets out that any use of facial recognition must be appropriate and compliant with UK data protection law. In practice, this means casinos must explain clearly why they are using it and must apply safeguards that respect individual rights.
This includes making sure that data is kept secure, that only a limited number of people can access it, and that those visiting are informed about what is being done. There should be an internal record of how the system operates, and staff must be trained to use it properly.
The technology must not be used more broadly than necessary, and data must not be kept for longer than justified. Secure deletion is essential once it is no longer needed.
People also have the right to know what information is held about them, to ask for it to be corrected, or to raise concerns if they believe rules are not being followed. Oversight is shared between the UKGC and the Information Commissioner’s Office, both of which can investigate issues and require changes where needed.
With these requirements in mind, it’s worth considering how this affects you directly when entering a casino.
Casinos in the UK must follow legal standards when handling personal data gathered through facial recognition and other systems like CCTV. These include strong storage protections, limits on who can access data, and rules about how long information is kept.
The purpose for collecting the data should be specific and easy to understand. Most venues make this clear through signs near the entrance and a privacy notice, which can usually be found online or on-site.
If you’ve visited a casino and want to know what is held about you, you are allowed to request this. If any of the details are incorrect, you can ask for corrections. If you have concerns, venues are expected to explain how to raise a complaint—and you can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Used correctly, this technology can support smoother venue operations without compromising your privacy. If you’re unsure about how a particular venue handles this, ask a team member or review the privacy information they provide.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.