Caesars Palace Las Vegas Bets on IR Recognition Systems HandReaders -- and Saves $170,000; Biometric HandReaders Help Secure Vegas Hotspot, Cut Key Costs.

Business Editors

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2004

IR Recognition Systems, the biometric component of Ingersoll-Rand's (IR) Security & Safety Group's Electronic Access Control Division (EACD), today announced that Caesars Palace in Las Vegas has saved more than $170,000 in key management and replacement costs by integrating six HandReaders into its security operations.

"We wanted assurance that the correct people were gaining access in and out of highly secured areas and checking out keys," reports Frank Guckin, Locksmith Foreman for Access Control at Caesars Palace. "Biometrics was the only way to ensure this. We chose hand geometry because of its reliability and low false-read ratio."

HandReaders automatically take a three-dimensional reading of the size and shape of an employee's hand and verify the user's identity in less than one second. Hand geometry technology is the most commonly used technology for access control and time and attendance, according to Frost and Sullivan's "World Biometrics Report."

"We have many people access these areas 24 hours a day and, so far, we have not had one false read," Guckin continues. "Even if the hand was severed from the person and used by an imposter, the imposter could not gain entrance. Blood pressure, shape, and fluids all affect the geometry of a hand."

Caesars Palace, which employs 5,500 people, initially installed one standalone HandReader at the main cage four years ago. Since then, two additional networked HandReaders are located at satellite cages and used in "mantrap" areas. Here, individuals gain access with the HandReader, are then additionally verified with a camera, and only then let through the door. They have plans of getting their initial HandReader on the network in the near future.

At the casino's slot operations area, a networked HandReader ties into a Morse Watchman Keywatcher key box, which is a key management system designed to prevent lost or stolen keys. Instead of using the key box's keypad, however, the casino uses the HandReader for stricter access to the keys.

"This system has resulted in an estimated recoup of $170,000 previously lost in key administration. We spend a lot less time chasing down keys," Guckin reports.

Before installing the HandReader in these slot operations, three people worked eight-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, to administer keys. Because of the HandReader, that number has been reduced, resulting in a significant personnel savings.

Another HandReader is used for enrollment purposes at the lock shop. Guckin can enroll employees from his office and, within seconds, the other HandReaders are updated with the new information. In addition to Caesars Palace employees, all security personnel and locksmiths who handle the "drop cans" must also be enrolled in the system.

Employee reaction to the HandReaders has been good. "When we were looking at biometric alternatives, we found that many people were suspicious of fingerprinting. They had this idea that the information could somehow get to the authorities," Guckin says. "Fingerprint readers also have much higher rates of false reads. We looked into different biometric technologies prior to implementing hand geometry but for our application, hand geometry was faster, more accurate and perceived as less intrusive than other technologies."

Looking ahead, Guckin said, the property is still growing and there may be a need for more HandReaders. In addition, he is recommending that casino management tap the HandReaders for time and attendance.

"Many other Las Vegas casinos are using HandReaders to clock in their employees and track time and attendance," Guckin notes.

About Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Caesars Palace offers elegant accommodations, fine dining, world-class gaming, plus legendary entertainment and special events. The Forum Shops at Caesars are acclaimed as "The Shopping Wonder of the World." The property has 2,418 guest rooms & suites, three pools, two spas, 24 restaurants & cafes, a health spa, fitness center, and 160,000 sq. ft. conference center. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's leading gaming companies, with $4.7 billion in annual net revenue from its 29 properties around the world. Corporate headquarters are in Las Vegas.

About IR Recognition Systems

With over 75,000 hand geometry units throughout the world reading millions of hands each day, IR Recognition Systems, founded in 1986, is the pioneer of hand recognition technology used in access control, time and attendance and identification applications. The company is the world sales leader of biometric verification devices and serves an international clientele from its headquarters in Campbell, Calif. The hand geometry website is www.handreader.com. Phone is 408-341-4100. Recognition Systems is the biometric component of Ingersoll-Rand Corporation's Security & Safety Group's Electronic Access Control Division. The Ingersoll-Rand website is www.irco.com.

Note to Editors: A downloadable, high-resolution photograph of a HandReader at Caesars Palace is available at www.brighamscully.com. Click Photographs/IR Recognition Systems.