Casino operators and their employees are taking advantage of eConnect University’s free advanced online surveillance training program.
eConnect University (eCU) is the online education and certification platform from eConnect that’s designed for surveillance security compliance and operations professionals in gaming and hospitality. It delivers structured role-based training using real system interfaces and scenario-based modules, according to Dave McCormick, Director of Marketing. It’s also a software provider for the industry.
“We’re the No. 1 facial recognition provider for gaming,” McCormick said of their software. “We integrate with the casino’s existing camera systems.”
McCormick said the surveillance world is changing, with new roles emerging such as technical positions and system administration positions. It’s similar to the early 2000s when there was a shift from VHS to digital, and he said their goal is to help people build careers and stay ahead of technology. Since eCU is deploying facial recognition systems, that’s highly technical and requires training.
“As gaming and hospitality evolve with AI-driven analytics, cashless ecosystems, multi-venue operations and greater regulatory demands, the role of surveillance and security professionals is shifting,” McCormick explained. “Their work is no longer just watching cameras but becoming data-enabled system users, analysts and cross-functional collaborators. eCU equips them for this next era and provides credentials that reflect that readiness.”
With facial recognition technology, McCormick emphasized that it’s not about installing it and forgetting about it. There are daily tasks and maintenance of databases. There are alerts going off, and a new skillset is required to respond.
“We’re about to uncover networks of people, and that’s probably one of the more advanced features,” he said. “If you walk in the door with the same people within a certain time period repeatedly, we know you two are associated. We can extend that network out to other people. A lot of times it’s a criminal network.”
The program is geared for front-line surveillance operators mastering real-time alert workflows and system tools; system administrators managing enrollments tagging database health and compliance protocols; and analysts and team leads developing skills in advanced analytics cross-department workflows and operational optimization, said McCormick.
“In an industry where training is often minimal and upward movement can be challenging, eCU creates real career pathways,” he said. “People want to grow in their careers, and there are not necessarily a whole lot of training opportunities for this industry. Our software is pretty well recognized, so people taking their surveillance career seriously, this helps them along. It boosts their prospects. Having these accolades on their resume lets other employers know that person is up-to-date on the newest technology and investigative techniques. That’s pretty helpful.”
Participants earn digital credentials and verifiable certifications and can add to their resumes and share on professional networks, making training count toward career advancement, said McCormick. The clear role-specific tracks and recognized credentials help individuals articulate their value, pursue internal mobility and advance into higher-responsibility positions, he noted.
“The program closes the gap between technology adoption and operational expertise, helping organizations turn investments into skilled human capital,” McCormick said. “With hundreds of client properties aligned to eConnect’s training ecosystem the credentials hold value across the sector.”
There are role-specific tracks and on-demand access with each course aligning with a job role, and it is accessible anytime, which suits shift-based operations in gaming and hospitality.
The training uses the actual eConnect software interface and real-world workflows rather than theoretical modules.
There is a focus on operational ROI as graduates are better equipped to reduce false alerts, improve system performance, optimize workflows and support compliance goals, said McCormick.
There’s also training on how to identify theft within a casino resort for those who use cash registers. If people are just looking at the camera, it doesn’t reveal much, he added.