RFID and Privacy Issues

Some of you may have seen a previous post of mine Real World RFID Application in Production Now . I heard about another interesting (chilling?) RFID application in the works in the casino industry.

If you have been to a big name casino, you’ve heard about the “players cards” or “players club cards” in which the gambler gives up all anonymity in exchange for the chance to be earn some of the famous casino perks or “comps” (short for complimentary drinks, meals, shows, etc.). This also makes it easier to become a “rated” gambler. The gambler inserts a coded card into a card reader at slot machines, blackjack tables, etc. and the casino can determine who is gambling, what games they play, how long they play, how much they bet per hour, etc.



I heard that the casios are going to embed RFID chips into the players cards. They also plan to embed RFID into the high-value gambling chips (eg. $100 chips and greater). Of course, the casinos can put RFID antennas in the ceiling, floor, game tables, etc. along with all the other video devices used to spot cheaters.

Imagine you run a casino. You track the players club card in the wallet of a high roller’s back pocket as he gets off the elevator and heads for the gambling floor. He buys some big chips. You can track his movements from table to table and from slot machine to slot machine. Red Alert! He’s heading for the bar with $12,000+ in chips in his pocket! That $12,000 is not in play while he’s in there. Radio the pit boss to have a hostess intercept him with an invitation to an exclusive high limit black jack table and offer some free cocktails.

I’m not a security and privacy expert, but it seems like there’s plenty of opportunity to exploit the RFID infomation here.

Copyright © 2006 by Philip Hartman - All Rights Reserved

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