Part II: Casino Operations · Surveillance & Security

Observation Deck / Catwalk

Operations

An elevated walkway or platform above the casino gaming floor, historically used by security personnel to physically observe games from overhead before the widespread adoption of CCTV cameras. While largely obsolete in modern casino operations, some properties retain catwalks for maintenance access and as backup observation points. The catwalk gave rise to the term “eye in the sky” and was the precursor to modern electronic surveillance.

In practice

Older properties in Nevada and Atlantic City may still have functional catwalks; most Asia-Pacific integrated resorts were built without them, using fully electronic surveillance from inception.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.