The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has imposed a $7,500 fine on Evolution Gaming for a security breach that allowed an unidentifiable male to gain access into its Philadelphia live dealer studio.
Evolution’s live dealer studio is supposed to be a discrete location to protect the integrity of PA live dealer games, as well as the safety of dealers and other employees.
Male gained unauthorized access into Evolution’s studio
A male with no affiliation to Evolution Gaming was able to make his way into the building without access in January 2023, which is a violation of PGCB rules.
After failed entrance attempts, an Evolution employee eventually buzzed the male in without any authorization. The trespasser got passed another security guard in the building and wandered around the lobby, meeting rooms and the restroom.
He then followed a female employee past another set of doors, and another security guard, into the Team Member hallway and locker room area. The male made inappropriate gestures and comments to multiple female employees.
Security was finally notified of the trespasser and escorted him out after he found his way to another meeting room. He was in the building for approximately 17 minutes.
Lynne Kaufman of Cooper Levenson, representing Evolution Gaming, told the PGCB:
“We agree with the facts set forth and the proposed consent order, and acknowledge that there were significant security breaches based on a combination of human error, failure to follow procedures and exacerbated by layout that had room for improvement.
“We have done that to further ensure the safety of our employees and the security of the gaming floor and gaming-related areas.”
Extra measures Evolution Gaming has taken since breach
According to Kaufman, Evolution made demands to its security company at the time, which included better training and a better design. Ultimately, it changed security companies later that year in October.
The game presenters were alerted of the breach, as well as updated on the security protocols that must be followed. Evolution also added an extra security podium, along with an extra guard, inside the building that allows better sight lines.
The incident occurred on a shift change, where approximately 40 employees are entering and 40 leaving the building within minutes at a time. There has been additional training to handle shift-changes in the future.
“Evolution’s business model, as an internet gaming company, is very unusual,” Kaufman said. “It’s business model is based on believing that humans are better to present games than [virtual options]. They can’t value that unless you provide safety and security.”
This appears to be a one-time mistake for Evolution. There has not been a breach before or after this specific incident in Philadelphia or at any other location.
