Published on: August 18, 2025, at 07:21h.
Updated on: August 18, 2025, at 11:19h.
- The author of “Why Should Women Avoid Wearing Red in a Casino?” asserts that infrared surveillance cameras can penetrate sheer or thin red clothing on the gaming floor.
- A famed expert in casino security refutes this claim.
Many women opt against donning red when selecting their casino outfits due to a questionable theory. A publication from 2001 suggested that cameras in casinos could see through red clothing if the fabric is sufficiently thin.
According to George Joseph, a specialist in casino surveillance, infrared-enabled black-and-white cameras render “red chips (or any red object) as a light shade.” He elaborates in his book, “Why Should Women Avoid Wearing Red in a Casino?”
The human eye can perceive light wavelengths from 400 to 700 nanometers, whereas an infrared-enabled black and white camera detects wavelengths extending up to approximately 1100 nanometers. This means little to typical surveillance personnel, until a woman wearing a delicate red silk outfit enters the scene.
“In numerous instances, the camera does not register much of the color red, making the dress appear almost transparent,” he noted.
Infrared Illusions?
Even individuals unfamiliar with infrared technology and spell-checking would recognize this argument’s weaknesses.
Joseph stated that infrared cameras interpret red as a lighter hue. So, why would red in a red dress be invisible rather than just lighter?
Fred Del Marva, another expert in casino surveillance and a consultant for prominent casinos like Caesars Palace, The Mirage, and Golden Nugget since 1986, weighed in.
“I’ve not encountered this issue,” Del Marva informed Casino.org, “and casinos are perpetually vigilant about potential liability concerns, so if this was true, I’d have certainly known.”
The only tangible support for Joseph’s assertion was a 1998 CNN article discussing a camcorder with night vision capabilities pulled by Sony for its ability to see through certain clothing.
Before its alteration, Sony’s NightShot camera could render thin synthetic materials (typically red or black) as see-through, but this phenomenon occurred solely in bright sunlight, which contributes significant infrared energy due to solar heat.
Indoor casino lighting lacks the IR intensity required to replicate this effect.
Fabric Fallacy
According to various reputable sources, even the thinnest clothing like silk obstructs or absorbs sufficient infrared indoors, preventing clear visibility of body shapes or undergarments.
Joseph’s only book, which is self-published, likely required an attention-grabbing title to reach readers. “Why Should Women Avoid Wearing Red in a Casino?” effectively draws people in, despite having only a few scant paragraphs discussing its sensational headline claim amidst answers to countless other questions about Las Vegas gambling.
“All major casinos employ experts familiar with infrared technology, just like the individual making these allegations,” Del Marva asserted. “If this were accurate, every casino would need to notify women as they entered the premises.
“Since they’ve never taken such measures, this is simply nonsense.”
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