We forwarded this question to a surveillance agent of our acquaintance (who, for obvious reasons, needs to remain anonymous). Here's what he had to say about the catwalks.
First, I’ll explain to the uninitiated what a "catwalk" is. In the 1950s and 1960s, surveillance cameras had yet to be invented. Thus, they were non-existent in the casino pits and slot floors. The way casino surveillance agents kept an eye on the bouncing bankroll was via catwalks -- dark, dingy, dangerous, and asbestos-coated ceiling walk spaces directly above the casino, where wooden planks set across steel beams allowed access to seasoned cheats (who now worked for the casino) to oversee the table games. If these observers could see a slot bank or two, that was considered a bonus, even though everyone back then knew that you couldn’t cheat a slot machine (and how wrong they were).
The mid-1970s saw the advent of the (surveillance) camera. Though they were costly, untrusted by most, and unsightly to all, the concept caught on. By the mid-‘80s, cameras were no longer an alternative to catwalks. The Gaming Control Board required the use of surveillance cameras in casino areas.
In the casino building boom that followed, the catwalks were left out of the design. Not only were they no longer useful, but they also took up extra space and required the ceiling over the gaming arena to be too low; if the cameras were mounted on low ceilings, the casino risked having them vandalized or even stolen. Also, casino designers and game makers kept increasing the size of slot machine signage, which also rendered the catwalks useless.
Today, I only know of only two (very old) casinos that still have and utilize their catwalks. The other older casinos have boarded up the doors or floor tiles that led to the catwalks, due to reasons including the fear of asbestos, rotting walkway planks, and the risk of surveillance personnel falling over the edge (it did happen, but that’s another story).
Now, as far as your specific question is concerned, I can take a stab at answering it, being a lifetime student of human nature. Perhaps what you’re experiencing ("the feeling that I'm being watched") is a natural human response to the typical décor of a casino. Many casinos have mirror-type ceiling tiles; when you look up, you see your reflection. In addition, all the slot machines are chrome plated to the point where you can use them as mirrors and as you walk by; even if you don’t notice them, your brain is processing glimpses of yourself.
Years ago a study was performed where people were put in a room full of mirrors. After only a few moments, all the subjects complained of "feeling uncomfortable for unknown reasons." This was later learned to be paranoia. When the human eye can see more than the brain can process, it feels as if it’s missing something. This causes you to worry and feel self-conscious, as if you’re being watched.
To cover all bases, though, let’s say that you play at one of the few older casinos that still has a catwalk. The only reason you’d draw eyes from up there is if you’re really hot or you’re playing up to the casino’s maximum table wager. And even then, remember, they don’t have cameras in the catwalk.
So the worst-case scenario might be something like this. You’re in an older casino with a catwalk. You’re playing the table max. A surveillance agent on the catwalk is hovering over your shoulder. Even if you’re capping and pinching bets like there’s no tomorrow, it’ll be your word against the agent’s, unless he has a camcorder -- and believe me, he doesn’t. I mean, if a casino with catwalks would spend the money on handheld video cameras, it would spring for fixed surveillance cameras. Besides, every casino I’ve ever worked for that purchased handheld cameras to take close pictures of cheaters had them stolen within weeks or abused to the point of uselessness.
My advice, don’t fear the catwalks.
