Southern Arizona Tribal Casino: Las Vegas Style Casino built in Arizona with state of the art technology systems

Technology is changing the way that the gaming industry do business with fast paced, highly technological systems in every aspect of the business. Increased access-control needs, integrated point-of-sale systems, advanced audio/video displays, data-based accounting, and sophisticated marketing are elevating the importance of a single, secure, high-bandwidth network for Casino operations.

When the Tribal leaders decided to expand and upgrade their gaming facilities to include Southern Arizona’s first “Las Vegas” style casino, hotel and conference center, they knew that they would need a network solution that could support the advanced data communication needs.   NIC was able to provide a complete design, implementation and maintenance solution for the Tribe’s three gaming facilities. 

NIC worked with the Tribal Leaders, the Casino IT Department, the General Contractors and the Architects to ensure that the design of the new casino accounted for the industry’s new reliance on technology. Everything from general power requirements, to structural engineering for AV mounts, to the placement of WalkerDucts - Cable trays permanently laid into the foundation that manage the Cat6 and Fiber data cables for the slot floor—was negotiated and designed specific to the casino’s current and coming needs.

The casino solution included an end-to-end cabling solution designed to meet the IP and security requirements being pushed upon the gaming industry by the slot machine and other gaming supply manufactures’ turn to IP based systems. Not only would new equipment require secure 

Cat6 or Fiber connectivity, but the gaming floor needs to remain nimble for floor configuration changes central to retaining the “new and exciting” feel to the facility. NIC designed the WalkerDuct cable tray system with strategically placed pivot points allowing maximum flexibility of floor layout and cable connection points. Over 1.5million feet of AMP cable connect casino gaming to the network.

NIC recommended and integrated a multiple redundant Cisco 6500 series router core based network to support the high bandwidth applications and comply with strict gaming regulations.   The core network is routed and secured to handle and safely manage the data flow from slot machines, accounting systems, application files, office activities, voiced data from unified communications system, and distributed video traffic.   Cisco QoS enables NIC engineers to prioritize data traffic to ensure that voice data is processed before video data, which is processed prior to basic data files. The concept ensures that data activity is processed such that disruptions in voice and video signals are as minimal as possible providing a smooth, continuous connection.

NIC integrated a Cisco Unified Communications phone system with four phone models—7911’s, 7941’s, 7961’s and 7971’s. NIC worked with the Gaming Enterprise, the Casino’s IT Department and key users prior to the system design to select the best phone model for each user-type needs. All of the phones operate over the IP-based core network and generally serve as the network connection for related desktop computers. Because they reside together on the same network, updates can be made network wide to update corporate directories, adjust call processing and more.

Paging and sound distribution is managed over the network using sound management technologies and speakers custom painted to blend into casino décor.   NIC coordinated the integration of the Visicast Network which pushes picture and video marketing out to flat panel screens located throughout the casino. NIC installed Bi-Amp, AMX Audio controls and a Magneta video switch. The integrated systems allow the gaming enterprise to update marketing messages and campaigns as often as needed or desired.

Based on the Casino’s security needs, NIC recommended a Keyscan access control system. As an Enterprise level Keyscan partner, NIC was able to provide the casino with a user-friendly interface for creating, editing and deleting employee access cards as well as managing individual access rights and monitoring employee access activities. The security department receives real-time notification of access events that meet pre-set standards. NIC and Keyscan engineered a custom system and GUI interface to manage the high-security man-traps and high-sensitivity area door access. The system uses Mag-Lock technology that meets fire safety requirements while ensuring building and cash-cage security.

The full solution includes redundant systems to keep all critical and emergency systems running in the event of a product failure. A wireless point-to-point backhaul network was implemented in the event that the T-1 connections between the casinos should fail. Redundant APC power backups ensure that the casino network will continue full operational functionality in the event that the building should loose power. Back-up and fail-over servers protect the networks from single product failures. Gaming requirements have increased exponentially and the solution was designed to meet that growing expectation.

NIC provided full-time, on-site project management and professional installation and worked hand-in-hand with the Casinos’ IT Department. The on-site commitment enabled NIC to make changes to the design based upon adds and changes occurring during the course of the construction of the new location and the integration of the other campuses.    While retaining the original intent and desired outcome of the overall solution, NIC’s team of experts was able to remain agile as new or unexpected needs and wants arose.

The completed project resulted in a solution ready for today’s gaming business. The integrated network provides business intelligence used by the Casino Management, Marketing and Gaming Commission. By gathering player data, the casino is better able to serve and market to their customers, increasing casino revenues and improving the client experience. As more and more casinos enter the Arizona landscape, differentiating this experience as the preferred gaming destination is a key to success. The data is also used to meet increasingly stringent gaming regulations.

Technology can no longer be an after thought in your building design; it’s is integral to every aspect of your business operation and needs to be treated equally in the building design. NIC has over 14 years of experience designing and implementing technology systems in the construction environment. Our engineers have the installation experience to bring relevant design details to the architectural team to ensure that your project will perform as expected at completion.