Desert Diamond Casino

21st Century Gaming Technology
Technology is changing the way that the gaming industry does 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. Logicalis was able to provide a complete design, implementation and maintenance solution for the Tribe’s three gaming facilities.

Beginning the Design-Build Process
Tribal Leaders, the Casino IT Department, the General Contractors and the Architects sought out the design/build expertise of Logicalis 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.

Logicalis provided a complete design/build for the Gaming Enterprise that met the needs of a fast-track build and ever changing business requirements. Logicalis 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 the Voice over IP Phone System, and distributed video traffic. Cisco QoS enables Logicalis engineers to prioritize data traffic to ensure that voice data is processed before video data, which is processed prior to basic data files. The QoS 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.

Communications and Collaboration
Logicalis provided a complete design/build for the Gaming Enterprise that met the needs of a fast-track build and ever changing business requirements. Logicalis 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 the Voice over IP Phone 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 QoS 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.

Logicalis integrated a Cisco Unified Communications phone system with four phone models—7911’s, 7941’s, 7961’s and 7971’s. Logicalis 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. The 7911’s are located throughout the gaming floor and guest access locations including hotel rooms. This model phone offers the advanced functionality of IP communications while limiting features for basic users. The higher grade 7941 and 7961 model phones are located in administrative and management workspaces and as a second phone in Hotel rooms. These models, along with the 7971 model used by C-Level executives, includes provides easier access to features such as speed dial, additional line pick up and includes a fully functional speaker phone. The 7971 includes touch screen capability. 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. Integrated video systems push picture and video marketing out to flat panel screens located throughout the casino. The integrated systems allow the gaming enterprise to update marketing messages and campaigns as often as needed or desired.

Casino Security Specialists
Based on the Casino’s security needs, Logicalis recommended a Keyscan access control system. As an Enterprise level Keyscan partner, Logicalis 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. These settings can be customized to meet the changing security needs of the casino and hotel at any time. The system uses Mag-Lock technology that meets fire safety requirements while ensuring building and cash-cage security.

Expert Attention to Project Management
Logicalis 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 Logicalis to make changes to the design based upon adds and changes occurring in the course of the build of the new location and the integration of the other locations.