The crown jewel of Penn National Gaming’s 15+ property portfolio, Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Ind., opened its $336 million gaming “superboat” this past summer. The gaming vessel’s 1930s Hollywood-themed, art deco design serves as a backdrop for the events captured by its $7 million state-of-the-art video surveillance system.
As the largest gaming facility in a 1,000-mile radius, the Hollywood Casino craft’s two decks (each wider than an aircraft carrier and almost as long as a football field) can accommodate nearly 9,000 guests. Among the casino’s major attractions are an expanded high-limit gaming area and a 41-table World Poker Tour poker room, the largest room of its kind in the Midwest.
The casino brings classic Hollywood to life with a 60-foot serpentine video wall, nine large billboards, more than 300 flat-screen displays, and a movie set back-lot depicting Central Park (complete with trees and foliage sprinkled among slot machines). At the center of it all is “Hollywood on the Roof,” a performance area and high-energy circular bar with a panoramic screen resembling the Hollywood Bowl.
Monitoring more than 3,200 electronic games, 88 live table games and six electronic tables amidst a complex interior design environment, the 2,100-camera surveillance system also covers the hotel, skywalk and parking garage. From a lengthy evaluation process to major interior design changes to challenges posed by recording in two separate control rooms, this was a complex project involving a diverse and skilled team of players.
Casino’s Duo Take The Lead
With Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) agents on property 24/7 to monitor gaming operations for compliance, Penn National Gaming was highly invested in choosing a best-of-breed surveillance system. Hollywood Casino executive management assigned two of its top surveillance personnel to select the right solution.
Surveillance Director Mike Burnett and Lead Technician Chris Krabbe not only led the process of evaluating systems but were hands-on in every aspect of the project. Both profess to be dedicated SSI readers and keep stacks of the trade magazine on hand for reference.
Based on his long-standing relationship with Penn National Gaming, Tom Dallmann of Jeffersonville, Ind.-based systems integrator Dallmann Systems Inc. was asked to oversee the surveillance upgrade. For nearly 40 years, Dallmann Systems has handled a range of projects for clients such as Louisville Int’l Airport and National Amusements movie complexes in Ohio, New York and Massachusetts.
To round out the team, Todd Pulver and Tim Lyvers of New Albany, Ind.-based Advanced Digital Systems (ADS), a casino specialist, were brought in to complete the land-to-vessel surveillance system installation. “Because of the complexities involved in an installation of this size and scope, it was mission critical to bring on additional expertise,” says Dallmann.
