Video Surveillence Upgrade: River Cree Casino

Customer Challenge

The River Cree Resort and Casino opened its doors in 2006. The resort, located just west of Edmonton in Enoch Alberta, includes a hotel, entertainment venue and casino. In early 2011, the Casino decided an upgraded security system was required to improve efficiency. An improved security system would ensure game protection while protecting the integrity of the Casino and safety of its customers.

At the time the Casino operated an out of date analog Surveillance system with reliability issues that required a high level of maintenance. Surveillance personnel monitored cameras on 17” analog monitors twenty-four hours a day. Upgrading the video management could prevent equipment failures and improve operator effectiveness. The Casino also required a system with lots of storage and the ability to quickly locate and review footage to allow for real-time surveillance and incident investigation.

In addition, the Casino recognized the need to meet Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission requirements and were looking for a solution that would exceed Terms and Conditions required by regulators.

The Solution

CONTAVA provided an IP-based video management infrastructure with leading edge technology. Genetec Omnicast 4.7 was deployed on pivot3 CloudBanks to provide robust and fault tolerant recording for always-on surveillance. Analog cameras were encoded to network video streams for management and recording. The requirements set by AGLC were surpassed for resolution and doubled for storage.

The installation was challenged by the 24/7 casino environment. CONTAVA carefully scheduled camera cut over to take place during low intensity periods so as not to interrupt any casino business operations. The original plan to incorporate the existing matrix into the new Video Management System did not succeed due to the new software’s inability to support the legacy wiring and configurations. To overcome this obstacle, CONTAVA procured analog-to-IP video encoders for all video units in the casino. These video units were originally scheduled for a second project phase, but were needed to complete the system cutover.

The Outcome

The new surveillance system provides the casino with an up-to-date platform which will evolve to meet their needs as they develop. With regular software updates, all new features and functions can be delivered in a very cost-effective manner. The Casino’s surveillance system runs on non-proprietary industry standard hardware which can be upgraded as needed in perpetuity. CONTAVA delivered an open platform solution which, combined with an ongoing service maintenance agreement, will never be end-of-life. The Casino now has a migration path for future upgrades which may include network megapixel cameras, additional storage, and integrated access control for a single seamless security system.

“I am extremely pleased with the quality of work and level of service being provided by the entire CONTAVA team. Our Surveillance team has given very positive feedback in regards to the system.”

Sam Lilly – Surveillance Manager, River Cree Casino

CONTAVA completed the project by providing training and continues to support the surveillance team by answering questions and providing support when required.

Location: Enoch, AB
Scope of Work: An IP-based video management infrastructure
Project Start & Completion: Started in May 2011 and substantially completed in August 2011.