Canadian Casino Modernizes Security and Surveillance

Canadian Casino Modernizes Security and Surveillance

  • Feb 09, 2023

Genetec Inc., a provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, has helped River Cree Resort and Casino modernize security, surveillance, and compliance with a unified solution based on Genetec™ Security Center.

The Alberta, Canada-based casino, hotel, and entertainment venue is owned and operated by the Enoch Cree Nation. It welcomes 45,000 guests each week, with all profits directly invested into social programs in the First Nation community. As the resort and casino’s analog video system and access control systems aged over the years, surveillance and security teams faced recurring device failures and performance issues that took time away from protecting, securing and surveilling operations. As they sought a solution that could evolve alongside new business objectives, they opted for a fully IP-based video surveillance system with Genetec Omnicast™, and migrated their access control system to the platform as well, with Genetec Synergis™.

Today, River Cree Casino uses Genetec Security Center to manage over 1150 cameras and 150 doors. They have also connected their fire alarm system and 25 DMP panic buttons within the unified platform. Now, both surveillance and security operators work from a unified view of the casino and resort, from a central command center. Not only does this help them see what’s happening across the entire 49-acre property, they can also quickly respond to alarms with all information at hand.

The casino has implemented a number of additional features and capabilities to simplify operations and enhance community collaboration. Genetec Plan Manager, the map-based interface of Security Center, plots all cameras, doors, and sensors on a map of the property, enabling operators to quickly locate where alarm notifications are coming from. The KiwiVision™ People Counter helps with public health compliance, as a backup system to vet numbers from existing people counting solutions. And deploying the Genetec Genetec Clearance™ digital evidence management system simplifies and secures the process of sharing footage with law enforcement, insurance partners, and legal teams while protecting personal privacy. Clearance also helps streamline yearly gaming commission audits.

River Cree Casino continues to build on the capabilities of its unified security platform, with plans to expand the access control system to simplify the tracking of all staff cardholder privileges and special access requests. They’re also looking to implement the Genetec AutoVu Cloudrunner™vehicle-centric investigation system to gain more vehicle-related data and video to support investigations, and to add video surveillance onboard their staff shuttle buses using Streamvault™ appliances.

Bob McDonald, Director of Surveillance and Compliance at River Cree Resort and Casino, said, “An open platform has been key for us. The flexibility and openness helped us reduce initial upgrade costs and transition to IP over time. With Security Center, we know that no matter what we’re looking to do, we’ll have options for new features, built-in modules, cloud solutions, and third-party integrations that will serve our needs.”

Read the full story of the River Cree Resort & Casino’s unified security solution here.

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