Casinos Worldwide Rely on Siemon

Rolling the dice at the world's resort casinos has never been more popular. In the United States, the gaming industry has exploded, with legalized gambling now available in 48 states, driving hundreds of millions of casino visits each year and revenues of over $25 billion. From Las Vegas, Nevada to Sydney, Australia casinos have expanded their gaming operations to include comprehensive entertainment centers where gaming, live performances and fine dining attract people of all interests and age groups. As a result, casinos in the U.S. and abroad represent one of the hottest forms of entertainment in the 90s, attracting millions of new devotees each year to some of the world's most elaborate, and technologically advanced resorts.

Challenging Odds

Creating and maintaining voice, data and video cabling systems that service the diverse needs of a major resort casino is a major challenge. For the networking professionals who create the high-tech infrastructure for these entertainment giants, there are a few common elements, as well as countless unique ones to be considered. The first is for products and services that meet today's and anticipate tomorrow's technological developments. Then there is a need for flexibility and innovation, since most of these properties have unique situations that require creative solutions. And finally, a major factor facing many gaming projects is a fast-track completion deadline. Faced with these formidable circumstances, installers in the U.S. and abroad have chosen The Siemon Company to help meet the unique challenges presented by the gaming industry.

In the Center of It All

Las Vegas is literally the epicenter of the gaming world. Some of its most prestigious properties—New York, New York Hotel and Casino, Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, and the Monte Carlo and Reserve Casinos—have something in common. They all utilize the Siemon Cabling System and they've all been installed by Fisk Corp., a Siemon Certified Installer® (CI^SM). Fisk has developed an in depth understanding of the demands of a major resort casino through working on an enviable client list that boasts some of the most famous casinos in the world. In order to meet the technological requirements of their clients, Fisk is installing Siemon Cabling System category 5e and proposed category 6 solutions. "We feel that The Siemon Company is the only manufacturer that has a complete category 6 solution," says Lee Vowell, Fisk Corp's Division Manager.

Monte Carlo Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

Vowell also states that ultra-compressed deadlines are the rule more often than the exception in the entertainment industry. "All of the casino projects are ‘fast track' construction," he says, "We may only have 120 days to install 9,000 outlets and a large copper and fiber optic backbone system in a multi-million square foot structure. And, because of the nature of the construction, major changes may be made to the cabling system on a daily basis." While the importance of having efficient access to reliable, high performance products can't be underestimated, Fisk Corp. also recognizes that service is also a critical component to a successful project. Vowell observes that a strong and supportive partner is essential; "We need a partner like The Siemon Company to keep pace with us," he says.

Unique Solutions for Unique Applications

Growth and excitement in the gaming industry isn't always confined to well-known destinations. Two thousand miles East of Las Vegas is a city better known for its automotive heritage than its gaming opportunities, though that perception may be ready for a change. Detroit, Michigan is now home to the MGM Grand Casino, a project which has faced a host of unique challenges, not the least of which was an eleven-year wait for approval to build the casino. MGM will spend $250 million on the Detroit site, making the casino a major draw to the Midwestern City. The new MGM Grand requires the renovation of - ironically - the city's former IRS building. In addition to the MGM Project, Circus Circus is building a casino in the existing Wonder Bread Facility, which will be named Motor City Casino. These projects are happening simultaneously.

LVC Technologies, Inc. is the Detroit-area Siemon Certified Installer® (CI^SM) that was awarded the opportunity to install the high-tech security systems, voice and data systems, slot machine connectivity, CCTV and Audio Visual systems, all of which are critical to the successful management of both the MGM and Circus Circus casinos. Although the original specifications called for a different manufacturer, LVC recommended the use of Siemon Company product because it fulfilled a unique and critical specification asked for by the customer. "Siemon is one of very few companies that offer a faceplate where the jack can be removed from the front," says LVC Technologies, Inc. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, John Rademaker. "Siemon's product line is very robust, and the availability of the faceplates enabled us to convince the project's consultant to change the specification."

LVC Technologies, Inc. is a prime example of a company that is dedicated to ensuring that their clients receive the best systems possible. LVC Technologies, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Les Amon commented:

MGM and Circus Circus chose LCV Technologies, Inc. because of their ability to perform under tight time constraints without sacrificing quality and aesthetics. Les Amon stated: "LVC was chosen because of our ability and technical expertise for all the disciplines involved in the installation of these highly technical systems". LVC specializes in the installation and design of voice data, security, CCTV, audio-visual and both passive and active equipment systems.

Putting It All Together With Teamwork and Service

Star City Casino
Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia's recently-completed Star City Casino, is an example of a vast construction project with an absolutely immovable completion deadline. After a rigorous selection process, Stowe Australia (a Siemon Certified Installer® (CI^SM)) won the contract, worth approximately $5 million, to install all the communications cabling from the voice and data systems to the emergency intercom systems. But timing was critical, says project manager Peter Fitzpatrick, "The opening date of the casino was well published and widely advertised. It was crucial that we complied with the established building program." Stowe selected The Siemon Company as its partner for a number of reasons, including innovative products, a robust product offering, and availability of products at a moment's notice.

Star City utilizes Siemon category 5 UTP cabling and connectors for both voice and data applications throughout the multi-building installation. "Because all the points in the field are wired and terminated using the same material, the system is totally flexible," explains Fitzpatrick. "It only requires an adjustment to the patching to change the outlet from a phone point to a data point."

In the casino's gaming area, the slot machines are frequently moved and upgraded. Two category 5 UTP cables have been routed through an under-floor ducting system from the telecommunications closet to Siemon modular outlets servicing each bank of machines. And when it comes to live entertainment, singlemode fiber optic cables from the MDF room to the 900-seat Lyric Theatre stage door and Show Theatre light rail area allow for outside broadcasts. These cables terminate into a Siemon wall-mount interconnect center, using ST single-mode connectors.

In addition to product benefits garnered by selecting the Siemon Cabling System, Fitzpatrick also appreciated the support the Siemon team provided to the Star City project. "Siemon's people came to the site regularly to check and assist," he says, "and several of our people went through Siemon's installation training course, which was invaluable."

Since the contract was completed last December, Stowe Australia has installed additional MATV points at Star City and several hundred more data points. "There has been a constant need at the Star City site for evolution of the cabling since its inception," says Fitzpatrick. "The casino is dynamic in terms of its use of space, and the technologies it employs. To fulfill the needs of a burgeoning industry and a growing site, we've maintained a team on site to address their ongoing needs."

New York, New York Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

In addition to the resorts discussed above, Siemon cabling solutions are installed in numerous other casinos, ranging from Ledyard, Connecticut to Paradise Island, Bahamas. "The gaming industry provides some unique challenges and opportunities," comments Siemon president Carl Siemon, "we are pleased that these customers chose Siemon as their innovative technological resource and we are committed to providing the most advanced products and services to meet their growing needs."