Customer Spotlight

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

TECHNOLOGIES: Two-Way Communications

Background

Since 1992, the 67,000-square-foot Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel in Tama, IA, has offered its guests a state-of-the-art casino floor, 404 hotel rooms, and a lounge that features live music.

Owned and operated by the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa – the state’s only federally recognized Indian tribe – the casino features more than 1,350 slot machines, nine kinds of table games, a poker room, bingo, and Keno, as well as all-day, off-track wagers.

CustomerNeeds

A few years ago, Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel learned that its two-way communications equipment was becoming obsolete. The security department was having trouble finding parts or service for the existing analog devices. Because the casino operates 24/7, and relies heavily on internal communication for security and guest services, it needed a reliable two-way solution that wasn’t difficult or expensive to maintain.

One department invested in VoIP radios as a potential solution to the problem, but soon discovered that the devices weren’t designed for frequent use and didn’t offer enough robustness. With many different people using the radios – all with varying skill levels – Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel wanted a system that could accommodate every user and stand up to all-day use.

After comparing proposals from several organizations, the casino decided to partner with CEC on a digital two-way communications solution. CEC already supported the casino’s existing analog system, and already had a good understanding of the requirements for the new system.

Solution

Because of the project’s size and scope, the investment needed to come from the casino’s capital budget. Support from leadership and the Tribal Council was needed before the project could move forward.

After designing and installing the repeaters and other associated equipment, CEC organized and managed the exchange of approximately 120 handheld radios from analog to digital for all departments, showing employees how to use the new devices as they rolled out.

With a new digital Motorola solution in place, Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel now has:

  • A reliable, dependable two-way communications system that operates 24/7 with no unplanned downtime
  • A digital solution that can be used by multiple departments with different skill levels to dispatch employees and communicate internally
  • Durable handheld radios that withstand constant use and continue to work without any hiccups
  • A system that’s simple to service and maintain, with no concerns about finding parts
  • A backup solution that automatically shifts to accommodate equipment failure, ensuring continuous service no matter what

“With our old system, we were getting pushed into a corner where we weren’t comfortable. We shuddered at the thought of something happening to our radios. With our new two-way system from CEC, we no longer have to worry about our system failing us.”

Craig YoungBear Security Director, Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel
Contact Us
Back to Top