712 Digital Group - top

Casinos update security plans

News

March 11th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

The state’s casinos submitted new security plans this past week as they went through the license renewal process. Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission administrator, Brian Ohorilko, says it’s become a standard part of the process. He says the commission staff reviews the plans and consults with the local D-C-I agents. Ohorilko says the commission got a little more involved in the plans a few years ago. “When there was some legislation that reduced the number of D-C-I agents at the various facilities. And at that time the administrative rules were changed to provide for more visibility for the commission of those security plans,” Ohorilko explains.

Talk of security reviews often centers around concerns about recent shootings. Ohorilko says making sure underage gamblers don’t get in is one big security key for casinos, as is taking care of the loot. “In any casino there is a significant movement of money — whether that’s dropping slot machines or table games and moving those to the count room or vault — so security plans can outline how that money is secured,” According to Ohorilko. “It can also outline what happens in an emergency.”

He says the plans for the state-licensed casinos have to include everything. The general manager of the new land-based casino near Davenport told the commission this week they are able to cut their on-site security staff level because local law enforcement and first responders are now closer and have better access than they did with the riverboat casino.

(Radio Iowa)