Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-141.10

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 5, September 4, 2024

Rule 661-141.10 - Surveillance room

There shall be provided in each gambling facility or gambling structure a room specifically utilized to monitor and record gambling activities. This room shall have a trained surveillance person present at all times during casino operation hours. In addition, an excursion gambling boat, racetrack enclosure, or gambling structure may have satellite monitoring equipment. The following are requirements for the operation of equipment in the surveillance room and of satellite monitoring equipment:

(1)Surveillance equipment location. All equipment that may be utilized to monitor or record views obtained by a casino surveillance system must remain in a room located on the same premises as the casino or, with the approval of the DCI, on property adjacent to the casino. The room must be used exclusively for casino surveillance security purposes. The satellite monitoring equipment must be capable of being disabled from the casino surveillance room when not in use. The entrance to the casino surveillance room must be locked or secured at all times.

(2)Override capability. Casino surveillance equipment must have total override capability over any other satellite monitoring equipment in other casino offices, with the exception of the DCI rooms.

(3)Access. DCI and commission employees shall at all times be provided immediate access to the casino surveillance room and satellite monitoring equipment. Also, all DCI and commission employees shall have access to all records and areas of such rooms.

(4)Surveillance logs. Entries in the log shall be required when specific surveillance is requested by the DCI or the commission, or whenever any activity that appears unusual, irregular, illegal or in violation of commission rules is observed. Also, all communications received or sent from the surveillance room in regard to surveillance activities or casino operations shall be logged.

(5)Blueprints. A copy of the configuration of the casino floor shall be posted and updated immediately upon any approved change. The location of any change and the location of surveillance cameras, gaming tables and slot machines by assigned numbers shall also be included. Copies of the blueprints shall be made available immediately to the DCI and commission.

(6)Storage and retrieval. Surveillance personnel shall label and file all recordings. The date and time of the recording shall be recorded. Recordings of public admission entrances, public exits, and casino cashier cages where check-cashing activities occur shall be retained for 21 days unless a longer period is required by the DCI, the commission, or court order. All other recordings shall be retained for at least 7 days after recording unless a longer period is required by the DCI, the commission, or court order. Original audio, video, and digital recordings shall be released to the DCI or commission upon demand.

(7)Malfunctions. Each malfunction of surveillance equipment must be repaired within 24 hours of the malfunction. If, after 24 hours, activity in the affected area cannot be monitored, the game or machine shall be closed until such coverage can be provided. A record of all malfunctions shall be kept and reported to the DCI each day. In the event of a dedicated coverage malfunction, the licensee must immediately provide alternative camera coverage or other security measures that will protect the subject activity. If other security measures are taken, the licensee must immediately notify the DCI. The DCI, in its discretion, will determine whether the other security measures are adequate.

(8)Security. Entry to the surveillance room and access to satellite monitoring equipment shall be limited to persons approved by the DCI or the commission. A log of personnel entering and exiting the surveillance room and accessing satellite monitoring equipment shall be maintained and submitted to the DCI or the commission upon request.

(9)Playback station. Within the DCI room, there shall be an area that includes, but is not limited to, a monitor and a recorder with the capability of producing first-generation copies.

(10)Additional requirements.

a. Audio and video or digital monitoring and recording shall be continuous in the detention areas when someone is being detained. These recordings must be retained for 30 days after the recorded event, unless directed otherwise by the administrator, DCI or court order.

b. The commission, its employees, and DCI agents shall, at all times, be provided immediate access to the surveillance room and all areas of the casino.

(11)Written plans and alterations.

a. Every operator or applicant for licensing shall submit to the commission for approval by the administrator and to the DCI for approval a written casino surveillance system plan no later than 60 days prior to the start of gaming operations.

b. A written casino surveillance system plan must include a casino floor plan that shows the placement of the surveillance room and all casino surveillance equipment in relation to the locations required to be covered and a detailed description of the casino surveillance system and its equipment. In addition, the plan may include other information that evidences compliance with these rules by the licensee, operator or applicant.

c. The operator may change the location of the surveillance room, table games, slot machines, and other gaming devices. The surveillance system must also be adjusted, if necessary, to provide the coverage required by these rules. A DCI agent must approve the change in the surveillance system before the relocated surveillance room, table games, slot machines, or other gaming devices may be placed into operation.

Exception: A commission representative may allow a gambling game to be placed in operation pending approval by a DCI agent.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-141.10

ARC 7720B, IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09