CHAPTER 141
CLOSED CIRCUIT SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS
[Prior to 6/8/05, see 661—Ch 23]
661—141.1(99F) Definitions. The following definitions apply to rules in 661—Chapter 141:
“Administrator” means the administrator of the Iowa racing and gaming commission.
“Applicant” means any person applying for an occupational license or applying for a license to operate an excursion gambling boat, or the officers and members of the board of directors of a qualified sponsoring organization located in Iowa.
“Casino surveillance” means the observation of gambling activities in a gaming facility licensed by the commission. The purpose of a surveillance system is to safeguard the licensee's assets, to protect both the public and the licensee's employees, and to promote public confidence that licensed gambling activities are conducted honestly and free of criminal elements and activities. It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure that casino surveillance is used to accomplish the stated purpose and is not used in an improper manner which would bring discredit to the industry.
“Closed network” or “closed circuit” means all digital recording equipment and all other associated surveillance equipment that shall be designed, configured, and maintained on a separate and exclusive network system located on the same premises as the casino, or on property adjacent to the casino which has been approved by the DCI for the location of surveillance equipment pursuant to subrule 141.10(1). This closed network system shall not be touched by, connected to, or partitioned from any other network, unless approval has been received from the assistant director for gaming operations of the DCI. Approval or disapproval of such a request by the assistant director is subject to review by the director of the DCI or the commissioner of public safety.
“Commission” means the Iowa racing and gaming commission.
“DCI” means the division of criminal investigation, Iowa department of public safety.
“Dedicated coverage” means camera coverage where the sole function is to view and record a specific area whenever activity is occurring in that area.
“Gambling activities” means participating in or wagering on gambling games on the gaming floor; the movement, storage, and handling of uncounted gambling revenues; the manual exchange of moneys for forms of wagering credit on the gaming floor; public entrance into and public egress from the gaming floor, except that egress through emergency exists that are actively alarmed is not included; and any other activities so defined by the commission.
“Gambling game” means any game of chance authorized by the commission.
“Gangplank” means the walkways that passengers use to embark and disembark from the excursion gambling boat.
“Land-based facility” means the licensee’s operation where the soft count room is located, if other than on an excursion gambling boat.
“Licensee” means a qualified sponsoring organization conducting gambling games on an excursion gambling boat or in a racetrack enclosure licensed by the Iowa racing and gaming commission under Iowa Code section 99F.7.
“Operator” means an entity licensed by the Iowa racing and gaming commission to operate an excursion gambling boat or racetrack enclosure.
“Slot change booth” means a structure on the floor of a licensed gaming establishment which houses a coin-counting device that is utilized to redeem coins or tickets from patrons.
[ARC 7720B, IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09]
661—141.2(99F) Minimum standards. Rescinded IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09.
661—141.3(99F) Surveillance departments—organizational structure. Rescinded IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09.
661—141.4(99F) Closed circuit surveillance system.
	141.4(1) Every licensee shall install, maintain and operate, on the same premises where the casino is located or, with the approval of the DCI, on a property adjacent to the casino, a closed circuit surveillance system according to specifications set forth in these rules and shall provide to the commission and the DCI access at all times to the system or its signal.
	141.4(2) Any casino issued a license on or after July 1, 2004, will be required to install a recording system that is totally digital and that meets the requirements as outlined in this chapter.
	141.4(3) All licensees shall have in place digital recording systems that meet the requirements of this chapter no later than January 1, 2011. Any system converted to digital prior to January 1, 2011, must meet the requirements of this chapter upon installation.
661—141.5(99F) Required equipment. The closed circuit surveillance system shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following equipment:
	141.5(1) Cameras. The system shall include Pan Tilt Zoom cameras, commonly referred to as PTZ cameras, that are light-sensitive and capable of being placed behind a dome or one-way mirror which conceals the PTZ cameras from view. Each camera shall have the capability to distinguish a clear, unobstructed view of the table number of the gaming table or slot machine.
	141.5(2) Printers.
	a. 	Video systems. The printers for video systems shall be capable of adjustment and must possess the capability to generate instantaneously upon command a clear, still copy of the image depicted on a videotape recording with a minimum of 128 shades of gray.
	b. 	Digital systems. The printers for digital systems shall be capable of printing a clear, still copy using a minimum of four colors at 600 × 600 dots per inch on photo-quality paper.
	141.5(3) Monitors. Each screen must be at least 12 inches measured diagonally and all controls must be front-mounted. Solid state circuitry is required.
	141.5(4) Date and time generators. Each system shall be capable of synchronized recording in military time, with both the time and date of the recorded events displayed without obstructing the recorded view.
	141.5(5) Universal power supply. The system and its equipment must be directly and securely wired in a way to prevent tampering with the system. In the event of a loss in power to the surveillance system, an auxiliary or backup power source must be available and capable of providing immediate restoration of power to the elements of the surveillance system that enable surveillance personnel to observe the gaming activity remaining open for play and all areas monitored by dedicated coverage.
	141.5(6) Domes for cameras. The domes shall be made of sufficient quality and size to accommodate PTZ cameras and shall be capable of accommodating clear, unobstructed views.
	141.5(7) Switchers. The switchers shall be capable of both manual and automatic sequential switching for the entire surveillance system.
	141.5(8) Recorders. Each camera required by these standards must possess the capability of having its view displayed on a video or computer monitor and recorded. The surveillance system must include enough monitors and recording capacity to simultaneously display and record multiple gaming, cage, drop, count room activities, and record the views of all dedicated coverage. Recording systems shall be capable of copying original images while maintaining the original native format, and storing images in a format that contains a method to verify the authenticity of the original recordings and copies. The licensee shall supply the medium for download and transfer of the information and a jewel case or sleeve for the medium.
	141.5(9) Digital systems.
	a. 	All images and audio shall be digitally recorded and stored on a system with backup and retrieval capabilities.
	b. 	Recording systems shall be locked by the manufacturer to disable the erase and reformat functions and to prevent access to the system data files.
	c. 	The system shall provide uninterrupted recording while the playback or copy function is used.
	d. 	If the licensee chooses to use a network for the digital recording equipment, it must be a closed network with limited access located on the same premises as the casino or, with the approval of the DCI, on a property adjacent to the casino. Nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted to prevent the commission from utilizing or transmitting for regulatory purposes images recorded by a video surveillance system.
	e. 	The licensee shall provide the DCI and the commission representative with the necessary software and hardware to review a downloaded recording. Additionally, the licensee shall provide the DCI and the commission representative with printers meeting the requirements as outlined in 661—subrule 141.5(2).
	f. 	The licensee shall be responsible for staffing the surveillance room with licensed staff trained in the use of digital equipment. Surveillance employees shall be capable of downloading or copying digital audio or images, or both, for evidentiary purposes.
[ARC 7720B, IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09]
661—141.6(99F) Required surveillance. Every licensee or operator shall conduct and record, as required by either the commission or the DCI, surveillance that allows clear, unobstructed views in the following areas of the gaming floor and related areas, land-based facilities, and racetrack enclosures:
	141.6(1) Slot machines. Every licensee who exposes slot machines for play shall install, maintain, and operate a casino surveillance system that possesses the capability to monitor and record the slot machine number.
	141.6(2) Table games. The surveillance system must possess the capability to monitor and record all gaming or card table surfaces; table number, including table bank trays, with sufficient clarity to permit identification of all chips, cash, card values, and the outcome of the game; dice in craps games, with sufficient clarity to read the dice in their stopped position after each roll; and all roulette tables and wheels must be capable of being monitored and recorded on a split screen to permit views of both the table and the wheel on one monitor screen. Each table or card game shall have the capability of being monitored and recorded by no less than two cameras.
	141.6(3) Progressive table games. Each progressive table game must be monitored by dedicated coverage that provides views of the table surface so that the card values and card suits can be identified and a view of the progressive meter jackpot amount.
	141.6(4) Casino cage, slot change booth, and self-service coin, token, or ticket redemption center. The surveillance system must possess the capability to monitor and record a general overview of activities occurring in each casino cage, slot change booth, and self-service coin, token, or ticket redemption center with sufficient clarity to identify patrons and employees at the counter area, cash drawers, vaults, safes, countertops, coin and currency counting machines, and chip and token storage, and to identify chip, token, and currency denominations. The casino cage and slot change booth area in which fills, credits, and jackpots are transacted must be monitored by dedicated coverage that provides views with sufficient clarity to identify the chip, token, and currency values and the amounts on the fill/credit slips.
	141.6(5) Count rooms. The surveillance system must possess the capability to monitor and record all areas within the hard or soft count room, including walls, doors, scales, wrapping machines, coin sorters, currency counters, vaults, safes, and general work surfaces, whenever funds or persons are present. The counting surface in the soft count room must be made of a transparent material. Any area where uncounted coin or currency is stored must be monitored by dedicated coverage. In addition, the hard count and soft count process must be monitored by dedicated coverage.
	141.6(6) Movement of funds. The surveillance system must possess the capability to monitor and record the movement of cash, gaming chips, tokens, drop boxes and drop buckets. All casino entrance and exit doors, elevators, stairs, gangplanks, and loading and unloading areas shall also possess the capability to be monitored and recorded if they are utilized for the movement of uncounted moneys, tokens, or chips.
	141.6(7) Admissions entrance and exits. The admissions and exit areas of the excursion gambling boat and racetrack enclosures must be monitored by dedicated coverage with sufficient clarity to identify patrons and employees at the admissions entrance and exit areas.
	141.6(8) Overall views. The surveillance system must possess the capability to monitor and record the casino pit area and general casino floor with sufficient clarity to permit identification of players, employees, patrons, and spectators.
	141.6(9) Additional coverage. Rescinded IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09.
	141.6(10) Digital systems. All areas that require dedicated coverage and all images viewed on a surveillance operator’s working monitor shall be recorded at a sufficient rate of images per second so that, when played back in real time, there is no motion loss detectable to the human eye.
[ARC 7720B, IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09]
661—141.7(99F) Equipment in DCI offices. Excursion gambling boat, racetrack enclosure or land-based offices assigned to the DCI shall be equipped with at least two video or computer monitors, each a minimum of 12 inches, with control capability of any source in the surveillance system. The following shall be additional mandatory equipment for said room or rooms:
	1.	A printer meeting the specifications of 661—subrule 141.5(2).
	2.	Two recorders.
	3.	Audio pickup of soft count room.
	4.	Time and date generators, if not in the master surveillance system.
	5.	Total override surveillance system capabilities.
661—141.8(99F) Camera lenses. All closed circuit cameras shall be equipped with lenses of sufficient quality to show clearly the value of gaming chips, tokens, and playing cards. These cameras shall be capable, at a minimum, of black and white recording and viewing, except those cameras covering exits and entrances of the casino area and gangplank areas, which shall be capable of recording in color.
661—141.9(99F) Lighting. Adequate lighting shall be present in all areas of the casino and count rooms to enable the video surveillance system to provide clear viewing and reproductions.
661—141.10(99F) 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:
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
	141.10(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.
[ARC 7720B, IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09]
661—141.11(99F) Nongambling hours. Security surveillance will be required during nongambling hours as follows:
	141.11(1) Cleanup and removal time. At any time that cleanup operations or money removal is being conducted in the casino area, the security surveillance room must be staffed with a minimum of one trained surveillance person.
	141.11(2) Locked-down mode. Anytime the casino is closed and in a locked-down mode, sufficient surveillance coverage must be conducted to monitor and record the casino in general so that security integrity is maintained. During this period, the presence of a trained security surveillance person shall not be required.
661—141.12(99F) Waivers from requirements. Upon written request of an applicant, licensee, or operator, the director of the DCI may, for just cause, waive any requirement of this chapter, provided that the director finds that all of the following conditions exist:
	1.	The requirement requested to be waived is not imposed by statute or another provision of law, and the establishment of the requirement is entirely within the authority of the department of public safety.
	2.	Enforcing the requirement would impose an undue hardship on the applicant, licensee, or operator requesting the waiver.
	3.	Granting the waiver would not prejudice the substantial legal rights of any person.
	4.	Substantially equal protection of public health, safety, and welfare to that which would result from the enforcement of the requirement will be afforded through another means.
Each request for a waiver shall be reported to the agency rules administrator of the department of public safety, with an indication of the disposition of the request and a brief explanation of the reasons for granting or denying the waiver.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 99F.4.
[Filed 11/26/90, Notice 9/19/90—published 12/12/90, effective 1/16/91]
[Filed 10/30/97, Notice 7/16/97—published 11/19/97, effective 1/1/98]
[Filed emergency 6/30/04—published 7/21/04, effective 7/1/04]
[Filed 5/18/05, Notice 3/16/05—published 6/8/05, effective 8/1/05]
[Filed 1/22/08, Notice 10/10/07—published 2/13/08, effective 4/1/081]
[Editorial change: IAC Supplement 7/2/08]
[Filed Emergency After Notice ARC 7720B (Notice ARC 7563B, IAB 2/11/09), IAB 4/22/09, effective 4/1/09]
1	April 1, 2008, effective date of ARC 6591B delayed 70 days by the Administrative Rules Review Committee at its meeting held March 7, 2008. At its meeting held June 9, 2008, the Committee delayed the effective date until the adjournment of the 2009 Session of the General Assembly.