That small casino on the side of the highway has many of the same challenges that mega casinos next to the huge population centers have. But how do small casino IT departments stay operational and secure on budgets that are a tiny fraction of the overall spending plan? We recently began a project that made…
I recently wrote an article (June 19, 2024) detailing the importance of patch management related to cyber insurance premiums. Lo and behold, this thought of automated patch management related to updating risks to our systems was brought into question by a global outage, which was the result of a pseudo patch. So, the question becomes,…
In today’s vast digital landscape, cyber threats are around every corner and safeguarding the casino environment has never been more essential. One of the most crucial aspects in a defense strategy is patch management – the process of regularly updating software and hardware to mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance security. While still often overlooked, patch management…
Network security will always be more important than ever before. This statement will remain true regardless of when this topic is discussed. Security is consistently being tested; whether it be voluntarily via hired penetration testing, or not so voluntarily by bad actors, or “BADDIES” herein. Those of us who are trusted to implement and administer…
Network Access Control, or NAC, is the frontline defense in an ever-present battle in network security. NAC has been around for many years in the form of securing wireless SSIDs, but what about the gaming floor or the back of house locations? There is usually so much commotion that a malicious attempt to plug into…
With the downtime due to COVID-19, casinos and other properties have a unique opportunity, right now, to help find a cure; by utilizing the processing power of their data centers to get involved in something known as “folding@home.” Please see our article for a background on the project as well as important details for your…
As we work together through this troubling time, I wanted to take a look a little on a brighter side: For casino information technology, trying to get certain things complete can be very challenging inside a high pressure and secure 24/7 environment. Here is a list of some things we could be considering through the…
Time synchronization among network devices is important to consider when building out infrastructure, and not just within the datacenter; client endpoints, kiosk terminals, wireless controllers and associated access points, slot machine virtual bank controllers and their electronic gaming machines (EGMs, or slot machines), etc… All of these devices should be synced to the same time…
Casinos have to work with massive amounts of data; from patron & machine information to food & beverage inventory. The amount of reports, spreadsheets and data logs can be completely overwhelming. However, the culmination of all this data is critical as it reveals the fine details of operations and the overall success or failure of…
How Microsoft’s servicing channels affect gaming environments – Part 1 Windows 10 introduced a new delivery system for updating the desktop OS. All past editions of the windows desktop OS had a set kernel with security and feature patching during the lifecycle of the product. Windows 10 version 1511 debuted in July 2015 and has…
Information Technology (IT) teams were recently recognized during the 20th Annual TribalNet Conference and Tradeshow in Nashville, TN. TribalNet has been officially recognizing IT teams for exemplary work since 2008. Such recognition has become a long-standing tradition and one that marks a high level of prestige. Since opening their replacement Casino and Resort, Soboba has…
Regardless of the industry in which you work, it’s easy to make assumptions about how much operational infrastructure and support you really need. As a casino owner or manager, however, it is vital that you understand just how your operations collects, shares, stores and uses information that is generated within the walls of your casino.…
Operating a casino comes with a hefty bill so it’s important to take the time to consider how you are protecting the infrastructure and data management solutions you have within your operation. Even with an internal IT team, your casino may be exposed to risks that are unnecessary due to poor infrastructure, management, design, or…
Finding the right IT solutions provider for your casino can be difficult if you don’t know what you need or what to look for. We’ve worked with many casino and gaming facilities over the years and have come to understand what customers want and need. When it comes to IT solutions for your casino, you…
Considering gaming floor connectivity, the future has effectively already been here for some time. Serial connections are all but a bygone technology, any vendor worth their salt now supports Ethernet for EGM connectivity. EGMs are “Electronic Gaming Machines”. To the end-user/patron these are simply the slot machines; there’s a bit more to it in the…
Every casino has a floor manager or an operations manager – the person in charge of ensuring a smooth operation of the casino floor and facilities. But what guarantee is there that the machines that your casino are built upon will run smoothly and efficiently? You might build out an in-house IT team for your…
Casinos and other gaming establishments are meant to wow a person from the minute they walk in the door. When done right, patrons don’t notice how much commotion and bustle is going on because they are too busy enjoying their gaming experience. But what if that gaming experience is cut short because of a lack…
At Synergy Information Solutions, we take pride in helping large-scale casinos overcome their biggest technical barriers to ensure the smooth and effective operation of a gaming floor. Whether we’re working with a brand new casino or one that has been in operation for some time, we ensure that every box is checked and every system…
When it comes to operating your casino, there are likely three things you keep in mind at all times: how fast is the casino floor moving, how efficiently are the machines and tables producing, and where are the possibilities for error? In many other businesses, errors can be quickly corrected, but on a casino floor,…
Across the country, tribes are required to sign negotiated compacts to clarify a number of issues surrounding regulation and scope of gaming. Here in California, tribal gaming licensing is overseen by the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC). The CGCC establishes regulations, sets policy and determines the suitability for gaming employees, etc. The CGCC also oversees…
Running a casino requires a lot of information that goes beyond the machines and card tables. Ensuring your network and infrastructure are in tiptop shape can take a lot out of an in-house IT department. If your casino is looking to level up and your executive team is wondering how on earth you are going…
When it’s Time to Call for IT Support for Your Casino Managing your casino floor takes a lot of time and energy. It also takes a lot of people working in sync with one another to ensure that everything flows as expected. Of course, just when things are going as expected, something unexpected tends to…
Running a casino requires a lot of work and organization. Ensuring that everything is running smoothly can take time, resources, and energy. But if your casino isn’t supported by a proper gaming architecture system or if your games aren’t being maintained by the proper infrastructure, all of that hard work could make for more problems…
It’s no secret that the gaming industry has blossomed to rake in billions of dollars a year on a regular basis now, but the casino industry seems to still be playing catch up when it comes to integrated solutions and state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the needs of its operations and its customers. Gone are the…
You’re sitting in your favorite casino at your favorite slot machine with your favorite drink – it doesn’t get much better than this. Jackpot! Or maybe it does! You just hit a jackpot for $3500! Time to cash out and hit the town. Where’s the money? Well, your money is going to take some time…
I’ve recently become helplessly addicted to the VR game Beat Saber. For those not in the know, Beat Saber is essentially an amalgamation of Fruit Ninja with rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero. If that sounds super-nerdy, that’s likely because it kind of is. However, it’s also a near-endless source of fun…
Network Access Control has been utilized to secure wireless networks in gaming environments for many years. It is crucial to effectively authenticate users and/or devices on internal (non-guest) wireless networks to curb less-than-ethical behavior of malicious users sitting in the parking lot or at one of the food outlets; we simply cannot leave an internal…
Synergy Information Solutions is proud to have been recognized as a 2018 INC 5000 fastest growing company. “We have been quietly working very hard on several major projects. I am proud to see this growth which is all about our team’s dedication and care for our customers.” Jonathan Eaton, CEO Synergy Information Solutions.
We were proud to attend and support NIGA again this year. In addition to providing the IT infrastructure for the $25,000 drawing and NIGA’s show digital signage, we also enjoyed showing our latest advanced technology partnerships at our booth. These technologies all build on the power of a solid, robust gaming technology infrastructure. Through the…
Synergy Information Solutions has been awarded the Cisco Customer Satisfaction Excellence Gold Star Achievement for the 3rd consecutive year. This designation, the highest a partner can achieve, is reserved for those who consistently deliver outstanding customer service to their clientele over an extended period of time. In order to earn its Cisco Customer Satisfaction Gold Star,…
Synergy Information Solutions, a service leader in network design has expanded its relationship and has joined VMware’s Enterprise Solution Partner Program to develop new virtualized solutions. VMware is a global leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructures. Together, Synergy and VMware deliver customer-proven solutions that accelerate IT by reducing complexity and enabling more flexible, agile service…
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — With a complete suite of show-stopping games and systems, International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) gives casino operators the power to perform as it unveils its latest products at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) from Oct. 4-6, 2011 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. IGT’s Booth 2241 will intrigue guests…
International Game Technology, a global leader in creating the major slot games that players love and the casino network systems that improve the player experience, announces the release of a software development kit (SDK) now available for creating Service Window applications. “Making the SDK widely available to developers is our latest step toward building an…
Palm Desert, CA (May 15, 2010) – Synergy Information Solutions has met the resource requirements for Advanced Data Center Storage Networking. Synergy IS has demonstrated that it is qualified to support customers with Advanced Data Center Storage Networking.
Synergy is a proud sponsor of the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament held Friday, June 4, 2010 at East Valley Golf Club in Beaumont. Registration begins at 8:30am, with a shotgun at 11:am. Immediately following the tournament, join us for a cocktail party at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa and enjoy gourmet…
Synergy is a proud supporter of the 12th Annual San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino Charity Golf Tournament held May 17, 2010 at the Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort. Proceeds from the event benefit CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates. The CASA program serves children and youth living in foster care in San Bernardino County.…
Synergy is a proud sponsor of the Agua Caliente Classic Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament held May 14, 2010 at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort in Palm Springs. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to four local charitable organizations serving our community. Palm Springs boys and Girls Club Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club…
December 16, 2009 -Synergy becomes an Authorized Webex Reseller Find, Connect, and Collaborate with Colleagues Quickly and Easily Use WebEx Connect for instant messaging, audio conferencing, integrated WebEx meetings, videoconferencing, and more. See your daily meeting schedule, stay up to date with the latest information about your meetings, and browse enhanced contact fields to put…
Palm Desert, CA (October 21, 2009) – Patrons of Southern California’s Morongo Casino Resort & Spa will be some of the first in the world to experience high-speed Ethernet gaming, thanks largely to Synergy Information Solutions, which is serving as network consultant and architect for the Morongo project. The forward-looking technology is designed to provide…