Summary:
- The incidents took place in January.
- A 12 and 14-year-old were able to get on the casino floor.
- Security measures were not followed both times.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is taking action against the Lakeside Casino in Osceola for allowing two minors to reach the gaming floor several months ago.
The regulator investigated the matter and decided to fine the Iowa casino $40,000 for the infraction.
Two Minors Reach the Gaming Floor
A 12-year-old and a 14-year-old were able to reach the casino floor in separate instances. Both children were able to go into the casino with their mothers. The older of the two played a slot machine. The incidents took place in January.
According to the casino general manager, David Monroe, the security measures in place at the casino were not followed when the minors gained access to the gaming floor. Employees failed to follow the property training and guidelines that are in place. The manager pointed out that the children would not have been allowed to enter if a marginal job had been done.
Commission members debated suspending the casino’s license for the incident but instead instituted the fine. The measures taken by the casino caused him to rule for a fine instead.
Taking Action After the Incidents
According to Monroe, Lakeside Casino took several steps to ensure that there was not another incident involving minors. Every employee at the casino was retrained, and they had to sign an acknowledgment that they understood it was everyone’s responsibility to stop minors, not just security.
An additional step was added where the security manager and assistant are the only two individuals who can approve someone working the check stations. The individual must show they understand the job and do so verbally.
The entry area to the casino was reviewed, and a new turnstile was added to the gambling floor entrance. This placed a physical barrier, and the security guard had to push a button to allow people to enter.
The ID scanning system was also updated so the guards could easily identify fraudulent ID cards. The casino has taken several measures to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again.
Other casinos across the US have been fined for similar instances and usually retrain their employees. Lakeside is going the extra mile and adding physical measures to protect minors. Security will now have an easier time with checks, and only those committed to the position will be allowed to work.
Hopefully, the parents were also schooled on not bringing a minor to the gaming floor. Children are not allowed in the casino, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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