Iowa-based Diamond Jo Casino hit the jackpot when it found Cree’s LRP-38 LED lamp. The gambling establishment gambling establishment located on the popular Port of Dubuque recently installed energy-efficient LED lighting by Cree.
 
“We looked at almost 30 other LED lamp options and knew right away when we saw the LRP-38 that it offered the exact color we wanted and had the right amount of lumens for our gaming floor and customers. In addition, switching over to Cree LED lighting has freed up two man hours per day, seven days a week because the maintenance crew is no longer replacing lamps. That’s an estimated 60 hours per month in labor savings,” said Chad Darter, Director of Facilities at Diamond Jo Casino.
 
The LED lights were sold through United Lighting in Davenport, Iowa, and are installed throughout the 188,000 square foot entertainment facility, including the gaming floor, hallways, reception and meeting rooms.

“By upgrading our casino with energy-efficient LED lighting we are continuing our commitment to saving money, sustainable practices and improving the quality of life in the community in which we work and live," said Todd Moyer, General Manager of Diamond Jo.
 

• Replaced 750 100W incandescent down lights with 11W CreeLRP-38 LED lamps. The LRP-38 LED lamp provides warm 2700K light with a 94 CRI.

 
Since the casino lights remain on at all times, installing LRP-38 lamps, designed to last to last 35,000-50,000 hours (depending on application), can result in significant energy and maintenance savings. By eliminating the need for regular bulb replacements and associated labor costs, Diamond Jo anticipates reducing maintenance costs by nearly $23,000 a year while providing high-quality lighting throughout its facility.
 
And switching to Cree’s LRP-38 lamps, which consume only 11 watts of power compared to 100 watts from the original PAR-38 incandescent lamps, can save Diamond Jo Casino more than $46,000 in electrical costs annually, according to lighting distributor Crescent Electric Supply Company.
 
These savings, combined with anticipated maintenance savings result in a payback calculation of nearly one year for the installation with an ongoing annual savings of almost $70,000.
 
The long lifetime and high color quality of the LED lighting is a great match for the 24/7 operation of the casino, said Darter.
 
“The long-term lighting needs of 24/7 establishments like Diamond Jo Casino are continuing to drive the adoption of LEDs,” said Craig Lofton, Cree, vice president of sales, LED Lighting. “High-quality light combined with significant energy and maintenance savings can provide a quick return on investment that helps business owners realize it is payback time for the LED lighting revolution.”