Expanding Digital Signage Flexibility at Hollywood Casino Greektown

When Hollywood Casino Greektown—part of PENNEntertainment—modernized its digital signage network across 800+ screens in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, AV/IT lead Jason Oziem needed a solution that balanced flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. The Amazon Signage Stick, paired with Poppulo, delivered exactly that.

The Challenge: Modernizing Digital Signage Hardware for Scalability and Cost Efficiency

For over a decade, Greektown relied on Windows-based Intel NUCs and BrightSign players to power communications across gaming floors, hotels, and employee areas. However, as Windows 10 approached end-of-support, corporate policy required a new approach that eliminated constant patching and enabled faster deployment.

The challenge intensified with hard-to-reach installations—some directional screens mounted over thirty feet above the casino floor required time-consuming maintenance. Additionally, expansion into new properties like Hollywood Casino Joliet demanded a simpler deployment process. The team needed a player capable of 24/7 content playback, flexible connectivity, seamless Poppulo integration, and a price point that made network growth sustainable.

The Solution: Deploying the Amazon Signage Stick with Poppulo for Affordable, Reliable Expansion

The Amazon Signage Stick offered the perfect blend of performance, reliability, and affordability. Before full rollout, Oziem stress-tested the devices extensively—power cycling, heat testing, and running demanding video loops. "I tried to break them," he said. "Ineeded to see if they'd fail." They didn't.

Deployment proved remarkably simple. Each player was operational in about fifteen minutes—75% faster than Windows-based installations. The process involved scanning a QR code with the Amazon Signage mobile app, registering the device, selecting Poppulo as the provider, and adopting it within the Poppulo CMS. This compared favorably to the hour-long configuration required for Windows players.

The Amazon Signage mobile app became essential for provisioning and remote management. "The app covers almost everything Ineed," Oziem noted. "If a remote disappears, I can still reboot or manage the player right from my phone."

At less than $100 per stick plus a $20 Ethernet adapter, the devices cost a fraction of traditional media players—enabling expansion into previously cost-prohibitive areas like hallways, parking decks, and bridge walkways. "It's a no-brainer," said Oziem. "I can have one live on the floor in fifteen minutes for less than a hundred bucks."

The sticks now power directionals, hallway displays, and temporary event signage, with several pre-provisioned units ready for on-demand deployment. Some screens even use dual sticks on separate HDMI ports, allowing staff to switch between event-specific and standard content instantly.

The Results: Faster Digital Signage Deployment at Lower Costs

Since deploying the Amazon Signage Stick, reliability has dramatically improved. "I haven't had to go back to some screens in months," Oziem said. The network maintains near-perfect uptime across hundreds of displays in demanding 24/7 casino environments.

Installation efficiency improved by 75%, while total hardware costs per screen dropped by up to 70%. The affordable price point enabled network expansion into areas previously impractical due to hardware costs—corridors, parking garages, and temporary event spaces.

Looking forward, PENN is considering broader standardization on the Amazon Signage Stick for lightweight applications. "The Amazon Signage Stick gives us another tool in the toolbox—it's reliable, affordable, and flexible," Oziem concluded. "That's exactly what I need. "Read more about how Poppulo and Amazon signage are working with Penn Gaming here.

‍