[36 Pa.B. 3416]
[Saturday, July 1, 2006]
[Continued from previous Web Page] (1) Coin in. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of all wagers, whether the wager results from the insertion of currency, gaming vouchers, coupons, downloaded credits, credits won or any other means. This meter must:
(i) Not include subsequent wagers of intermediate winnings accumulated during game play sequence such as those acquired from ''double up'' games.
(ii) For multi-game and multi-denomination/multi-game slot machines, monitor the information necessary, on a per pay table basis, to calculate a weighted average actual payout percentage.
(2) Coin out. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of all amounts directly paid by the slot machine as a result of winning wagers, whether the payout is made directly from the printer by issuance of a gaming voucher, directly to a credit meter or by any other means. This meter may not record amounts awarded as the result of an external bonusing system or a progressive payout.
(3) Attendant paid jackpots. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of credits paid by an attendant resulting from a single winning alignment or combination, the amount of which is not capable of being paid by the slot machine itself. This meter may not record amounts awarded as the result of an external bonusing system or a progressive payout. This meter is to record only amounts specifically listed in the manufacturer's par sheet.
(4) Attendant paid cancelled credits. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of all amounts paid by an attendant resulting from a player initiated cash-out that exceeds the physical or configured capability of the slot machine.
(5) Bill in. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of currency accepted. The slot machine must also have a specific meter for each denomination of currency accepted that records the number of bills accepted for each denomination.
(6) Voucher in--cashable/value. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of all cashable gaming vouchers accepted by the slot machine.
(7) Voucher in--cashable/count. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total number of cashable gaming vouchers accepted by a slot machine.
(8) Voucher out--cashable/value. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of all cashable gaming vouchers issued by the slot machine.
(9) Voucher out--cashable/count. The slot machine must have a meter that records the total number of all cashable gaming vouchers issued by a slot machine.
(10) Voucher out--noncashable/value. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of all noncashable gaming vouchers issued by the slot machine.
(11) Voucher out--noncashable/count. The slot machine must have a meter that records the total number of all noncashable gaming vouchers issued by the slot machine.
(12) Cashable electronic in. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of cashable credits electronically transferred to the slot machine by means of an external connection between the slot machine and a cashless funds transfer system.
(13) Noncashable electronic in. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of noncashable credits electronically transferred to the slot machine by means of an external connection between the slot machine and a cashless funds transfer system.
(14) Coupon in--cashable/value. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of all cashable coupons accepted by the slot machine.
(15) Coupon in--cashable/count. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total number of all cashable coupons accepted by the slot machine.
(16) Coupon in--noncashable/value. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of all noncashable coupons accepted by the slot machine.
(17) Coupon in--noncashable/count. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total number of noncashable coupons accepted by the slot machine.
(18) Slot machine paid external bonus payout. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of additional amounts awarded as a result of an external bonusing system and paid by the slot machine.
(19) Attendant paid external bonus payout. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of additional amounts awarded as a result of an external bonusing system and paid by a slot attendant.
(20) Slot machine paid progressive payout. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of credits paid as a result of progressive awards paid directly by the slot machine. This meter may not record awards paid as a result of an external bonusing system.
(21) Attendant paid progressive payout. The slot machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of credits paid by a slot attendant as a result of progressive awards that are not capable of being paid by the slot machine. This meter must not include awards paid as a result of an external bonusing system.
(22) Additional requirements. Other meters as may be required by technical standards adopted by the Board.
(j) Unless otherwise authorized by the Board, each slot machine approved for use in a licensed facility must be equipped with the following noncumulative meters:
(1) Credits wagered. The slot machine must have a meter, visible from the front exterior of a slot machine, known as a credit wagered meter that advises the patron of the total value of amounts wagered in a particular game or round of slot play.
(2) Win meter. The slot machine must have a meter, visible from the front exterior of the slot machine, known as a win meter that advises the patron of the total value of amounts won in the immediately concluded game or round of slot play.
(3) Credits paid. The slot machine must have a meter, visible from the front exterior of the slot machine, known as a credits paid meter that advises the patron of the total value of the last: cash out initiated by the patron, win paid directly by the slot machine, attendant paid jackpot or attendant paid cancelled credit.
(4) Credit meter. The slot machine must have a meter, visible from the front exterior of the slot machine and specifically labeled as a credit meter, which advises the patron as to the number of credits or monetary value available for wagering on the slot machine. The credit meter need not distinguish between cashable credits and noncashable credits.
(k) Each slot machine must have a meter which stores the number of games played, in the manner and for a duration specified in this subpart or in technical standards adopted by the Board, since the following events:
(1) Power reset.
(2) Door close.
(3) Game initialization (random access memory (RAM) clear).
(l) Each slot machine must be equipped with a device, mechanism or method for retaining the total value of all meters required under subsection (i) for 72 hours subsequent to a power loss.
(m) The required meters on each slot machine must be accessible and legible without access to the interior of the slot machine.
(n) Each slot machine must be equipped with a tower light capable of effectively communicating the status of the slot machine in accordance with technical standards on tower lights and error conditions adopted by the Board.
(o) Each slot machine must be equipped with a device, mechanism or method for detecting, displaying and communicating to a slot monitoring system error conditions. The error conditions detected, displayed and communicated by a slot machine, and the method to be utilized to clear the message with regard to the error condition, must be in accordance with technical standards on tower lights and error conditions adopted by the Board.
(p) Each slot machine must, in accordance with section 1324 of the act (relating to protocol information), comply with the comprehensive protocol specifications necessary to enable the slot machine to communicate with the Department's central control computer as that protocol is amended or supplemented, for the purpose of transmitting auditing program information, real time information retrieval and slot machine activation and disabling.
(q) A slot machine must lock up and preclude further play whenever a jackpot occurs that is not able to be paid completely by the slot machine and requires a hand pay. When the jackpot occurs, the slot machine can offer a predetermined number of double-up wagers before the slot machine locks up.
(r) A slot machine must be configured to not accept more than $3,000 in currency before a wager must be made or play initiated unless otherwise authorized by the Board.
(s) Printers incorporated into a slot machine must be:
(1) Designed to allow the slot machine to detect and report a low paper level, paper out, presentation error, printer failure and paper jams.
(2) Mounted inside a lockable compartment within the slot machine.
(t) Seating made available by a slot machine licensee for use during slot play must be fixed and stationary in nature. Slot seating must be installed in a manner that effectively precludes its ready removal by a patron but permits controlled removal, for example for Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) purposes (42 U.S.C.A. §§ 12101--12213), by slot operations department personnel.
(u) Unless a slot machine licensee's slot monitoring system is configured to automatically record all of the information required by this subsection, the slot machine licensee shall be required to physically house in each slot machine the following entry authorization logs:
(1) A machine entry authorization log that documents each time a slot machine or any device connected thereto which may affect the operation of the slot machine is opened. The log must contain, at a minimum, the date, time, purpose for opening the slot machine or device and the signature and license number of the person opening and entering the slot machine or device. Each log must have recorded thereon a sequence number and the manufacturer's serial number or the asset number corresponding to the slot machine in which it is housed.
(2) A progressive entry authorization log that documents each time a progressive controller not housed within the cabinet of the slot machine is opened. The log must contain, at a minimum, the date, time, purpose for accessing the progressive controller and the signature and license number of the person accessing the progressive controller. Each log must be maintained in the progressive controller unit and have recorded thereon a sequence number and the manufacturer's serial number of the progressive controller.
(v) The Board may waive one or more of the slot machine minimum design standards in this section or technical standards adopted by the Board applicable to slot machine design, upon a determination that a slot machine prototype or modification as configured nonetheless meets the operational integrity standards of the act, this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
§ 461.8. Gaming vouchers.
(a) A gaming voucher is an instrument that upon insertion into a slot machine bill validator entitles the patron inserting the gaming voucher to cashable or noncashable credits on a slot machine corresponding to the value printed on the gaming voucher. The design specifications for a gaming voucher, the expiration terms applicable thereto, the voucher verification methodologies utilized, and any limitation on the value of a gaming voucher must be in compliance with technical standards on gaming vouchers adopted by the Board.
(b) A slot machine licensee may utilize a gaming voucher system. A gaming voucher system is the collective hardware, software, communications technology and other ancillary equipment used to facilitate the issuance of gaming vouchers and the redemption of gaming vouchers by slot machines, automated gaming voucher redemption machines, the cashiers' cage or in other locations, and in alternative manners, as approved by the Board. A gaming voucher system must comply with technical standards on gaming voucher systems adopted by the Board.
(c) A slot machine licensee is prohibited from utilizing a gaming voucher system which has not been tested and approved by the Board under § 461.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(d) Except as provided in subsection (n) with regard to employee redemption of gaming vouchers, each gaming voucher shall be redeemed by a patron for a specific value of cash, slot machine credits, or, at the request of the patron, a check issued by the slot machine licensee in the amount of the gaming voucher surrendered. Notwithstanding the forgoing, a slot machine licensee may not permit a gaming voucher that is presented for redemption to be redeemed if it knows, or has reason to know, that the gaming voucher:
(1) Is materially different from the sample of the gaming voucher approved by the Board.
(2) Was previously redeemed.
(3) Was printed as a test gaming voucher.
(e) Prior to issuing a gaming voucher, each slot machine licensee shall establish a system of internal controls for the issuance and redemption of gaming vouchers. The internal controls shall be submitted and approved by the Board under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols) and address:
(1) Procedures for assigning a slot machine's asset number and identifying other redemption locations in the system, and enabling and disabling voucher capabilities for slot machines and redemption locations.
(2) Procedures for issuance, modification and termination of a unique system account for each user in accordance with technical standards adopted by the Board.
(3) Procedures used to configure and maintain user passwords in accordance with technical standards adopted by the Board.
(4) Procedures for restricting special rights and privileges, such as administrator and override capabilities, in accordance with technical standards adopted by the Board.
(5) The duties and responsibilities of the information technology, internal audit, slot operations and slot accounting departments, respectively, and the level of access for each position with regard to the gaming voucher system.
(6) A description of physical controls on all critical hardware such as locks and surveillance, including the location and security protocols applicable to each piece of equipment as approved by the Board.
(7) Procedures for the backup and timely recovery of critical data in accordance with any technical standards adopted by the Board.
(8) Logs used to document and maintain the details of any Board approved hardware and software modifications upon implementation.
(f) The system of internal controls required to be submitted and approved by the Board under subsection (e) must also include the procedures to be applied in the following instances:
(1) The slot machine licensee chooses to pay a patron the value of a gaming voucher notwithstanding the fact that its gaming voucher system is inoperable rendering it unable to determine the validity of the gaming voucher at the time of payment.
(2) The slot machine licensee chooses to pay a patron the value of a gaming voucher notwithstanding the fact that the gaming voucher system failed to verify and electronically cancel the gaming voucher when it was scanned.
(g) At the end of each gaming day, the gaming voucher system must generate reports, as approved by the Board, which reports are provided to the slot accounting department, either directly by the system or through the information technology department, and contain the following information, at a minimum:
(1) All gaming vouchers that have been issued. Reports with regard to slot machine activity must include the asset number of the slot machine and the serial number, value, date and time of issuance of each gaming voucher.
(2) All gaming vouchers that have been redeemed and canceled by redemption location, including the asset number of the slot machine or location if other than a slot machine, the serial number, value, date and time of redemption for each voucher, the total value of all gaming vouchers redeemed at slot machines, and the total value of all gaming vouchers redeemed at locations other than slot machines.
(3) The unredeemed liability for gaming vouchers.
(4) The readings on gaming voucher related slot machine meters and a comparison of the readings to the number and value of issued and redeemed gaming vouchers, as applicable.
(5) Exception reports and audit logs.
(h) The slot machine licensee shall immediately report to the Board, in a manner prescribed by the Board, any evidence that a gaming voucher has been counterfeited, tampered with, or altered in any way which would affect the integrity, fairness, reliability or suitability of the gaming voucher.
(i) Upon presentation of a gaming voucher for redemption at a slot machine, the total value of which gaming voucher cannot be completely converted into an equivalent value of credits that match the denomination of the slot machine, the slot machine must perform one of the following procedures:
(1) Automatically issue a new gaming voucher containing the value that cannot be completely converted.
(2) Not redeem the gaming voucher and immediately return the gaming voucher to the patron.
(3) Allow for the additional accumulation of credits on an odd cents meter or a meter that displays the value in dollars and cents.
(j) A slot machine licensee that utilizes a system or a slot machine that does not print a test gaming voucher that is visually distinguishable from a valid gaming voucher whenever the slot machine is tested on the gaming floor must have in place internal controls approved by the Board under § 465.3 for the issuance of test currency from the cashiers' cage and the return and reconciliation of the test currency and any gaming vouchers printed during the testing process.
(k) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (d), if a patron requests to redeem a gaming voucher by mail, the slot machine licensee may effectuate the redemption. However, the gaming vouchers may only be redeemed by a cage supervisor in accordance with internal controls approved by the Board under § 465.3, which includes the following:
(1) Procedures for using the gaming voucher system to verify the validity of the serial number and value of the voucher, which, if valid, must be immediately canceled electronically by the system.
(2) Procedures for the issuance of a check containing the value of the voucher.
(l) Gaming vouchers redeemed at cashiering locations shall be transferred to the slot accounting department on a daily basis. Gaming vouchers redeemed by slot machines shall be counted in the count room and forwarded to the slot accounting department upon the conclusion of the count process. Gaming vouchers redeemed at automated gaming voucher redemption machines shall be forwarded to slot accounting upon the conclusion of the cashiers' cage reconciliation process. Slot accounting department representatives with no incompatible functions shall perform, at a minimum, the following:
(1) On a daily basis:
(i) Compare gaming voucher system report data to any count room system report data available for that gaming day to ensure proper electronic cancellation of the gaming voucher.
(ii) Calculate the unredeemed liability for gaming vouchers, either manually or by means of the gaming voucher system.
(2) On a weekly basis, compare appropriate slot machine meter readings to the number and value of issued and redeemed gaming vouchers per the gaming voucher system. Meter readings obtained through a slot monitoring system may be utilized to complete this comparison.
(m) A slot machine licensee shall provide written notice to the Board's Slot Lab of any adjustment to the value of any gaming voucher. The notice shall be made prior to, or concurrent with, the adjustment.
(n) Employees of a slot machine licensee who are authorized to receive gaming vouchers as gratuities may redeem the gaming vouchers only at the cashiers' cage. Gaming vouchers valued at more than $100 shall be redeemed at the cashiers' cage only with the approval of the supervisor of the cashier conducting the redemption transaction.
(o) Each gaming voucher system must be configured to alert the slot machine licensee to any malfunction. Following any malfunction of a system, the slot machine licensee shall immediately notify the Board and may not utilize the system until the malfunction has been successfully eliminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may permit, in accordance with approval procedures the Board prescribes, a slot machine licensee to utilize the system prior to its being successfully restored, for a period not to exceed 72 hours, provided that:
(1) The malfunction is limited to a single storage media device, such as a hard disk drive.
(2) In addition to the malfunctioning storage media device, the system contains a backup storage media device not utilized in the normal operation of the system. The backup device must immediately and automatically replace the malfunctioning device to permit a complete and prompt recovery of all information in the event of an additional malfunction.
(3) Continued use of the malfunctioning system would not inhibit the ability to perform a complete and prompt recovery of all information, and would not otherwise harm or affect the normal operation of the system.
(p) Other than a modification to a gaming voucher system required on an emergency basis to prevent cheating or malfunction and approved by the Board under § 461.4(l), a modification to a gaming voucher system may not be installed without the gaming voucher system having undergone the testing and approval process required under § 461.4.
(q) The Board may waive one or more requirements of this section or technical standards applicable to gaming voucher systems adopted by the Board upon a determination that the nonconforming gaming voucher system nonetheless meets the operational integrity requirements of the act, this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
§ 461.9. Coupons.
(a) A coupon is an instrument issued by a slot machine licensee under which cashable or noncashable slot machine credits are provided directly or indirectly to a patron with or without regard to the identity of the patron or patron's level of gaming activity.
(b) A slot machine licensee may issue coupons. A coupon system is the collective hardware, software, communications technology and other ancillary equipment used to facilitate the issuance of coupons, the acceptance of a coupon by a slot machine or its redemption at an automated coupon redemption machine, cashiers' cage or such other locations, and in an alternative manner approved by the Board. A coupon system must comply with any technical standards on coupon systems adopted by the Board.
(c) A slot machine licensee is prohibited from utilizing a coupon system which has not been tested and approved by the Board under § 461.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(d) Each coupon shall be designed and manufactured with sufficient graphics or other security measures, to permit, to the greatest extent possible, the proper verification of the coupon. Each coupon must contain, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) The name or trade name of the slot machine licensee, and if the slot machine licensee is affiliated with a casino licensee in any other jurisdiction with an identical or similar name or trade name, the name of the Pennsylvania location must be evident on the coupon.
(2) The value of the coupon, in both numbers and words.
(3) A unique serial number, which is automatically generated by the system in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(4) The locations where the coupon may be redeemed and restrictions regarding redemption.
(5) An indication of the date on which the coupon becomes invalid.
(6) A bar code or magnetic strip which enables the system to establish the validity of the coupon and its value in accordance with this subpart and any technical standards adopted by the Board.
(e) Prior to issuing a coupon, each slot machine licensee shall establish a system of internal controls for the issuance and redemption of coupons. The internal controls shall be submitted to, and approved by the Board under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(f) The Board may waive one or more requirements of this section or technical standards applicable to coupon systems adopted by the Board upon a determination that the nonconforming coupon system nonetheless meets the operational integrity requirements of the act, this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
§ 461.10. Automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines.
(a) Automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines may be located on or proximate to the gaming floor of a licensed facility and must be subject to surveillance coverage under § 465.10 (relating to surveillance system; surveillance department control; surveillance department restrictions). Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have imprinted, affixed or impressed on the outside of the machine a unique asset identification number.
(b) A slot machine licensee is prohibited from utilizing an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine that has not been tested and approved by the Board under § 461.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(c) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have the capability of establishing the validity of the gaming voucher or coupon by comparing the instrument's unique serial number, automatically generated by the respective gaming voucher or coupon system in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board with electronic records within the gaming voucher system or coupon system.
(d) The methods utilized to comply with subsection (c) shall be submitted to and approved by the Board in the context of the testing of a gaming voucher system or coupon system.
(e) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine may function as a bill breaker changing bills of one denomination into bills of a smaller denomination.
(f) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must contain a lockable gaming voucher, coupon and currency storage box which retains the gaming vouchers, coupons or currency accepted by the machine. Each gaming voucher, coupon and currency storage box located inside the machine must also have imprinted, affixed or impressed thereon the asset identification number of the corresponding machine.
(g) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have, at a minimum, the following:
(1) One lock securing the compartment housing and the storage box and one lock securing the storage box within the compartment, the keys to which must be different from each another. The key to the compartment housing the storage box shall be controlled by the slot operations department. The key to the lock securing the storage box within the compartment shall be controlled by the slot accounting department.
(2) One lock securing the compartment housing the currency cassettes, the key to which shall be controlled by the slot accounting department.
(3) One lock securing the compartment housing the coin storage container, the key to which shall be controlled by the slot accounting department.
(4) One lock securing the contents of the storage box, the key to which must be different from the keys referenced in paragraphs (1)--(3). This key shall be controlled by an employee of the slot accounting department other than the employee controlling the keys referenced in paragraphs (1)--(3).
(h) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be designed to resist forced illegal entry. The slot machine licensee must secure the input/output ports on an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine.
(i) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine's currency cassettes must be designed to preclude access to its interior and must render itself inoperable if unauthorized access occurs. The key to each currency cassette shall be controlled by the slot accounting department.
(j) Access controls relating to the operating system or applications of the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine, and ancillary systems, applications and equipment associated with the reconciliation thereof, must employ security measures that require authentication of the user and recording and maintaining of data regarding access and any modifications made. Authentication must be in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(k) A gaming voucher or coupon accepted by an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine shall be cancelled immediately upon exchange in a manner that effectively prevents its subsequent redemption by the cashiers' cage, another automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine or its acceptance in a slot machine bill validator. The methods utilized to comply with this requirement shall be in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(l) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be designed to be impervious to outside influences, interference from electro-magnetic, electro-static and radio frequencies and influence from ancillary equipment.
(m) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must include a means to protect against transaction failure and data loss due to power loss.
(n) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must detect, display and record electronically the following error conditions: power reset; door open; door just closed; and system communication loss. These error conditions may be automatically cleared by the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine when the condition no longer exists and upon completion of a new transaction.
(o) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must detect, display and record electronically the error conditions in paragraphs (1)--(4). These error conditions must disable the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine and prohibit new transactions and may only be cleared by either the slot accounting department or slot operations department.
(1) Failure to make payment, if the gaming voucher or coupon is not returned and no receipt is issued.
(2) Failure to make complete payment if a receipt for the unpaid amount is not issued.
(3) Bill validator failure.
(4) Printer failure due to printer jam or lack of paper.
(p) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be designed to evaluate whether sufficient funds are available before stacking the voucher and completing the transaction.
(q) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be capable of maintaining synchronization between its real time clock and that of the gaming voucher system and coupon system.
(r) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be equipped with electronic digital storage meters which accumulate the following information. The information must be readily available through system reports. Where a value is maintained, the value must be in dollars and cents.
(1) Physical coin out. Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value, by denomination, of all coins paid by the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine.
(2) Voucher in--value. Each automated gaming voucher machine must have a meter that accumulates the value of all cashable gaming vouchers accepted.
(3) Voucher in--count. Each automated gaming voucher machine must have a meter that accumulates the number of all cashable gaming vouchers accepted.
(4) Coupon in--value. Each automated coupon redemption machine must have a meter that accumulates the value of all cashable coupons accepted.
(5) Coupon in--count. Each automated coupon redemption machine must have a meter that accumulates the number of all cashable coupons accepted.
(6) Bill in. Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have a meter that accumulates the value of all currency accepted by the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine. Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must also have specific meters for each denomination of currency accepted that records the number of bills accepted.
(7) Bill out. Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have a meter that accumulates the total value of currency dispensed. Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must also provide for specific meters for each denomination of currency dispensed that record the number of bills dispensed.
(8) Additional requirements. Other meters as may be required by technical standards adopted by the Board.
(s) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have the capacity to record and retain, in an automated transaction log, all critical transaction history for at least 30 days. Transaction history must include records with regard to the date, time, amount and disposition of each complete and incomplete transaction, error conditions, logical and physical access and attempted access to the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine. If an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine is capable of redeeming multiple vouchers and coupons in a single transaction, the transaction history must include a breakdown of the transaction with regard to gaming vouchers and coupons.
(t) Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine or ancillary systems, applications and equipment associated with the reconciliation thereof, must be capable of producing the following reports upon request:
(1) Gaming voucher transaction report. This report must include the disposition (paid, partial pay, unpaid) of gaming vouchers accepted by an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine which must include the validation number, the date and time of redemption, amount requested and the amount dispensed. This information must be available by reconciliation period which may be by day, shift or drop cycle.
(2) Coupon transaction report. This report must include the disposition (paid, partial pay, unpaid) of coupons accepted by an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine which must include the unique serial number, the date and time of redemption, amount requested and the amount dispensed. This information must be available by reconciliation period which may be by day, shift or drop cycle.
(3) Reconciliation report. This report must include the following information:
(i) Report date and time.
(ii) Unique asset identification number of the machine.
(iii) Total cash balance of the currency cassettes.
(iv) Total count of currency accepted by denomination.
(v) Total dollar amount of vouchers accepted.
(vi) Total count of gaming vouchers accepted
(vii) Total dollar amount of coupons accepted.
(viii) Total count of coupons accepted.
(4) Gaming voucher, coupon and currency storage box report. This report must be generated, at a minimum, whenever a gaming voucher, coupon and currency storage box is removed from an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine. The report must include the following information:
(i) Report date and time.
(ii) Unique asset identification number of the machine.
(iii) Unique identification number for each storage box in the machine.
(iv) Total value of currency dispensed.
(v) Total number of bills dispensed by denomination.
(vi) Total dollar value of gaming vouchers accepted.
(vii) Total count of gaming vouchers accepted.
(viii) Total dollar value of coupons accepted.
(ix) Total count of coupons accepted.
(x) Details required to be included in the gaming voucher transaction report required by paragraph (1) and the coupon transaction report required in paragraph (2).
(5) Transaction report. This report must include all critical patron transaction history including the date, time, amount and disposition of each complete and incomplete transaction. If an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine is capable of redeeming multiple vouchers or coupons in a single transaction, the transaction history must include a breakdown of the transaction with regard to gaming vouchers and coupons accepted.
(u) The Board may waive one or more requirements of this section or technical standards applicable to automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines adopted by the Board upon a determination that the machine as configured nonetheless meets the operational integrity requirements of the act, this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
§ 461.11. Automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines: accounting controls.
Prior to commencing use of either an automated gaming voucher redemption machine, an automated coupon redemption machine, bill breaker or some combination thereof, each slot machine licensee shall establish a comprehensive system of internal controls addressing the distribution of currency or coin, or both, to the machines, the removal of any gaming vouchers, coupons or currency accepted by the machines and the reconciliations associated therewith. The internal controls shall be submitted to, and approved by the Board under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
§ 461.12. Progressive slot machines.
(a) A progressive slot machine is a slot machine that offers a jackpot that may increase in value based upon wagers as the slot machine is played. A progressive slot machine may stand alone, be linked or interconnected with other progressive slot machines. Progressive slot machines located at a licensed facility that are linked or interconnected with progressive slot machines at another licensed facility are collectively referred to as a wide area progressive system.
(b) Each slot machine that offers a progressive jackpot which may increase in value based upon wager and is adjusted and displayed by a device other than the approved program that controls the operation of the slot machine, referred to herein as a progressive controller, must have the following features:
(1) For each progressive jackpot offered by the slot machine, a mechanical, electrical or electronic device, to be known as a progressive meter, visible from the front of the slot machine, which may increase in value based upon wagers, and which advises the player of the amount which can be won if the slot machine symbols that award the progressive jackpot appear as a result of activation of play of the slot machine.
(2) A slot machine paid progressive payout meter in accordance with § 461.7(i) (relating to slot machine minimum design standards).
(3) A slot attendant paid progressive payout meter in accordance with § 461.7(i).
(4) A cumulative progressive payout meter that continuously and automatically records the total value of progressive jackpots paid directly by the slot machine or by a slot attendant.
(5) A key and key switch to reset the progressive meters or other reset mechanism as may be approved by the Board.
(6) A key locking the compartment housing the progressive meters or other means by which to preclude unauthorized alterations to the progressive meters. This key or alternative security method must be different than the key or reset mechanism in paragraph (5).
(7) Dual key control by the security department and slot accounting department, or alternative key controls as the Board approves, of the compartment housing the microprocessor or other unit that controls the progressive meters. The compartment shall be in a location approved by the Board.
(c) Each slot machine that is connected to a common progressive meter for the purpose of offering the same progressive jackpot on two or more slot machines must:
(1) Have the same probability of hitting the combination that will award the progressive jackpot as every other linked slot machine connected to the common progressive meter.
(2) Require that the same amount in wager be invested to entitle the player to a chance at winning the progressive jackpot and that each increase in wager increment the progressive meter by the same rate of progression as every other linked slot machine connected to the common progressive meter.
(3) Have its program or progressive controller that controls the common display for the progressive meter housed in a location and subject to dual key controls as may be approved by the Board.
(d) Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (c):
(1) Two or more linked slot machines offering the same progressive jackpot may be of different denominations or have different wagers, or both, required to win the progressive jackpot, provided that:
(i) The probability of winning the progressive jackpot is directly proportional to the wager required to win that jackpot.
(ii) A notice approved by the Board indicating the proportional probability of hitting the progressive jackpot on a linked progressive system is conspicuously displayed on each linked slot machine.
(2) The probability of winning a progressive jackpot offered on linked slot machines may vary among the machines when necessary to enable a slot machine licensee or, as applicable, a slot system operator, to institute a change in the probability which is otherwise permitted by this subpart, if the change is completed expeditiously in accordance with procedures that have been filed with and approved by the Board.
(e) A slot machine licensee seeking to utilize a linked slot machine shall submit to the Board for approval the location and manner of installing any progressive meter display mechanism.
(f) A slot machine that offers a progressive jackpot may not be placed on the gaming floor until the slot machine licensee or, as applicable, the slot system operator, has submitted to the Board, in a manner the Board directs, and the Board has approved, the following:
(1) The initial and reset amounts at which the progressive meters will be set.
(2) The proposed system for controlling the keys and applicable logical access controls to the slot machines.
(3) The proposed rate of progression for each progressive jackpot.
(4) The proposed limit for the progressive jackpot, if any.
(5) The calculated probability of winning each progressive jackpot. The probability may not exceed 50 million to 1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this paragraph does not apply to a jackpot with a probability that may exceed 50 million to 1 during the game cycle due solely to the intervening occurrence of free play awards between the activation of a play and the award of the jackpot.
(g) Progressive meters may not be turned back to a lesser amount unless one of the following occurs:
(1) The amount indicated has been actually paid to a winning patron.
(2) The progressive jackpot amount won by the patron has been recorded in accordance with a system of internal controls approved under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(3) The progressive jackpot has, with prior Board approval, been transferred to another progressive slot machine or wide area progressive system in accordance with this subpart.
(4) The change is necessitated by a slot machine or meter malfunction, in which case:
(i) For progressive jackpots governed by subsection (b), an explanation shall be entered on the progressive slot summary required by this subpart and the Board shall be notified of the resetting in writing in a manner the Board directs.
(ii) For progressive jackpots governed by subsection (m), an explanation shall be entered on the machine entry authorization log required under this subpart unless the slot machine automatically addresses the malfunction in a manner approved by the Board.
(h) Once an amount appears on a progressive meter, the probability of hitting the combination that will award the progressive jackpot may not be decreased unless the progressive jackpot has been won by a patron or the progressive jackpot has been transferred to another progressive slot machine or wide area progressive system or removed in accordance with subsection (j).
(i) When a progressive slot machine has a progressive meter with digital limitations on the meter, the slot machine licensee shall set a limit on the progressive jackpot not to exceed the display capability of the progressive meter.
(j) A slot machine licensee or, as applicable, a slot system operator, may limit, transfer or terminate a progressive jackpot offered on a gaming floor only in accordance with the following procedures:
(1) Establish a payout limit for a progressive jackpot provided that the payout limit is greater than the then current payout amount on the progressive jackpot meter. The slot machine licensee shall notice the Board, in a manner the Board directs, of the imposition of a payout limit on a progressive meter or a modification thereto concurrent with the setting of the payout limit.
(2) May terminate a progressive jackpot concurrent with the winning of the progressive jackpot provided its slot machine program or progressive controller was configured prior to the winning of the progressive jackpot to establish a fixed reset amount with no progressive increment.
(3) May immediately and permanently remove one or more linked slot machines from a gaming floor, provided that:
(i) When the slot machine is part of a wide area progressive system offered at multiple licensed facilities, the slot machine licensee shall retain at least one linked slot machine offering the same progressive jackpot on its gaming floor.
(ii) When the progressive jackpot is only offered in a single licensed facility, at least two linked slot machines offering the same progressive jackpot must remain on the gaming floor.
(4) May transfer a progressive jackpot amount on a stand alone progressive slot machine or the common progressive jackpot on an entire link of progressive slot machines with a common progressive meter, including a wide area progressive system, from a gaming floor provided the progressive jackpot is:
(i) Transferred in its entirety.
(ii) Transferred to either of the following:
(A) The progressive meter for a progressive slot machine or wide area progressive system with the same or greater probability of winning the progressive jackpot, the same or lower wager requirement to be eligible to win the progressive jackpot, and the same type of progressive jackpot (cash, annuity, annuity/cash option or a combination/alternate jackpot). However, if no other progressive slot machine or wide area progressive system meets all of these qualifications, the Board may authorize a transfer of the jackpot to the progressive meter of the most similar progressive slot machine or wide area progressive system available if the Board finds the transfer would be in the public interest.
(B) The progressive meters of two separate progressive slot machines or wide area progressive systems, provided that each progressive slot machine or wide area progressive system to which the jackpot is transferred individually satisfies the requirements of clause (A).
(iii) Notice of intent to transfer the progressive jackpot is conspicuously displayed on the front of each slot machine for at least 30 days.
(iv) Notice of intent to transfer the progressive jackpot is provided in writing to the Board, in a manner the Board directs, at least 30 days prior to the transfer of the progressive jackpot.
(5) May immediately and permanently remove a progressive jackpot on a stand alone progressive slot machine, the common progressive jackpot on an entire link of progressive slot machines with a common progressive meter or an entire wide area progressive system from a gaming floor provided notice of intent to remove the progressive jackpot is:
(i) Conspicuously displayed on the front of each slot machine for at least 30 days.
(ii) Provided in writing to the Board, in a manner the Board directs, at least 30 days prior to the removal of the progressive jackpot.
(k) The amount indicated on the progressive meter or meters and coin in meter on each slot machine governed by subsection (b) shall be recorded on a progressive slot summary report at least once every 7 calendar days and each report shall be signed by the preparer. If not prepared by the slot accounting department, the progressive slot summary report shall be forwarded to the slot accounting department by the end of the gaming day on which it is prepared. A representative of the slot accounting department shall be responsible for calculating the correct amount that should appear on a progressive meter. If an adjustment to the progressive meters is necessary, the adjustment shall be made by a member of the slot operations department as follows:
(1) Supporting documentation shall be maintained to explain any addition or reduction in the registered amount on the progressive meter. The documentation must include the date, asset number of the slot machine, the amount of the adjustment and the signatures of the slot accounting department member requesting the adjustment and of the slot operations department member making the adjustment.
(2) The adjustment shall be effectuated within 48 hours of the meter reading.
(l) Except as otherwise authorized by this section, a slot machine offering a progressive jackpot that is removed from the gaming floor shall be returned to or replaced on the gaming floor within 5 gaming days. The amount on the progressive meters on the returned or replacement machine may not be less than the amount on the progressive meters at the time of removal. If the slot machine is not returned or replaced, any progressive meter amount at the time of removal shall, within 5 days of the slot machine's removal, be added to a slot machine approved by the Board which slot machine offers the same or a greater probability of winning the progressive jackpot and requires the same wager or less than the wager required to win the progressive jackpot on the slot machine that was removed. This subsection does not apply to the temporary removal by a slot machine licensee, for a period not to exceed 30 days, of all linked slot machines that are part of a particular wide area progressive system, provided that the progressive jackpot offered by the temporarily removed slot machines remains available on slot machines that are part of the same wide area progressive system in another licensed facility.
(m) Each slot machine that offers a progressive jackpot controlled by a slot machine program with a fixed initial and reset amount, rate of progression and progressive jackpot limit which cannot be changed by the slot machine licensee must limit the progressive jackpot to an amount which is less than $1,200.
(n) A progressive jackpot governed by subsection (m) is not subject to subsections (j)(4), (k) or (l).
(o) Where a slot machine is located adjacent to any linked progressive slot machine, the slot machine licensee shall conspicuously display on the slot machine a notice advising patrons that the slot machine is not participating in the progressive jackpot of the adjacent link.
(p) The Board may waive one or more of the requirements of this section or technical standards applicable to progressive slot machines adopted by the Board upon a determination that the progressive slot machine or wide area progressive slot system as configured meets the operational integrity requirements of the act, this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
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