[37 Pa.B. 3381]
[Saturday, July 21, 2007]
[Continued from previous Web Page] (7) Bill out. The total value of currency dispensed. An 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 and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
(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 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 the individual gaming vouchers and coupons.
(t) An 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. The 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. The information must be available by reconciliation period which may be by day, shift or drop cycle.
(3) Reconciliation report. The report must include the following:
(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. The 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:
(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. The 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 the individual gaming vouchers and coupons accepted.
§ 461a.11. Automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines: accounting controls.
Prior to commencing use of an automated gaming voucher redemption machine, an automated coupon redemption machine, bill breaker or some combination thereof, a 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 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).
§ 461a.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) A 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, that 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 § 461a.7(h) (relating to slot machine minimum design standards).
(3) A slot attendant paid progressive payout meter in accordance with § 461a.7(h).
(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 meter or meters or other reset mechanism.
(6) A key locking the compartment housing the progressive meter or meters or other means by which to preclude any unauthorized alterations to the progressive meters. The 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 finance department, or alternative key controls of the compartment housing the microprocessor or other unit that controls the progressive meter or meters. The compartment must be in a secure location.
(c) A 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 slot machine linked 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 slot machine linked 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 approved by the Board.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (c), 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:
(1) The probability of winning the progressive jackpot is directly proportional to the wager required to win that jackpot.
(2) A notice indicating the proportional probability of hitting the progressive jackpot on the linked progressive system is conspicuously displayed on each linked slot machine.
(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 and the Board has approved, the following:
(1) The initial and reset amounts at which the progressive meter or 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, upon 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 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.
(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 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 under the following circumstances:
(1) A slot machine licensee may 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 provide notice to the Board of the imposition of a payout limit on a progressive meter or a modification thereto concurrent with the setting of the payout limit.
(2) A slot machine licensee 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) A slot machine licensee 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 retains 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 remain on the gaming floor.
(4) A slot machine licensee may transfer a progressive jackpot amount on a stand alone slot machine or the common progressive jackpot on an entire link of 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 one of the following:
(A) The progressive meter for a 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 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 slot machine or wide area progressive system available.
(B) The progressive meters of two separate slot machines or wide area progressive systems, provided that each 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 at least 30 days prior to the transfer of the progressive jackpot.
(5) A slot machine licensee may immediately and permanently remove a progressive jackpot on a stand alone progressive slot machine, the common progressive jackpot on an entire link of 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 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 finance department, the progressive slot summary report shall be forwarded to the finance department by the end of the gaming day on which it is prepared. A representative of the finance 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 finance department member requesting the adjustment and of the slot operations department member making the adjustment.
(2) The adjustment must 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 meter or meters on the returned or replacement slot machine may not be less than the amount on the progressive meter or meters at the time of removal. If a slot machine offering a progressive jackpot 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 offering a progressive jackpot 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) Where a slot machine is located adjacent to a slot machine offering a progressive jackpot, 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 slot machine.
§ 461a.13. Wide area progressive systems.
(a) Two or more slot machine licensees may, with the prior written approval of the Board as required under subsection (c), operate linked progressive slot machines that are interconnected between two or more participating licensed facilities. The slot machines participating in the link shall be collectively referred to as wide area progressive system.
(b) A wide area progressive system shall at all times be installed and operated in accordance with relevant requirements of the act, this subpart and technical standards on wide area progressive systems under § 461b.4 (relating to wide area progressive systems).
(c) A wide area progressive system shall be operated and administered by participating slot machine licensees in accordance with the terms and conditions of a written agreement executed by the participating slot machine licensees. The agreement shall be referred to as a slot system agreement. Slot system agreements must be submitted in writing and approved by the Board prior to implementation and comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on wide area progressive systems under § 461b.4.
(d) Slot machine licensees participating in a slot system agreement may delegate, in whole or in part, the operation and administration of a wide area progressive system to a licensed manufacturer provided that the slot system agreement is executed by the licensed manufacturer and its express terms are approved by the Board. The persons designated in a slot system agreement as being responsible for the operation and administration of a wide area progressive system shall be referred to as the slot system operator.
(e) An agreement between a licensed manufacturer and a slot machine licensee under which a licensed manufacturer sells, leases or services a wide area progressive system will not constitute a slot service agreement unless the agreement also covers operation and administration of the wide area progressive system.
(f) Slot system agreements must address:
(1) Details with regard to the terms of compensation for the slot system operator. In specific, the agreement must address to what extent, if any, the slot system operator is receiving compensation based, directly or indirectly, on an interest, percentage or share of a slot machine licensee's revenue, profits or earnings from the operation of the wide area progressive system.
(2) Responsibility for the funding and payment of all jackpots, fees and gross terminal revenue taxes associated with the operation of the wide area progressive system.
(3) Control and operation of the computer monitoring room required under subsection (g).
(4) Other requirements in the technical standards on wide area progressive systems under § 461b.4.
(g) A wide area progressive system shall be controlled and operated from a computer monitoring room. The computer monitoring room must:
(1) Be under the sole possession and control of, and maintained and operated by, employees of the slot system operator designated in the slot system agreement for that system. The employees of the slot system operator may be required to obtain a license or permit if the Board determines, after a review of the work being performed, the employees require a license or permit for the protection of the integrity of gaming.
(2) Have its monitoring equipment subjected to surveillance coverage either by the surveillance system of a slot machine licensee participating in the slot system agreement or by a dedicated surveillance system maintained by the slot system operator. Surveillance coverage must be in accordance with technical standards under § 461b.4.
(3) Be accessible through a locked door. The door must be alarmed in a manner that audibly signals the surveillance monitoring room for the surveillance system elected under paragraph (2).
(4) Have a computer monitoring room entry log. The log must be:
(i) Kept in the computer monitoring room.
(ii) Maintained in a book with bound numbered pages that cannot be readily removed.
(iii) Signed by each person entering the computer monitoring room who is not an employee of the slot system operator expressly employed in the computer monitoring room on his assigned shift. Entries must contain:
(A) The date and time of entering and exiting the room.
(B) The name, department or employer, when applicable, license number of the person entering and exiting the room and of the person authorizing the entry.
(C) The reason for entering the computer monitoring room.
(5) Reside within a participating licensed facility or other location.
§ 461a.14. Slot monitoring systems.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize a slot monitoring system which has an interface between it and slot machines and related systems that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(b) A slot monitoring system must comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on slot monitoring systems adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
§ 461a.15. Casino management systems.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize a casino management system which has an interface between it and slot machines and related systems tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(b) A casino management system must comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on casino management systems adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
§ 461a.16. Player tracking systems.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize a player tracking system which has an interface between it and slot machines and related systems tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(b) A player tracking system must comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on player tracking systems adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
§ 461a.17. External bonusing systems.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize an external bonusing system that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(b) The combination of the slot machine theoretical payout percentage plus the bonus awards generated by an external bonusing system cannot equal or exceed 100% of the theoretical payout for a slot machine on which the external bonus award is available.
(c) A slot machine connected to an external bonusing system must satisfy the minimum theoretical payout percentage required under this subpart without the contribution of any external bonus award available on the slot machine.
(d) An external bonusing system must comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on external bonusing systems adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
§ 461a.18. Cashless funds transfer systems.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize a cashless funds transfer system that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(b) A cashless funds transfer system must comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on cashless funds transfer systems adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
(c) Prior to utilizing a cashless funds transfer system, a slot machine licensee shall establish a system of internal controls applicable to the cashless funds transfer system. The internal controls shall be submitted to and approved by the Board under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols). The internal control procedures submitted by the slot machine licensee must address the integrity, security and control of its cashless funds transfer system and include:
(1) An overview of the system design.
(2) System access controls and restrictions.
(3) Override policies and restrictions.
(4) Backup and recovery procedures.
(5) Logical and physical access controls and restrictions.
(6) Network security.
(7) Procedures for handling customer disputes.
(d) Transfer of electronic credits to a slot machine under this section shall be initiated by a patron using an access control. Access controls must require the use of a unique access code for each patron. The access code shall be selected by and only available to the patron.
(e) A record of every transfer of electronic credits to a slot machine under this section shall be maintained by the slot machine licensee and shall be identified by, at a minimum, the date, time and the asset number of the slot machine to which the transfer occurred and an identification number assigned to the patron who initiated the transaction. The identification number assigned to a patron for the purposes of this section must be different from the unique access code selected by the patron as part of an access control.
(f) On at least a monthly basis, a slot machine licensee using a cashless funds transfer system shall provide a statement to a patron who has participated in the system that month. The statement must include, at a minimum, the patron's beginning monthly balance, credits earned, credits transferred to a slot machine pursuant to this section and the patron's monthly ending balance. With the written authorization of the patron, the mailing of a monthly statement may be omitted or be issued electronically to the patron. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a monthly statement is not required for transfers of temporary electronic credits or transfers of electronic credits from a temporary anonymous account.
(g) A slot machine licensee shall notice the Slot Lab in writing of any adjustment to the amount of a credit transferred to a slot machine by means of a cashless funds transfer system. The notice shall be made on or before the date of adjustment.
§ 461a.19. Remote system access.
(a) In emergency situations or as an element of technical support, an employee of a licensed manufacturer may perform analysis of, or render technical support with regard to, a slot machine licensee's slot monitoring system, casino management system, player tracking system, external bonusing system, cashless funds transfer system, wide area progressive system, gaming voucher system or other Board-approved system from a remote location.
(b) Remote system access shall be performed in accordance with technical standards on remote system access under § 461b.5 (relating to remote computer access).
(c) A slot machine licensee authorizing access to a system by a licensed manufacturer under this section shall be responsible for implementing a system of access protocols and other controls over the physical integrity of that system and the remote access process sufficient to insure appropriately limited access to software and the system wide reliability of data.
§ 461a.20. Server supported slot systems.
(a) The following terms, when used in this section, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Server supported slot machine--A slot machine connected to, and administered by, a server supported slot system.
Slot machine server--A computer configured to:
(i) Receive, store, authenticate and download to server supported slot machines Board-approved slot machine games and other approved software. A slot machine server may also be used to effect changes in a server supported slot machine's configuration.
(ii) Receive, store and authenticate Board-approved slot machine games and other approved software for use on server based slot machines.
Server supported slot system--A system comprised of one or more server supported slot machines connected to a slot machine server and its ancillary computer network for the ultimate purpose of downloading Board-approved slot machine games and other approved software to server supported slot machines.
(b) A slot machine licensee may utilize a server supported slot system that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(c) A server supported slot system must comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on server supported slot systems adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
(d) Results from the play or operation of a server supported slot machine connected to a server supported slot system must be determined solely by the individual server supported slot machine and not by the server supported slot machine server or any other ancillary computer network.
(e) Prior to utilizing a server supported slot system, a slot machine licensee shall establish a system of internal controls applicable to the server supported slot system. The internal controls shall be submitted to and approved by the Board under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols). The internal control procedures submitted by the slot machine licensee must address the integrity, security and control of the server supported slot system.
§ 461a.21. Server based slot systems.
(a) The following terms, when used in this section, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Server based slot machine--A slot machine accessing a server based slot system.
Slot machine server--A computer configured to:
(i) Receive, store, authenticate and download to server supported slot machines Board-approved slot machine games and other approved software. A slot machine server may also be used to effect changes in a server supported slot machine's configuration.
(ii) Receive, store and authenticate Board-approved slot machine games and other approved software for use on server based slot machines.
Server based slot system--A system comprised of one or more server based slot machines connected to a server based slot machine server and its ancillary computer network for the purpose of facilitating access by a server based slot machine to Board-approved slot machine games and other approved software residing on the server based slot machine server.
(b) A slot machine licensee may utilize a server based slot system that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(c) A server based slot system must comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on server based slot systems adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
(d) Results from the play or operation of a server based slot machine must be determined solely by the server based slot machine server and not by the individual server based slot machine.
(e) Prior to utilizing a server based slot system, a slot machine licensee shall establish a system of internal controls applicable to the server based slot system. The internal controls shall be submitted to and approved by the Board under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols). The internal control procedures submitted by the slot machine licensee must address the integrity, security and control of its server based slot system.
§ 461a.22. Automated jackpot payout machines.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize an automated jackpot payout machine that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(b) An automated jackpot payout machine must comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on automated jackpot payout machines adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
(c) Prior to commencing use of an automated jackpot payout machine, a slot machine licensee shall establish a comprehensive system of internal controls addressing the payment of jackpot payouts utilizing an automated jackpot payout machine and the distribution of currency or coin, or both, to the machines. The internal controls shall be submitted to, and approved by the Board under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols.
§ 461a.23. Slot machines and associated equipment utilizing alterable storage media.
(a) Definition. The following term, when used in this section, has the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Alterable storage media--
(i) Memory or other storage medium, such as an EEPROM, flash, optical or magnetic storage device, that is contained in a slot machine or associated equipment subject to approval under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval), that allows the modification of programs or data on the storage media during the normal operation of the slot machine or associated equipment.
(ii) The term does not include:
(A) Memory or other storage medium typically considered to be alterable but through either software or hardware means approved by the Board have been rendered unalterable and remain verifiable by the central control computer system.
(B) Associated equipment using alterable storage media that the Board determines are incapable of influencing the integrity or outcome of game play.
(b) Use of alterable storage media. Any use of alterable storage media in a slot machine or associated equipment must be in compliance with the act, this subpart and technical standards on alterable storage media adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
§ 461a.24. Waivers.
(a) The Board may, on its own initiative, waive one or more of the requirements in this chapter or the technical standards applicable to slot machines and associated equipment adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website upon a determination that the nonconforming slot machine or associated equipment or modification as configured meets the operational integrity requirements of the act, this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
(b) A manufacturer may submit a written request to the Board for a waiver for one or more of the requirements in this chapter or the technical standards applicable to slot machines and associated equipment adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website. The request must included supporting documentation demonstrating how the slot machine or associated equipment for which the waiver has been requested will still meet the operational integrity requirements of the act, this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's website.
§ 461a.25. Disputes.
(a) If a dispute arises with a patron concerning payment of alleged winnings, the slot machine licensee shall provide the patron with a Board Patron Dispute/Complaint Form and Instructions for Submitting a Patron Dispute/Complaint.
(b) When a slot machine licensee refuses to pay winnings claimed by a patron and the patron and the slot machine licensee remain unable to resolve the dispute after 7 days, the slot machine licensee shall, on the next day, notify the Board in writing of the dispute in a manner and form the Board prescribes. The notice must identify the parties to the dispute and shall state the known relevant facts regarding the dispute.
§ 461a.26. Testing and software installation on the live gaming floor.
(a) Prior to the testing of slot machines, associated equipment and displays on a live gaming floor during a slot machine licensee's normal hours of operation, the slot machine licensee shall notify the Board's Gaming Lab in writing at least 72 hours prior to the test date. The notification must include the following:
(1) A detailed narrative description of the type of testing to be conducted, including the reason for the testing, a list of individuals conducting the testing and the slot machine licensee's procedures for conducting the testing.
(2) The date, time and approximate duration of the testing.
(3) The model, slot machine location number and asset number of the slot machine or machines to be tested.
(4) The location within the licensed facility where the testing will occur.
(b) A slot machine licensee shall notify the Board's Gaming Lab at least 72 hours prior to the installation of any new software or the installation of any change in previously approved software for:
(1) Automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines.
(2) Wide area progressive systems.
(3) Slot monitoring systems.
(4) Casino management systems.
(5) Player tracking systems.
(6) External bonusing systems.
(7) Cashless funds transfer systems.
(8) Server supported slot systems.
(9) Server based slot systems.
(10) Automated jackpot payout machines.
(c) The notification required under subsection (b) must include:
(1) A description of the reasons for the new installation or change in previously approved software.
(2) A list of the computer components and programs or versions to be modified or replaced.
(3) A description of any screens, menus, reports, operating processes, configurable options or settings that will be affected.
(4) The method to be used to complete the proposed installation.
(5) The date that the proposed modification will be installed and the estimated time for completion.
(6) The name, title and employer of the persons performing the installation.
(7) A diagrammatic representation of the proposed hardware design change.
(8) Restrictions on ''update'' access to the production code to the person implementing the installation.
(9) Procedures to ensure that user and operator manuals are updated to reflect changes in policies and procedures resulting from the proposed installation.
CHAPTER 461b. TECHNICAL STANDARDS--STATEMENT OF POLICY § 461b.1. Slot machine minimum design standards.
(a) Slot machine volatility shall be calculated based on a 95% confidence interval. Volatility calculations must utilize the following when calculating the lowest payout percentage available for each slot machine game:
(1) The aggregate variance is the sum of the probability of every winning combination multiplied by the square of the corresponding payout.
(2) The standard deviation is the square root of the difference between the aggregate variance of paragraph (1) and the square of the lowest payout percentage.
(3) The volatility index is 1.96 multiplied by the standard deviation calculated in paragraph (2).
(4) The approach percentage is the difference between the lowest payout percentage and 84.999%.
(5) The volatility, calculated as the number of plays to equal or exceed the minimum payout requirement of 85%, is the square of the quotient obtained when the volatility index found in paragraph (3) is divided by the approach percentage found in paragraph (4).
(6) The volatility calculated in paragraph (5) may not exceed 10,000,000 plays.
(b) Each slot machine approved for use in a licensed facility must be configured to wager credits available for play in the following order:
(1) Noncashable credits.
(2) Cashable credits.
§ 461b.2. Slot machine tower lights and error conditions.
(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the Board, each slot machine must have a tower light located on top of the slot machine cabinet. The tower light must be used to identify the slot machine's default denomination and the operational status of the slot machine and any device connected thereto that may affect the operation of the slot machine. The slot machine tower light must be visible to the player of the slot machine and to the surveillance department from all sides of the slot machine cabinet, unless the slot machine cabinet is against a wall or is in another location approved by the Board that results in the partial obstruction of the tower light.
(b) A slot machine tower light must consist of two separate lights, one on top of the other, that function in accordance with this section.
(1) At any point in time, each of the two lights may be in one of five states as follows:
(i) ''Off'' means the light is off.
(ii) ''On'' means the light is on continually.
(iii) ''Slow flash'' means the light is flashing regularly at a 500 millisecond interval.
(iv) ''Medium flash'' means the light is flashing regularly at a 250 millisecond interval.
(v) ''Fast flash'' means the light is flashing regularly at a 125 millisecond interval.
(2) The top light of the two lights must be white. The color of the bottom light must indicate the default denomination of the slot machine to which it is attached:
(i) Red means a dime denomination slot machine or any denomination below a dime.
(ii) Yellow means a quarter denomination slot machine.
(iii) Orange means a half-dollar denomination slot machine.
(iv) Blue means $1 denomination slot machine.
(v) Pink means a $2 denomination slot machine.
(vi) Green means a $5 denomination slot machine.
(vii) Purple means a $10 or higher denomination slot machine.
(3) A slot machine licensee may, with the approval of the Board, utilize an alternative color scheme for the bottom light of the slot machine tower light in paragraph (2). The alternative color scheme may include:
(i) Assignment of a unique color to identify any single denomination or combination of denominations of slot machines in paragraph (2)(i) provided that the 5¢ denomination or any combination that includes the 5¢ denomination will always be the color red.
(ii) Assignment of a unique color to identify any single denomination or combination of denominations of slot machines in paragraph (2)(vii) provided that the $100 denomination or any combination that includes the $100 denomination will always be the color purple.
(iii) Assignment of the color yellow to identify all 25¢ and 50¢ denomination slot machines.
(iv) Assignment of the color blue to identify combinations of all $1 and $2 denomination slot machines or all $1, $2 and $5 denomination slot machines.
(c) For the purposes of this subsection, there shall be three separate methods by which a slot machine is placed in an unplayable state.
(1) ''Administrative mode'' means that a member of the slot operations department has placed the slot machine in an unplayable state to access the set up or recall functions of the slot machine.
(2) ''Disabled mode'' means that a member of the slot operations department or the slot machine licensee's slot monitoring system has placed the slot machine in an unplayable state for any reason other than those included in administrative mode.
(3) ''Tilt mode'' means that the slot machine placed itself in an unplayable state due to malfunction or error condition and the slot machine cannot be returned to a playable state without intervention by a member of the slot operations department.
(d) Each of the following combinations of light states must be displayed by a slot machine tower light to indicate the corresponding slot machine operating condition:
(1) White light off with colored light:
(i) Off means that the slot machine is idle and the slot machine door is closed.
(ii) Medium flash means the slot machine is idle and the slot machine door is open.
(iii) Fast flash means the slot machine is idle and the drop compartment door is open.
(2) White light on with colored light:
(i) Off means a patron is requesting change and the slot machine door is closed.
(ii) On means that the slot machine is in disabled mode.
(iii) Medium flash means either:
(A) A patron is requesting change and the slot machine door is open.
(B) The slot machine is in disabled mode and the slot machine door is open.
(iv) Fast flash means the slot machine is in disabled mode and the drop compartment door is open.
(3) White light slow flash with colored light:
(i) Off means that the slot machine is in tilt mode and the slot machine door is closed.
(ii) Slow flash means either:
(A) The slot machine is displaying a hand-paid jackpot combination and the slot machine door is closed.
(B) The slot machine is displaying a hand-paid jackpot combination while in tilt mode and the slot machine door is closed.
(iii) Medium flash means either:
(A) The slot machine is displaying a hand-paid jackpot combination and the slot machine door is open.
(B) The slot machine is in tilt mode and the slot machine door is open.
(iv) Fast flash means the slot machine is in tilt mode and the drop compartment door is open.
(4) White light fast flash with colored light:
(i) Off means the slot machine is in administrative mode and the slot machine door is closed.
(ii) Medium flash means the slot machine is in administrative mode and the slot machine door is open.
(iii) Fast flash means the slot machine is in administrative mode and the drop compartment door is open.
(e) Any combination of light states capable of display by a slot machine tower light that is not assigned a particular slot machine operating condition by subsection (d) may be used by the slot machine licensee for its own internal signals. However, the slot machine licensee shall be required to conform the light states displayed by its slot machine tower lights to any amendments or modifications in the Board's approved technical standards.
(f) A slot machine must detect, display by means of a tower light or other device and the slot machine must communicate to a slot monitoring system the error conditions in paragraphs (1)--(3) in both idle state and during game play. These error conditions may be automatically cleared by the slot machine upon completion of a new play sequence.
(1) Power reset.
(2) Door open.
(3) Door just closed.
(g) A slot machine must detect, display by means of tower light or other device and the slot machine must communicate to a slot monitoring system the error conditions in paragraphs (1)--(8) in both idle state and during game play. These error conditions must disable the slot machine and prevent game play and may only be cleared by a slot attendant.
(1) Low RAM battery.
(2) Printer failure.
(3) Printer mechanism paper jam. A paper jam condition must be monitored at all times during the print process.
(4) Presentation error.
(5) Program error or defective program storage media.
(6) Reel spin error of any type. The specific reel number must be identified. If a tilt occurs while the reels are spinning, the slot machine must spin the reels at a slow speed.
(7) Removal of control program storage media.
(8) Uncorrectable RAM error, either RAM defective or corrupted.
(h) A slot machine must detect, display by means of tower light or other device and the slot machine must communicate to a slot monitoring system the error conditions in paragraphs (1) and (2) in both idle state and during game play. These error conditions need not disable the slot machine and game play may continue if an alternative method is available to complete the transaction or the condition does not prohibit the transaction from being completed. These error conditions may only be cleared by a slot attendant.
(1) Printer mechanism paper level is low.
(2) Printer mechanism out of paper.
(i) A description of the slot machine error code corresponding to each error condition must be affixed inside each slot machine unless the displayed slot machine error code is self-explanatory.
(j) The Board may waive one or more of the technical standards applicable to tower lights and error conditions adopted by the Board upon a determination that the nonconforming communication methodology nonetheless meets the operational integrity requirements of the act, this part and technical standards adopted by the Board.
§ 461b.3. Gaming vouchers.
(a) A gaming voucher must expire in not less than 180 days from the date of issuance.
(b) Each gaming voucher must be designed and manufactured with sufficient graphics or other security measures, to permit, to the greatest extent possible, the proper verification of the voucher. Notwithstanding the forgoing, each gaming voucher must contain 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 voucher.
(2) The date and time of issuance.
(3) The value of the voucher, in both numbers and words.
(4) A unique serial number, which is automatically generated by the system in accordance with this part and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(5) The asset number of the slot machine dispensing the voucher.
(6) At least one anticounterfeiting measure, which appears on one or both sides of the voucher.
(7) The locations where the voucher may be redeemed and any restriction regarding redemption.
(8) A bar code or magnetic strip which enables the system to identify the numeric information in paragraphs (1)--(5) when the voucher is subsequently presented for redemption.
(c) A gaming voucher system may not be configured to issue a gaming voucher exceeding $10,000.
(d) Any system of internal controls over the issuance and redemption of gaming vouchers must provide for the following:
(1) Upon the presentation of a gaming voucher for redemption, the slot cashier or slot machine shall use the gaming voucher system to verify the validity of the serial number and value of the voucher, and if valid, the system must immediately cancel the voucher electronically and permit the redemption of the voucher for the value printed thereon. Prior to the redemption of a gaming voucher, the complete serial number of the unredeemed gaming voucher must only be available to the system.
(2) The slot machine licensee shall maintain a record of all transactions in the gaming voucher system for at least 210 days from the date of the transaction.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the slot machine licensee shall maintain an unredeemed gaming voucher record containing the information required in subsection (b)(1)--(5), for gaming vouchers that were issued but not redeemed prior to expiration. The record shall be stored in the system for a period of time approved by the Board, which must be at least 1 year from the date of issuance of the gaming voucher, provided that:
(i) Any unredeemed gaming voucher record removed from the system after 1 year shall be stored and controlled in a manner approved by the Board.
(ii) Any unredeemed gaming voucher record removed from the system is subject to the standard record retention provisions of this part.
(e) Each gaming voucher system must perform the following functions to control logical access to the system:
(1) Generate daily monitoring logs of user access, security incidents and unusual transactions, and immediately notify the information technology department of critical security incidents and unusual transactions.
(2) Be capable of assigning rights and privileges to each user, including:
(i) The secure administration of a unique system account for each user to provide an adequate segregation of duties.
(ii) Adequate password parameters such as lockout, minimum length and expiration interval.
(3) Use appropriate access permissions to restrict unauthorized users from viewing, changing or deleting critical files and directories.
(4) Utilize encryption for files and directories containing critical or sensitive data, which must include the unredeemed gaming voucher record. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in lieu of utilizing encryption for files and directories containing critical or sensitive data, the slot machine licensee shall design and implement internal controls to restrict users from viewing the contents of such files and directories, which internal controls shall provide for the following:
(i) The effective segregation of duties and responsibilities with regard to the system in the information technology department.
(ii) The automatic monitoring and recording by the system of access by any person to the files and directories.
(f) Each gaming voucher system must perform the following functions to control system operations:
(1) Generate daily monitoring logs and alert messages for system performance, hardware problems and software errors.
(2) Authenticate the identity of a slot machine or other redemption location from which a transmission of data is received.
(3) Ensure that all data sent through a transmission is completely and accurately received.
(4) Detect the presence of corrupt or lost data packets and, as necessary, reject the transmission.
(5) Utilize an appropriate cryptographic system for critical transmissions of data, such as:
(i) Transmissions that include a gaming voucher serial number.
(ii) Slot machine meter information.
(iii) Other information used in the calculation or verification of gross revenue.
(g) Each gaming voucher system must perform the following functions to control the integrity of data:
(1) Cause a unique serial number to be generated for each gaming voucher which series number must:
(i) Be comprised of at least 18 numbers, symbols or characters.
(ii) Contain at least three numbers, symbols or characters, randomly generated in a manner approved by the Board, designed to prevent a person from being able to predict the serial number of any other gaming voucher.
(iii) Contain at least one number, symbol or character unique to gaming vouchers, to visually differentiate gaming vouchers from coupons.
(iv) Be printed in at least two locations on each gaming voucher.
(2) Validate the data type and format of all inputs to critical fields and reject any corrupt data.
(3) Provide for the automatic and independent recordation of critical data upon gaming voucher generation and redemption including the details required to be printed on a gaming voucher under this part.
(4) Provide for verification of the information contained on a gaming voucher presented for redemption and the unredeemed gaming voucher record to a source that separately records and maintains transaction data, such as an automated transaction log, or other compensating procedure as approved by the Board. The procedure must:
(i) Independently verify the accuracy of the gaming voucher serial number and value prior to redeeming the gaming voucher.
(ii) Not be used to satisfy other requirements of this chapter.
(5) Segregate all security critical system programs, files and directories from other programs and files and directories contained in the system.
(h) Each gaming voucher system must be equipped with the following to address continuity:
(1) Data redundancy, such as disk mirroring, which writes a complete and duplicate copy of all data on the primary disk to a secondary disk as it occurs, to permit a complete and prompt recovery of all information in the event of any malfunction.
(2) Environmental protection, such as an uninterruptible power supply, and fireproof and waterproof materials designed to protect critical hardware from a natural disaster.
(3) A backup capability, which enables the slot machine licensee to create periodic backup copies of files and data on a removable storage device, such as magnetic tape, which is separate from the devices required in accordance with paragraph (1).
(i) The Board may waive one or more of the technical standards applicable to gaming vouchers adopted by the Board upon a determination that the gaming voucher system as configured nonetheless meets the operational integrity requirements of the act, this part and technical standards adopted by the Board.
§ 461b.4. Wide area progressive systems.
(a) Each slot system agreement providing for the operation and administration of a wide area progressive system must identify and describe with specificity the duties, responsibilities and authority of each participating slot machine licensee and each slot system operator including:
(1) Details with regard to the terms of compensation for the slot system operator. In specific, the agreement must address to what extent, if any, the slot system operator is receiving compensation based, directly or indirectly, on an interest, percentage or share of a slot machine licensee's revenue, profits or earnings from the operation of the wide area progressive system.
(2) Responsibility for the funding and payment of all jackpots, fees and gross terminal revenue taxes associated with the operation of the wide area progressive system.
(3) Control and operation of the computer monitoring room required under § 461a.13 (relating to wide area progressive systems).
(4) A description of the process by which significant decisions with regard to the operation of the wide area progressive system are approved and implemented by the participating slot machine licensees and slot system operator.
(5) When applicable, terms satisfactory to the Board with regard to apportionment of responsibility for establishing and servicing any trust agreement associated with any annuity jackpot offered by the wide area progressive system.
(6) Responsibility for generating, filing and maintaining the records and reports required under the act, this part and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(7) Other requirements of the Board, including those required to comply with technical standards on wide area progressive systems adopted by the Board.
(b) A slot system agreement submitted to the Board for approval must be accompanied by a proposed system of internal controls addressing:
(1) Transactions directly or indirectly relating to the payment of progressive jackpots including the establishment, adjustment, transfer or removal of a progressive jackpot amount and the payment of any fees or taxes associated therewith.
(2) The name, employer, position and gaming license status of any person involved in the operation and control of the wide area progressive system.
(c) The Board will review the persons identified in subsection (b)(2) and determine, based on an analysis of specific duties and responsibilities, which persons will be licensed to what level in this Commonwealth. The Board will advise the slot system operator of its findings. The participating slot machine licensees and any participating licensed manufacturer shall comply with the Board's licensing instructions.
(d) A slot system operator may not commence operation and administration of a wide area progressive system pursuant to the terms of a slot system agreement until the agreement itself and the internal controls required under subsection (b) have been approved in writing by the Board and any licensing requirements under subsection (c) have been complied with.
(e) When a slot system agreement involves payment to a licensed manufacturer, functioning as a slot system operator, of an interest, percentage or share of a slot machine's licensee's revenue, profits or earnings from the operation of a wide area progressive system, the Board may only approve the slot system agreement when it determines that the total amounts paid to the licensed manufacturer under the terms of the agreement are commercially reasonable for the operational and administrative services provided. Nothing herein limits the Board's consideration of the slot system agreement to its revenue sharing provisions.
(f) In evaluating a proposed location for a computer monitoring room, the Board may consider the level of physical and system security offered by the proposed location and the accessibility of the location to the audit, investigative and technical staffs of the Board, the Department and Pennsylvania State Police.
(g) Each party to a slot system agreement shall only be liable for acts, omissions and violations of the act, this part or technical standards adopted by the Board related to its own individual duties and responsibilities under the slot system agreement, unless the slot system agreement specifically provides for joint and several liability.
(h) The Board may waive one or more of the technical standards applicable to wide area progressive systems adopted by the Board upon a determination that the wide area progressive system as configured nonetheless meets the operational integrity requirements of the act, this part and technical standards adopted by the Board.
§ 461b.5. Remote computer access.
(a) In emergency situations or as an element of technical support, an employee of a licensed manufacturer may perform analysis of, or render technical support with regard to, a slot machine licensee's slot monitoring system, casino management system, player tracking system, external bonusing system, cashless funds transfer system, wide area progressive system, gaming voucher system or other approved system from a remote location. Any remote access to these systems shall be performed in accordance with the following procedures:
(1) Only an employee of a licensed manufacturer who is licensed as a gaming employee or key employee in this Commonwealth may remotely access a system sold, leased or otherwise distributed by that licensed manufacturer for use at a licensed facility.
(2) The slot machine licensee shall establish a unique system account for each employee of a licensed manufacturer identified by his employer as potentially required to perform technical support from a remote location. Any system access afforded pursuant to this section must:
(i) Be restricted in a manner that requires the slot machine licensee's information technology department to receive prior notice from the licensed manufacturer of its intent to remotely access a designated system.
(ii) Require the slot machine licensee to take affirmative steps, on a per access basis, to activate the licensed manufacturer's access privileges.
(iii) Be designed to appropriately limit the ability of any person authorized under this section to deliberately or inadvertently interfere with the normal operation of the system or its data.
(3) A log shall be maintained by both the licensed manufacturer and the slot machine licensee's information technology department. Each of the two logs must contain, at a minimum, the following information:
(i) The system accessed, including manufacturer and version number.
(ii) The type of connection (that is, leased line, dial in modem or private WAN).
(iii) The name and license number of the employee remotely accessing the system.
(iv) The name and license number of the information technology department employee activating the licensed manufacturer's access to the system.
(v) The date, time and duration of the connection.
(vi) The reason for the remote access including a description of the symptoms or malfunction prompting the need for remote access to the system.
(vii) Any action taken or further action required.
(4) Communications between the licensed manufacturer and any of the systems identified in subsection (a) shall occur using a dedicated and secure communication facility such as a leased line approved in writing by the Board.
(b) Any modification of, or remedial action taken with respect to, an approved system must be processed and approved by the Board either in accordance with the emergency modification provisions of § 461a.4(l) (relating to submission for testing and approval) or as a standard modification submitted under § 461a.4(h).
(c) If an employee of a licensed manufacturer is no longer employed by, or authorized by, that manufacturer to remotely access a system pursuant to this section, the licensed manufacturer shall immediately notify the Board's Slot Lab and each slot machine licensee that has established a unique system account for that employee of the change in authorization and shall timely verify with each slot machine licensee that any access privileges previously granted have been revoked.
(d) The Board may waive one or more of the technical requirements applicable to remote computer access adopted by the Board upon a determination that the nonconforming remote access procedures nonetheless meet the integrity requirements of the act, this part and technical standards adopted by the Board.
CHAPTER 463. (Reserved) §§ 463.1--463.6. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 463a. POSSESSION OF SLOT MACHINES Sec.
463a.1. Possession of slot machines generally. 463a.2. Transportation of slot machines into, within and out of this Commonwealth. 463a.3. Slot machine location. 463a.4. Connection to the central control computer system. 463a.5. Slot machine master list. 463a.6. Notice to central control computer system. 463a.7. Off premises storage of slot machines. § 463a.1. Possession of slot machines generally.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section and 18 Pa.C.S. § 5513 (relating to gambling devices, gambling, etc.), a person may not possess any slot machine within this Commonwealth that may be used for gambling activity.
(b) The following persons and any employee or agent acting on their behalf may possess slot machines in this Commonwealth for the purposes described herein provided that slot machines located outside of a licensed facility may not be used for gambling activity:
(1) An applicant for, or holder of a slot machine license, for the purpose of maintaining for use, training or operating slot machines in a licensed facility.
(2) The holder of a manufacturer license for the purpose of manufacturing, exhibiting, demonstrating, training or preparing for transfer to a manufacturer designee licensee or supplier licensee.
(3) The holder of a manufacturer designee license or supplier license for the purpose of distributing, repairing, servicing, exhibiting or demonstrating slot machines and any training with regard thereto.
(4) An educational institution for the purpose of teaching slot machine design, operation, repair or servicing.
(5) A manufacturer, manufacturer designee or supplier of slot machines not licensed within this Commonwealth for the limited purpose of temporary exhibition or demonstration.
(6) A common carrier, for the purpose of transporting slot machines in accordance with § 463a.2 (relating to the transportation of slot machines into, within and out of this Commonwealth).
(7) An employee or agent of the Board, the Department, the Pennsylvania State Police or any law enforcement agency of this Commonwealth for the purpose of fulfilling official duties or responsibilities.
(8) Other persons upon a finding that the possession of slot machines by those persons in this Commonwealth is not contrary to the goals and objectives of the act.
(c) Persons seeking to possess slot machines under subsection (b) shall submit a written request to the Board which must contain:
(1) The purpose for having the slot machines.
(2) The proposed location of the slot machines.
(3) The time period for which the slot machines will be kept.
(4) How the slot machines will be secured.
(d) The Board will approve or disapprove requests within 60 days. Requests approved by the Board may be subject to specific terms and conditions imposed by the Board.
§ 463a.2. Transportation of slot machines into, within and out of this Commonwealth.
In furtherance of section 1511 of the act (relating to the declaration of exemption from Federal laws prohibiting slot machines), prior to the transport or movement of a slot machine into this Commonwealth, from one person authorized to possess slot machines under § 463a.1 (relating to possession of slot machines generally) to another person authorized within this Commonwealth or transport or movement out of this Commonwealth, the persons causing the slot machine to be transported or moved shall notify the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in writing or in an electronic format approved by the Board. The notice shall be submitted no later than the day the slot machine is transported and include the following information:
(1) The name and address of the person shipping or moving the slot machine.
(2) The name and address of the person who owns the slot machine, if different from the person shipping or moving the machine.
(3) The name and address of a new owner if ownership is being changed in conjunction with the shipment or movement.
(4) The method of shipment or movement and the name and address of the common carrier or carriers, if applicable.
(5) The name and address of the person to whom the slot machine is being sent and the destination of the slot machine, if different from that address.
(6) The quantity of slot machines being shipped or moved and the manufacturer's serial number of each machine.
(7) The expected date and time of delivery to, or removal from, any authorized location within this Commonwealth.
(8) The port of entry, or exit, if any, of the slot machine if the origin or destination of the slot machine is outside the continental United States.
(9) The reason for transporting or moving the slot machine.
§ 463a.3. Slot machine location.
(a) A gaming floor must consist of one or more areas within a licensed facility approved by the Board under § 467.1 (relating to gaming floor plan) for the placement and operation of slot machines.
(b) A slot machine in a slot machine area on a gaming floor shall be placed at a location, which location may contain no more than one slot machine, identified by number on a gaming floor plan approved by the Board under section 1322 of the act (relating to slot machine accounting controls and audits) and § 467.1 and shall also be identified by this slot machine location number and an asset number on a Slot Machine Master List.
§ 463a.4. Connection to the central control computer system.
Prior to utilization for gambling activity, a slot machine on a gaming floor shall be connected or linked to a central control computer system having the capabilities and in compliance with the terms of section 1323 of the act (relating to central control computer system).
§ 463a.5. Slot machine master list.
(a) Prior to the commencement of operations at a licensed facility, an applicant for, or holder of, a slot machine license shall file with the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in writing or in an electronic format approved by the Board, a complete list of slot machines possessed by the applicant or licensee on its gaming floor, in restricted areas off the gaming floor but within the licensed facility approved by the Board under § 465.8(b) (relating to licensed facility), and in storage locations in this Commonwealth off the premises of the licensed facility approved by the Board under § 463a.7 (relating to off premises storage of slot machines). The list shall be denoted as a Slot Machine Master List.
(b) The Slot Machine Master List must contain the following information which, for those slot machines located on the gaming floor, must be presented for each slot machine in consecutive order by the slot machine location number under § 463a.3 (relating to slot machine location):
(1) The date the list was prepared.
(2) A description of each slot machine by:
(i) Asset number and model and manufacturer's serial number.
(ii) Denomination, if configured for multiple denominations, a list the denominations.
(iii) Manufacturer and machine type, noting cabinet type, or if it is a progressive or a wide area progressive slot machine
(iv) An indication as to whether the slot machine is configured to communicate with a cashless funds transfer system.
(v) An indication as to whether the slot machine is configured to communicate with a gaming voucher system.
(3) For those slot machines located off the gaming floor, an indication as to whether the slot machine is in a restricted area off the gaming floor but within the licensed facility approved by the Board under § 465.8 or in a Board-approved storage location in this Commonwealth off the premises of the licensed facility approved by the Board under § 463a.7.
(4) Additional documentation requested by the Board related to the location of slot machines.
(c) Once a slot machine has been placed in an authorized location on the gaming floor or is stored in a restricted area off the gaming floor but within the licensed facility approved by the Board under § 465.8, all subsequent movements of that slot machine within the licensed facility shall be recorded by a slot department member in a machine movement log which includes the following:
(1) The asset number and model and manufacturer's serial number of the moved slot machine.
(2) The date and time of movement.
(3) The location from which the slot machine was moved.
(4) The location to which the slot machine was moved.
(5) The date and time of any required notice to the Department in connection with activation or disabling of the slot machine in the central control computer system.
(6) The signature of the slot shift manager and the lead technician verifying the movement of the slot machine in compliance with this section.
(d) Documentation summarizing slot machine movements within a licensed facility shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in writing or in an electronic format approved by the Board, on a daily basis.
(e) On the first Tuesday of each month following the initial filing of a Slot Machine Master List, an applicant for, or holder of, a slot machine license shall file with the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in writing or in an electronic format approved by the Board, an updated Slot Machine Master List containing the information, required in subsection (b).
(f) Manufacturer licensees, manufacturer designee licensees, supplier licensees, educational institutions, Board-authorized manufacturers, manufacturer designee and suppliers not licensed within this Commonwealth and regulatory and law enforcement agencies that possess slot machines under § 463a.1 (relating to possession of slot machines generally) shall file with the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in writing or in an electronic format approved by the Board, a complete list of slot machines possessed by the person. The list shall be denoted as a Slot Machine Master List, shall be filed within 3 business days of the initial receipt of slot machines and contain the following information:
(1) The date on which the list was prepared.
(2) A description of each slot machine by:
(i) Model and manufacturer's serial number.
(ii) Manufacturer and machine type, noting cabinet type, or if it is a progressive or a wide area progressive slot machine.
(g) On the first Tuesday of each month following the initial filing of a Slot Machine Master List, those persons enumerated in subsection (f) shall file with the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in writing or in an electronic format approved by the Board, an updated Slot Machine Master List containing the information, required in subsection (f).
§ 463a.6. Notice to central control computer system.
To insure activation or disabling, as appropriate, in the central control computer system and the retrieval of real time meter information from the slot machine coincident with the movement of a slot machine, the slot machine licensee shall provide the Department with written notice of the slot movement, prior to any of the following:
(1) Placement of a slot machine on the gaming floor.
(2) Movement of a slot machine between slot machine locations on the gaming floor.
(3) Removal of a slot machine from the gaming floor.
§ 463a.7. Off premises storage of slot machines.
(a) A slot machine licensee may not store slot machines off the premises of the licensed facility without prior approval from the Board.
(b) A slot machine licensee seeking to store slot machines off the premises of the licensed facility shall file a written request for off premise storage with the Board. The request must include:
(1) The location and a physical description of the proposed storage facility.
(2) A description of the type of surveillance system that has been or will be installed at the facility.
(3) The slot machine licensees' plan to provide 24 hour, seven day a week security at the storage facility.
(4) The number and manufacturer of the slot machines that will be stored at the facility.
(5) The date that the slot machines are expected to arrive at the facility.
(6) The date that the slot machines are expected to be moved to the licensed facility.
(c) Before acting on a request for off premise storage of slot machines, the Board will inspect the proposed storage facility.
(d) The Board will approve or disapprove requests within 60 days. Requests approved by the Board may be subject to specific terms and conditions imposed by the Board.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 07-1276. Filed for public inspection July 20, 2007, 9:00 a.m.]
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
