RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 461a, 463a, 465a, 467a,
601a, 605a AND 607a ]
Hybrid Gaming Tables and Electronic Wagering Terminals
[47 Pa.B. 7563]
[Saturday, December 16, 2017]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under the general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1202(b)(30) (relating to general and specific powers) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. §§ 13A02(1), (2), (2.1), (4) and (6), 13A25(c) and 13A62(a) (relating to regulatory authority; table game accounting controls and audit protocols; and table game taxes) amends Chapters 461a, 463a, 465a, 467a, 601a, 605a and 607a to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of this Final-Form Rulemaking
This final-form rulemaking will add hybrid gaming tables, a new game technology, to the complement of table games available for play in this Commonwealth.
Explanation
Hybrid gaming tables, or those tables that combine live dealer action with fully automated electronic wagering, are a new technology to this Commonwealth. In essence, hybrid gaming table games are comprised of two very distinct components: 1) a physical table referred to as a ''hybrid table'' at which a dealer conducts a game on felt covered table; and 2) separate electronic wagering terminals located apart from the table at which players make wagers and monitor the game being dealt at the table. All wagering and recordation of wins and losses as well as printing of gaming vouchers occur at the electronic wagering terminal.
This final-form rulemaking incorporates this new technology into the existing Board regulations on device testing, internal controls, table game taxes and the provisions associated with electronic gaming tables.
Chapter 461a. Slot machine and table game device testing and control
Like all slot machines and fully automated electronic gaming tables, electronic wagering terminals (the devices patrons will utilize to wager at hybrid gaming tables) are required to meet a number of criteria to assure the security and proper operation of the gaming equipment as well as to assure fairness to patrons. Specifically, amendments to this chapter require each electronic wagering terminal to have an asset number for purposes of tracking the terminal, to be tested and approved, utilize bill validators for the acceptance of cash and gaming vouchers and issue gaming vouchers upon a patron cashing out, and to be connected to the Department of Revenue's central control computer system (CCCS). Connection to the CCCS is required because, just like slot machines and fully automated electronic gaming tables, all wagering on hybrid gaming tables is conducted electronically through the use of an electronic wagering terminal. Electronic wagering terminals are equipped with a bill validator, meters to determine amount of play and a drop box for the collection of cash and gaming vouchers.
The CCCS will act as the system of record for accounting purposes and the CCCS will calculate revenue for table game tax purposes, just as it does for slot machines and fully automated electronic gaming tables.
In addition to testing of electronic wagering terminals to assure proper operation in accordance with the rules of play and crediting of player accounts in § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval), under § 461a.26 (relating to testing and software installation on the live gaming floor), a slot machine licensee shall provide advance notice of placement of hybrid gaming tables and electronic wagering terminals to the Board prior to placement on the gaming floor to assure that the gaming product has been tested and approved for placement into play to promote fairness to the patrons.
Chapter 463a. Possession of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables
This chapter requires that an electronic wagering terminal be treated just like a slot machine or fully automated electronic gaming table as it relates to movement of the machines into, around and out of a licensed facility, and requires that operators account for each machine's location in the licensed facility or storage area on a master table game list submitted monthly. These requirements are consistent with the current requirements applicable to slot machines and fully automated electronic gaming tables.
Chapter 465a. Accounting and internal controls
This chapter requires that an operator that intends to install hybrid gaming tables and electronic wagering terminals update its internal controls to reflect the additional machines and tables. Surveillance requirements for electronic wagering terminals and hybrid gaming tables are in § 465a.9 (relating to surveillance system; surveillance department control; surveillance department restrictions) and supervision requirements are in § 465a.11 (relating to slot machine licensee's organization; jobs compendium). With respect to supervision requirements in § 465a.11, the supervision of electronic gaming terminals and hybrid gaming tables are separated to place supervision of the electronic wagering terminals under the supervision of the slot operations department due to the connectivity to the CCCS, and supervision of the hybrid gaming tables is placed under the table games operations department to assure consistency in game dealing and play among table game dealers.
Sections 465a.18 and 465a.25 (relating to transportation of slot cash storage boxes and table game drop boxes to and from the gaming floor; storage; and counting and recording of slot cash storage boxes and table game drop boxes) address the procedure for the collection and counting of drop boxes connected to electronic wagering terminals. Because revenue is based on a metered win and all electronic wagering terminals are required to be connected to the CCCS, the Board has allowed for the collection of drop boxes connected to electronic wagering terminals to be conducted at the same time as drop boxes connected to slot machines and fully automated electronic gaming tables. Additionally, unlike traditional table game drop boxes that are collected and counted daily, the Board will not require that boxes connected to electronic wagering terminals be collected or counted on a daily basis.
In § 465a.19 (relating to acceptance of tips or gratuities from patrons), a provision is added allowing for the acceptance of tips placed electronically through the use of electronic wagering terminals provided the operator specifies how the tips will be pooled and distributed in conformance with 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(6).
As previously specified, because wagering at a hybrid gaming table is conducted electronically at an electronic wagering terminal and is not conducted through the use of value chips like a traditional table game, §§ 465a.36—465a.42, which are associated with table inventories, opening and closing tables, and the distribution and removal of chips, are not applicable. Therefore, electronic wagering terminals are excluded from §§ 465a.36—465a.42.
Chapter 601a. General table game provisions
Section 601a.9 (relating to table game taxes and gross table game revenue) addresses the calculation of table game taxes and gross table game revenue. As specified in subsection (e), net revenue from electronic wagering terminals is determined through the CCCS and will be taxed at the traditional table game rate, not at the fully automated table game rate. This provision is consistent with 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A62, which specifies that fully automated electronic gaming tables, which are operated without the assistance of a dealer, are taxed at a higher rate than those tables that operate with the assistance of a dealer, including hybrid gaming tables connected to electronic wagering terminals.
Chapter 605a. Electronic gaming tables
This chapter provides the definitions and requirements specific to hybrid gaming tables and electronic wagering terminals. As defined in § 605a.1 (relating to definitions), the hybrid gaming table is where the dealing of the table game takes place while electronic wagering terminals are the devices patrons utilize to buy in, cash out and place their wagers.
Because game play on an electronic wagering terminal is captured utilizing meters, just like fully automated electronic gaming tables, the sections addressing the meter requirements in § 605a.5 (relating to fully automated electronic gaming tables and electronic wagering terminals) are amended to include electronic wagering terminals.
Section 605a.9 (relating to hybrid gaming tables) is added to address requirements specific to hybrid gaming tables. Included in this section is the provision that addresses how hybrid gaming tables and electronic wagering terminals will be counted for purposes of the number of gaming tables each facility is authorized to operate.
The Board has specified that regardless of the number of hybrid gaming tables each facility operates, every five electronic wagering terminals will count as one gaming table. The Board has focused on the number of electronic wagering terminals instead of the number of hybrid gaming tables because operators can connect a significant number of electronic wagering terminals to each hybrid gaming table, in essence having one table connected to a high number of player positions, far more player positions than a traditional table game could accommodate.
The Board believes that if it were to ignore the number of electronic wagering terminals and count only the number of hybrid gaming tables a facility operates, the regulation would run afoul of the legislatively mandated cap on the number of authorized tables which is 250 tables for Category 1 and 2 licensees and 50 tables for Category 3 licensees. See 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A11(b) (relating to authorization to conduct table games).
Chapter 607a. Possession of table games and table game devices
This chapter addresses transportation, table game master list and offsite storage of table games and table game devices, which by definition includes hybrid gaming tables. Section 607a.2 (relating to table game device master list) is amended to specify that for the purpose of submitting a table game device master list, electronic wagering systems that are required to be listed on the table game device master list do not include those required under § 463a.5 (relating to slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table master lists), and that hybrid gaming tables are required to be listed on the table game device master list. Through this amendment, the Board assures that both components of a hybrid table game system comprised of the electronic wagering terminals and the hybrid gaming tables are accounted for.
Comment and Response Summary
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 45 Pa.B. 4170 (August 1, 2015). The Board did not receive comments from the regulated community. On September 30, 2015, the Board received the following comments from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).
IRRC indicated that the preamble of the proposed rulemaking was not sufficient to determine if the rulemaking is in the public interest, specifically where hybrid gaming tables are included in §§ 461a.4, 461a.26, 465a.11(b)(9) and 607a.2(a)(6). In addition, IRRC requested further explanation as to why the Board excluded hybrid tables from §§ 463a.1—463a.7, the provisions being applied to electronic wagering terminals to determine the public interest.
The issues identified in §§ 461a.4, 461a.26, 465a.11(b)(9) and 607a.2(a)(6) are addressed in this preamble.
In addition, ''hybrid gaming tables'' has been excluded in instances such as §§ 463a.1—463a.7 because of the inapplicability of those sections to hybrid gaming tables or because hybrid gaming tables are addressed in different sections. Hybrid gaming table games are comprised of two very distinct components: 1) a physical table referred to as a ''hybrid gaming table'' at which a dealer conducts a game on a table covered by felt having the traditional look of a table game but without spots for players; and 2) separate electronic wagering terminals located apart from the table at which players make wagers and monitor the game being dealt at the table. All wagering and recordation of wins and losses as well as printing of gaming vouchers occurs at the electronic wagering terminal.
Chapter 463a (relating to possession of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables) addresses the possession of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables. All three of these items are electronic, receive and record wagers, and are connected to the CCCS. Moreover, all three items can only be used for gambling purposes and have no legitimate purpose outside of gambling. As similar electronic gambling devices, they are similarly and strictly controlled in terms of possession (§ 463a.1 (relating to possession of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables generally)), transportation (§ 463a.2 (relating to transportation of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables into, within and out of this Commonwealth)), location on the floor (§ 463a.3 (relating to slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table location on the gaming floor)), connection to the central control computer (§ 463a.4 (relating to notice and connection to the central control computer system)), recorded on a master list (§ 463a.5) and subject to strict offsite storage limitations (§ 463a.7 (relating to off premises storage of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables)).
On the other hand, tables used for the conduct of gaming as hybrid gaming tables are categorized as ''table game devices.'' See 4 Pa.C.S. § 1103 (relating to definitions) and § 601a.1 (relating to definitions). Because of the differing nature of the actual gambling devices and the tables used in hybrid table gaming, issues including the possession, transportation, master list and off premises storage of table games and table game devices are addressed in Chapter 607a (relating to possession of table games and table game devices). The preparation of a table game devices master list and location on the gaming floor are addressed in § 607a.2. Hybrid gaming tables are not included in § 463a.4 because the table is not connected to that system, rather the electronic wagering terminal is connected.
IRRC sought clarity in relation to: 1) § 465a.9 as proposed to be amended to apply to electronic wagering terminals and hybrid gaming tables, but only electronic wagering systems were proposed to be added; 2) §§ 461a.15 and 461a.16 (relating to casino management systems; and player tracking systems) in which ''table games and table game devices'' was proposed to be added, but a slot machine licensee may or may not possess a table game operation certificate; 3) §§ 465a.11 and 465a.19 where ''a slot machine licensee that has a certificate to operate table games'' is used and then referred to a ''certificate holder'' without a definition for the latter term; and 4) the proposed headings of § 461a.14 (relating to slot machine, fully automated gaming tables and electronic wagering terminal monitoring systems) and § 465a.11 which did not reflect the addition of new gaming technology.
The preamble to the proposed rulemaking stated that surveillance requirements for electronic terminals and hybrid gaming tables are in § 465a.9, not that this section was amended to include both. Section 465a.9(c)(1)(i) is amended to provide for surveillance coverage over the electronic terminals where wagers are made and § 465a.9(c)(1)(ii) provides for surveillance over gaming conducted at each table that is not a fully automated electronic gaming table or an electronic wagering terminal. As a hybrid gaming table is neither a fully automated electronic gaming table nor an electronic wagering terminal, the hybrid table is subject to the surveillance requirement. Section 465a.9(c)(1)(ii) does not need to be amended to add hybrid tables as they already are included in the section as it existed.
With respect to §§ 461a.15 and 461a.16, while the Board recognizes that a slot machine licensee could opt not to obtain a certificate to operate table games and thereby not offer table games, only the holder of a slot machine license can obtain a certificate to operate table games and thereby the holder of that certificate is a slot machine licensee as titled at the highest level. Casino management systems and player tracking systems maintained by the slot machine licensee may be used but are not required to be used by the slot machine licensee for slot machines, table games, table game devices and related systems as approved by the Board. The Board does not believe the use of ''slot machine licensee'' is inconsistent or not appropriate in these instances.
With respect to §§ 465a.11 and 465a.19, ''certificate holder'' is used according to its definition in § 401a.3 (relating to definitions) as a slot machine licensee that was awarded a certificate to operate table games. Section 465a.11(b)(7) has been revised to reflect this usage and to insure consistency.
The Board revised the heading of § 461a.14 to reflect the addition of the new technology. The Board does not believe revising the heading of § 465a.11 is warranted as the section places duties in relation to organization and jobs compendiums on slot machine licensees which covers all gaming offerings.
Additional Revisions
The Board made minor cross-reference corrections to §§ 461a.4(n) and 463a.1(b)(6) and § 467a.1(a)(2) (relating to gaming floor plan) in this final-form rulemaking.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board does not expect that this final-form rulemaking will have a fiscal impact on the Board or other Commonwealth agencies as testing and approval of the new hybrid gaming tables will be conducted by existing Board staff.
As it relates to internal controls, updates to internal control procedures will be reviewed by existing Board staff.
Political subdivisions. This final-form rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth.
Private sector. This final-form rulemaking will provide slot machine licensees that have a certificate to operate table games (a certificate holder) with additional table game options. If a certificate holder decides to offer hybrid gaming tables within the licensed facility, the certificate holder will be required to acquire equipment and train their dealers and support staff. While these hybrid gaming table systems require a substantial capital expenditure, the requirements in this final-form rulemaking should not increase costs operators would already have to incur to acquire the new technology. Costs incurred to train employees or purchase/lease equipment should be offset by the proceeds of gaming.
General public. This final-form rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
If a certificate holder elects to offer table gaming on hybrid gaming tables, the certificate holder will be required to update internal controls reflecting the changes and submit them electronically to Board staff.
Effective Date
This final-form rulemaking will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P.S. § 745.5(a)), on July 15, 2015, the Board submitted a copy of the notice of proposed rulemaking, published at 45 Pa.B. 4170, to IRRC and the Chairpersons of the House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee for review and comment.
Under section 5(c) of the Regulatory Review Act, the Board shall submit to IRRC and the House and Senate Committees copies of comments received during the public comment period, as well as other documents when requested. In preparing the final-form rulemaking, the Board has considered all comments from IRRC.
Under section 5.1(j.2) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P.S. § 745.5a(j.2)), on October 11, 2017, the final-form rulemaking was deemed approved by the House and Senate Committees. Under section 5.1(e) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC met on October 12, 2017, and approved the final-form rulemaking.
Findings
The Board finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt these amendments was given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 769, No. 240) (45 P.S. §§ 1201 and 1202) and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2.
(2) The final-form rulemaking is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to gaming).
Order
The Board, acting under 4 Pa.C.S. Part II, orders that:
(1) The regulations of the Board, 58 Pa. Code Chapters 461a, 463a, 465a, 467a, 601a, 605a and 607a, are amended by adding § 605a.9 and amending §§ 461a.1, 461a.4, 461a.8, 461a.10, 461a.14, 461a.15, 461a.16, 461a.26, 461a.27, 463a.1—463a.5, 463a.7, 465a.2, 465a.6, 465a.9, 465a.11, 465a.17—465a.19, 465a.25, 465a.26, 465a.35—465a.42, 467a.1, 601a.9, 605a.1—605a.5, 605a.7 and 607a.2 to read as set forth in Annex A, with ellipses referring to the existing text of the regulations.
(Editor's Note: The amendment to § 467a.1 was not included in the proposed rulemaking.)
(2) The Chairperson of the Board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(3) This order shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
DAVID M. BARASCH,
Chairperson(Editor's Note: See 47 Pa.B. 6790 (October 28, 2017) for IRRC's approval order.)
Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 125-189 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart E. SLOT MACHINE, TABLE GAME AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT TESTING AND CONTROL; ACCOUNTING AND INTERNAL CONTROLS
CHAPTER 461a. SLOT MACHINE AND TABLE GAME DEVICE TESTING AND CONTROL § 461a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subpart, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Asset number—A unique number assigned to a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table, electronic wagering terminal or piece of associated equipment by a slot machine licensee for the purpose of tracking the slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table, electronic wagering terminal or piece of associated equipment while owned by the slot machine licensee.
Automated jackpot payout machine—The collective hardware, software, communications technology and other ancillary equipment used to facilitate the payment of a jackpot that is not totally and automatically paid directly from a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal.
Bill validator—An electronic device designed to interface with a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal for the purpose of accepting and validating any combination of United States currency, gaming vouchers, coupons or other instruments authorized by the Board for incrementing credits on a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal.
Bonus award—An award of cash or credits to a randomly selected player that is not generated by the slot machine.
Cash equivalents—Instruments with a value equal to United States currency or coin including value chips and plaques, Counter Checks, personal checks, certified checks, cashier's checks, travelers' checks, money orders, gaming vouchers or other representations of value that the Board deems a cash equivalent.
Cashless funds transfer system—The collective hardware, software, communications technology and other ancillary equipment used to facilitate the electronic transfer of cashable or noncashable credits to a patron at a slot machine.
Casino management system—The collective hardware, software, communications technology and other ancillary equipment used to collect, monitor, interpret, analyze, report and audit data with regard to activity at slot machines, fully automated electronic gaming tables or electronic wagering terminals, inclusive of slot machine level accounting transactions, player tracking and productivity analysis.
Common carrier—An entity that transports persons or goods, and offers its services to the general public.
Conversion—A change or alteration to a slot machine that does not affect the manner or mode of play or operation of the slot machine.
Count team—The group of employees of a slot machine licensee who are responsible for counting the contents of slot cash storage boxes and table game drop boxes.
Coupon—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 the patron's level of gaming activity.
Coupon system—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 other locations.
Currency cassette—A container that holds banknotes that are available for dispensing.
Double-up—An optional wager on a slot machine in which the player has a mathematically equal probability of winning or losing the wager.
Drop team—The group of employees of a slot machine licensee who are responsible for collecting and transporting slot cash storage boxes and table game drop boxes.
Educational institution—A facility that teaches and certifies students in slot machine design, operation, repair or servicing.
External bonusing system—The collective hardware, software, communications technology and other ancillary equipment used in conjunction with slot machines to deliver randomly selected player incentives (bonus awards) to active slot machine players and to effect the accurate metering of the bonus award event on the slot machine.
Fill—The distribution of gaming chips, coins and plaques to a gaming table to replenish the table inventory.
Finance department—The department that is responsible for the management of the financial and accounting activities relating to slot machines and table games being utilized in a licensed facility.
Gaming day—A period of time not to exceed 24 hours corresponding to the beginning and ending times of gaming activities for the purpose of accounting reports and determination of gross terminal and gross table game revenue.
Gaming voucher—An instrument that upon insertion into a bill validator entitles the patron inserting the gaming voucher to cashable or noncashable credits on a slot machine and cashable credits on an electronic gaming table corresponding to the value printed on the gaming voucher. A gaming voucher that contains noncashable credits may be used only for the purpose of slot machine gaming.
Gaming voucher system—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, fully automated electronic gaming tables, electronic wagering terminals, automated gaming voucher redemption machines, the cashiers' cage or in other locations.
Hand pay—The payment of credits that are not totally and automatically paid directly from a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal.
Machine displayed payout percentage—The selectable payout percentage that is set by the slot machine licensee during the initial configuration or a subsequent reconfiguration of a slot machine and is displayed in the slot machine's service menu during normal operation.
Manufacturer's par sheet—A document supplied by the manufacturer that shows payable information including, but not limited to, theoretical payout percentage, winning combinations, awards and reel strips.
Merchandise jackpot—A slot machine jackpot in the form of:
(i) A cash payout and a payout of merchandise or a thing of value.
(ii) An option to choose between a cash payout and a payout of merchandise or a thing of value.
Minimum payout percentage—The lowest aggregate awards expected to be paid out over one cycle of the game divided by the total number of combinations in the cycle of the game.
Modification—A change or alteration in a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table, electronic wagering terminal or associated equipment that affects the manner or mode of play or operation of the slot machine or associated equipment.
(i) The term includes a change to control or graphics programs and to the theoretical hold percentage.
(ii) In the case of slot machines, the term does not include:
(A) A conversion.
(B) Replacement of one approved component with an identical component.
(iii) In the case of a wide area progressive system, the term includes a change in:
(A) A system name or theme.
(B) The odds to win the progressive payout.
(C) The reset amount.
(D) The rate at which a progressive award increases.
(E) The wager necessary to win the progressive payout.
Paytable—A selectable part of a slot machine program that contains slot machine characteristics including, but not limited to, the theoretical payout percentage, reel strips and awards.
Player rating—A score or ranking assigned to a player based on an evaluation of the amount and frequency of play by the person.
Player rating system—A computerized system by which a player is assigned a score or ranking based upon an evaluation of the amount and frequency of play by the person.
Player tracking system—The collective hardware, software, communications technology and other ancillary equipment used to collect, monitor, interpret, analyze, authorize, report and audit data with regard to player activity generally or on an individual basis at slot machines or table games.
Progressive awards—The award to be paid out when the event in the progressive game that triggered the award occurs.
Progressive controller—A program or computer system, other than an approved program that controls the operation of the slot machine, which controls, adjusts and displays the amount of the progressive jackpot.
Progressive payout—A slot machine payout that increases in a monetary amount based on the amounts wagered in a progressive system.
Progressive slot machine—A slot machine that offers a jackpot that may increase in value based upon the slot machine wagers placed.
Pseudo random number generator—Software or hardware, or both, that ensures the randomness of slot machine outcomes.
RAM—Random access memory.
RAM clear—A process initiated by a service technician that results in the zeroing out of any meter information, configuration information or data stored in the memory of a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table, electronic wagering terminal or associated equipment.
Randomness—The observed unpredictability and absence of pattern in a set of elements or events that have definite probabilities of occurrence.
Reel strips—Components of a slot machine which display symbols.
Related systems—Systems which interface with slot machines or slot monitoring systems.
Remote system access—Connectivity to casino systems from outside the slot machine licensee's network.
Reset amount—The award value that a progressive award will revert to after the progressive award is paid out.
Server supported slot system—One or more slot machines connected to a slot machine server and an associated computer network.
Skill—The application of intelligence and specific knowledge to achieve the best result when a slot machine offers a choice of options during game play.
Slot machine bill validator—A component, made up of software and hardware that accepts and reads instruments such as bills, vouchers and coupons, into gaming devices such as slot machines and automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines.
Slot machine server—A computer configured to receive, store, authenticate and download to slot machines, Board-approved slot machine game themes and other approved software.
Slot monitoring system—The collective hardware, software, communications technology and other ancillary equipment used to collect, monitor, interpret, analyze, authorize, report and audit data with regard to activity at slot machines, inclusive of slot machine meter readings, error conditions, slot machine security, accounting, player tracking and productivity analysis.
Slot operations department—The department that is responsible for all operations in any area of the licensed facility where slot machines are kept.
Slot system operator—The persons designated in a slot system agreement as being responsible for the operation and administration of a wide area progressive system.
Strategy choice—A particular play option on a slot machine that requires the use of skill to consistently achieve the best result.
Theme—A concept, subject matter and methodology of design of a slot machine.
Theoretical payout percentage—The aggregate awards expected to be paid out over one cycle of the game divided by the total number of combinations in the cycle of the game.
Trolley—A wheeled apparatus used for the secured transport of slot cash storage boxes and drop boxes.
Unredeemed gaming voucher—A gaming voucher that has not been presented to a slot machine licensee for redemption or a gaming voucher that has been found and returned to a slot machine licensee.
Wager—Placing at risk in a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal a coin, bill, ticket, gaming voucher, coupon or similar object or, upon payment of any consideration, including the use of cashless funds transfer systems and external bonusing systems.
Wide area progressive system—Progressive slot machines located at a licensed facility that are linked with progressive slot machines at another licensed facility.
§ 461a.4. Submission for testing and approval.
* * * * * (c) For the purposes of this section, slot machines, table game devices and associated equipment that shall be submitted for testing and approval include:
* * * * * (12) Table game devices including:
(i) Electronic gaming tables as described in § 605a.4 (relating to electronic gaming tables).
(ii) Fully automated electronic gaming tables as described in § 605a.5 (relating to fully automated electronic gaming tables and electronic wagering terminals).
(iii) Progressive table game systems as described in § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games).
(iv) Automated card shuffling devices as described in § 603a.17 (relating to dealing shoes; automated card shuffling devices).
(v) Electronic dealing shoes as described in § 603a.17.
(vi) Electronic wagering systems as described in § 605a.2 (relating to electronic wagering systems).
(vii) Electronic wagering terminals as described in § 605a.5.
(viii) Hybrid gaming tables as described in § 605a.9 (relating to hybrid gaming tables).
(d) Slot machine prototypes, table game device prototypes and associated equipment prototypes, and modifications thereto, which are subject to testing and approval under this section will be evaluated by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations for overall operational integrity and compliance with the act, this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board as published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's web site. In addition, with regard to any slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table, electronic wagering terminal or modification thereto, the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations will test for compatibility and compliance with the central control computer and protocol specifications approved by the Department including the ability to communicate with the central control computer for the purpose of transmitting auditing program information, real time information retrieval and activation and disabling of slot machines, fully automated electronic gaming tables and electronic wagering terminals.
* * * * * (n) Concurrent with the initial receipt of slot machines, a slot machine licensee shall file a slot machine master list as required by § 463a.5 (relating to slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table master lists).
(o) The testing of equipment, devices or software under this subpart may require the dismantling of the product and testing that may result in damage to, or destruction of, one or more systems or components. Once submitted for testing, equipment, devices or software will not be returned to the manufacturer.
§ 461a.8. Gaming vouchers.
* * * * * (d) Prior to issuing a gaming voucher, a 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 § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols) and address:
(1) Procedures for assigning an asset number and identifying other redemption locations in the system, and enabling and disabling voucher capabilities for slot machines, fully automated electronic gaming tables, electronic wagering terminals and redemption locations.
* * * * * (h) Upon presentation of a gaming voucher for redemption at a slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal, 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, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal, the slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal must perform one of the following procedures:
* * * * * (l) Gaming vouchers redeemed at cashiering locations shall be transferred to the finance department on a daily basis. Gaming vouchers redeemed by slot machines, fully automated electronic gaming tables and electronic wagering terminals shall be counted in the count room and forwarded to the finance department upon the conclusion of the count process. Gaming vouchers redeemed at automated gaming voucher redemption machines shall be forwarded to finance upon the conclusion of the cashiers' cage reconciliation process. Finance department representatives with no incompatible functions shall perform, at a minimum, the following:
* * * * * § 461a.10. Automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines.
* * * * * (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, fully automated electronic gaming table or electronic wagering terminal bill validator. The methods utilized to comply with this requirement must be in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and posted on the Board's web site.
* * * * * § 461a.14. Slot machine, fully automated gaming tables and electronic wagering terminal monitoring systems.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize a slot monitoring system which has an interface between it and slot machines, fully automated electronic gaming tables, electronic wagering terminals 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 web site.
§ 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, table games, table game devices 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 web site.
§ 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, table games, table game devices and related systems tested and approved by the Board under § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(b) A player tracking system may not include individuals who are under 21 years of age.
(c) Employees of a slot machine licensee who can view, print or copy any of the information in the slot machine licensee's player tracking system shall be licensed as a key employee or hold an occupation permit. This subsection does not apply to employees of the slot machine licensee that are members of a corporate reservations department whose duties and responsibilities do not require the employee to be located within this Commonwealth.
(d) 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 web site.
§ 461a.26. Testing and software installation on the live gaming floor.
* * * * * (b) A slot machine licensee shall notify the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and the Bureau of Casino Compliance at least 72 hours prior to the installation of any new software or the installation of any change in previously approved software and receive the required approvals prior to the installation of:
* * * * * (18) Server based slot systems.
(19) Hybrid gaming tables.
(20) Electronic wagering terminals.
(c) The notification required under subsection (b) must include:
* * * * * § 461a.27. RAM clear.
(a) When a slot machine licensee becomes aware of a nonresponsive slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table, hybrid gaming table or electronic wagering terminal and communication between the slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table, hybrid gaming table or electronic wagering terminal and the central control computer cannot be reestablished, the slot machine licensee shall immediately notify the Department's operator of the central control computer and the casino compliance representatives at the licensed facility. The slot machine licensee may not do a RAM clear on the affected slot machine, fully automated electronic gaming table, electronic wagering terminal or associated equipment until a casino compliance representative has recorded the information on the financial meters.
(b) For planned RAM clears, the slot machine licensee shall provide notice to the Department's operator of the central control computer and the casino compliance representatives at the licensed facility at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled RAM clear. A second notice shall be provided to the Department's operator of the central control computer and the casino compliance representatives at the licensed facility immediately prior to actually conducting the RAM clear.
CHAPTER 463a. POSSESSION OF SLOT MACHINES, ELECTRONIC WAGERING TERMINALS AND FULLY AUTOMATED ELECTRONIC GAMING TABLES § 463a.1. Possession of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables 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, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table 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, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables in this Commonwealth for the purposes described herein provided that slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables located outside of a licensed facility may not be used for gambling activity:
(1) A slot machine licensee, 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, supplier licensee or slot machine licensee.
(3) The holder of a manufacturer designee license or supplier license for the purpose of distributing, repairing, servicing, exhibiting or demonstrating slot machines or fully automated electronic gaming tables 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 or fully automated electronic gaming tables in accordance with § 463a.2 (relating to transportation of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables 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 or fully automated electronic gaming tables by those persons in this Commonwealth is not contrary to the goals and objectives of the act.
(c) Persons seeking to possess slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables under subsection (b)(4), (5) and (8) shall submit a petition to the Board as required under § 493a.4 (relating to petitions generally). The petition to the Board must contain:
(1) The purpose for having the slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables.
(2) The proposed location of the slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables.
(3) The time period for which the slot machines, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming tables will be kept.
(4) How the slot machines, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming tables will be secured.
(d) Requests approved by the Board may be subject to specific terms and conditions imposed by the Board.
(e) A person authorized to possess slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables under subsection (d) that desires to store the slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables at a location other than the location specified in subsection (c)(2) shall obtain approval from the Board's Executive Director prior to storing the slot machines, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming tables at the other location.
§ 463a.2. Transportation of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables into, within and out of this Commonwealth.
(a) In furtherance of section 1511 of the act (relating to declaration of exemption from Federal laws prohibiting slot machines), prior to the transport or movement of a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table into, within or out of this Commonwealth, from one person authorized to possess slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables under § 463a.1 (relating to possession of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables generally) to another person, the persons causing the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table to be transported or moved shall notify the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and the Bureau of Casino Compliance in writing or in an electronic format approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations. The notice shall be submitted no later than the day the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table is transported and include the following information:
(1) The name and address of the person shipping or moving the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table.
(2) The name and address of the person who owns the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table, 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, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table is being sent and the destination of the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table, if different from that address.
(6) The quantity of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables 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, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table if the origin or destination of the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table is outside the continental United States.
(9) The reason for transporting or moving the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table.
(b) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a), if a slot machine licensee is shipping slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables to or from the slot machine licensee's approved, off-premises storage location, the slot machine licensee shall comply with the requirements in subsection (a) and record the movement in the licensee's movement log as required under § 463a.5(e) (relating to slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table master lists). If a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table is being transported to the licensed facility from the licensee's approved, off-premises storage location, the licensee shall specify in the notice required under subsection (a) whether the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table will be placed directly onto the gaming floor or stored off the gaming floor in a restricted area within the licensed facility.
§ 463a.3. Slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table location on the gaming floor.
(a) A gaming floor must consist of one or more areas within a licensed facility approved by the Board or Executive Director under § 467a.1 (relating to gaming floor plan) for the placement and operation of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables.
(b) A slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table on a gaming floor shall be placed at a location, which location may contain no more than one slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table, identified by number on a gaming floor plan approved by the Board or Executive Director under section 1322 of the act (relating to slot machine accounting controls and audits) and § 467a.1 and shall also be identified by this slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table location number and an asset number on the Gaming Floor Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List.
§ 463a.4. Notice and connection to the central control computer system.
(a) Prior to utilization for gambling activity, a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table 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).
(b) To ensure activation or disabling, as appropriate, in the central control computer system and the retrieval of real time meter information from the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table in conjunction with the movement of a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table, the slot machine licensee shall provide the Department with written notice of the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table movement, prior to any of the following:
(1) Placement of a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table on the gaming floor.
(2) Movement of a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table between slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table locations on the gaming floor.
(3) Removal of a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table from the gaming floor.
§ 463a.5. Slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table master lists.
(a) Prior to the commencement of operations at a licensed facility, a slot machine licensee shall file the following with the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and the Bureau of Casino Compliance, in an electronic format approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations:
(1) Gaming Floor Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List.
(2) Restricted Area/Off Premises Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List.
(b) A Gaming Floor Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List must list all slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables located on the gaming floor in consecutive order by the device location number under § 463a.3 (relating to slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table location on the gaming floor) and contain the following:
(1) The date the list was prepared.
(2) A description of each slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table which includes:
(i) The zone/location number.
(ii) The asset number.
(iii) The manufacturer's serial number.
(iv) The base denomination, or if configured for multiple denominations, a list of the denominations.
(v) The game software/program ID.
(vi) The operating system/base ROM.
(vii) The manufacturer.
(viii) The slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table model.
(ix) The model type (reel or video), if applicable.
(x) The game theme/description.
(xi) The minimum payout percentage, if applicable.
(xii) The machine displayed payout percentage, if applicable.
(xiii) The paytable ID.
(xiv) Whether the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table is in a smoking area.
(xv) If the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table is a progressive, the type of progressive, the progressive controller type and the progressive software.
(xvi) The fund transfer/voucher system software.
(c) If a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table is configured to allow a patron to select from multiple games or game themes, each game or game theme, minimum and machine displayed payout percentages, if applicable, and paytable ID must be listed in the Gaming Floor Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List. Instead of listing each game or game theme, minimum and machine displayed payout percentage and paytable ID for a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table configured to offer multiple game themes with the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table, a slot machine licensee may use a unique generic code for the game theme and attach an appendix which lists the game themes, minimum and machine displayed payout percentages and paytable IDs that correspond to each unique generic game theme code.
(d) A Restricted Area/Off Premises Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List must include all slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables located off the gaming floor in a restricted area within the licensed facility approved under § 465a.8(b) (relating to licensed facility), or in storage locations in this Commonwealth off the premises of the licensed facility approved under § 463a.7 (relating to off premises storage of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables) grouped by the location where the slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables are located. A Restricted Area/Off Premises Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List must include the following information:
(1) The date the list was prepared.
(2) A description of each slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table which includes:
(i) The location of the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table.
(ii) The asset number.
(iii) The manufacturer's serial number.
(iv) The game software/program ID.
(v) The operating system/base ROM.
(vi) The game theme/description.
(vii) The manufacturer.
(viii) The slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table model.
(ix) The model type (reel or video), if applicable.
(e) Once a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table has been placed in an authorized location on the gaming floor, stored in a restricted area off the gaming floor but within the licensed facility approved under § 465a.8 or in a location in this Commonwealth off the premises of the licensed facility approved under § 463a.7, all subsequent movements of that slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table shall be recorded by a slot department member in a slot machine movement log which includes the following:
(1) The asset number and model and manufacturer's serial number of the moved slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table.
(2) The date and time of movement.
(3) The location from which the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table was moved.
(4) The location to which the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table was moved.
(5) The date and time of any required notice to the Department in connection with activation or disabling of the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table 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, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table in compliance with this section.
(f) Documentation summarizing slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table movements, as described in subsection (e), shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and the Bureau of Casino Compliance, in an electronic format approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, on a daily basis.
(g) On the first Tuesday of each month a slot machine licensee shall file an updated Gaming Floor Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List and an updated Restricted Area/Off Premises Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List containing the information required under subsections (b)—(d). The Gaming Floor Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List and the Restricted Area/Off Premises Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List shall be filed in an electronic format with the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
(h) Persons authorized by the Board to possess slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables under § 463a.1(c) (relating to possession of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables generally) shall file with the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in an electronic format approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, a complete list of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming table possessed by the person. The list shall:
(1) Be denoted as a Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List.
(2) Be filed within 3 business days of the initial receipt of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables.
(3) Contain the following information:
(i) The date on which the list was prepared.
(ii) A description of each slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table including:
(A) The manufacturer.
(B) The manufacturer's serial number.
(C) The slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table model.
(D) The model type (reel or video), if applicable.
(E) Whether or not the slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table is a progressive, and if it is, the type of progressive.
(i) On the first Tuesday of each month following the initial filing of a Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List, those persons enumerated in subsection (h) shall file with the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in an electronic format approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, an updated Slot Machine, Electronic Wagering Terminal and Fully Automated Electronic Gaming Table Master List containing the information required in subsection (h).
§ 463a.7. Off premises storage of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables.
(a) A slot machine licensee may not store slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables off the premises of a licensed facility without prior approval from the Board's Executive Director.
(b) A slot machine licensee seeking to store slot machines, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming tables off the premises of a licensed facility shall submit a written request to the Bureau of Gaming Operations for off premise storage. The written 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 proposed storage facility.
(3) The plan to provide 24 hour, 7 day a week security at the proposed storage facility.
(4) The anticipated number of slot machines, electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables that may be stored at the proposed storage facility.
(c) Before the Board's Executive Director will act on a request for off premise storage of slot machines, the Director of Casino Compliance will inspect the proposed storage facility.
(d) The Board's Executive Director will approve or disapprove requests within 60 days. Requests approved by the Board's Executive Director may be subject to specific terms and conditions imposed by the Board's Executive Director.
CHAPTER 465a. ACCOUNTING AND INTERNAL CONTROLS § 465a.2. Internal control systems and audit protocols.
* * * * * (d) A submission by a slot machine licensee must include, at a minimum, the following:
* * * * * (3) Procedures and controls for ensuring, in accordance with section 1323 of the act (relating to central control computer system), that each slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table directly provides and communicates all required activities and financial details to the central control computer system as set by the Board.
* * * * * § 465a.6. Retention, storage and destruction of books, records and documents.
* * * * * (c) Original books, records and documents shall be retained by a slot machine licensee for a minimum of 5 years with the following exceptions:
(1) Documentation with regard to gaming vouchers reported to the Board as possibly counterfeit, altered or tampered with should be retained for a minimum of 2 years.
(2) Coupons entitling patrons to cash, match play at a table game or slot machine credits, whether unused, voided or redeemed shall be retained for a minimum of 6 months.
(3) Voided gaming vouchers and gaming vouchers redeemed at a location other than a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table shall be retained for a minimum of 30 days.
(4) Gaming vouchers redeemed at a slot machine, electronic wagering terminal or fully automated electronic gaming table shall be retained for a minimum of 7 days.
* * * * * § 465a.9. Surveillance system; surveillance department control; surveillance department restrictions.
* * * * * (c) The surveillance system required in this section must include:
(1) Light sensitive cameras with lenses of sufficient magnification and 360° pan, tilt and zoom capabilities, without camera stops, to allow the operator to clandestinely monitor in detail and from various vantage points the following:
(i) The gaming conducted at the slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables in the licensed facility with sufficient clarity to read information on a reel strip or electronic table layout and the credit meter.
(ii) The gaming conducted at each table game that is not a fully automated electronic gaming table or an electronic wagering terminal in the licensed facility with sufficient clarity to identify patrons and dealers and sufficient coverage to simultaneously view the table and determine the configuration of wagers, card, dice and tile values and game outcomes.
(iii) The operations conducted at and in the main cage and any satellite cage.
(iv) The operations conducted at automated bill breaker machines, automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines, automated jackpot payout machines and automated teller machines.
(v) The count processes conducted in the count room.
(vi) The movement of cash, gaming chips and plaques, tip boxes, table game drop boxes, Bad Beat or High Hand Jackpot payout boxes and slot cash storage boxes within the licensed facility.
(vii) The entrances and exits to the licensed facility, the gaming floor and the count room.
(viii) Any other activity or areas designated by the Bureau of Casino Compliance.
(2) The following number of cameras dedicated to table games that are not electronic wagering terminals or fully automated electronic gaming tables:
* * * * * § 465a.11. Slot machine licensee's organization; jobs compendium.
* * * * * (b) A slot machine licensee's system of internal controls must also include, at a minimum, the following departments and supervisory positions, each of which must be categorized as mandatory and must cooperate with, yet perform independently of, other mandatory departments and supervisory positions of the slot machine licensee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a department or supervisor that is not required or authorized by this section may operate under or in conjunction with a mandatory department or supervisor provided the organizational structure is consistent with the standards contained within the act and subsection (a). Mandatory departments and supervisory positions are:
* * * * * (3) An information technology department supervised by an individual located at the licensed facility who functions, for regulatory purposes, as the information technology director. The information technology director shall be licensed as a key employee and be responsible for the quality, reliability and accuracy of all slot computer systems used by the slot machine licensee regardless of whether data, software or systems are located within or outside the licensed facility. The information technology director shall further be responsible for the security and physical integrity of, and the accountability and maintenance of, the following:
(i) Access codes and other security controls used to insure limited access to computer software and the system wide reliability of data.
(ii) Computer tapes, disks or other electronic storage media containing data relevant to the slot machine licensee's operations.
(iii) Computer hardware, communications equipment and software used in the conduct of the slot machine licensee's operations.
(iv) The computerized slot monitoring system utilized by the slot machine licensee. The information technology director shall ensure that:
(A) Slot machines, electronic wagering terminals and fully automated electronic gaming tables located on the gaming floor are connected electronically to the slot machine licensee's computerized slot monitoring system and to the Commonwealth's central control computer in accordance with section 1323 of the act (relating to central control computer system).
(B) The security features of the computerized slot monitoring system prohibit, at a minimum, the deletion, creation or modification of any data unless a permanent record is created that sets forth:
(I) The original information.
(II) Modifications to the original information.
(III) The identity of the employee making the modification.
(IV) The identity of each employee authorizing the modification, if applicable.
(C) Computerized jackpot payout systems utilized by the slot machine licensee are configured to require that any modification of $100 or more to the original amount recorded on a computerized jackpot payout or system override is authorized by two slot operations department employees, one of whom is in a position of greater authority than the individual preparing the jackpot payout.
(D) Procedures and controls are in place that define and limit interaction between both the slot operations department and finance department and the computerized slot monitoring system including access to system menus, the establishment of slot machine, electronic wagering terminal and fully automated electronic gaming table profile parameters, and the ability of each department to access, delete, create or modify information contained in the slot monitoring system.
(4) Except as provided in paragraphs (8) and (9), a slot operations department supervised by an individual located at the licensed facility who functions, for regulatory purposes, as the director of slot operations. The director of slot operations shall be licensed as a key employee and be responsible for the operation of, and conduct of gaming at, slot machines and fully automated electronic gaming tables within the licensed facility.
(5) A security department supervised by an individual located at the licensed facility who functions, for regulatory purposes, as the director of security. The director of the security department shall be licensed as a key employee and be responsible for the overall security of the licensed facility including the following:
(i) The physical safety of individuals.
(ii) The physical safeguarding of assets.
(iii) The protection of the property of both the patron and the slot machine licensee from illegal activity.
(iv) The design, implementation and enforcement of a system for the issuance of temporary access credentials.
(v) The recording of any unusual incidents within the licensed facility in which the security department is involved. Each incident shall be recorded by security department personnel in a book with bound numbered pages that cannot be readily removed or be maintained in an electronic format which has an audit function that prevents modification of information after the information has been entered into the system. The log shall be stored and retained in accordance with § 465a.6 (relating to retention, storage and destruction of books, records and documents). The following information shall be recorded:
(A) The assignment number of the incident.
(B) The date and time.
(C) The nature of the incident.
(D) The individuals involved in the incident.
(E) The security department employees assigned to cover the incident.
(vi) The identification and removal of any individual who is required to be excluded or ejected from the licensed facility under section 1514 of the act, who may be excluded or ejected from the licensed facility under section 1515 of the act or is self excluded from the gaming floor and gaming activities at all licensed facilities under section 1516 of the act.
(vii) The performance of the duties and responsibilities required under the system of internal controls submitted and approved under § 465a.2.
(viii) The provision of immediate notice to the Pennsylvania State Police upon detecting the presence in the licensed facility of an individual possessing a weapon in violation of § 465a.13 (relating to possession of weapons within a licensed facility).
(ix) The provision of immediate notice to supervisors designated in the internal controls and the casino compliance representatives and the Pennsylvania State Police at the licensed facility upon detecting any individual who is engaging in or attempting to engage in, or who is suspected of cheating, theft, embezzlement, a violation of this part or other illegal activities.
(x) The provision of immediate notice to supervisors designated in the internal controls and the casino compliance representatives and the Pennsylvania State Police at the licensed facility upon detecting any individual who is required to be excluded or ejected from the licensed facility under section 1514 or 1515 of the act and Chapter 511a or 513a or is self-excluded from the gaming floor and gaming activities at all licensed facilities under section 1516 of the act and Chapter 503a.
(6) A finance department supervised by an individual located at the licensed facility who functions, for regulatory purposes, as the director of finance. The director of finance shall be licensed as a key employee and responsible for all finance functions including the preparation and control of records and data, the control of stored data, the control of unused forms, the accounting for and comparison of operational data and forms, and the control and supervision of the inventory of gaming chips, the issuance of credit, the main cage, Poker room cage, satellite cages and the count room. The employees responsible for the issuance of credit shall be in a reporting line to the director of finance. The supervisor of the cage shall, on all shifts, be permitted as a gaming employee.
(7) Except as provided in paragraphs (8) and (9), a certificate holder shall have a table games department supervised by an individual located at the licensed facility who functions, for regulatory purposes, as the director of table games. The director of table games shall be licensed as a key employee and responsible for all table game functions including the inventory of table game equipment.
(8) In lieu of separate slot and table games departments, a slot machine licensee may elect to have a gaming department supervised by an individual located at the licensed facility who functions, for regulatory purposes, as the director of gaming. The director of gaming shall be licensed as a key employee and responsible for the overall operation and conduct of gaming at slot machines and table games within the licensed facility. A slot machine licensee may also elect to have a director of table games and a director of slot operations who report to the director of gaming.
(9) Unless otherwise specified by the certificate holder, for the conduct of gaming on electronic wagering terminals and hybrid gaming tables, the slot operations department shall supervise the electronic wagering terminals and the table games department shall supervise the conduct of gaming at hybrid gaming tables as provided in paragraphs (4) and (7).
(c) The supervisors of the surveillance and internal audit departments required under subsection (b) shall report directly to one of the following persons or entities regarding matters of policy, purpose, responsibility and authority, which persons or entities shall also control the hiring, termination and salary of each supervisor:
* * * * *
[Continued on next Web Page]
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.
