[36 Pa.B. 6517]
[Saturday, October 28, 2006]
[Continued from previous Web Page] § 461.9. Coupons.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize coupons and a coupon system that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval) and complies with technical standards on coupon systems adopted by the Board.
(b) The design specifications for a coupon, the expiration terms applicable thereto, the coupon verification methodologies utilized, and any limitation on the value of a coupon must be in compliance with technical standards on coupons adopted by the Board.
(c) A coupon shall be designed and manufactured with sufficient graphics or other security measures, to permit the proper verification of the coupon. A coupon must contain, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) The name or trade name of the slot machine licensee. If the slot machine licensee is affiliated with a casino licensee in any other jurisdiction with an identical or similar name or trade name, the name of the Pennsylvania location must be evident on the coupon.
(2) The value of the coupon, in both numbers and words.
(3) A unique serial number, which is automatically generated by the system in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(4) The locations where the coupon may be redeemed and restrictions regarding redemption.
(5) An indication of the date on which the coupon becomes invalid.
(6) A bar code or magnetic strip which enables the coupon system to establish the validity of the coupon and its value in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(d) Prior to issuing a coupon, a slot machine licensee shall establish a system of internal controls for the issuance and redemption of coupons. The internal controls shall be submitted to, and approved by the Board under § 465.3 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
§ 461.10. Automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(b) Automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machines may be located on or proximate to the gaming floor of a licensed facility and must be subject to surveillance coverage under § 465.10 (relating to surveillance system; surveillance department control; surveillance department restrictions). Each automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have imprinted, affixed or impressed on the outside of the machine a unique asset identification number.
(c) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have the capability of establishing the validity of a gaming voucher or coupon by comparing the instrument's unique serial number, automatically generated by the respective gaming voucher or coupon system in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board with electronic records within the gaming voucher system or coupon system.
(d) The method or methods utilized to comply with subsection (c) shall be submitted to and approved by the Board in the context of the testing of a gaming voucher system or coupon system.
(e) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine may function as a bill breaker changing bills of one denomination into bills of a smaller denomination.
(f) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must contain a lockable gaming voucher, coupon and currency storage box which retains any gaming vouchers, coupons or currency accepted by the machine. The gaming voucher, coupon and currency storage box located inside the machine must also have imprinted, affixed or impressed thereon the asset identification number of the corresponding machine.
(g) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must have, at a minimum, the following:
(1) One lock securing the compartment housing the storage box and one lock securing the storage box within the compartment, the keys to which must be different from each other. The key to the lock securing the compartment housing the storage box shall be controlled by the slot operations department. The key to the lock securing the storage box within the compartment shall be controlled by the slot accounting department.
(2) One lock securing the compartment housing the currency cassettes, the key to which shall be controlled by the slot accounting department.
(3) One lock securing the compartment housing the coin storage container, the key to which shall be controlled by the slot accounting department.
(4) One lock securing the contents of the storage box, the key to which must be different from the keys referenced in paragraphs (1)--(3). This key shall be controlled by an employee of the slot accounting department other than the employee controlling the keys referenced in paragraphs (1)--(3).
(h) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be designed to resist forced illegal entry. The slot machine licensee must secure all input/output ports on an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine.
(i) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine's currency cassettes must be designed to preclude access to its interior. Access to each currency cassette shall be controlled by the slot accounting department.
(j) Access controls relating to the operating system or applications of the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine, and ancillary systems, applications and equipment associated with the reconciliation thereof, must employ security measures that require authentication of the user and recording and maintaining of data regarding access and modifications made. Authentication must be in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(k) A gaming voucher or coupon accepted by an automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine shall be cancelled immediately upon exchange in a manner that effectively prevents its subsequent redemption by the cashiers' cage, another automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine or its acceptance in a slot machine bill validator. The method utilized to comply with this requirement shall be in accordance with this subpart and technical standards adopted by the Board.
(l) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be designed to be impervious to outside influences, interference from electromagnetic, electrostatic and radio frequencies and influence from ancillary equipment.
(m) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must include a means to protect against transaction failure and data loss due to power loss.
(n) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must detect, display and record electronically the following error conditions: power reset; door open; door just closed; and system communication loss. These error conditions may be automatically cleared by the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine when the condition no longer exists and upon completion of a new transaction.
(o) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must detect, display and record electronically the error conditions in paragraphs (1)--(4). These error conditions must disable the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine and prohibit new transactions and may only be cleared by either the slot accounting department or slot operations department.
(1) Failure to make payment, if the gaming voucher or coupon is not returned and no receipt is issued.
(2) Failure to make complete payment if a receipt for the unpaid amount is not issued.
(3) Bill validator failure.
(4) Printer failure due to printer jam or lack of paper.
(p) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be designed to evaluate whether sufficient funds are available before stacking the voucher and completing the transaction.
(q) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be capable of maintaining synchronization between its real time clock and that of the gaming voucher system and coupon system.
(r) An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must be equipped with electronic digital storage meters that accumulate the following information. The information must be readily available through system reports. Where a value is maintained, the value must be in dollars and cents.
(1) Physical coin out. The total value, by denomination, of all coins paid by the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine.
(2) Voucher in--value. The value of all cashable gaming vouchers accepted.
(3) Voucher in--count. The number of cashable gaming vouchers accepted.
(4) Coupon in--value. The value of all cashable coupons accepted.
(5) Coupon in--count. The number of cashable coupons accepted.
(6) Bill in. The value of all currency accepted by the automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine. An automated gaming voucher and coupon redemption machine must also have specific meters for each denomination of currency accepted that records the number of bills accepted.
(7) Bill out. 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.
(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.
§ 461.11. 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).
§ 461.12. Progressive slot machines.
(a) A progressive slot machine is a slot machine that offers a jackpot that may increase in value based upon wagers as the slot machine is played. A progressive slot machine may stand alone, be linked or interconnected with other progressive slot machines. Progressive slot machines located at a licensed facility that are linked or interconnected with progressive slot machines at another licensed facility are collectively referred to as a wide area progressive system.
(b) 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 § 461.7(h) (relating to slot machine minimum design standards).
(3) A slot attendant paid progressive payout meter in accordance with § 461.7(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 as may be approved by the Board.
(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 slot accounting department, or alternative key controls as the Board approves, of the compartment housing the microprocessor or other unit that controls the progressive meter or meters. The compartment shall be in a location approved by the Board.
(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):
(1) Two or more linked slot machines offering the same progressive jackpot may be of different denominations or have different wagers, or both, required to win the progressive jackpot, provided that:
(i) The probability of winning the progressive jackpot is directly proportional to the wager required to win that jackpot.
(ii) A notice approved by the Board indicating the proportional probability of hitting the progressive jackpot on the a linked progressive system is conspicuously displayed on each linked slot machine.
(2) The probability of winning a progressive jackpot offered on linked slot machines may vary among the slot machines when necessary to enable a slot machine licensee or, as applicable, a slot system operator, to institute a change in the probability which is otherwise permitted by this subpart, if the change is completed expeditiously in accordance with procedures that have been filed with and approved by the Board.
(e) A slot machine licensee seeking to utilize a linked slot machine shall submit to the Board for approval the location and manner of installing any progressive meter display mechanism.
(f) A slot machine that offers a progressive jackpot may not be placed on the gaming floor until the slot machine licensee or, as applicable, the slot system operator, has submitted to the Board, in a manner the Board directs, and the Board has approved, the following:
(1) The initial and reset amounts at which the progressive 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, with prior Board approval, been transferred to another progressive slot machine or wide area progressive system in accordance with this subpart.
(4) The change is necessitated by a slot machine or meter malfunction, in which case:
(i) For progressive jackpots governed by subsection (b), an explanation shall be entered on the progressive slot summary required by this subpart and the Board shall be notified of the resetting in writing in a manner the Board directs.
(ii) For progressive jackpots governed by subsection (m), an explanation shall be entered on the machine entry authorization log required under this subpart unless the slot machine automatically addresses the malfunction in a manner approved by the Board.
(h) Once an amount appears on a progressive meter, the probability of hitting the combination that will award the progressive jackpot may not be decreased unless the progressive jackpot has been won by a patron or the progressive jackpot has been transferred to another progressive slot machine or wide area progressive system or removed in accordance with subsection (j).
(i) When a 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 notice the Board, in a manner the Board directs, of the imposition of a payout limit on a progressive meter or a modification thereto concurrent with the setting of the payout limit.
(2) 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 if the Board finds the transfer would be in the public interest.
(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, in a manner the Board directs, 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, in a manner the Board directs, at least 30 days prior to the removal of the progressive jackpot.
(k) The amount indicated on the progressive meter or meters and coin in meter on each slot machine governed by subsection (b) shall be recorded on a progressive slot summary report at least once every 7 calendar days and each report shall be signed by the preparer. If not prepared by the slot accounting department, the progressive slot summary report shall be forwarded to the slot accounting department by the end of the gaming day on which it is prepared. A representative of the slot accounting department shall be responsible for calculating the correct amount that should appear on a progressive meter. If an adjustment to the progressive meters is necessary, the adjustment shall be made by a member of the slot operations department as follows:
(1) Supporting documentation shall be maintained to explain any addition or reduction in the registered amount on the progressive meter. The documentation must include the date, asset number of the slot machine, the amount of the adjustment and the signatures of the slot accounting department member requesting the adjustment and of the slot operations department member making the adjustment.
(2) The adjustment 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) A slot machine that offers a progressive jackpot controlled by a slot machine program with a fixed initial and reset amount, rate of progression and progressive jackpot limit which cannot be changed by the slot machine licensee must limit the progressive jackpot to an amount which is less than $1,200.
(n) A progressive jackpot governed by subsection (m) is not subject to subsections (j)(4), (k) or (l).
(o) Where a slot machine is located adjacent to 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.
§ 461.13. Wide area progressive systems.
(a) Two or more slot machine licensees may, with the prior written approval of the Board, 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 adopted by the Board.
(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 approved in writing by the Board prior to implementation and comply with the act, this subpart and technical standards on wide area progressive systems adopted by the Board.
(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 determined by the Board to be in compliance with the act, this subpart and technical standards on wide area progressive systems adopted 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 this subpart.
(4) Other requirements requested by the Board, including those required to comply with technical standards on wide area progressive systems adopted by the Board.
(g) A wide area progressive system shall be controlled and operated from a computer monitoring room approved by the Board. 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 shall be licensed or permitted as the Board deems appropriate based on an analysis of specific duties and responsibilities.
(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 adopted by the Board.
(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 approved by the Board.
§ 461.14. 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 § 461.4 (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.
§ 461.15. 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 § 461.4 (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.
§ 461.16. 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 § 461.4 (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.
§ 461.17. External bonusing systems.
(a) A slot machine licensee may utilize an external bonusing system that has been tested and approved by the Board under § 461.4 (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.
§ 461.18. 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 § 461.4 (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.
(c) Prior to utilizing a cashless funds transfer system, a slot machine licensee must 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 approved by the Board. 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.
§ 461.19. 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 adopted by the Board.
(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.
§ 461.20. 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 § 461.4 (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.
(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.
§ 461.21. 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 § 461.4 (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.
(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.
§ 461.22. 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 § 461.4 (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.
(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.
§ 461.23. 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--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 § 461.4 (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. The term does not include:
(i) 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.
(ii) 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.
§ 461.24. Waivers.
The Board may 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 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.
§ 461.25. Disputes.
(a) If a dispute arises with a patron concerning payment of alleged winnings, the slot machine licensee shall notify the patron in writing, concurrent with its initial receipt of notice of the dispute, that the patron has the right to contact the Board with regard to the dispute.
(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.
CHAPTER 463. POSSESSION OF SLOT MACHINES Sec.
463.1. Possession of slot machines generally. 463.2. Transportation of slot machines into, within and out of this Commonwealth. 463.3. Slot machine location. 463.4. Connection to the central control computer system. 463.5. Slot machine master list. 463.6. Notice to central control computer system. § 463.1. Possession of slot machines generally.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section and 18 Pa.C.S. § 5513 (relating to gambling devices, gambling, and the like), 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, subject to the terms and conditions imposed by the Board, provided that the slot machines are stored in secure locations specifically approved in writing by the Board and that any slot machines located outside of a licensed facility are not 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 supplier licensee.
(3) The holder of a supplier license for the purpose of distributing, repairing, servicing, exhibiting or demonstrating slot machines and any training with regard thereto.
(4) An educational institution, as authorized in writing by the Board, for the purpose of teaching slot machine design, operation, repair or servicing.
(5) A manufacturer or supplier of slot machines not licensed within this Commonwealth, as authorized in writing by the Board, for the limited purpose of temporary exhibition or demonstration.
(6) A common carrier, for the purpose of transporting slot machines in accordance with § 463.2 (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 authorized in writing by the Board 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.
§ 463.2. 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 § 463.1 (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 Board's Director 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.
§ 463.3. Slot machine location.
(a) A gaming floor must consist of one or more areas within a licensed facility approved by the Board 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 (relating to gaming floor plan) and shall also be identified by this slot machine location number and an asset number on a Slot Machine Master List.
§ 463.4. 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).
§ 463.5. 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 Board's Director 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 Board-approved restricted areas off the gaming floor but within the licensed facility, and in Board-approved storage locations in this Commonwealth off the premises of the licensed facility. 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 § 463.3 (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 whether the machine is a high-boy, 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 Board-approved restricted area off the gaming floor but within the licensed facility or in a Board-approved storage location in this Commonwealth off the premises of the licensed facility.
(4) Additional documentation requested by the Board.
(c) Once a slot machine has been placed in an authorized location on the gaming floor or is stored in a Board-approved restricted area off the gaming floor but within the licensed facility, 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 Board's Director 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 Board's Director 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, supplier licensees, educational institutions, Board-authorized manufacturers and suppliers not licensed within this Commonwealth and regulatory and law enforcement agencies that possess slot machines under § 463.1 (relating to possession of slot machines generally) shall file with the Board's Director 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 whether the machine is a high-boy, 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 Board's Director 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).
§ 463.6. 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 notice of the slot movement, in a form and pursuant to a time frame prescribed by the Department. The notice is required 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.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 06-2107. Filed for public inspection October 27, 2006, 9:00 a.m.]
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