Download vs. Remote Configuration What is the difference?

1. Download vs. Remote Configuration What is the difference? Russ Ristine – Radical Blue Gaming CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

2. What are we talking about? • Server-based gaming • Server-Assisted gaming • Dynamic Floor Configuration • All are either download or configuration • Central Determination and Internet Gaming are a different animal CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

3. What is GSA? • The GSA (Gaming Standards Association) is an international trade association • GSA’s members include gaming manufacturers, suppliers, operators, and regulators • Since 1998, GSA has been promoting and facilitating the development of open standards that benefit the entire gaming industry CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

4. GSA’s Platinum Members CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

5. What is G2S? • G2S = Game To System • Protocol is complete • Manufacturers are aggressively implementing • 3rd Party development and test tools are available • Certification program is in development GSA develops BOB Agree to merge protocols G2S is born… The best of both! IGT develops SuperSAS CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

6. Agenda • Remote Configuration • Code Download • Changes to your slot floor network • Next Steps… CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

7. General Requirements • Change the game remotely • No pennies on the weekend • Try a new game for a few days/weeks • New game works well – let’s add some more! • Old game is slowing down – we need less of them! • Yield management • What else? CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

8. What Are We Talking About? • Remote Configuration – The ability to remotely configure the EGM, especially what is presented to patrons • Code Download – The ability to transfer software from a content server to an EGM • GSA’s view is that all EGMs should be controlled by a single management terminal CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

9. Why Remote Configuration? • Enable/disable any game stored on the EGM • No download related delays – remote configuration provides immediate changes • Change slot machine denominations as easy as for table games • Can change as a result of patron input if software exists on the EGM CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

10. Remote Configuration • A configuration workstation is used to remotely configure an EGM • Make changes from your desk or via a schedule (no more trips to every EGM) • Change one, several, or all G2S EGMs - resulting in a much more flexible slot floor • Should have access to most parameters you now configure via the operator screens in the EGM CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

11. Why Remote Configuration? • Use software that is already on the casino floor • Many existing machines can be upgraded to be Remote Configuration capable • Regulatory approval should be easier • Remote configuration systems already approved in some jurisdictions • With G2S, any EGMs can be configured via simple commands; full accounting is available CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

12. Limitations of Configuration • Cannot distribute new software • Cannot remotely update EGM’s software library • Cannot remove revoked software from the floor • Feature changes are confined to the software already on the EGM • Cannot upgrade peripheral devices • Still need a high speed network However, this is a great first step! CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

13. Agenda • Remote Configuration • Code Download • Changes to your slot floor network • Next Steps… CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

14. Moving from Configuration to Download • Download = moving new software packages to the gaming floor • G2S can control which packages are downloaded or installed, just like configuring an EGM • Configuration commands are then used to activate the modules CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

15. Some Download Terms Package – A blob of code moved to the EGM Module – A blob which is currently installed Script – A series of commands used to install System Management Console – Used to tell the EGMs what to do Content Server – The repository for the software modules CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

16. The G2S Download Picture CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

17. Why Download? • Download new or updated software to the EGM. • Remove or replace software due to operational or regulatory concerns • Download new games • Manufacturers may eventually remotely update the Game Content Server(s) • New themes become available automatically for trial or placement on the casino floor CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

18. Why Download? • Automatic update of EGM peripheral software • Update note acceptors remotely • Download new printer templates • Downloads can occur automatically during slow periods • Automatic queuing – no need to shut banks down for software upgrade • New programs can be downloaded at night for later activation CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

19. Why Download? • Goals for software download • Provide complete control of the software content on the floor from a central location • Know what is in all EGMs on the floor all the time • An agile floor configuration that can rapidly adapt to business changes CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

20. Challenges for Download • EGMs have differing requirements • A management system must provide software coordination between EGMs and the content server • Downloaded software must be verified as being complete and authentic • Processes need to work for all manufacturers… CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

21. Challenges for Download • New Solutions are needed • Content Servers • System Management Console • Firewalls for remote Content Server update • Peripheral equipment needs to be upgraded • Regulatory Approval is not trivial • Regulations do not exist in some jurisdictions CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

22. A Word Or Two On GAT • GAT – Game Authentication Terminal protocol • Provides validation of EGM software • At the EGM, or the Server, or from a remote location • Reduces the time and effort to perform regulatory software verification requirements • Benefits: • Software in EGM (or Servers) can be validated automatically, as often as needed • Compare results to those obtained by regulatory lab – be assured you are running legitimate code CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

23. Agenda • Remote Configuration • Code Download • Changes to your slot floor network • Next Steps… CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

24. Some of the Myths • This will be effortless • Every vendor needs their own server • Each one needs their own management console • Nothing will change (remember TITO?) • Employees are not capable of change CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

25. Slot Floor Network - Today CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

26. Adding a New Network FTP (S2S can fix this mess) CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

27. Moving forward… • First Goal – remotely configure EGMs with G2S • If only doing configuration, a second connection to the EGM is needed • You can start anywhere on the gaming floor – start with one bank or area • A wireless network might be used to minimize infrastructure costs CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

28. No Traffic Jams… Network Backbone = 1 Billion bps CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

29. No Traffic Jams • New Network infrastructure • 1 Gbps backbone • 100 Mbps to every EGM • Staff transitions from slot mechanics to network configuration and management • Slots + IT = Success • Don’t go cheap - like a computer, your network can’t be too fast CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

30. Vouchers Bonusing Player Media Server Historic Approach to Adding Functionality Slot Floor System CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

31. G2S (Web Services) Approach CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

32. G2S Promotes Innovation • Any authorized server can directly access the data in any slot machine • Servers are authorized by the System Administrator • Each EGM has a list of registered hosts • All communications use SSL – same as for business transactions on the Internet CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

33. G2S Promotes Innovation • G2S allows any authorized server that speaks the protocol to participate in the slot network • Event and Meter subscriptions allow a host to subscribe to specific information • Operators can “try out” new products to see if they like them • Products can compete using the same data – e.g. two data mining packages can be connected to the network at the same time. CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

34. Why Push for G2S? • Capabilities such as EGM configuration and Download become available • Better access to the data on the floor • SSL encryption on all communications from the EGM to the back of house severs • More flexible back of house configuration – modular system blocks that can be swapped in and out CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

35. Slot Analysis Benefit • Which themes / paytables are most popular? • Which denominations are most popular when? • Make changes remotely, then use this data for impact analysis • gamePlay device meters include all performance meters by theme/paytable combination • Class meters accumulate the totals for the EGM CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

36. Agenda • Remote Configuration • Code Download • Changes to your slot floor network • Next Steps… CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

37. Current Realities • Multiple vendors demonstrate interoperability at G2E 2006 and ICE – changing theme and denomination on a schedule using G2S • Another demonstrates Configuration - changing language, sound volumes, denominations, and game themes via a central GUI • Labs are gearing up to certify G2S • Most EGM and system vendors are aggressively implementing G2S CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

38. aaa bbb ccc ddd eee aaa bbb ccc ddd eee aaa bbb ccc ddd eee G2E 2007 – Interop Demo CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

39. What can you do? • Conduct strategic planning sessions • Develop a migration plan with your vendors, bu which you own and control • Start planning for new casino floor infrastructure • Make sure you own and operate the network • Work with your system vendor to figure out how to bridge the gaps between Legacy and G2S EGMs • Department disruption will be greater than TITO • Have a party for Slots + IT + Marketing • JOIN GSA, get involved. CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

40. A few Cold Hard Facts Every manufacturer is aggressively implementing G2S in their games SAS funeral is 1/1/11 Most server-based games will use G2S and require a high speed network Existing slot floor networks are obsolete G2S-based games will have cool new features that every casino HAS to have to remain competitive CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration

41. www.GamingStandards.com Questions? CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration