CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Download vs. Remote Configuration What’s the difference? Russ Ristine – Radical Blue Gaming

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration What is GSA? GSA 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration GSA’s Platinum Members

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration What is G2S? G2S = Game To System Protocol definition complete Manufacturers are already demonstrating interoperability. 3rd Party development and test tools are available Certification program in development GSA develops BOB IGT develops SuperSAS Agree to merge protocols G2S is born… The best of both!

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Who is RadBlue? Since 2004, RadBlue has been building tools and simulators for GSA’s protocols Combine Gaming System and Web Services experience EGM manufacturers are using our G2S tools System developers use G2S and S2S tools RadBlue’s S2S QuickStart package helps server development teams quickly implement S2S

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Agenda  Remote Configuration Code Download Changes to your slot floor network Next Steps…

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration General Requirements Change the game remotely No pennies on the weekend Try a new game for a few days/weeks New game works well – add more! Old game is slowing down – want less! Yield management What else?

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration What Are We Talking About? Code Download – The ability to transfer software from a content server to an EGM Remote Configuration – The ability to remotely configure the EGM, especially what is presented to patrons GSA’s view is that all EGMs should be controlled by a single management terminal

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Why Remote Configuration? Enable/disable any game stored on the EGM Same appearance as Download No download related delays – remote configuration provides immediate changes Can change as a result of patron input if software exists on the EGM

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration GSA’s View of Configuration GSA’s view is that one management console works for any EGM via the G2S protocol GSA can now configure these items (and more) gamePlay devices (theme, paytable, denom) Note Acceptors (active notes, vouchers ok?) Cabinet (moneyIn, moneyOut, gamePlay OK?) Vouchers, Progressives, Bonuses, WAT Player Marketing stuff and much more

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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 nice first step!

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Agenda Remote Configuration  Code Download Changes to your slot floor network Next Steps…

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Moving from Configuration to Download Download moves 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration The G2S Download Picture

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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…

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Challenges for Download New Solutions are needed –Content Servers –System Management Point (SMP) –Firewalls for remote Content Server update Peripheral equipment needs to be upgraded Regulatory Approval is not trivial –Regulations do not exist in some jurisdictions

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration A Word Or Two On GAT GAT (Game Authentication Terminal) protocol is currently being used in several jurisdictions to validate game code (locally at EGM) With the new protocols, regulators could use GAT remotely to validate game code stored in EGMs and on Code Servers A common tool and process to authenticate all programs.

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Agenda Remote Configuration Code Download  Changes to your slot floor network Next Steps…

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Some of the Myths This will be effortless Every vendor needs their own server They all need their own management console Nothing will change (remember TITO?) Employees are not capable of change

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Slot Floor Network - Today

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Adding a New Network (S2S can fix this mess) FTP

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration No Traffic Jams… Network Backbone = 1 Billion bps

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Historic Approach to Adding Functionality Slot Floor System VouchersBonusing Player Media Server

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration G2S (Web Services) Approach

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration G2S Promotes Innovation Any authorized server can directly access any EGM’s data Servers are authorized by the System Administrator Each EGM has a registered host list All communications use SSL – same as for business transactions on the Internet

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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.

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Agenda Remote Configuration Code Download Changes to your slot floor network  Next Steps…

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration 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 now pushing towards G2S G2E 2007 – Expect extensive adoption

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration What can you do? Conduct strategic planning sessions Start planning for new casino floor infrastructure Have a party for Slots + IT + Marketing Figure out how to offer new features before your competitors Plan to minimize disruptions on your floor while adding this new capabilities Department disruption will be greater than TITO JOIN GSA, get involved.

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration An Easier Strategy Do nothing Go to trade shows once or twice a year – make sure there are plenty of parties and golf outings Read an occasional trade magazine Act surprised when your customers start going to other properties React violently without advance planning Good News – you still have about 2 more years

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Questions