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

CasinoFest4: 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

CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration 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 GSA’s Platinum Members

CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration 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 IGT develops SuperSAS Agree to merge protocols G2S is born… The best of both!

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

CasinoFest4: 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 – let’s add some more! Old game is slowing down – we need less of them! Yield management What else?

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

CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration 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 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 The G2S Download Picture

CasinoFest4: 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

CasinoFest4: 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

CasinoFest4: 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

CasinoFest4: 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…

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

CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration 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 Slot Floor Network - Today

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

CasinoFest4: 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

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

CasinoFest4: 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

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

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

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

CasinoFest4: 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 aggressively implementing G2S

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

CasinoFest4: Download vs. Configuration 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 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