N.J. Admin. Code § 13:69D-1.39

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:69D-1.39 - Progressive slot machine jackpots

(a) A slot machine may offer one or more progressive jackpots that increase in value as the machine is played based upon a set rate of progression, and is awarded for a specific game outcome.

(b) When a progressive controller does not reside within the main program of a slot machine, the controller shall either be sealed by the Division or stored in a compartment or cabinet which has two separate locks. The key to one lock shall be maintained and controlled by the security department, and the key to the second lock shall be maintained and controlled by the slot department. Compartments or cabinets shall contain a progressive entry authorization log in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:69D-1.36(j).

(c) Whenever the progressive controller has been accessed, written notification shall be provided to the Division.

(d) A linked progressive slot machine shall prevent lower value wagers from having better odds than higher value wagers to win the progressive jackpot.

(e) If a progressive slot machine does not contain an individual progressive display, it shall be connected to an external progressive display. An external progressive display shall be in a clear line of sight to each patron playing a slot machine incrementing the display.

(f) Prior to establishing or modifying a progressive jackpot, the casino licensee or, as applicable, the slot system operator shall submit to the Division's Technical Services Bureau notification (Division form known as "Appendix E"), which shall include the following:

1. A description of the progressives offered and the specific reason for the notification;

2. The initial and reset amounts for each progressive jackpot;

3. The rate of progression for each progressive jackpot;

4. The location and asset number of each slot machine;

5. Each slot machine game program used;

6. The progressive reserve rate if applicable;

7. The jackpot limit, if applicable;

8. Theoretical RTP;

9. The calculated probability of winning each progressive jackpot;

10. A statement as to whether the slot machine requires the progressive feature to achieve at least 83 percent RTP; and

11. Identifying information of the progressive controller, which shall include the following, if applicable:

i. The location;

ii. The manufacturer;

iii. The model; and

iv. The software version.

(g) No progressive display shall be turned back to a lesser amount unless:

1. The amount indicated has been 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;

3. The change is necessitated by a slot machine or meter malfunction where the meter value cannot be calculated, in which case:

i. An explanation shall be entered on the Progressive Slot Summary required in (o) below;

ii. The change shall be authorized by casino accounting; and

iii. Prior notification shall be provided to the Division's Technical Services Bureau;

4. The patron has opted to risk the progressive award as permitted by the rules of the slot machine game; or

5. The jackpot has been removed or transferred in a manner consistent with Division rules.

(h) The probability of winning a progressive jackpot shall not be decreased unless the progressive jackpot has been won by a patron or the progressive jackpot is transferred.

(i) A casino licensee or slot system operator may, upon approval of the Division, transfer all or part of a progressive jackpot to any other progressive display upon the expiration of a minimum 10-day public notice, provided, however, the transferred amount shall at a minimum include all patron contributions.

(j) A casino licensee may, upon approval of the Division, discontinue offering the progressive jackpot after having been won if:

1. Public notice was provided prior to the winning of the progressive jackpot; and

2. The slot machines that offered the progressive jackpot are shut down or rendered unplayable.

(k) A casino licensee may establish a progressive payout limit, upon approval of the Division, prior to the time that the limit is registered on the progressive display.

(l) A casino licensee or a slot system operator may, with 24-hour advance notice to the Division, reduce the number of slot machines in a progressive link provided that:

1. At least one slot machine offering the same progressive jackpot remains; and

2. The reduction is authorized pursuant to a multi-casino progressive slot system agreement, if applicable.

(m) The slot department shall notify casino accounting of each slot machine which has one or more progressive jackpots with a reset amount of $ 5,000 or more. At least once every seven calendar days, a casino accounting department or slot department member shall record on a Progressive Slot Summary, the amount indicated on the progressive display of each slot machine with a reset of $ 5,000 or more. The Progressive Slot Summary shall be signed by the preparer. A representative of the casino accounting department shall, within one gaming day, calculate the amount that should appear on the primary progressive display and notify the Division of any necessary adjustment. The calculated amount shall be compared to the amount on the Progressive Slot Summary. If the amounts do not agree, a casino accounting member shall calculate the progressive display value for all progressive jackpot levels recorded on the Progressive Slot Summary for that stand alone slot machine or progressive link, as applicable.

(n) If an adjustment to a progressive meter is necessary, a casino accounting representative shall notify the slot department of the value of the adjustment to be made within 24 hours. Documentation supporting the adjustment shall be maintained by casino accounting, which shall include, at a minimum:

1. The date;

2. The asset number of the slot machine;

3. The amount of the adjustment; and

4. The signature of the slot department member making the adjustment.

(o) A stand alone progressive slot machine or one or more slot machines on a progressive link may be temporarily disabled or removed from the casino floor with prior notification to the Division's Technical Services Bureau. Unless otherwise approved by the Division, the slot machines shall be restored within 10 gaming days. When restored, the amount which appears on the progressive display shall not be less than the amount that appeared on the progressive display(s) at the time they were disabled or removed.

(p) A casino licensee may terminate a stand alone progressive jackpot or local area progressive jackpot prior to being won or transferred by providing a minimum of 30 days advance public notice. The notice shall conspicuously state that the progressive jackpot will terminate on a specified date if not won by that time. Any progressive jackpot game theme and denomination that is terminated prior to being won or transferred shall be permanently removed from the casino.

(q) A WAP controlled by a system operator may be terminated only after having been won or after the progressive jackpot is transferred to another WAP.

(r) Secondary jackpots that reside on a slot machine connected to a WAP, but independent of the jackpot offered through the WAP, may be made static or terminated in accordance with this section.

(s) All public notices required by this section shall be conspicuously placed on the progressive slot machine or progressive display and notification shall be made to the Division's Technical Services Bureau at the time that the notice is provided to the public.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:69D-1.39

Amended by 47 N.J.R. 1954(a), effective 8/3/2015

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 606(a), effective 1/16/2018

Amended by 56 N.J.R. 1182(b), effective 7/1/2024