N.J. Admin. Code § 13:69O-1.5

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

Section 13:69O-1.5 - Server-based gaming system; server-based games (table games, slot machines, and peer-to-peer gaming)

(a) A server-based gaming system shall:

1. Comply with N.J.A.C. 13:69D-2;

2. Ensure continued operation in the event of a temporary power failure via an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS);

3. Maintain the integrity of the hardware, software, and data contained therein in the event of a shutdown;

4. Ensure the system recovers to the state it was in prior to any system outage;

5. Have physical and logical controls, as appropriate, to ensure that only authorized hardware components are connected to the system;

6. Ensure only approved client terminal software is used to conduct gaming activity;

7. Ensure that client terminals meet minimum compatibility requirements in order to conduct gaming activity; and

8. Be designed with a method for the Division to approve all game software installations before the game software may be offered to patrons.

(b) Any software used in server-based gaming shall be designed with a method to permit the validation of software using a Gaming Authentication Tool (GAT) or other method approved by the Division.

(c) A server-based gaming system shall perform an authentication process on all control programs on demand and at least once every 24 hours.

(d) Server-based gaming systems shall provide a mechanism to notify the operator whenever an authentication process has failed. The operator shall immediately cease operation of the software and immediately notify the Division.

(e) Client terminals used with a server-based gaming system may be installed in a fixed location in the casino hotel facility as approved by the Division, and may be configured to offer multiple and simultaneous wagering opportunities to patrons. The Division may require such location to be used in the calculation of casino floor space.

(f) A server-based gaming system shall be designed with a methodology approved by the Division to ensure secure communications between a client terminal and a server-based gaming system.

(g) A server-based gaming system shall be designed with a method to automatically identify potential collusion or cheating activity and shall provide a method for a patron to report such activity to the licensee.

(h) Server-based gaming systems shall provide a patron with the ability to view the outcome and subsequent account balance changes for the previous game including a game completed subsequent to an outage (for example, network disconnection or client terminal malfunction).

(i) The following information shall be readily available through a client terminal before a patron begins play on an Internet or mobile gaming system and at all times during play, where applicable:

1. Sufficient information to identify the specific game selected;

2. Game play and payout rules, which shall not rely on sound to convey their meaning; and

3. All charges imposed on patrons, such as fees, rake, and vigorish.

(j) Server-based gaming systems with client terminals that utilize a bill changer or are connected to a gaming voucher system shall:

1. Be permitted exclusively on approved casino floor space;

2. Comply with all applicable Division rules governing slot machines and electronic table games; and

3. Provide for revenue reporting separately as server-based games on the Slot Win Report pursuant to 13:69D-1.43A.

(k) Game play shall be initiated only after a patron has affirmatively placed a wager and activated play. No auto play feature shall be permitted in game software unless authorized by the Division.

(l) Unless otherwise authorized by the Division, all server-based table games shall:

1. Accurately represent the layout and equipment used to play its corresponding authorized non-electronic table game including, when applicable, wagering areas, cards, dice, or tiles;

2. Function in accordance with approved rules for its corresponding authorized non-electronic table game;

3. Function as approved by the Division pursuant to the software submission process;

4. Conspicuously indicate minimum and maximum wagers; and

5. Contain help screens that provide information and rules regarding approved variations, such as the number of decks used, special odds, and supplemental wagers.

(m) Server-based table games may be designed to permit a patron to occupy more than one betting position at an individual game, provided that same option is available in its authorized non-electronic version.

(n) All server-based slot machine games shall comply with standards established by 13:69E-1.28A and 1.28G.

(o) Server-based games shall operate in accordance with rules submitted to and approved by the Division, which describe procedures in cases of patron disconnection from the network server during a game in accordance with the following:

1. Where no patron input is required to complete the game, the game shall produce the final outcome as determined by the RNG and the patron's account shall be updated accordingly. Any pending wagers and winnings not automatically updated shall be manually updated no later than six months after a wager has been made;

2. For single patron games, where patron input is required to complete the game, the game shall:

i. Upon subsequent activation, return the patron to the game state immediately prior to the interruption and allow the patron to complete the game; or

ii. No later than six months after a wager has been made, cancel the game resulting in either the forfeiture of the patron's wager or the return of funds to the patron in accordance with a methodology approved by the Division; or

iii. Make a selection on behalf of the patron in order to complete the game; and

3. For games with multiple patrons, where the result is affected by the time to respond to a game event, such as poker or blackjack, the game shall, after an approved period of time, make a selection on behalf of the patron in order to complete the game.

(p) Unless otherwise authorized by the Division, server-based table game software used to conduct peer-to-peer gaming, such as poker, shall:

1. Be prohibited from utilizing automated computerized patrons to compete with patrons; and

2. Provide a patron the option to be randomly assigned to a table where all patrons have been selected at random.

(q) Unless otherwise authorized by the Division, server-based table games with multiple patrons, where the result is affected by the time to respond to a game event, such as poker or blackjack, shall be designed with a game recall feature which allows the patron to recall the last five game outcomes and associated wagers. The game recall information shall be viewable from the client terminal.

(r) A server-based gaming system utilizing an approved data warehouse shall be designed to securely transmit a copy of all transactions received from a server-based gaming system's primary gaming equipment to the data warehouse. The data stored in the data warehouse shall be owned by the Internet gaming permit holder.

(s) Equipment used by a server-based gaming system for the sole purpose of restoring data following a disaster shall be located in the State of New Jersey.

(t) All wagers pending disposition under (p)2i above shall be held in a pending wager account.

(u) One or more Internet gaming operators may, with prior approval of the Division, participate in an Internet gaming network in accordance with a written agreement that has been executed by each Internet gaming operator. The agreement shall:

1. Designate the party responsible for the operation and administration of the network;

2. Identify and describe the role, authority, and responsibilities of each participating Internet gaming operator and, if applicable, any third-party network provider;

3. Include a description of the process by which significant decisions that affect the operation of the network are approved and implemented by each operator; and

4. Allocate the Internet gaming gross revenue and tax liability thereon between the participating Internet gaming operators to ensure the accurate reporting thereof.

(v) Each party to an agreement for an Internet gaming network in (v) above shall be jointly and severally liable for acts, omissions, and violations of the Act or the rules of the Division.

(w) An Internet gaming or sports wagering operator may conduct an Internet gaming tournament for any game approved by the Division or may conduct a sports wagering tournament. No tournament shall be conducted unless the operator, prior to the first time a tournament type is offered, files written notice with the Division of its intent to offer such a tournament. Each operator shall have on file internal controls for each tournament type, which shall address, at a minimum:

1. Game type (for example, hold em poker);

2. Rules concerning tournament play and participation;

3. Entry fee amount(s) per participant;

4. Funding source amount(s) comprising the prize pool (for example, buy-ins, re-buys, or add-ons);

5. Prize structure on payout; and

6. Methodology for determining winner(s).

(x) An Internet gaming or sports wagering operator may conduct a tournament with shared liquidity provided that the buy-in, entry fee, and/or rake shall be uniform among all participating operators.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:69O-1.5

Amended by 46 N.J.R. 1817(c), effective 8/18/2014.

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 617(a), effective 1/16/2018

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