N.M. Admin. Code § 15.1.24.10

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 15.1.24.10 - MULTIPLE LINKAGE OF PROGRESSIVE GAMING MACHINES; TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A. There is no administrative limit on the number of progressive gaming machines that may be linked at a New Mexico licensed gaming premise. Each linked gaming machine must have the same probability of hitting the combination or other event that will trigger an award of the progressive jackpot. All progressive gaming machines on any link shall be located on the licensed premises of one establishment; or they may be linked across telecommunication lines among more than one licensed establishment provided they comply with the following requirements.

(1) The method of communication over the multi-link system shall consist of either dedicated on-line communication lines (direct connect) or dial-tone lines which may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by the board.

(2) All communication packets between each multi-link location and the progressive central system shall be encrypted, and encryption keys shall be alterable upon demand.

(3) All multi-link systems shall be on-line with a maximum one-way communication time to or from the linked slot machines of no more than 15 seconds.

(4) Acceptable method of obtaining meter reading values shall consist of either pulses leading from the slot machine computer board or associated wiring, or the use of communication interface to the gaming device's RAM or other non-volatile memory.

(5) Because the polling cycle does cause a delay, the jackpot meter need not precisely show the actual monies in the progressive pool at each instance. In addition, nothing shall prohibit the use of odometer or other "paced" updating progressive displays. In the case of the use of "paced" updating displays, the progressive meter shall display the winning value within 30 seconds of the jackpot being recognized by the progressive central system, if the remote site is communicating to the progressive central system. If a jackpot is recognized in the middle of a system-wide poll cycle, the overhead display may contain a value less than the aggregated jackpot amount calculated by the progressive central system. The coin values from the remaining portion of the poll cycle shall be received by the progressive central system but not the local site, in which case the jackpot amount paid shall always be the higher of the two reporting amounts.

(6) Approval by the board of any multi-link system shall occur in two phases:

i) initial approval; and ii) on-site testing. The approval of any multi-link system shall include a phase I system approval whereby the underlying progressive gaming machines and communication hardware shall be tested and approved by the board, or its authorized agents. Phase II approval shall include field inspection at the progressive central computer site to ensure compliance with these rules. Operation of the system shall be authorized only after the board is satisfied that the system meets both the phase I and phase II testing requirements, as well as any other requirements that the board may impose to assure the integrity, security, and legal operation of the multi-link.

(7) The progressive central computer site shall be equipped with non-interruptible power supply and the progressive central computer shall be capable of on-line data redundancy should hard disk peripherals fail during operation.

(8) The progressive central system for the multi-link shall be in a secure location approved by the board. The progressive central system memory device shall be approved for use in the state of New Mexico. The licensee operating the progressive central system shall provide sufficient internal controls to address the security of the equipment.

(9) If all progressive gaming machines connected to a multi-link system do not offer the same maximum bet value, all such gaming machines shall equalize the expected value of winning the progressive jackpot by setting the odds of winning the progressive jackpot in proportion to the amount wagered on each device, or by requiring the same wager value on each device to win the progressive jackpot. The method of equalizing the expected value of winning the progressive jackpot shall be conspicuously displayed on each device connected to the system.

(10) A licensee utilizing a multi-link system shall suspend play on the multi-link at the premises of that licensee if a communication failure in the system cannot be corrected within 24 hours.

N.M. Admin. Code § 15.1.24.10

15.1.24.10 NMAC - N, 5/31/00; A, 5/14/04; A, 5/15/07