Pennsylvania Gaming Lab Open and Operating
by Andy Holtmann
Departments
Pennsylvania Gaming Lab Open and Operating
State-of-the-art facility key to state gaming industry’s regulation and growth
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has opened its new state-of-the-art slot machine testing and certifications laboratory at its Harrisburg office.
The 5,100-square-foot facility currently houses more than 75 of the latest slot machines and associated pieces of gaming equipment, and is connected to the state’s Central Control Computer System, allowing the board’s highly-skilled staff to conduct rigorous tests to ensure the performance and integrity of the slot machines at licensed facilities.
The establishment of the lab is a mandate of the Act 71 of 2004, the Pennsylvania Horse Race Development and Gaming Act, which required the Board to create this type of slot machine testing and certification facility.
“I cannot cite a more key element within the law toward upholding the legislative intent of assuring the public of the integrity and reliability of the slot machines than this new facility,� said Control Board Chairwoman Mary DiGiacomo Colins during a late-September ribbon-cutting at the facility. “The completion of this laboratory represents an important milestone in the gaming board’s investment in Pennsylvania and the gaming industry.�
Both the Gaming Control Board and the new laboratory are being operated at no cost to taxpayers. The state’s Gaming Act requires licensed manufacturers to reimburse the board for the cost of establishing and operating the gaming lab.
Gaming Laboratory Operations consists of 12 employees in four units:
—The Slot Certification unit is responsible for evaluating gaming devices for compliance with the minimum design standards, modifications to gaming devices, ancillary equipment and conducting investigations of regulatory violations.
—The Systems and Kiosks unit is responsible for evaluating communication between every slot machine and the Central Control Computer System as well as a slot facility’s in-house monitoring system, analysis of voucher redemption machines and evaluation of the count room equipment.
—The Gaming Equipment Inspections unit is responsible for monitoring the day-to-day operations of licensed slot operators with regard to software and systems at all slot facilities, including proper connectivity to the Central Control Computer System.
—The Statistical Review unit is responsible for evaluating the theoretical return for every gaming theme submitted for review, analysis of progressive reward payouts and random number generator analysis.
“This laboratory will play an important role in regulating the gaming industry for many years to come by protecting the interests of all Pennsylvanians,� said Anne Neeb, the board’s executive director.
