CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration Download vs. Remote Configuration What’s the difference?...

CasinoFest3: Download vs. Configuration

Download vs. Remote Configuration

What’s the difference?

Russ Ristine – Radical Blue Gaming


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


What is GSA?

• GSA 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


GSA’s Platinum Members


What is G2S?

• G2S = Game To System

• Protocol definition complete

• Manufacturers are already demonstrating interoperability.

• 3rd Party development and test tools are available

• Certification program in development

GSA

develops

BOB

IGT

develops

SuperSAS

Agree to

merge

protocols

G2S

is born…The best

of both!


Who is RadBlue?

• Since 2004, RadBlue has been building tools and simulators for GSA’s protocols

• Combine Gaming System and Web Services experience

• EGM manufacturers are using our G2S tools

• System developers use G2S and S2S tools

• RadBlue’s S2S QuickStart package helps server development teams quickly implement S2S


Agenda

Remote Configuration

• Code Download

• Changes to your slot floor network

• Next Steps…


General Requirements

• Change the game remotely

• No pennies on the weekend

• Try a new game for a few days/weeks

• New game works well – add more!

• Old game is slowing down – want less!

• Yield management

• What else?


What Are We Talking About?

• Code Download – The ability to transfer software from a content server to an EGM

• Remote Configuration – The ability to remotely configure the EGM, especially what is presented to patrons

• GSA’s view is that all EGMs should be controlled by a single management terminal


Why Remote Configuration?

• Enable/disable any game stored on the EGM

• Same appearance as Download

• No download related delays – remote configuration provides immediate changes

• Can change as a result of patron input if software exists on the EGM


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


GSA’s View of Configuration

• GSA’s view is that one management console works for any EGM via the G2S protocol

• GSA can now configure these items (and more)

• gamePlay devices (theme, paytable, denom)

• Note Acceptors (active notes, vouchers ok?)

• Cabinet (moneyIn, moneyOut, gamePlay OK?)

• Vouchers, Progressives, Bonuses, WAT

• Player Marketing stuff and much more


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


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 nice first step!


Agenda

• Remote Configuration

Code Download


• Next Steps…


Moving from Configuration to Download

• Download moves 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


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


The G2S Download Picture

SMPSystem

Management Point

(owner)

texttext

text

Authorizing Server(s)

texttext

text

Download Content Servers

2) Authorize download

1) Grab needed data snapshots

Receive relevant events

Subscribe to relevant events

Give m

e (or take) this package

What packages do you have?

Here’s a package catalog

Future S2S communications

Standard File Transfer Protocol

PayloadHdr

Packages are transferred via this link. Can contain command files that control install process for stuff in the

package.


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


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


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


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…


Challenges for Download

• New Solutions are needed

– Content Servers

– System Management Point (SMP)

– Firewalls for remote Content Server update

• Peripheral equipment needs to be upgraded

• Regulatory Approval is not trivial

– Regulations do not exist in some jurisdictions


A Word Or Two On GAT

• GAT (Game Authentication Terminal) protocol is currently being used in several jurisdictions to validate game code (locally at EGM)

• With the new protocols, regulators could use GAT remotely to validate game code stored in EGMs and on Code Servers

A common tool and process to authenticate all programs.


Agenda


• Code Download

Changes to your slot floor network

• Next Steps…


Some of the Myths

• This will be effortless

• Every vendor needs their own server

• They all need their own management console

• Nothing will change (remember TITO?)

• Employees are not capable of change


Slot Floor Network - Today

Data Collection

AccountingOffices

SMIB resides in the EGM Cabinet

SASProprietary Protocol

Duplicate Database

Data MiningApplication

DatabaseServer

Accounting

SMIB

`

Slot Floor Management

Server

Player Management

System

Player Management

Proprietary Protocols

Proprietary Protocols


Adding a New Network

[SMIB resides in the EGM Cabinet ]

SASProprietary Protocol

SMIB

Slot Floor Management

Server

EGM ConfigurationManagement

Ethernet

G2STCP/IP

Download Server

(S2S can fix this mess)

FTP


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


No Traffic Jams…

100 Million bps (initial floor communication speed)

.

8 Million bps (Hi speed DSL)

19 thousand bps (current floors (SAS))

Network Backbone = 1 Billion bps


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


Historic Approach to Adding Functionality

Slot Floor System

Vouchers

Bonusing

Player Media Server


G2S (Web Services) Approach

ProgressiveSystem

CashlessWageringSystem

PlayerTrackingSystem

AccountingSystemBonus

System


G2S Promotes Innovation

• Any authorized server can directly access any EGM’s data

• Servers are authorized by the System Administrator

• Each EGM has a registered host list

• All communications use SSL – same as for business transactions on the Internet


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.


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


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


Agenda


• Code Download


Next Steps…


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 now pushing towards G2S

• G2E 2007 – Expect extensive adoption


What can you do?

• Conduct strategic planning sessions

• Start planning for new casino floor infrastructure

• Have a party for Slots + IT + Marketing

• Figure out how to offer new features before your competitors

• Plan to minimize disruptions on your floor while adding this new capabilities

• Department disruption will be greater than TITO

• JOIN GSA, get involved.


An Easier Strategy

• Do nothing

• Go to trade shows once or twice a year – make sure there are plenty of parties and golf outings

• Read an occasional trade magazine

• Act surprised when your customers start going to other properties

• React violently without advance planning

• Good News – you still have about 2 more years


Questions

WWW.GAMINGSTANDARDS.COM

Date post:	12-Jan-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	caroline-rosalyn-farmer
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