Some upgrades to GCD on-line services coming
Pub Date: 9/1/2008
By Gene Huntington
Administrator
Gambling Control Division
Changes are coming to on-line video gambling services.
With approximately 80 percent of video gambling machines reporting on-line, the first upgrades to the Gambling Control Division database will roll out in October. These upgrades will introduce changes that have been suggested by gambling operators, and the addition of ePass Montana.
The ePass Montana is a single sign-on service for state services. With ePass Montana, gambling operators will be able to use the same user name and password to sign on to all state on-line services.
Operators will also be able to have a customized page that lists all of the state on-line services that they use in their businesses. For example, in addition to video gambling machine permits, the page may also include links to Business Tax Express for paying taxes and links to unemployment insurance services.
In addition to simplifying the use of services from multiple state agencies, ePass Montana will improve security for both the state and its customers.
Converting to ePass Montana is planned for October, when the first quarter of tax reporting is complete. Gambling operators will need to set up their ePass accounts.
The Gambling Control Division will be sending everyone a notice and instructions on getting the ePass account set up for the first time.
The Division will also be providing on-line instruction sessions on how to set up the ePass account.
In addition the Gambling Control Division will make some improvements to the on-line services for gambling operators. Many of these changes have been suggested by gambling operators. Some of the changes include:
The web-entry tax system will be modified so that dates do not need to be entered for each meter reading';
A permit validation feature will be added to prevent payment when there is a problem electronically issuing the permit'; and
Allowing letters of withdrawal to be back-dated up to seven days.
To see a demonstration of how ePass and the other changes to on-line gambling services will work, stop by the Gambling Control Division exhibit at the MTA Convention on September 9.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, September, 2008, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.