GIA discusses video line-game rules
By Paul Tash
Montana Tavern Times
After quickly reviewing the results of the 2011 Legislature, the Gaming Industry Association's board of directors focused on preliminary administrative rules regarding the new law allowing video line games in the state during its annual convention May 18 in Bozeman.
Calling the passage of the line games “smooth sailing,” GIA executive director Neil Peterson led a discussion on the potential rules that will detail the line-game roll-out. He wanted the directors' recommendations for rule changes so he could offer them to the Gambling Advisory Council at its meeting the next day.
The proposed rule that attracted the most discussion was one that outlined software specifications for video line games.
Several members suggested that the rule specifically state that independent testing labs that will be performing the math verification on the new line-game software be “approved by the Department of Justice” and that those state-qualified testing services be listed with the state so manufacturers know what labs are approved.
Grand Vision Gaming's Tim Carson suggested the DOJ “develop criteria” for lab approval “to ensure the integrity of the overall program.”
Dave Kraft of U 1 Gaming said all “authorized testers” then should be identified by the state.
GIA members also wanted to ensure that the rules allowed for the animation of numbers or symbols to allow “flexibility for manufacturers.”
For example, Carson said, this rule clarification would allow game makers to create numbers that “spin, drop down, or just appear.”
Another rule that drew comment describes advertising restrictions for video line games. This rule states that “no signs or advertisements may make any implicit or explicit reference to illegal gambling devices, including equipment associated with illegal gambling devices, such as mechanical gambling machine arms.”
GIA chairman John Tooke said this rule clearly specifies that any mention or reference to “slots” or “slot machines,” which are illegal in Montana, in advertising will be prohibited.
“That was the impetus behind the rule,” Peterson agreed.
Providing an example, GIA member Tim Carson said advertising can't show a gaming machine or housing with any kind of lever or arm, which are present on slot machines in other states.
Another rule clarifies expiration dates, or “stale dates,” for video gaming machine ticket vouchers. The proposed new rule states that operators must pay all valid ticket vouchers within 48 hours from the time the player prints the ticket. The rule also states that each printed ticket must contain the language “Promptly present your ticket vouchers for payment – Tickets become invalid after 48 hours.”
Though no one spoke against the general 48-hour time frame, GIA member Dave Kraft said the required ticket language was too long to print on older, dot matrix printers that can only handle 40 characters per line. He suggested shortening the wording to keep it at 40 characters or fewer, possibly to just “Tickets become invalid after 48 hours.”
The directors agreed to direct Peterson to propose those rule changes to the Gaming Advisory Council.
The board also recommended other issues for Peterson to address before the GAC.
Several manufacturers told the board that in order for video line games to launch exactly on the law's effective date of Jan. 1, 2012, they would need to pre-install the games in the few months before January.
Carson said the state needs “to clarify” that line games can be pre-installed prior to Jan. 1 so that all the operators who decide to offer the games can turn them on, or get them turned on, at just after midnight Jan. 1, to ensure fairness to those operators.
In addition, directors overwhelming supported a proposal to add $50 and $100 bill acceptors to machines.
In addition to the convenience factor for players and machine attendants, the larger bill acceptors provide “another level of security” against counterfeiting, Carson said.
Carson, who also is on the Gaming Advisory Council, also urged GIA members to come up with more issues in the next year to bring to the GAC “that are going to have some impact” and really benefit the industry.
Peterson then gave the board a rundown of the group's financials, which show the organization currently running a deficit. Memberships are down slightly, he said, and suggested a drive to recruit members.
The board agreed, and several members said they would personally contact some potential members and also would provide some names to Peterson to contact in the next few months.
In other action, directors approved the new slate of officers. They are Stuart Ellison, Belgrade, president; Larry Davidson, Billings, vice president; and Mark Ehli, Billings, treasure.
The board also set the next meeting for Thursday, Sept. 8, in Helena.
Before the meeting's close, those in attendance engaged in a lively discussion on internet gambling, which one member called the state gaming industry's “biggest competitor,” even though is it clearly prohibited in Montana.
“I'm concerned about this,” said Chairman Tooke, calling online gambling the “elephant in the corner.”
Kraft said online gambling is especially dangerous for Montana operators because the American Gaming Association, which has opposed legalizing it in the past, now “favors authorizing and regulating it.”
Kent Frampton, Best Bet casinos owner, said he wanted to ensure that Montana remains opposed to internet gambling.
“Let's stick to our guns on that,” he said.
Most agreed it's a problem now, but didn't know what to do about it – it's already illegal.
“How do we get the people back who are buying a bottle and cigs and going home to play?” Frampton wondered.
Internet gambling continues to expand, despite its inherit dangers of fraud, many agreed. Just last month allegations of cheating forced officials to close down online gambling sites in Costa Rica, and players lost money.