N.J. Admin. Code § 13:69E-1.28E

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 13:69E-1.28E - Standards for bonusing systems

(a) A bonusing system means all hardware and software used to control a bonus feature offered by one or more slot machine(s) and may be used in the calculation of the slot machine's theoretical return to player (RTP). The bonus feature may be activated by a random event or a specific game outcome.

(b) The software which controls a bonusing system shall reside on a bonus controller.

(c) Bonus controllers shall be designed to prevent unauthorized access to configuration settings and software.

(d) Each slot machine that utilizes a bonus system shall contain an appropriate description of the rules governing each bonus feature, each payout and any conditions regarding player eligibility for the bonus award(s). Such description shall be displayed to the patron in a manner approved by the Division.

(e) Bonus controllers shall become inoperable for any of the following malfunctions at a minimum:

1. Random access memory (RAM) failures;

2. Self-check error;

3. Incorrect configurations; or

4. Lost configurations when applicable.

(f) Bonus controllers shall comply with Division rules for alterable media or utilize physical controls which prevent unauthorized modifications to the bonus controller's software.

(g) Whenever a bonus controller becomes inoperable, all participating slot machines shall become unplayable and the bonusing system shall employ a mechanism to notify the casino licensee and patrons affected.

(h) Each slot machine which loses communication with the bonus controller shall be designed to:

1. Become unplayable;

2. Display to the patron and casino that a failure has occurred; and

3. Address lost communications that occur while the patron is participating in a bonus feature by ensuring the patron is appropriately compensated.

(i) Slot machines linked to a bonusing system shall continuously and conspicuously display the patron's eligibility for a bonus round regardless of the number of credits remaining on the slot machine where applicable. For example, if the patron has 40 seconds of eligibility time remaining but has run out of credits, the slot machine will continue to display and count down the seconds remaining.

(j) Slot machines shall prevent patrons from participating in a bonus feature during a slot machine door open or malfunction. Additionally, the patron's eligibility for a bonus round shall not be diminished while a slot machine door is open or a malfunction is present. For example, a patron who has earned 40 seconds of eligibility time, shall maintain 40 seconds of eligibility time until the slot machine door is closed or the malfunction has been cleared. Eligibility status may however be reduced due to patron initiated action, such as the activation of the help screen.

(k) When a bonusing system offers a feature that is not dependent on the number of patron credits available, the slot machine shall alert the patron of his continued eligibility regardless of whether the patron has credits remaining on the slot machine.

(l) Bonusing systems may offer a jackpot awarded by a random event and not based upon a specific game outcome ("mystery award") provided the bonus system contains all mandatory progressive parameters and meters as required by Division rules for progressive gaming devices, excluding display meters when applicable.

(m) Bonus controllers shall be designed to allow for external authentication using GAT, or other method approved by the Division.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:69E-1.28E

Amended by 47 N.J.R. 1954(a), effective 8/3/2015