jan 31, 2007operators forum - the g2s advantage. jan 31, 2007operators forum - the g2s advantage...

Jan 31, 2007 Operators Forum - The G2S Advantage


Industry Recognition

Jan 5, 2007: Game-to-System (G2S) protocol won first place at the 4th Gaming & Technology Awards of 2006 and was named “Best Productivity-Enhancement Technology”

Jan 22, 2007: G2S won Silver award from International

Gaming & Wagering Business magazine’s “Top Three International Gaming Products” for 2006.

Selected by a panel of independent international judges on the basis of “innovation, efficiency, ease of use, end-user value, adaptation/integration, long-term value and revenue potential.”


Our Mission

The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) Is An International Trade Association That Creates Benefits For Gaming Manufacturers, Suppliers, Operators And Regulators.

GSA Facilitates The Identification, Definition, Development, Promotion, And Implementation Of Open Standards To Enable Innovation, Education, And Communication For The Benefit Of

The Entire Industry


Our Platinum Members


8

22

3835 37

59

7670 72

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Year

Mem

ber

s

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Others

Total

Membership

Other GSA Members

78%

Operators22%

Technology Driven

Market Driven


Value PropositionVisibility

Standards enable data communication on three levels – GDS, G2S, S2S and provide 360º visibility of patron behaviors, playing habit, game preferences, dining, hospitality, entertainment activities…

Portability More choices, simpler repeatable solutions High quality consistent data, consistent, shared Exit option

Investment Protection Open standards are more robust Smooth migration path…adapt to meet business needs / trends Increased speed to market…enjoy market momentum

Increased ROI Increase revenues by 360º visibility on customer data Decrease costs by using more effective and efficient tools to manage, analyze and evaluate productivity and profitability of operations


Standards Scorecard

19

109

1615

13

G2S S2S

Participation

Adoption

Implementation

As of 01/06/2007

Good Things Happen When We All Pull Together

GSA / HTNG Operator’s Forum

The G2S Advantage

January 31, 2007


EGMs Evolve with GSA’s G2S Protocol

New Concepts Introduced with G2S

Access New Information with G2S

Download vs. Configuration – what are they really?

General Discussion

Agenda


Current EGM Status with SAS

Data Collection

Accounting Offices

Server Room

SMIB resides in the EGM Cabinet

SASProprietary

Duplicate Database

Data Mining Applications

DatabaseServer

Accounting

SMIB

`

Slot Floor Management

Server

CMS

Proprietary

Proprietary


Current EGM Status with SAS

SAS and one or more proprietary protocols are needed to get data from the EGM to the Slot System

All slot floor information is filtered through the Slot System

The duplicate database does not provide direct or real time information

Each system’s database has unique data structure and access methods

One monolithic Slot System for all functions


Co-existence with Existing Slot Floor Apps

[SMIB resides in the EGM Cabinet ]

SASProprietary Protocol

SMIB


Server

EGM ConfigurationApplication

Ethernet

G2S

G2S


Server Assisted Gaming – Part 1

First Step - remotely configuring EGMs with G2S

If G2S is only used for configuration, a second connection to the EGM is needed

You can start with any area of the gaming floor – one bank or area to start

Start with a wireless network, if desired, to minimize infrastructure costs


Server Assisted Gaming – Part 1

Using G2S, one configuration workstation can configure any manufacturer’s games

Basic G2S commands can change active games, denominations, enable or disable the EGM, etc.

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


Moving from Configuration to Download

G2S Download is used to move new content to the gaming floor

Use G2S to control which modules are downloaded, just like configuring the EGMs

Then use configuration commands to activate the modules


G2S Impacts the CMS and Accounting Systems

Operators can now add and subtract services, rather than replacing the system to get a new feature

Services are business functions such as EGM configuration, voucher servers, slot analysis applications, etc.

Vendors can now compete on software applications

G2S allows open access to the data locked inside your EGMs


Example – Slot Analysis

Discover 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 for each theme/paytable combination in the EGM

Class meters accumulate the totals for the EGM


Historic Approach to Adding Functionality

Slot Floor System

Vouchers

Bonusing

Player Media Server


G2S (Web Services) Approach

Slot Floor System

Code Download

Vouchers Media Server

Config Server Player Bonuses


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 server that speaks the protocol and is authorized by the Operator, to participate in the slot floor 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.


SAS Problems Fade Away

What causes SAS implementation problems? Polling requires responses at inconvenient times

Responses must meet strict timing requirements

Implied acknowledgement of messages

Multiple interpretations of the SAS protocol make interoperability testing a requirement


SAS Problems Fade Away

Why is G2S better? G2S is made to be easily extended to accomodate

new features and functions

G2S is an event driven protocol – the EGM (or system) acknowledges immediately, and then replies as soon as it is able

G2S uses proven Internet technology such as TCP/IP and Web Services, and is designed for reliability in a high traffic network


G2S Certification – Planned at the Start

The G2S Certification program is designed to minimize interoperability problems

With Certification testing, there is only one correct interpretation of the protocol for all EGMs and Systems

Feedback loop from Operators will ensure the Certification program remains viable (and relevant)


Why Move to 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


Why Move to G2S?

Real network protocol proven to provide reliable communications in high traffic, multiple host environments

Standard, off the shelf, proven network equipment

Certification program will be responsive to Operators

Fearless Installs – when EGMs correctly communicate to host systems when they are installed on the floor


EGMs Evolve with GSA’s G2S Protocol

Questions?

Accessing the New Information


Owner and Guest Hosts

A host is a software application

A host can be on a stand-alone server or one of several applications on a larger server

Individual hosts are separated to make their function clear – they do not have to be on an individual box

Within each EGM is a list of Registered Hosts – the only ones they will talk to


Lots of New Information is Available

Owner Hosts control devices, change their settings, and generally cause things to happen on an EGM (write access)

Guest Hosts can’t control devices; but they can read information within the EGM’s data model (read-only access)

The Owner and Configuration host for each device is configured in the EGM (manually or via the commConfig class in G2S)


Some Things an Owner Can Do

A host that “owns” the device has write access to that device – it has COMMAND and CONTROL authority

Cabinet – disable EGM, Money In, Money Out, Game Play

Currency Devices – Control which denoms are active, disable the device

Game Play Devices – Enable / disable, change active denominations

Player – Send messages, set point calculations, change hot player levels, double points, etc.



There is no protocol limit to the number of Hosts that may be exist on a network, but an EGM may have a limit based on its resources

An application can reside anywhere, as long as it can connect to the network and speak the G2S protocol

There may need to be some “regulatory adjustments” needed in order for non licensed manufacturers to connect servers to the slot network


Can Any Host Do G2S?

Can anyone put a host or guest host on the system? No – A host must be specifically authorized by the

system administrator

No – The host must be added to the registered host list in the EGMs to which it will be talking

No – A host must have a security certificate to set up the SSL encryption.



GameControl

Casino Host

Marketing

Surveillance

Slot Director

G2SCoin

Acceptor

CoinHopper

NoteAcceptor

Printer

TouchScreen

EGM Guest Hosts

IT

Meters and Events


Accessing Meter Information

G2S Provides 4 ways to get meter information 1. End of Day Meters – Each host can specify a set of

meters to be sent once a day at a specified time2. Periodic Meters – Each host can specify a set of

meters to be sent on a fixed interval (e.g. every 10 minutes).

3. With events – Each host can subscribe to events and have the Meters associated with that event included in the message

4. On demand – Any meters can be directly requested by any G2S application


Types of Meters

Device Meters – Records the activity for an individual device

Class Meters – Records LTD activity for the EGM

Currency Meters – Provide a breakdown by currency for currency devices

Wager Category – Bets by Wager Category Game Denom – Wager activity for each

denomination within a gamePlay device


More on Meters

G2S mandates that all meters are updated before being reported through G2S

Meter updates always balance

All activity that occurs within the EGM is available through G2S meter reporting

Events affecting meters can include the affected meters


Event Subscriptions

What is an event? Events describe almost everything that happens on

and to an EGM – cabinet door open, service light on, game started, player card inserted, etc.

Event subscriptions allow a host to indicate the events in which it is interested

A host can also request that certain affected data be included with the eventClass or Device MetersTransaction Log recordDevice Status information


Event Subscriptions

The G2S protocol is comprised of 24 classes

All G2S Classes have events – Handpay Class, Bonus Class, Progressive Class, etc.

Event subscriptions result in the requested information being sent directly to a specific host, whenever the event occurs

A host can always change its subscriptions


Event Subscriptions

1. Ask the EGM for a list of events it supports

2. Set your event subscription with associated data

3. Sit back and wait for the events to start rolling in

Having a standard protocol, data model, and transport make it easy to develop killer applications…


Examples of EventsSome Player Class Events G2S_PRE100 Session Started G2S_PRE101 Interval Rating G2S_PRE102 Hot Player Threshold Reached G2S_PRE103 Session Ended G2S_PRE108 Player Override Set G2S_PRE109 Player Override Activated G2S_PRE110 Base Countdown Activated G2S_PRE111 Player Carryover Set G2S_PRE112 Player Point Balance Set G2S_PRE113 Host Points Set G2S_PRE114 Session Updated G2S_PRE115 Un-Carded Hot Player Level 0 G2S_PRE116 Un-Carded Hot Player Level 1


Examples of Events G2S_CAE109 Coins Accepted G2S_CAE107 Drop Door Opened

G2S_NAE114 Note Stacked G2S_NAE112 Stacker Door Opened

G2S_GPE103 Primary Game Started G2S_GPE105 Primary Game Ended G2S_GPE110 Secondary Game Ended G2S_GPE111 Game Result G2S_GPE112 Game Ended

A Little Bit About the Network


No Traffic Jams on the Information Highway

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 on the Information Highway

New Network infrastructure 1 Gbps backbone100 Mbps to every EGM

Staff must transition from slot machine mechanics to network configuration and management

Slots + IT = Success Don’t go cheap - like a computer, your network can’t

be too fast Can implement gradually, but your slot floor

management system must get on board soon...


Co-existence with Existing Slot Floor Apps

[SMIB resides in the EGM Cabinet ]

SASProprietary Protocol

SMIB


Server

EGM ConfigurationApplication

Ethernet

G2S

G2S

Download vs. EGM Configuration


What Are We Talking About

Software Download – Ability to transfer software from a content server in the Casino Server Room to an EGM on the floor, directed by a single Download Management terminal in the Slot Management Offices

EGM Configuration – The ability to remotely configure the EGM, including active game content that is available to patrons (game theme, denomination and paytable), by enabling and disabling software stored on the EGM from a Central Management Terminal


An Overview of the G2S Download Process

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

Go get this package, act on this script

Other owner commands

Events & owner commands

Give

me (or take)

this packag

e

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 software to the EGM.Remove or replace software due to operational or

regulatory concernsCan also download new game themes

Manufacturers can remotely update the Game Content Server(s)New themes available automatically for trial or immediate

placement on Casino floor


Why Download?

Automatic peripheral software updateUpdate note acceptors remotelyDownload new printer templates

Can manage downloads to occur automatically during slow periods Automatic queuing – no need to shut banks down for

software upgradeNew programs can be downloaded at night for later

activation


Why Download?

Goal for software download

Provide complete control of the software content on the floor from a central location

Know what is on the floor in all EGMS all the time

Agile floor configuration can rapidly adapt to any changes in an operator’s business


Download Liabilities

Standalone EGMs have different requirements for Software Download

A Management System must provide software coordination between EGMs and the content server

Software downloaded must be verified as being complete and authentic for multiple manufacturers


Challenges Facing Download

New Solutions are neededContent ServersSystem Management Point (SMP) Firewalls for remote Content Server update

Peripheral equipment needs to be upgraded

Regulatory Approval is not trivialRegulations do not exist in some jurisdictions


Why Remote Configuration?

Select from any game currently configured on the EGM (enable / disable)

Indistinguishable from Download in most situations

No delays for software download – G2S remote configuration provides virtually immediate changes

Can change as a result of patron input provided software currently exists on the EGM

Software pricing is more defined


Why Remote Configuration?

All software is already on the Casino floor

Most machines can be upgraded to be Remote Configuration capable

More defined regulatory approvalRemote configuration systems already approved in some

jurisdictions

With G2S, all EGMs speak the same language, can all be configured via simple commands


Challenges of Remote Configuration

Cannot automatically put new software on the floor. Cannot remotely update software library Cannot remove revoked software from the floor Change of software confined to software already on

the EGM Cannot upgrade peripheral devices Still need a high speed network

However, this is a nice first step!

Next Steps


Current Realities

Novomatic adds G2S and demos at ICE, joining WMS and IGT in IGT’s SBG demo – changing theme and denomination on a schedule

Atronic demonstrates Option Configuration at G2E and ICE, changing language, sound volumes, denominations, and game themes

Labs will start certifying G2S in March Several other EGM and system vendors are pushing

towards G2S International interest in G2S is very strong


What to 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. The hard (intense

technical) part is done. Now is certification and implementation planning.


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 Be surprised when your customers start going to

other properties React violently without advance planning Good News – you still have about 2 years of peace


The Ending Note

For on-going questions or inquires on protocols, please contact

[email protected]

Marc McDermott ([email protected])

Russ Ristine ([email protected])

This presentation is available on GSA’s Website:

www.gamingstandards.com[Now is the perfect time for questions and comments]

mailto:[email protected]

jan 31, 2007operators forum - the g2s advantage. jan 31, 2007operators forum - the g2s advantage...

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