AC server regulations

[DaBurglar]

The revisit a very important and relevant topic that impacts more and more casinos these days as technology continues to evolve at absurd speed, as things like "the cloud" virtually transform how companies do business & operations......SERVERS are replacing the old single chip/each game system for both slots and VP games.I published in a now defunct thread some of the more important aspects of the rules & regulations for Atlantic City Server based systems in their casinos, here is a repeat/repost of the more important points followed by additional points to consider for discussion and questions:



http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news ... c.htmlThis
article was first published in 2012 when the ill fated Revel opened in
AC and it was the first casino there to use Servers.    Please read the
short general info article above, but I am going to quote by
copying/pasting the relevant section below that pertains to what I have
long maintained is the danger and concern about servers vis-a-vis
gambling is concerned, and how it is possible for casinos to manipulate
and otherwise mess with games/results with near impunity.   Even though
this is all supposed to be regulated, we all know the facts as to what
has happened to AC's gaming oversight since 2011.Quote from the article:"There are a couple of potential worries for players.
Players have long worried that
casino operators would change payback percentages on games — and not for
the better. On most slots, changing percentages means opening a game
and changing a chip, under gaming board supervision — and that’s the
short version, leaving out several steps. It’s time consuming, and it’s
apparent to the public. On server-based machines, the operator, under
gaming board supervision, can highlight a game — or a whole bank of
games — on a computer screen, and change percentages with the click of a
mouse.



Required public, onscreen
messages that a game is being changed must be made, but old player fears
that percentages could change from day to night or weekday to weekend
certainly will surface. Rapid changes like that are not being permitted
in jurisdictions that now have server-based gaming, but casinos and
regulators will have to deal with player concerns."OK....I'll start this new conversation off with this observation about how casinos now have the ability to literally update/change/modify etc. ALL of their machines literally with a mouseclick or two.   Myself, and a number of other players I know who play in AC at CET casinos, have noticed how suddenly and abruptly things can change in terms of results when playing Video poker....it seems literally that someone does indeed "Click a mouse or flip the switch" and an otherwise normal, even generous game suddenly goes EXTREMELY dead....or more often, we notice that the CET server-based games can be literally dead for days at a time (especially on promotional days like the infamous RC multiplier days) ;  ALL games, all versions (single line, multi line, gimmick, you name it)  all go dead at the same time.....and then SHAZAM!   They all come alive again.....This is in stark contrast to how things used to be a little more even keel, a little more middle of the road, not one EXTREMELY EXTREME to another EXTREMELY EXTREME!In the regulations above it states that any of these changes (i.e. "mouse clicks") that are done to the games/machines in a Server based casino  MUST BE DONE WITH SUPERVISION of the Gaming Authorities.....ok fine.   I'd really like to find out, or hear from someone who knows via experience, how this works and/or what constitutes this "supervision or oversight".Could it entail that, since the Gaming Comm in NJ is headquartered in Trenton (and no agents are permanently stationed in AC casinos, although a local office in AC is located on Tennessee Ave), this supervision is done via electronically (e-mail, skype or some other instant messaging function)?   I seriously doubt that the casinos must wait every time they want to make the slightest adjustment for a agent to be at the server-control station!      Of course, just because the regulations STIPULATE such a provision does not in itself mean the casino is going to abide by it 100%....that would be naive, especially for something as quick, slight and prolific as a "mouseclick".Stuff to think about......and discuss

[FAA]

it seems literally that someone does indeed "Click a mouse or flip the
switch" and an otherwise normal, even generous game suddenly goes
EXTREMELY dead.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is essentially the MO at Caesars. Once I have exhausted the $25 FP, which typically generates a generous $25, the giveback is swift and sure. Everything is a dud. You might as well just move then and there. It's not my imagination, it's the standard routine. Ding the low roller time. Harrah's is so much brighter and cheerier. I make better decisions in bright lighting. After busting at Caesars, I was ticketed for bust city at Harrah's on the last trip. Solid 65 minutes, but a nose dive in the final five. Until I suddenly hit a $150 Straight Flush to put me +$48. I dropped to my knees and pumped both arms heavenward. Hey, 9,100:1. If I break 80 TCs on a machine, it typically means -$160. I'm patiently waiting for the RF to put me in the black.

[Tedlark]

I thought Groundhog Day was in February?

[DaBurglar]

it seems literally that someone does indeed "Click a mouse or flip the
switch" and an otherwise normal, even generous game suddenly goes
EXTREMELY dead.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is essentially the MO at Caesars. Once I have exhausted the $25 FP, which typically generates a generous $25, the giveback is swift and sure. Everything is a dud. You might as well just move then and there. It's not my imagination, it's the standard routine. Ding the low roller time. Harrah's is so much brighter and cheerier. I make better decisions in bright lighting. After busting at Caesars, I was ticketed for bust city at Harrah's on the last trip. Solid 65 minutes, but a nose dive in the final five. Until I suddenly hit a $150 Straight Flush to put me +$48. I dropped to my knees and pumped both arms heavenward. Hey, 9,100:1. If I break 80 TCs on a machine, it typically means -$160. I'm patiently waiting for the RF to put me in the black.



funny, and enlightening.....and yet bizarre and frightening!!    FAA, I strongly encourage you to put your memories into   MEMOIR format.....people would buy it if only for the enhanced "trippiness"  that your writings offer for the right individual!

[paco13]

I hope to be playing max on a high denom machine, on the day and at the time when the switchmaster returns to his/her post following a corporate meeting where someone in a higher position pisses said switchmaster off.

[paco13]

Perhaps we can start a rumor that they are contemplating replacing the switchmaster position with a RNG in an effort to cut payroll and benefit expenses.

[DaBurglar]

I hope to be playing max on a high denom machine, on the day and at the time when the switchmaster returns to his/her post following a corporate meeting where someone in a higher position pisses said switchmaster off.Indeed paco, indeed!In your experiences recently in Atlantic "Sitty", have you played much at CET properties (Ceasars, Harrahs or Ballsys?)    If so, what has your experience been on their machines in terms of results, compared to other casinos NOT on servers in AC, and then compared to other casinos in other cities (i.e. Vegas)?

[Carcounter]

For what it's worth, although I have not had great luck on the new server based Game Kings at Borgata, yesterday was a little better. Plus $400 on Super Double Bonus. 2 straight flushes within 5 minutes of each other. Had dinner with my business partner at Bobby Flay Steak. Liked it better than Old Homestead.

[DaBurglar]

For what it's worth, although I have not had great luck on the new server based Game Kings at Borgata, yesterday was a little better. Plus $400 on Super Double Bonus. 2 straight flushes within 5 minutes of each other. Had dinner with my business partner at Bobby Flay Steak. Liked it better than Old Homestead.

What's the exact difference between a Bobby flay steak and something like what you get are Morton's or Gallagher's??

Bobby flay burgers in foxwoods is overrated in a huge way in my opinion..of course it's been over three years since I last barfed there but...

[Carcounter]

The Rub on the Filet Mignon was excellent as well as the home made steak sauce. Plus it was cooked perfectly. May have been the best steak I have ever had. Fortunately, I have a lot of unused comp dollars, so it was all comped except for the tip.