Panel At World�s Largest Gaming Conference Will Include PGCB's Gaming Lab Director

HARRISBURG, PA: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's Director of Gaming Laboratory Operations will speak at an international conference focused on technology in the gaming industry on November 18, 2008.

Michael Cruz will be joined by representatives of public gaming labs from Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan and Mississippi in a presentation and panel discussion titled "Setting Up a Public Slot Lab" at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), held annually in Las Vegas.

The session brings together experts in the field of gaming lab operations to discuss and share ideas on the logistics of setting up a public lab, the goals of testing, and successful methods to assure a quick and efficient review of submitted games and systems.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) opened its 5,100 square foot Gaming Laboratory in 2007. The establishment of the facility was a mandate of the Pennsylvania Horse Race Development and Gaming Act which required the Board to create a slot machine testing and certification facility in order for the Board to quickly test slot machines and associated equipment for compliance with regulatory standards prior to being placed on the gaming floor at any Pennsylvania casino.

In addition, it is important to note that the PGCB Gaming Lab operates at no cost to taxpayers, instead requiring licensed manufacturers to reimburse the Board for all costs associated with the testing.

The PGCB Gaming Lab is located in Harrisburg and houses more than 75 of the latest slot machines and associated pieces of gaming equipment. Under the direction of Cruz, the staff operates under four units:

The Slot Certification unit which is responsible for evaluating gaming devices for compliance with the minimum design standards, modifications to gaming devices, ancillary equipment and conducting investigations of regulatory violations.
The Systems and Kiosks unit which is responsible for evaluating communication between every slot machine and the Central Control Computer System as well as a slot facility's in-house monitoring system, analysis of voucher redemption machines and evaluation of the count room equipment.
The Technical Field Representatives unit which is responsible for monitoring the day-to-day operations of licensed slot operators with regard to software and systems at all slot facilities, including proper connectivity to the Central Control Computer System.
The Statistical Review unit which is responsible for evaluating the theoretical return for every gaming theme submitted for review, analysis of progressive reward payouts and random number generator analysis.

G2E is an international conference which began in 2001 and offers the world's largest and most comprehensive education programs for the gaming industry. More than 30,000 industry professionals are expected to attend in Las Vegas when the show runs November 18th through 20th.

A biography of Michael Cruz is available on the Gaming Control Board’s web site at www.pgcb.state.pa.us under the About PGCB/Executive Staff tab. The PGCB web site also offers informative videos, information on legalized gaming in the Commonwealth and the agency's oversight responsibilities.

The PGCB provides speakers on a number of topics related to legalized slots gaming in the Pennsylvania and a request can be made from the web site. If your organization would like to make a request through the PGCB Speakers Bureau, choose the "Request a Speaker" option under the About PGCB tab on the home page.

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