On 22 June WMS Gaming announced a server-based gaming system technology transfer agreement with Cyberview Technology. The Cyberview downloadable system, the first of its kind to be approved by Gaming Laboratories International, Inc., is not the only one on the market and IGT has reportedly announced its intention of showing its prototype server-based system and range of downloadable slots at September’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E). Last May IGT released its latest version of the SuperSAS gaming machine protocol saying, "Download and remote configuration are the backbone of Server Based Gaming, which is the next great technology leap for gaming machines."

Nevada gaming regulators are already considering the new advances in electronic gaming and are drafting technical standards. After due public consultation the new standards will be adopted, but until that time server-based gaming will not be approved for use in Nevada. The new technology allows casino operators to download games from a potential library of hundreds of games on a central server, including games with different payback percentages or in different denominations, and to pre-schedule changes to the games for different times of the day.

Both the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the companies developing the server-based systems are keen to ensure that the transfer of software across gaming networks can be achieved securely, enabling the issue of comprehensive technical standards. Until that time, predicted to be less than one year away, operators will have to wait before moving on to the next technological innovation expected to take casinos by storm. When they do, players will be offered exciting new options that can be catered to their preferences through the network environment. (E-07.11.05)

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