§ 542.21 What are the minimum internal control standards for drop and count for 

Tier A gaming operations? 

(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized, alternate 

documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the level of control described by 

the standards in this section, as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority in 

writing, will be acceptable. 

Justification: Based on previous MICS audits, gaming operations do not always obtain 

specific approval of the computer applications being utilized. Adding the words “in 

writing” will require them to obtain documentation of approval.

(b) Table game drop standards. (1) The setting out of empty table game drop boxes and 

the drop shall be a continuous process. The drop begins with the removal of the first 

table game drop box.

Justification: The recommended change is intended to clarify when the table drop 

procedures begin. 

Comment (December): The words “continuous process” in all table game drop 

and count sections 542.21(b) (1), 31(b) (1) and 41(b) (1), shall not make it 

mandatory for the gaming operation to replace the full drop boxes with empty 

drop boxes if it is the last drop of the day and the operation wishes not to replace 

the boxes until the next morning when business resumes. Some gaming 

operations may not open table games for days at a time. 

Therefore, propose that Continuous Process means once the drop process begins 

as defined in (b)(1) of this section, “the drop process should not be interrupted or 

discontinued until all tables which were opened during the shift are dropped. 

Continuous process does not mean that tables must be outfitted with empty drop 

boxes if the next shift does not begin immediately.” This proposed language is 

also consistent with that provided in (2) (ii) below. 

 Response: Agree that language is ambiguous 

 Revised proposal as a result of December comment: 

(1) The setting out of empty table game drop boxes and the drop shall be a continuous 

process. The drop begins with the removal of the first table game drop box; 

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at the time of the drop.

(2) At the end of each shift: 

(i) All locked table game drop boxes shall be removed from the tables by a person 

independent of the pit table games shift being dropped; 

(ii) A separate drop box shall be placed on each table opened at any time during each 

shift or a gaming operation may utilize a single drop box with separate openings and 

compartments for each shift; and 

(iii) Upon removal from the tables, table game drop boxes shall be transported directly to 

the count room or other equivalently secure area with comparable controls and locked in 

a secure manner until the count takes place. 

(3) If drop boxes are not placed on all tables, then the pit table games department shall 

document which tables were open during the shift. 

(4) The transporting of table game drop boxes shall be performed by a minimum of two 

persons, at least one of whom is independent of the pit table games shift being dropped. 

(5) All table game drop boxes shall be posted with a number corresponding to a 

permanent number on the gaming table and marked to indicate game, table number, and 

shift. 

Note (May): Following discussion during the conference call, the decision was 

made to add “if applicable” following “shift” due to the fact that an increasing 

number of gaming operations are using a single box for a twenty-four shift. 

Proposed revision incorporating May note: 

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(5) All table game drop boxes shall be posted with a number corresponding to a 

permanent number on the gaming table and marked to indicate game, table number, and 

shift (if applicable).

(6) For table game drop boxes that allow for the automated recording of the cash 

inserted into the drop box (e.g., contain a drop meter), the following standards shall 

apply:

(i) Immediately prior to or subsequent to a table games drop, a reading of the 

automated recording of the amount of cash inserted into each drop box since the last 

drop shall be obtained (e.g., obtain and record meter readings). If manual meter 

readings are taken and recorded, this shall be performed by someone independent 

of the count team.

(ii) The meter readings, by table, shall be documented and maintained.

Justification: To include controls specific to table games drop boxes that allow 

technological aids in the recording of currency placed into the drop boxes. The noted 

technology is becoming more prevalent in the gaming industry and the MICS is currently 

silent regarding the related internal controls. The proposed revision is intended to 

facilitate the implementation of such systems. 

(c) Soft count room personnel. (1) The table game soft count and the gaming machine bill 

acceptor count shall be performed by a minimum of two employees. 

(2) Count room personnel shall not be allowed to exit or enter the count room during the 

count except for emergencies or scheduled breaks. At no time during the count, shall 

there be fewer than two employees in the count room until the drop proceeds have been 

accepted into cage/vault accountability. 

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(3) Count team members shall be rotated on a routine basis such that the count team is 

not consistently the same two persons more than four (4) days per week. This standard 

shall not apply to gaming operations that utilize a count team of more than two persons. 

Comment (December): (542.21 only) Is the rotation requirement for Tier A 

operations consistent with the required number of count team members for Tier 

A? 

Response: Confirmed that proposed Tier A rotation refers to two persons instead 

of three. 

(4) The count team shall be independent of transactions being reviewed and counted. The 

count team shall be independent of the cage/vault departments; however, a dealer or a 

cage cashier may be used if this person is not allowed to perform the recording function. 

An accounting representative may be used if there is an independent audit of all soft 

count documentation. 

Comment (October): Replace “cage/vault departments” with “departments with 

no incompatible functions”. 

Response: Disagree. The cage/vault departments are responsible for receiving 

and verifying the drop proceeds, and therefore should be specifically excluded 

from participating in the drop and count. 

Comment (December): (Tier A and Tier B only) Standard is inconsistent in that 

a cage cashier cannot be independent of the cage/vault department. 

Response: Disagree. The Tier A and B standards recognize the challenge for 

smaller gaming operations of implementing procedures and process that provide 

for an effective segregation of duties. It is noteworthy that the standard applicable 

to gaming operations with less than $15 million gross gaming revenue is 

conditional. The cage cashier may be used only if the person is not allowed to 

perform the recording function.

Comment (December): (Tier A and Tier B only) Add a TGRA approval 

requirement for positions authorized to be on the count team. 

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Response: Disagree. It is the position of the NIGC that there is not a compelling 

justification that is risk-based to require the Tribal regulatory authority to approve 

persons management deems authorized to enter the count room. It is noteworthy 

that the Tribal gaming regulatory authority has already determined that the count 

team members licensed as such are suitable to work in a gaming enterprise. 

Nonetheless, it is within the latitude of the Tribal regulatory body to establish 

controls more stringent than the federal rule. 

(5) All coin, tokens, chips and/or cash inventory stored in the count room shall be

secured from unauthorized access at all times.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide soft count room controls for 

times when the count process is conducted in a location that stores coin, tokens, chips, or 

cash/ cash equivalents. 

Comment (December): This provision can be construed to permit cash, etc. to 

be stored in the count room. 

 

Response: Comment is accurate. The proposed revision is intended to 

recognize that a gaming operation may store coin, tokens, chips and cash in the 

count room; however, if such inventories are located in the count room, the rule 

stipulates that they must be secure from unauthorized access. 

(d) Table game soft count standards. (1) The table game soft count shall be performed in 

a soft count room or other equivalently secure area with comparable controls. 

(2) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to members of the drop 

and count teams, with the exception of authorized observers, supervisors for resolution of 

problems, and authorized maintenance personnel. 

(3) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in the count room, 

procedures shall be in effect that prevent the commingling of funds from different 

revenue centers. 

(4) The table game drop boxes shall be individually emptied and counted in such a 

manner to prevent the commingling of funds between boxes until the count of the box has 

been recorded. 

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(i) The count of each box shall be recorded in ink or other permanent form of recordation. 

(ii) For counts that do not utilize a currency counter, a second count shall be 

performed by an employee on the count team who did not perform the initial count. 

Comment (December): The insertion of the term “currency counter” 

unintentionally omits standards for the counting of chips. Two counts should still 

be taking place regarding chips, tokens, etc. 

 Response: Agree 

Revised proposal as a result of December comments: 

(ii) For counts that do not utilize a currency counter, a second count shall be 

performed by an employee on the count team who did not perform the initial count. 

Separate counts of chips and tokens must always be performed by employees of the 

count team.

(iii) Coupons or other promotional items not included in gross revenue may be 

recorded on a supplemental document by either the count team members or 

accounting personnel. All single-use coupons shall be cancelled daily by either the 

count team members or accounting personnel to prevent improper recirculation.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide controls related to coupons, 

promotional items and other paper records contained in the table games drop boxes. 

Additionally, the proposed standards are intended to provide an alternative to the process 

of including all coupons in the calculation of gross gaming revenues. 

Comment (October): Remove “either” and “or accounting personnel”. 

Response: Disagree. It is left to the discretion of the TGRA to determine 

whether accounting personnel should be precluded from performing coupon 

cancellation procedures. 

Comment (October): Add a similar standard to the gaming machine drop and 

count standards. 

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Response: Disagree. Coupons or other promotional items are included in 

gaming machine gross revenue. Therefore, the standard is not applicable to the 

gaming machine drop and count. 

Comment (December): Insert “in the soft count room” into the second sentence 

after “cancelled daily”. The cancellation of coupons or promotional items should 

occur in the soft count room and these items should not leave the control of the 

soft-count room un-cancelled. 

Response: Disagree. Although we agree that the count room is the preferred 

location for the cancellation of coupons, the standard is intended to allow 

management the option of requiring cancellation in the count room or accounting 

department. It is noteworthy that it is within the prerogative of the Tribal gaming 

regulatory authority to set a more restrictive control. 

(iv) If a currency counter interface is used: 

(A) It shall be adequately restricted (e.g., password, keys, etc.) so as to prevent 

unauthorized access.

Justification: The use of currency counters and the direct communications/ downloads 

into the accounting system is becoming a standard practice and therefore controls 

governing access to the computer interface are needed 

(B) The currency drop figures shall be transferred via direct communications line or 

computer storage media to the accounting department.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide controls related to the transfer of 

soft count data via electronic communications or storage media to the accounting 

department. 

(v) (iii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count team on soft 

count documentation shall be made by drawing a single line through the error, 

writing the correct figure above the original figure, and then obtaining the initials of 

at least two count team members who verified the change unless the count team only 

has two (2) members in which case the initials of only one (1) verifying count team 

member is required.

Justification: The standard (d) (4) (v) has been moved to (d) (12) below. 

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(5) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is used only to empty boxes 

and sort/stack contents, a count team member shall be able to observe the loading and 

unloading of all currency at the currency counter, including rejected currency. The count 

team member operating the currency counter does not need to be monitored by 

another count team member if an individual independent of the count process 

monitors the operator of the currency counter for a minimum of one hour during 

the count process from recorded or live surveillance at least monthly. The date, 

time, and results of the independent observation shall be documented.

Justification: The standard is intended to provide clarification of the count process and 

the verification of placing currency in and removing from the currency counting devices. 

Comment (October): Include a provision that the independent observation will be 

unannounced. 

Response: Agree. 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment: 

(5) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is used only to empty boxes 

and sort/stack contents, a count team member shall be able to observe the loading and 

unloading of all currency at the currency counter, including rejected currency. The count 

team member operating the currency counter does not need to be monitored by 

another count team member if an individual independent of the count process 

monitors the operator of the currency counter for a minimum of one hour during 

the count process from recorded or live surveillance at least monthly. The date, 

time, and results of the independent observation shall be documented.

Justification: The standard is intended to provide clarification of the count process and 

the verification of placing currency in and removing from the currency counting devices. 

Comment (October): Include a provision that the independent observation will be 

unannounced. 

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Response: Agree. 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment: 

(5) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is used only to empty boxes 

and sort/stack contents, a count team member shall be able to observe the loading and 

unloading of all currency at the currency counter, including rejected currency. The 

count team member operating the currency counter does not need to be monitored 

by another count team member if an individual independent of the count process 

monitors the operator of the currency counter on an unannounced basis for a 

minimum of one hour during the count process from recorded or live surveillance at 

least monthly. The date, time, and results of the independent observation shall be 

documented.

(6) When the currency counter rejects currency (re-run of rejected currency is 

permissible) but does not record the amount of rejected currency, procedures shall 

be developed and implemented to record the rejected currency amount by table 

game and to ensure that two counts of the rejected currency (by table game and in 

total) are performed to ensure the correct amount of the drop is recorded on the 

count sheet. Posting rejected currency to a nonexistent “dummy” table game is 

prohibited.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide controls on the currency that the 

counting devices cannot read or count. Since the currency counters cannot identify the 

currency bills, they are more susceptible to misappropriation and therefore must be 

adequately accounted for. 

Comment (December): While agreeing with the intent of this provision, the term 

“rejected currency” needs to be clarified. Propose the following definition: 

“rejected currency shall mean currency which the currency counter cannot read or 

count”. This will allow for currency which simply needs to be flattened out and 

run again through the currency counter. 

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Response: Agree. Definition of rejected currency has been added to MICS 

definitions 

Standard (d) (7) has been moved to proposed 542.50 Revenue Audit. 

(7) Unannounced currency counter and currency counter interface (if applicable) 

tests shall be performed by personnel independent of the cage, vault, count team 

and gaming machine departments on at least a quarterly basis with the test results 

being documented and maintained. All denominations of currency and all types of 

wagering instruments counted by the currency counter must be tested. At least 

semi-annually, this test shall be performed by internal audit in accordance with the 

internal audit standards. The result of these tests shall be documented and signed 

by the person or persons performing the test.

(6) (7) Table game drop boxes, when empty, shall be shown to another member of the 

count team, or to another person who is observing the count, or to surveillance, provided 

the count is monitored in its entirety by a person independent of the count.

(7)(8) Orders for fill/credit (if applicable) shall be matched to the fill/credit slips. 

Fill/credit slips removed from the drop boxes shall be matched to the fill/credit slips 

obtained from the cage or otherwise reconciled by the count team members to verify 

that the total dollar amounts for the shift are identical. Fills and credits shall be traced 

to or recorded on the count sheet. 

Justification: The recommended deletion results from NIGC staff’s long-standing 

concern that the requirement is overly burdensome. In addition, the use of computerized 

fill/credit systems eliminates the need for manual orders for fill/credit. The recommended 

addition is clarification of the count room procedures for the reconciliation of the fills and 

credits issued from the cage and those slips located in the table drop boxes. 

Comment (December): The original language should be restored because the 

proposed language imposes an incompatible function by requiring count 

personnel to perform accounting/revenue audit functions. The introduction of a 

large volume of accounting documents into the count room is very likely to 

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overwhelm the count team and significantly adds to the number of people who 

will handle and could manipulate these documents. While we agree that there 

should be clear standards pertaining to the reconciliation of fill/credit 

documentation, the proposed language requires what is clearly an accounting 

function to be performed by the count team. 

 

Response: Agree. Although we believe that is preferable to have the task 

performed by the count team at the time the count is taking place, we also 

recognize that performance of the procedure by the accounting department does 

not diminish the effectiveness of the control, particularly if the inside copy is 

independently conveyed to accounting personnel. 

Comment (December): Insert accounting/revenue audit personnel as an 

alternative to the count team members performing the cancellation. 

Response: Agree. 

Revised proposal as a result of December comments: 

(7)(8) Orders for fill/credit (if applicable) shall be matched to the fill/credit slips. 

Fill/credit slips removed from the drop boxes shall be matched to the fill/credit slips 

obtained from the cage or otherwise reconciled by the count team members or 

accounting department/revenue audit personnel to verify that the total dollar 

amounts for the shift are identical. Fills and credits shall be traced to or recorded on the 

count sheet. 

 (8) (9) Pit marker issue and payment slips (if applicable) removed from the table game 

drop boxes shall either be: 

(i) Traced to or recorded on the count sheet by the count team; or 

(ii) Totaled by shift and traced to the totals documented by the computerized system. 

Accounting personnel shall verify the issue/payment slip for each table is accurate. 

(9) (10) Foreign currency exchange forms (if applicable) removed from the table game 

drop boxes shall be reviewed for the proper daily exchange rate and the conversion 

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amount shall be recomputed by the count team. Alternatively, this may be performed by 

accounting/auditing employees. 

(10) (11) The opening/closing table and marker inventory forms (if applicable) shall 

either be: 

(i) Examined and traced to or recorded on the count sheet; or 

(ii) If a computerized system is used, accounting personnel can trace the opening/closing 

table and marker inventory forms to the count sheet. Discrepancies shall be investigated 

with the findings documented and maintained for inspection. 

(12) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count team on soft count 

documentation shall be made by drawing a single line through the error, writing the 

correct figure above the original figure, and then obtaining the initials of at least 

two count team members who verified the change. If a currency interface is used, 

corrections to table games count data shall be made using either of the following:

(i) Drawing a single line through the error on the table games document, writing the 

correct figure above the original figure, and then obtaining the initials of at least 

two count team employees. If this procedure is used, an employee independent of 

the table games department and count team shall enter the correct figure into the 

computer system prior to the generation of related master games summary reports; 

or

(ii) During the count process, correct the error in the computer system and enter the 

passwords of at least two count team employees. If this procedure is used, an 

exception report shall be generated by the computer system identifying the table 

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game number, the error, the correction, and the count team employees attesting to 

the correction.

Justification: The first standard has been moved from the existing standard above. The 

recommended additions are to provide controls for the use of currency interface systems 

which are becoming standard industry practice. It is noteworthy that the MICS are silent 

with regard to the correction of drop report errors when a currency interface is utilized. 

Note: A comment was made at the December meeting relative to 542.41 (f) (12) 

recommending an alternative revision to that originally proposed. The comment 

was accepted and (f)(12) was revised accordingly. Because the (d) (14) standard 

relating to Table Games parallels the (f)(12) standard relating to gaming 

machines, (d) (14) has been revised accordingly. 

Revised proposal incorporating note: 

(12) To correct errors in soft count documentation, a single line shall be drawn 

through the error, and the correct figure entered above the original figure. The 

correction shall be initialed by at least two count team members verifying the 

change. If a currency interface is used, corrections to table games count data shall 

be made using one of the following:

(i) Draw a single line through the error on the table games document, and write the 

correct figure above the original figure. The correction must then be initialed by the 

two count team members verifying the change. If this procedure is used, an 

employee independent of the table games department and count team shall enter the 

correct figure into the computer system prior to the generation of related table 

games reports; or

(ii) During the count process, correct the error in the computer system and enter the 

passwords of at least two count team employees. If this procedure is used, an 

exception report shall be generated by the computer system identifying the table 

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games number, the error, the correction, and the count team employees attesting to 

the correction.

Comment (October): An alternative procedure should be included for automated 

systems that do not allow corrections by the count team. 

Response: Agree. Revised accordingly 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment: 

(iii) If the computer system does not allow corrections as specified in (ii), 

management shall develop and implement alternative procedures for documenting 

corrections to the soft count records and communicating the information to the 

accounting department. 

(11) (13) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a count team member 

who shall not function as the sole recorder and variances shall be reconciled and 

documented.

Justification: Documenting and reconciling variances for cash and/or cash equivalents 

is considered a fundamental control for safeguarding the assets and the count process. 

(12) (14) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or a summary 

report to attest to their participation in the count. 

(13) (15) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall be turned over 

to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of the count team) or to an 

authorized person/employee independent of the revenue generation and the count process 

for verification. Such person shall certify by signature as to the accuracy amount of the 

drop proceeds delivered and received. It is recommended that the individual 

performing the verification count be precluded from having prior knowledge of the 

results of previous count performed by count team personnel. Any unresolved 

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variances shall be reconciled, documented, and/or investigated by 

accounting/revenue audit.

Justification: Documenting and reconciling variances for cash and/or cash equivalents 

is considered a fundamental control for safeguarding the assets and the count process. 

 (14) (16) The count sheet, with all supporting documents, shall be delivered to the 

accounting department by a count team member or a person independent of the cashiers 

department. Alternatively, it may be adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which 

only accounting personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department. 

(17) The cage/vault employee shall sign the count sheet, or other reconciling 

document, and thereby assume accountability of the currency drop proceeds, ending

the count.

Justification: The standard is considered clarification for the end of the count process 

and the transfer of accountability of the proceeds to the cage/vault department. 

(15) (18) Access to stored, full table game drop boxes shall be restricted to authorized 

members of the drop and count teams. 

(e) Gaming machine bill acceptor drop standards. (1) A minimum of two employees 

shall be involved in the removal of the gaming machine drop, at least one of who is 

independent of the gaming machine department. 

(2) All bill acceptor canisters shall be removed only at the time previously designated by 

the gaming operation and reported to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, except for 

emergency drops. 

Comment (October): Add sentence regarding when the drop begins. 

Response: Agree. See revised (e)(2). 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment: 

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(2) All bill acceptor canisters shall be removed only at the time previously designated by 

the gaming operation and reported to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, except for 

emergency drops. The gaming machine bill acceptor drop begins when the first bill 

acceptor canister is removed.

(3) The bill acceptor canisters shall be removed by a person independent of the gaming 

machine department then transported directly to the count room or other equivalently 

secure area with comparable controls and locked in a secure manner until the count takes 

place. 

(i) Security shall be provided over the bill acceptor canisters removed from the gaming 

machines and awaiting transport to the count room. 

(ii) The transporting of bill acceptor canisters shall be performed by a minimum of two 

persons, at least one of whom is independent of the gaming machine department. 

(4) All bill acceptor canisters shall be posted with a number corresponding to a 

permanent number on the gaming machine. 

(f) Gaming machine bill acceptor count standards. (1) The gaming machine bill acceptor 

count shall be performed in a soft count room or other equivalently secure area with 

comparable controls. 

(2) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to members of the drop 

and count teams, with the exception of authorized observers, supervisors for resolution of 

problems, and authorized maintenance personnel. 

(3) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in the count room, 

procedures shall be in effect that prevent the commingling of funds from different 

revenue centers. 

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(4) The count team shall not have access to bill-in meter amounts until after the 

count is completed and the drop proceeds are accepted into the cage/vault 

accountability. A count team member is allowed to read/record the amount from 

the bill-in meters provided the count team members do not have knowledge of the 

dollar amount of currency contained in the currency acceptor drop boxes pursuant 

to the bill-in meters during the count process.

Justification: The recommended addition is to ensure that the count team members do 

not have access to the gaming machine meter data prior to completion of the count. If the 

count team were to have access to such information, incorrect meter data that result in 

overages could be used to misappropriate funds without an audit trail. 

Written Comment (March): Need to use “bill acceptor canister” rather than 

“currency acceptor drop box”. 

Response: Agree. Scrivener error. Will be corrected. 

Corrected proposal as a result of March written comment: 

(4) The count team shall not have access to bill-in meter amounts until after the 

count is completed and the drop proceeds are accepted into the cage/vault 

accountability. A count team member is allowed to read/record the amount from 

the bill-in meters provided the count team members do not have knowledge of the 

dollar amount of currency contained in the currency acceptor drop boxes bill 

acceptor canisters pursuant to the bill-in meters during the count process.

(5) If a currency counter interface is used: 

(i) It shall be adequately restricted (e.g., password, keys, etc.) so as to prevent 

unauthorized access.

Justification: The use of currency counters and the direct communications/ downloads 

into the accounting system is becoming a standard practice and therefore controls 

governing access to the computer interface are needed. 

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(ii) The currency drop figures shall be transferred via direct communications line or 

computer storage media to the accounting department.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide controls related to the transfer of 

soft count data via electronic communications or storage media to the accounting 

department. 

Standard (f) (6) has been moved to proposed 542.50 Revenue Audit. 

(6) Unannounced currency counter and currency counter interface (if applicable) 

tests shall be performed by personnel independent of the cage, vault, count team 

and gaming machine departments on at least a quarterly basis with the test results 

being documented and maintained. All denominations of currency and all types of 

wagering instruments counted by the currency counter must be tested. At least 

semi-annually, this test shall be performed by internal audit in accordance with the 

internal audit standards. The result of these tests shall be documented and signed 

by the person or persons performing the test.

Justification: The use of currency counters and applicable computer interfaces are 

becoming standard practice and therefore testing of the counting devices is essential to 

protecting the count proceeds. 

(4) (6) The bill acceptor canisters shall be individually emptied and counted in such a 

manner to prevent the commingling of funds between canisters until the count of the 

canister has been recorded. 

(i) The count of each canister shall be recorded in ink or other permanent form of 

recordation. 

(ii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count team on soft count 

documentation shall be made by drawing a single line through the error, writing the 

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correct figure above the original figure, and then obtaining the initials of at least 

two count team members who verified the change.

(ii) [Reserved]

Justification: The standard has been moved to the new (f) (10) below. 

(5) (7) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is used only to empty 

canisters and sort/stack contents, a count team member shall be able to observe the 

loading and unloading of all currency at the currency counter, including rejected 

currency. The count team member operating the currency counter does not need to 

be monitored by another count team member if an individual independent of the 

count process monitors the operator of the currency counter for a minimum of one 

hour during the count process from recorded or live surveillance at least monthly. 

The date, time, and results of the independent observation shall be documented.

Justification: The standard is intended to provide clarification of the count process and 

the verification of placing currency in and removing from the currency counting devices. 

The proposed standard recognizes the diminished risk when a currency counter is used. 

Comment (October): Include a provision that the independent observation will be 

unannounced. 

Response: Agree. Revised accordingly. 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment: 

(5) (7) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is used only to empty 

canisters and sort/stack contents, a count team member shall be able to observe the 

loading and unloading of all currency at the currency counter, including rejected 

currency. The count team member operating the currency counter does not need to 

be monitored by another count team member if an individual independent of the 

count process monitors the operator of the currency counter on an unannounced 

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basis for a minimum of one hour during the count process from recorded or live 

surveillance at least monthly. The date, time, and results of the independent 

observation shall be documented.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide controls on the currency that the 

counting devices cannot read or count. Since the currency counters cannot identify the 

currency bills, they are more susceptible to misappropriation and therefore must be 

adequately protected.

Comment (December): While agreeing with the intent of this provision, it does 

lack clarity and we therefore propose the following language: “If the currency 

counter rejects currency, the rejected currency may be re-run or, alternatively, in 

accordance with the procedure specified by the system manufacturer for the 

handling of reject currency. If currency is rejected following the above standard, 

the amount of the rejected currency and the correct amount of the drop shall be 

manually recorded in accordance with procedures established by the gaming 

operation and approved by the TGRA.” 

If our recommended language is not used then we think it imperative that a 

definition of “rejected currency” be included and recommend the following 

definition: “Rejected Currency” means currency that the currency counter cannot 

read or count. 

Response: Agree. Although we believe the latitude to re-run rejected currency is 

self evident, to ensure there is no confusion that the revision does not preclude the 

re-running of rejected currency, below is an amended version of the proposed 

rule: 

 

Response: Agree. Definition of rejected currency has been added to the MICS. 

Revised proposal as a result of December comment: 

(5) (7) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is used only to empty 

canisters and sort/stack contents, a count team member shall be able to observe the 

loading and unloading of all currency at the currency counter, including rejected 

currency. The count team member operating the currency counter does not need to 

be monitored by another count team member if an individual independent of the 

count process monitors the operator of the currency counter on an unannounced 

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basis for a minimum of one hour during the count process from recorded or live 

surveillance at least monthly. The date, time, and results of the independent 

observation shall be documented.

(8) When the currency counter rejects currency (re-run of rejected currency is 

permissible) but does not record the amount of rejected currency, procedures shall 

be developed and implemented to record the rejected currency amount, by gaming 

machine, and to ensure that two counts of the rejected currency (by gaming 

machine and in total) are performed to ensure the correct amount of the drop is 

recorded on the count sheet. Posting rejected currency to a nonexistent “dummy” 

gaming machine is prohibited.

(6) (9) Canisters, when empty, shall be shown to another member of the count team, to 

another person who is observing the count, or to surveillance, provided that the count is 

monitored in its entirety by a person independent of the count. 

(10) To correct errors in soft count documentation, a single line shall be drawn 

through the error, and the correct figure entered above the original figure. The 

correction shall be initialed by at least two count team members verifying the 

change unless the count team only has two (2) members in which case the initials of 

only one (1) verifying member is required. If a currency interface is used, 

corrections to gaming machine count data shall be made using one of the following:

(i) Draw a single line through the error on the gaming machine document, and write 

the correct figure above the original figure. The correction must then be initialed by 

the two count team members verifying the change unless the count team only has 

two (2) members in which case the initials of only one (1) verifying member is 

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required. If this procedure is used, an employee independent of the gaming machine 

department and count team shall enter the correct figure into the computer system 

prior to the generation of related gaming machine reports; or

(ii) During the count process, correct the error in the computer system and enter the 

passwords of at least two count team employees. If this procedure is used, an 

exception report shall be generated by the computer system identifying the gaming 

machine number, the error, the correction, and the count team employees attesting 

to the correction.

Justification: The first standard has been moved from the existing (f) (6) (ii) above. 

The recommended additions are to provide controls for the use of currency interface 

systems which are becoming standard industry practice. It is noteworthy that the MICS 

are silent with regard to the correction of drop report errors when a currency interface is 

utilized. 

Comment (December): In order to clarify the above section, we recommend the 

following: 

“(10) To correct errors in soft count documentation, a single line must be drawn 

through the error, and the correct figure entered above the original figure. The 

correction must be initialed by at least the two count team members verifying the 

change. If a currency interface is used, corrections to gaming machine count data 

shall be made using one of the following: 

(i) Draw a single line through the error on the gaming machine document, and 

write the correct figure above the original figure. The correction must then be 

initialed by the two count team members verifying the change. 

If this procedure is used, an employee independent of the gaming machine 

department and count team shall enter the correct figure into the computer system 

prior to the generation of related gaming machine reports; or 

(ii) During the count process, correct the error in the computer system and enter 

the passwords of at least two count team employees. If this procedure is used, an 

exception report shall be generated by the computer system identifying the 

gaming machine number, the error, the correction, and the count team employees 

attesting to the correction.” 

 Response: Agree. 

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Revised proposal as a result of December comment: 

(10) To correct errors in soft count documentation, a single line shall be drawn 

through the error, and the correct figure entered above the original figure. The 

correction shall be initialed by at least two count team members verifying the 

change. If a currency interface is used, corrections to gaming machine count data 

shall be made using one of the following:

(i) Draw a single line through the error on the gaming machine document, and write 

the correct figure above the original figure. The correction must then be initialed by 

the two count team members verifying the change. If this procedure is used, an 

employee independent of the gaming machine department and count team shall 

enter the correct figure into the computer system prior to the generation of related 

gaming machine reports; or

(ii) During the count process, correct the error in the computer system and enter the 

passwords of at least two count team employees. If this procedure is used, an 

exception report shall be generated by the computer system identifying the gaming 

machine number, the error, the correction, and the count team employees attesting 

to the correction.

(iii) If the computer system does not allow corrections as specified in (ii), 

management shall develop and implement alternative procedures for documenting 

corrections to the soft count records and communicating the information to the 

accounting department. 

(7) (11) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a count team member 

who shall not function as the sole recorder, and variances shall be reconciled and 

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documented. This standard does not apply to cash-out tickets removed from the bill 

acceptors.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide clarification that the count sheet 

does not need to be reconciled with the cash-out tickets accepted by the currency 

acceptors. 

Written Comment (March): A bill acceptor does not store cash or tickets. 

Please add the word “canister”. 

Response: Agree. Standard revised accordingly. 

Revised proposal as a result of March comment: 

(7) (11) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a count team member 

who shall not function as the sole recorder, and variances shall be reconciled and 

documented. This standard does not apply to cash-out tickets removed from the bill 

acceptors canisters.

(8) (12) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or a summary 

report to attest to their participation in the count. 

(9) (13) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall be turned over to 

the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of the count team) or to an authorized 

person/employee independent of the revenue generation and the count process for 

verification. Such person shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop 

proceeds delivered and received. 

Comment (December): By requiring the vault department to attest to the 

“accuracy” of the proceeds delivered/received from the count personnel, the 

amount established by soft-count team must be disclosed to the vault cashier 

thereby precluding the possibility of a blind count. Therefore, we recommend 

changing the term “accuracy” to “amount”. The following should also be inserted 

into this section: “Provided that no part of this Regulation shall prevent a gaming 

operation, with the approval of the TGRA, to establish policies and procedures for 

performing a Blind Count with controls that ensure that any discrepancies are 

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documented, investigated, and reconciled. For the purposes of this Regulation, a 

“Blind Count” means a procedure in which the count team and vault personnel 

independently count the drop and the results of each respective count are 

reviewed by the accounting department which will document, investigate, and 

reconcile any discrepancy between the documentation from the count and vault 

departments.

Some tribal operations in Oklahoma utilize a blind count procedure and believe 

that it constitutes a higher standard of control because it precludes any potential 

for collusion between the count and vault departments. There is a concern that 

the revised standard may be interpreted to exclude the use of blind count 

procedures. 

We recommend changing the term “accuracy” to “amount”. In order to be 

consistent with item (d)(17) of this Regulation, we also propose the following 

revision to the last sentence: “Any variance shall be reconciled, documented, 

and/or investigated by accounting/revenue audit.

 Response: Agree. Revised accordingly 

Revised proposal as a result of December comment: 

(9) (13) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall be turned over to 

the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of the count team) or to an authorized 

person/employee independent of the revenue generation and the count process for 

verification. Such person shall certify by signature as to the accuracy amount of the 

drop proceeds delivered and received. It is recommended that the employee 

performing the verification count be precluded from having prior knowledge of the 

results of previous count performed by count team personnel. Any unresolved 

variances shall be reconciled, documented, and/or investigated by 

accounting/revenue audit.

(14) The cage/vault employee shall sign the count sheet, or other reconciling 

document, and thereby assume accountability of the currency drop proceeds, ending 

the count.

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Justification: The standard is considered clarification for the end of the count process 

and the transfer of accountability of the proceeds to the cage/vault department. 

(10)(15) The count sheet, with all supporting documents, shall be delivered to the 

accounting department by a count team member or a person independent of the cashiers 

department. Alternatively, it may be adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which 

only accounting personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department. 

(11) (16) Access to stored bill acceptor canisters, full or empty, shall be restricted to: 

Written Comment (March): There are several questions regarding the intent of 

“stored canisters”. We would appreciate the NIGC providing clarification on this 

issue. A possible suggestion is to define “stored canister” as meaning the 

placement of the empty canister in a secure location when they are not being used 

in use during a drop process. 

Response: The Committee reviewed the existing standard and had no comment. 

Nonetheless, the reference to empty bill acceptor canisters will be struck. 

Revised proposal as a result of March written comment: 

(11)(16) Access to stored full bill acceptor canisters, full or empty, shall be restricted to: 

(i) Authorized members of the drop and count teams; and 

(ii) Authorized personnel in an emergency for the resolution of a problem. 

(g) Gaming machine coin drop standards. (1) A minimum of two employees shall be 

involved in the removal of the gaming machine drop, at least one of whom is independent 

of the gaming machine department. 

(2) All drop buckets shall be removed only at the time previously designated by the 

gaming operation and reported to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, except for 

emergency drops. 

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(3) Surveillance shall be notified when the drop is to begin in order that surveillance may 

monitor the activities. 

Comment (October): Add sentence regarding when the drop begins, re: table 

games drop and count (b)(1). 

Response: Agree. See revised (g)(3) 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment: 

(3) Surveillance shall be notified when the drop is to begin in order that surveillance may 

monitor the activities. The gaming machine coin drop begins when the first drop 

bucket is removed.

(4) Security shall be provided over the buckets removed from the gaming machine drop 

cabinets and awaiting transport to the count room. 

(5) As each machine is opened, the contents shall be tagged with its respective machine 

number if the bucket is not permanently marked with the machine number. The contents 

shall be transported directly to the area designated for the counting of such drop 

proceeds. If more than one trip is required to remove the contents of the machines, the 

filled carts of coins shall be securely locked in the room designed for counting or in 

another equivalently secure area with comparable controls. There shall be a locked 

covering on any carts in which the drop route includes passage out of doors. 

(i) Alternatively, a smart bucket system that electronically identifies and tracks the 

gaming machine number, and facilitates the proper recognition of gaming revenue, shall 

satisfy the requirements of this paragraph. 

(ii) [Reserved] 

(6) Each drop bucket in use shall be: 

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(i) Housed in a locked compartment separate from any other compartment of the gaming 

machine and keyed differently than other gaming machine compartments; and 

(ii) Identifiable to the gaming machine from which it is removed. If the gaming machine 

is identified with a removable tag that is placed in the bucket, the tag shall be placed on 

top of the bucket when it is collected. 

(7) Each gaming machine shall have drop buckets into which coins or tokens that are 

retained by the gaming machine are collected. Drop bucket contents shall not be used to 

make change or pay hand-paid payouts. 

(8) The collection procedures may include procedures for dropping gaming machines that 

have trays instead of drop buckets. 

(h) Hard count room personnel. (1) The weigh/count shall be performed by a minimum 

of two employees. 

(i) The count shall be viewed live, or on video recording and/or digital record within 

seven (7) days by an employee independent of the count. 

(ii) [Reserved] 

(2) At no time during the weigh/count shall there be fewer than two employees in the 

count room until the drop proceeds have been accepted into cage/vault accountability. 

Surveillance shall be notified whenever count room personnel exit or enter the count 

room during the count. 

(i) If the gaming machine count is conducted with a continuous mechanical count meter 

that is not reset during the count and is verified in writing by at least two employees at 

the start and end of each denomination count, then one employee may perform the wrap. 

(ii) [Reserved] 

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(3) Count team members shall be rotated on a routine basis such that the count team is 

not consistently the same two persons more than four (4) days per week. This standard 

shall not apply to gaming operations that utilize a count team of more than two persons. 

(4) The count team shall be independent of transactions being reviewed and counted. The 

count team shall be independent of the cage/vault departments, unless they are nonsupervisory gaming machine employees and perform the laborer function only (A nonsupervisory gaming machine employee is defined as a person below the level of gaming 

machine shift supervisor). A cage cashier may be used if this person is not allowed to 

perform the recording function. An accounting representative may be used if there is an 

independent audit of all count documentation. 

(i) Gaming machine coin count and wrap standards. (1) Coins shall include tokens. 

(2) The gaming machine coin count and wrap shall be performed in a count room or other 

equivalently secure area with comparable controls. 

(i) Alternatively, an on-the-floor drop system utilizing a mobile scale shall satisfy the 

requirements of this paragraph, subject to the following conditions: 

(A) The gaming operation shall utilize and maintain an effective on-line gaming machine 

monitoring system, as described in §542.13(m) (3); 

(B) Components of the on-the-floor drop system shall include, but not be limited to, a 

weigh scale, a laptop computer through which weigh/count applications are operated, a 

security camera available for the mobile scale system, and a VCR to be housed within the 

video compartment of the mobile scale. The system may include a mule cart used for 

mobile weigh scale system locomotion. 

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(C) The gaming operation must obtain the security camera available with the system, and 

this camera must be added in such a way as to eliminate tampering. 

(D) Prior to the drop, the drop/count team shall ensure the scale batteries are charged; 

(E) Prior to the drop, a videotape shall be inserted into the VCR used to record the drop 

in conjunction with the security camera system and the VCR shall be activated; 

(F) The weigh scale test shall be performed prior to removing the unit from the hard 

count room for the start of the weigh/drop/count; 

(G) Surveillance shall be notified when the weigh/drop/count begins and shall be capable 

of monitoring the entire process; 

(H) An observer independent of the weigh/drop/count teams (independent observer) shall 

remain by the weigh scale at all times and shall observe the entire weigh/drop/count 

process; 

(I) Physical custody of the key(s) needed to access the laptop and video compartment 

shall require the involvement of two persons, one of whom is independent of the drop and 

count team; 

(J) The mule key (if applicable), the laptop and video compartment keys, and the remote 

control for the VCR shall be maintained by a department independent of the gaming 

machine department. The appropriate personnel shall sign out these keys; 

(K) A person independent of the weigh/drop/count teams shall be required to accompany 

these keys while they are checked out, and observe each time the laptop compartment is 

opened; 

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(L) The laptop access panel shall not be opened outside the hard count room, except in 

instances when the laptop must be rebooted as a result of a crash, lock up, or other 

situation requiring immediate corrective action; 

(M) User access to the system shall be limited to those employees required to have full or 

limited access to complete the weigh/drop/count; and 

(N) When the weigh/drop/count is completed, the independent observer shall access the 

laptop compartment, end the recording session, eject the videotape, and deliver the 

videotape to surveillance. 

(ii) [Reserved] 

(3) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to members of the drop 

and count teams, with the exception of authorized observers, supervisors for resolution of 

problems, and authorized maintenance personnel. 

(4) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in the count room, 

procedures shall be in effect that prevent the commingling of funds from different 

revenue centers. 

(5) The following functions shall be performed in the counting of the gaming machine 

drop: 

(i) Recorder function, which involves the recording of the gaming machine count; and 

(ii) Count team supervisor function, which involves the control of the gaming machine 

weigh and wrap process. The supervisor shall not perform the initial recording of the 

weigh/count unless a weigh scale with a printer is used. 

(6) The gaming machine drop shall be counted, wrapped, and reconciled in such a 

manner to prevent the commingling of gaming machine drop coin with coin (for each 

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denomination) from the next gaming machine drop until the count of the gaming machine 

drop has been recorded. If the coins are not wrapped immediately after being weighed or 

counted, they shall be secured and not commingled with other coin. 

(i) The amount of the gaming machine drop from each machine shall be recorded in ink 

or other permanent form of recordation on a gaming machine count document by the 

recorder or mechanically printed by the weigh scale. Additionally, if a weigh scale 

interface is used, the count figures shall be transferred via direct communications 

line or computer storage media to the accounting department. 

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide controls related to the transfer of 

count data via electronic communications or storage media to the accounting department. 

 

(ii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count team on gaming machine 

count documentation shall be made by drawing a single line through the error, writing the 

correct figure above the original figure, and then obtaining the initials of at least two 

count team members who verified the change unless the count team only has two (2) 

members in which case the initials of only one (1) verifying member is required. 

(A) If a weigh scale interface is used, corrections to gaming machine count data shall be 

made using one either of the following: 

(1) Drawing a single line through the error on the gaming machine document, writing the 

correct figure above the original figure, and then obtaining the initials of at least two 

count team employees unless the count team only has two (2) members in which case 

the initials of only one (1) verifying member is required. If this procedure is used, an 

employee independent of the gaming machine department and count team shall enter the 

correct figure into the computer system prior to the generation of related gaming machine 

reports; or 

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(2) During the count process, correct the error in the computer system and enter the 

passwords of at least two count team employees. If this procedure is used, an exception 

report shall be generated by the computer system identifying the gaming machine 

number, the error, the correction, and the count team employees attesting to the 

correction. 

(B) [Reserved] 

(7) If applicable, the weight shall be converted to dollar amounts before prior to the 

reconciliation of the weigh to the wrap. 

(8) If a coin meter is used, a count team member shall convert the coin count for each 

denomination into dollars and shall enter the results on a summary sheet. 

(9) The recorder and at least one other count team member shall sign the weigh tape and 

the gaming machine count document attesting to the accuracy of the weigh/count. 

(10) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or a summary report to 

attest to their participation in the count. 

(11) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall be turned over to the 

cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of the count team) or to an authorized 

person/employee independent of the revenue generation and the count process for 

verification. Such person shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop 

proceeds delivered and received. 

(12) All gaming machine count and wrap documentation, including any applicable 

computer storage media, shall be delivered to the accounting department by a count team 

member or a person independent of the cashier's department. Alternatively, it may be 

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adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which only accounting personnel can gain 

access) until retrieved by the accounting department. 

(13) If the coins are transported off the property, a second (alternative) count procedure 

shall be performed before the coins leave the property. Any variances shall be 

documented. 

(14) Variances. Large (by denomination, either $1,000 or 2% of the drop, whichever is 

less) or unusual (e.g., zero for weigh/count or patterned for all counts) variances between 

the weigh/count and wrap shall be investigated by management personnel independent of 

the gaming machine department, count team, and the cage/vault functions on a timely 

basis. The results of such investigation shall be documented, maintained for inspection, 

and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request. 

(j) Security of the coin count room inventory during the gaming machine coin count and 

wrap. (1) If the count room serves as a coin room and coin room inventory is not secured 

so as to preclude access by the count team, then the following standards shall apply: 

(i) At the commencement of the gaming machine count the following requirements shall 

be met: 

(A) The coin count room inventory shall be counted by at least two employees, one of 

whom is a member of the count team and the other is independent of the weigh/count and 

wrap procedures; 

(B) The count in paragraph (j) (1) (i) (A) of this section shall be recorded on an 

appropriate inventory form; 

(ii) Upon completion of the wrap of the gaming machine drop: 

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(A) At least two members of the count team (wrap team), independently from each other, 

shall count the ending coin room inventory; 

(B) The counts in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(A) of this section shall be recorded on a summary 

report(s) that evidences the calculation of the final wrap by subtracting the beginning 

inventory from the sum of the ending inventory and transfers in and out of the coin 

count room; 

(C) Prior to verification of the count by cage/vault personnel, the same count team 

members shall compare the calculated wrap to the weigh/count, recording the comparison 

and noting any variances on the summary report; 

Justification: The recommended change is to provide clarification that the weigh/count 

comparison is required to be completed prior to verification of the cage/vault. 

(D) A member of the cage/vault department shall count ending coin room inventory by 

denomination and shall reconcile it to the beginning inventory, wrap, transfers and 

weigh/count. Any reconciliation variance shall be documented; and 

Justification: All variances between recorded amounts and subsequent verification 

counts should be documented and reconciled. 

(E) At the conclusion of the reconciliation, at least two count/wrap team members and the 

verifying cage/vault employee shall sign the summary report(s) attesting to its accuracy. 

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide explicit clarification that the 

verifying employee is to be a cage/vault employee, who will be acquiring subsequent 

accountability of the count proceeds. 

(iii) The functions described in paragraph (j) (1) (ii) (A) and (C) of this section may be 

performed by only one count team member. That count team member must then sign the 

summary report, along with the verifying employee, as required under paragraph (j) (1) 

(ii) (E). 

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(2) If the count room is segregated from the coin room, or if the coin room is used as a 

count room and the coin room inventory is secured to preclude access by the count team, 

all of the following requirements shall be completed, at the conclusion of the count: 

(i) At least two members of the count/wrap team shall count the final wrapped gaming 

machine drop independently from each other; 

(ii) The final counts, in total and by denomination, shall be recorded on a summary 

report; 

Justification: The recommended change is to provide clarification that only the final 

count, by total and by denomination needs to be recorded on the summary report. 

(iii) The same count team members (or the accounting department) shall compare the 

final wrap to the weigh/count, recording the comparison, and noting any variances on the 

summary report; 

(iv) A member of the cage/vault department shall count the wrapped gaming machine 

drop by denomination and reconcile it to the weigh/count summary report. Any 

variance shall be reconciled and documented; 

Justification: All variances between recorded amounts and subsequent verification 

counts should be documented and reconciled. 

(v) At the conclusion of the reconciliation, at least two count team members and the 

cage/vault employee shall sign the summary report attesting to its accuracy; and 

(vi) The wrapped coins (exclusive of proper transfers) shall be transported to the cage, 

vault or coin vault after the reconciliation of the weigh/count to the wrap. 

(vii) The count team shall not have access to coin drop meter amounts until after the 

count is completed and the drop proceeds have been accepted into the cage/vault 

accountability. A count team member is allowed to read/record the amount from the 

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coin-in meters provided the count team members do not have knowledge of the 

dollar amount of coin contained in the drop buckets pursuant to the coin-in meters 

during the count process.

Justification: The recommended addition is to ensure that the count team members do 

not have access to the gaming machine meter data prior to completion of the drop. If the 

count team were to have access to such information, incorrect meter data that results in 

overages could be embezzled without an audit trail of the theft. 

(k) Transfers during the gaming machine coin count and wrap. of currency and coin 

during the count. (1) Transfers may be permitted during the count and wrap only if 

permitted under the internal control standards approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory 

authority. 

(2) Each transfer shall be recorded on a separate multi-part form with a preprinted or 

concurrently-printed form number (used solely for gaming machine count transfers)

that shall be subsequently reconciled by the accounting department. to ensure the 

accuracy of the reconciled gaming machine drop.

(3) Each transfer must be counted and signed for by at least two members of the count 

team and by a person independent of the count team who is responsible for authorizing 

the transfer. 

(4) At least one part of the transfer form shall remain in the count room until the 

drop has been accepted into cage/vault accountability. The other part of the 

transfer form shall accompany the funds transferred from the count room during 

the count.

Justification: The recommended revisions are to allow currency transfers out of the soft 

count room prior to completion of the count. The MICS are currently silent regarding the 

latitude of performing currency transfers during the soft count process. The standards are 

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intended to compensate for the increase in risk when currency is transferred out of the 

count room prior to completion of the count and verification by the cage/vault. 

(l) Key controls-general (1) The gaming machine coin drop cabinet keys, table games 

drop box release keys, bill acceptor canister release keys, table games drop box 

contents keys, bill acceptor canister contents keys, and kiosk keys shall all be 

separately keyed from each other.

(2) Surveillance monitoring key access does not satisfy the requirements in this part 

for physical involvement.

(3) Master keys maintained/controlled by a locksmith are not subject to the 

requirements in this part.

Comment (October): Strike (l) (3). 

Response: Agree. After striking (l) (3), (4) becomes (3), and (5) becomes (4). 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment: 

(3) Master keys maintained/controlled by a locksmith are not subject to the 

requirements in this part.

(3) All duplicate keys shall be maintained in a manner that provides the same degree 

of control as is required for the original keys. Records shall be maintained for each 

key duplicated that indicate the number of keys made and destroyed.

(4) Records shall be maintained by the custodian of sensitive keys to document 

authorization of personnel accessing keys.

Justification: The recommended additions are intended to provide clarification that the 

items named in (1) should be separately keyed; that surveillance monitoring cannot 

satisfy the requirement of physical involvement and that it is permissible for an external 

licensed locksmith to assume responsibility for the control of master keys. (4) and (5) 

have been moved from existing MICS standards which were previously (m) (5) and (6). 

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(l) (m) Gaming machine drop key control standards. (1) Gaming machine coin drop 

cabinet keys, including duplicates, shall be maintained by a department independent of 

the gaming machine department. 

(2) The physical custody of the keys needed to access gaming machine coin drop 

cabinets, including duplicates, shall require the involvement of two persons, one of whom 

is independent of the gaming machine department. 

Written Comment (March): Please clarify the use of the word “custody”? Does 

it mean possession or issuance of the keys? 

Response: In this context, the word custody means the checking out of the keys. 

Comment (May): Recommend replacing “the physical custody of” with 

“accessing” and “to access” with “to open”. 

Response: Agreed. Modified accordingly. 

Revised proposal as a result of May comment: 

(2) The physical custody of Accessing the keys needed to access open gaming machine 

coin drop cabinets, including duplicates, shall require the involvement of two persons, 

one of whom is independent of the gaming machine department. 

(3) Two employees (separate from key custodian) shall be required to accompany such 

keys while checked out and observe each time gaming machine drop cabinets are 

accessed. unless surveillance is notified each time keys are checked out and surveillance 

observes the person throughout the period the keys are checked out. 

(m) (n) Table game drop box key control standards. (1) Tier A gaming operations shall 

be exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, 

or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, 

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establishes and the gaming operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate 

key control and restricts access to the keys. 

(2) Procedures shall be developed and implemented to insure that unauthorized access to 

empty table game drop boxes shall not occur from the time the boxes leave the storage 

racks until they are placed on the tables. 

(3) The involvement of at least two persons independent of the cage department shall be 

required to access stored empty table game drop boxes. 

(4) The release keys shall be separately keyed from the contents keys. 

Comment (October): Strike (n) (4). Duplicates (l) (1). 

Response: Agree. After striking (n) (4), (n) (5) becomes (n) (4). 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment: 

(4) The release keys shall be separately keyed from the contents keys.

(5) (4) At least two count team members are required to be present at the time count room 

and other count keys are issued for the count. 

(6) All duplicate keys shall be maintained in a manner that provides the same degree 

of control as is required for the original keys. Records shall be maintained for each 

key duplicated that indicate the number of keys made and destroyed.

(7) Logs shall be maintained by the custodian of sensitive keys to document 

authorization of personnel accessing keys.

Justification: The standards have been moved to the new “Key controls-general” section 

above as the controls were intended to apply to all sensitive keys in the MICS and not 

just the table game drop box keys.

(n) (o) Table game drop box release keys. (1) Tier A gaming operations shall be exempt 

from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the 

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gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and 

the gaming operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control and 

restricts access to the keys. 

(2) The table game drop box release keys shall be maintained by a department 

independent of the pit department. 

(3) Only the person(s) authorized to remove table game drop boxes from the tables shall 

be allowed access to the table game drop box release keys; however, the count team 

members may have access to the release keys during the soft count in order to reset the 

table game drop boxes. 

(4) Persons authorized to remove the table game drop boxes shall be precluded from 

having simultaneous access to the table game drop box contents keys and release keys. 

(5) For situations requiring access to a table game drop box at a time other than the 

scheduled drop, the date, time, and signature of employee signing out/in the release key 

must be documented. 

(o) (p) Bill acceptor canister release keys. (1) Tier A gaming operations shall be exempt 

from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the 

gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and 

the gaming operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control and 

restricts access to the keys. 

(2) The bill acceptor canister release keys shall be maintained by a department 

independent of the gaming machine department. 

(3) Only the person(s) authorized to remove bill acceptor canisters from the gaming 

machines shall be allowed access to the release keys. 

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(4) Persons authorized to remove the bill acceptor canisters shall be precluded from 

having simultaneous access to the bill acceptor canister contents keys and release keys. 

(5) For situations requiring access to a bill acceptor canister at a time other than the 

scheduled drop, the date, time, and signature of employee signing out/in the release key 

must be documented. 

(p) (q) Table game drop box storage rack keys. (1) Tier A gaming operations shall be 

exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or 

the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes 

and the gaming operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control 

and restricts access to the keys. 

(2) Persons authorized to obtain table game drop box storage rack keys shall be precluded 

from having simultaneous access to table game drop box contents keys with the 

exception of the count team. 

(q) (r) Bill acceptor canister storage rack keys. (1) Tier A gaming operations shall be 

exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or 

the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes 

and the gaming operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control 

and restricts access to the keys. 

(2) Persons authorized to obtain bill acceptor canister storage rack keys shall be 

precluded from having simultaneous access to bill acceptor canister contents keys with 

the exception of the count team. 

(r) (s) Table game drop box contents keys. (1) Tier A gaming operations shall be exempt 

from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the 

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gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and 

the gaming operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control and 

restricts access to the keys. 

(2) The physical custody of the keys needed for accessing to access the contents of the 

stored, full table game drop boxes contents shall require the physical involvement of 

persons from at least two separate departments. with the exception of the count team. 

The key custodian checking out keys constitutes physical involvement. 

Note: On review it was determined that the applicability of (s) (2) is captured 

by (s) (23). Therefore, it is proposed that (s) (2) be struck. After striking (s) 

(2), (s) (3) becomes (s) (2). 

Comment (October): Include an exemption for automated key control systems. 

Response: Agree. See addition to new (s) (2) note. 

Comment (October): Specify that box contents access will occur only in the 

count room and under no other circumstances. 

Response: Disagree. Standard (b) (2) (iii) requires direct transport of full table 

game drop boxes to the count room or other equivalently secured area with 

comparable controls. Therefore, access to the contents is precluded from 

occurring elsewhere. 

Revised proposal as a result of October comment and incorporating note: 

(2) The physical custody of the keys needed to access the contents of the for

accessing stored, full table game drop boxes contents shall require the physical 

involvement of persons from at least two separate departments. with the exception 

of the count team. Note: The key custodian checking out keys constitutes physical 

involvement.

(2) Access to the table game drop box contents keys at other than scheduled count times 

shall require the involvement of at least three persons from separate departments, 

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including management. The reason for access shall be documented with the signatures of 

all participants and observers. Two employees from separate departments are 

required to accompany the table game drop box contents key from the time the keys 

are issued until the time the keys are returned. The key custodian issuing keys 

constitutes physical involvement. A computerized key security system functions as 

the key custodian. 

Justification: The recommended revision is to provide clarification and bring about 

consistency between the above standards. Furthermore, the revision is intended to 

explain that three persons are required to check out a contents key and two persons are 

required to accompany it while checked out. 

Comment (October): Separate department custody provision could be 

interpreted to include during the count. 

Response: Disagree. The standard is applicable only to access during times 

other than the scheduled count. 

 Comment (December): Change “checking out” to “issuing”. 

 Response: Agree. 

Revised proposal as a result of December comment: 

(2) Access to Issuance of the table game drop box contents keys at other than scheduled 

count times shall require the involvement of at least three persons from separate 

departments, including management. The reason for access issuance shall be documented 

with the signatures of all participants and observers. Two employees from separate 

departments are required to accompany the table game drop box contents key from 

the time the keys are issued until the time the keys are returned. The key custodian 

issuing keys constitutes physical involvement. A computerized key security system 

functions as the key custodian. 

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(3) Only count team members shall be allowed access to table game drop box contents 

keys during the count process. 

(s) (t) Bill acceptor canister contents keys. (1) Tier A gaming operations shall be exempt 

from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the 

gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and 

the gaming operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control and 

restricts access to the keys. 

(2) The physical custody of the keys needed to access the contents of the for accessing

stored, full bill acceptor canisters contents shall require the physical involvement of 

persons from at least two three separate departments. with the exception of the count 

team. Note: The key custodian checking out keys constitutes physical involvement. 

Note: On review it was determined that the applicability of (t) (2) is captured by (t) (3). 

Therefore, it is proposed that (t) (2) be struck. After striking (t) (2), (t) (3) becomes (t) 

(2). 

(2) The physical custody of the keys needed to access the contents of the for

accessing stored, full bill acceptor canisters contents shall require the physical 

involvement of persons from at least two three separate departments. with the 

exception of the count team. Note: The key custodian checking out keys constitutes 

physical involvement.

(2) Access to the bill acceptor canister contents key at other than scheduled count times 

shall require the involvement of at least three persons from separate departments, one of 

whom must be a supervisor. The reason for access shall be documented with the 

signatures of all participants and observers. Two employees from separate departments 

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are required to accompany the bill acceptor canister contents key from the time the 

keys are issued until the time the keys are returned.

Justification: The recommended revision is to provide clarification and bring about 

consistency between the above standards. Furthermore, the revision is intended to 

explain that three persons are required to check out a contents key and two persons are 

required to accompany it while checked out. 

Note: On review, new (t) (2) has been revised for consistency with (s) (2). 

Comment (December): Change “checking out” to “issuance”. 

Response: Agree 

Revised proposal as a result of December comment: 

(2) Access to Issuance of the bill acceptor canister contents key at other than scheduled 

count times shall require the involvement of at least three persons from separate 

departments, one of whom must be a supervisor. The reason for access issuance shall be 

documented with the signatures of all participants and observers. Two employees from 

separate departments are required to accompany the bill acceptor canister contents 

key from the time the keys are issued until the time the keys are returned. The key 

custodian issuing keys constitutes physical involvement. A computerized key 

security system functions as the key custodian. 

(3) Only the count team members shall be allowed access to bill acceptor canister 

contents keys during the count process. 

(1) Computerized key security systems which restrict access to the gaming machine drop 

and count keys through the use of passwords, keys or other means, other than a key 

custodian, must provide the same degree of control as indicated in the aforementioned 

key control standards; refer to paragraphs (l)(m), (o)(p), (q)(r) and (s)(t) of this section. 

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Note: This standard does not apply to the system administrator. The system administrator 

is defined in paragraph (t) (u) (2) (i) of this section. 

(2) For computerized key security systems, the following additional gaming machine key 

control procedures apply: 

(i) Management personnel independent of the gaming machine department assign and 

control user access to keys in the computerized key security system (i.e., system 

administrator) to ensure that gaming machine drop and count keys are restricted to 

authorized employees. 

(ii) In the event of an emergency or the key box is inoperable, access to the emergency 

manual key(s) (a.k.a. override key), used to access the box containing the gaming 

machine drop and count keys, requires the physical involvement of at least three persons 

from separate departments, including management. The date, time, and reason for access, 

must be documented with the signatures of all participating employees signing out/in the 

emergency manual key(s). 

(iii) The custody of the keys issued pursuant to paragraph (t) (u) (2) (ii) of this section 

requires the presence of two persons from separate departments from the time of their 

issuance until the time of their return. 

(iv) Routine physical maintenance that requires accessing the emergency manual key(s) 

(override key) and does not involve the accessing of the gaming machine drop and count 

keys, only requires the presence of two persons from separate departments. The date, 

time and reason for access must be documented with the signatures of all participating 

employees signing out/in the emergency manual key(s). 

Standards (u) (3)-(4) have been moved to proposed 542.50 Revenue Audit. 

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(3) For computerized key security systems controlling access to gaming machine 

drop and count keys, accounting/audit personnel, independent of the system 

administrator, will shall perform the following procedures:

(i) Daily, review the report generated by the computerized key security system 

indicating the transactions performed by the individual(s) that adds, deletes, and 

changes user's access within the system (i.e., system administrator). Determine 

whether the transactions completed by the system administrator provide an 

adequate control over the access to the gaming machine drop and count keys. Also, 

determine whether any gaming machine drop and count key(s) removed or returned 

to the key cabinet by the system administrator was properly authorized.

(ii) For at least one day each month, review the report generated by the 

computerized key security system indicating all transactions performed to 

determine whether any unusual gaming machine drop and count key removals or 

key returns occurred.

(iii) At least quarterly, review a sample of users that are assigned access to the 

gaming machine drop and count keys to determine that their access to the assigned 

keys is adequate relative to their job position.

(iv) All noted improper transactions or unusual occurrences are shall be

investigated with the results documented.

(4) At least quarterly, an inventory of all count room, bill acceptor canister release, 

storage rack and contents keys is performed, and reconciled to records of keys 

made, issued, and destroyed. Investigations are performed for all keys unaccounted 

for, with the investigation being documented. 

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Comment (December): Add override and panel keys for automated key 

custody systems to the list of keys to be included in the inventory. 

Response: Agree

Revision as a result of December comment:

(4) At least quarterly, an inventory of all count room, bill acceptor canister release, 

storage rack, and contents keys and override and panel keys is performed, and 

reconciled to records of keys made, issued, and destroyed. Investigations are 

performed for all keys unaccounted for, with the investigation being documented. 

Note: On review it was determined that slot machine door keys and slot fill cabinet 

keys were omitted from the listing of keys to be inventoried on a quarterly basis.

Revision incorporating note:

(4) At least quarterly, an inventory of all count room, bill acceptor canister release, 

storage rack, slot fill cabinet, and slot machine door and override and panel keys, is 

shall be performed, and reconciled to records of keys made, issued, and destroyed. 

Investigations are shall be performed for all keys unaccounted for, with the 

investigation being documented.

(u)(v) Table games computerized key security systems. (1) Computerized key security 

systems which restrict access to the table game drop and count keys through the use of 

passwords, keys or other means, other than a key custodian, must provide the same 

degree of control as indicated in the aforementioned key control standards; refer to 

paragraphs (m)(n), (n)(o), (p)(q) and (r)(s) of this section. Note: This standard does not 

apply to the system administrator. The system administrator is defined in paragraph (u)

(v) (2) (i) of this section. 

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(2) For computerized key security systems, the following additional table game key 

control procedures apply: 

(i) Management personnel independent of the table game department assign and control 

user access to keys in the computerized key security system (i.e., system administrator) to 

ensure that table game drop and count keys are restricted to authorized employees. 

(ii) In the event of an emergency or the key box is inoperable, access to the emergency 

manual key(s) (a.k.a. override key), used to access the box containing the table game 

drop and count keys, requires the physical involvement of at least three persons from 

separate departments, including management. The date, time, and reason for access, must 

be documented with the signatures of all participating employees signing out/in the 

emergency manual key(s). 

(iii) The custody of the keys issued pursuant to paragraph (u) (v) (2) (ii) of this section 

requires the presence of two persons from separate departments from the time of their 

issuance until the time of their return. 

(iv) Routine physical maintenance that requires accessing the emergency manual key(s) 

(override key) and does not involve the accessing of the table games drop and count keys, 

only requires the presence of two persons from separate departments. The date, time and 

reason for access must be documented with the signatures of all participating employees 

signing out/in the emergency manual key(s). 

Standards (v) (3)-(4) have been moved to proposed 542.50 Revenue Audit. 

(3) For computerized key security systems controlling access to table games drop 

and count keys, accounting/audit personnel, independent of the system 

administrator, will perform the following procedures:

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(i) Daily, review the report generated by the computerized key security system 

indicating the transactions performed by the individual(s) that adds, deletes, and 

changes user's access within the system (i.e., system administrator). Determine 

whether the transactions completed by the system administrator provide an 

adequate control over the access to the table games drop and count keys. Also, 

determine whether any table games drop and count key(s) removed or returned to 

the key cabinet by the system administrator was properly authorized.

(ii) For at least one day each month, review the report generated by the 

computerized key security system indicating all transactions performed to 

determine whether any unusual table games drop and count key removals or key 

returns occurred.

(iii) At least quarterly, review a sample of users that are assigned access to the table 

games drop and count keys to determine that their access to the assigned keys is 

adequate relative to their job position.

(iv) All noted improper transactions or unusual occurrences are shall be

investigated with the results documented.

(4) Quarterly, an inventory of all count room, table game drop box release, storage 

rack and contents keys is shall be performed, and reconciled to records of keys 

made, issued, and destroyed. Investigations are shall be performed for all keys 

unaccounted for, with the investigations being documented. 

Comment (December): Add override and panel keys for automated key 

custody systems to the list of keys to be included in the inventory. 

Response: Agree

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Revised proposal based on December comment:

(4) Quarterly, an inventory of all count room, table game drop box release, storage 

rack, and contents keys and override and panel keys is shall be performed, and 

reconciled to records of keys made, issued, and destroyed. Investigations are shall be

performed for all keys unaccounted for, with the investigation being documented. 

(v)(w) Emergency drop procedures. Emergency drop procedures shall be developed by 

the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal 

gaming regulatory authority. 

(w)(x) Equipment standards for gaming machine count. (1) A weigh scale calibration 

module shall be secured so as to prevent unauthorized access (e.g., prenumbered seal, 

lock and key, etc.). 

(2) A person independent of the cage, vault, gaming machine, and count team functions 

shall be required to be present whenever the calibration module is accessed. Such access 

shall be documented and maintained. 

(3) If a weigh scale interface is used, it shall be adequately restricted so as to prevent 

unauthorized access (passwords, keys, etc.). 

(4) If the weigh scale has a zero adjustment mechanism, it shall be physically limited to 

minor adjustments (e.g., weight of a bucket) or physically situated such that any 

unnecessary adjustments to it during the weigh process would be observed by other count 

team members. 

Standard (x) (5) has been moved to proposed 542.50 (i) (2) Revenue Audit. 

(5) Unannounced weigh scale and weigh scale interface (if applicable) tests shall be 

performed The weigh scale and weigh scale interface (if applicable) shall be tested 

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by a person or persons independent of the cage, vault, and gaming machine 

departments and count team at least quarterly with the test results being 

documented and maintained. At least annually, this test shall be performed by 

internal audit in accordance with the internal audit standards. This test may be 

performed by internal audit. The result of these tests shall be documented and 

signed by the person or persons performing the test.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide much needed controls 

governing the unannounced testing of the coin weigh scale and weigh scale interface 

due to the possible manipulation of the scales and allow for performance of the 

testing by internal audit personnel.

Written Comment (March): We recommend the following language be used 

in place of (x) (5): “(a) Unannounced weigh scale and weigh scale interface 

testing, on a quarterly basis by personnel independent of the cage, vault, 

count team and gaming machine departments to test the calibration of the 

weigh scale and weigh scale interface; (b) Documentation of test results on 

basis with the test results being documented and maintained.”

Response: The Committee reviewed the proposed revision and had no 

comment. Furthermore, proposed language is lacking in the following 

respects: not all gaming operations have a weigh scale interface, weigh scale 

interfaces are not calibrated and (b) is unclear i.e. what does “on basis” 

mean?

Comment (May): Recommend adding that that test may be performed by 

the Tribal gaming regulatory authority

 Response: Agree. Modified accordingly.

Revised proposal as a result of May comment:

(5) Unannounced weigh scale and weigh scale interface (if applicable) tests shall be 

performed The weigh scale and weigh scale interface (if applicable) shall be tested 

by a person or persons independent of the cage, vault, and gaming machine 

departments and count team at least quarterly with the test results being 

documented and maintained. At least annually, this test shall be performed by 

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internal audit in accordance with the internal audit standards. This test may be 

performed by internal audit or the Tribal gaming regulatory authority. The result 

of these tests shall be documented and signed by the person or persons performing 

the test.

Justification: The recommended addition is to provide much needed controls 

governing the unannounced testing of the coin weigh scale and weigh scale interface 

due to the possible manipulation of the scales.

(5) (6) Immediately prior to the gaming machine count, at least two employees shall 

verify the accuracy of the weigh scale with varying weights or with varying amounts of 

previously counted coin for each denomination to ensure the scale is properly calibrated 

(varying weights/coin from drop to drop is acceptable). 

(6) (7) If a mechanical coin counter is used (instead of a weigh scale), the Tribal gaming 

regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming 

regulatory authority, shall establish and the gaming operation shall comply with 

procedures that are equivalent to those described in paragraphs (u) 542.21(x) (4), 

542.21(x) (5) and (u) (6) 542.50 (i) (2) of this section. 

(8) If a coin meter count machine is used, the count team member shall record the 

machine number denomination and number of coins in ink on a source document, unless 

the meter machine automatically records such information. 

(i) A count team member shall test the coin meter count machine before the actual count 

to ascertain if the metering device is functioning properly with a predetermined number 

of coins for each denomination. 

(ii) [Reserved] 

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