APPENDIX 

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PART 547 --– MINIMUM TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR GAMING EQUIPMENT USED 

WITH THE PLAY OF CLASS II GAMES.

Sec. 

547.1 547.1 What is the purpose of this part?

547.2 547.2 How do these regulations affect state jurisdiction?

547.3 547.3 What are the definitions for this part?

547.4 547.4 How does a tribal government, tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA, or tribal gaming 

operation comply with this part?

547.5 547.5 What are the rules of interpretation and of general application for this part?

547.6 547.6 What are the minimum technical standards for enrolling and enabling Class II gaming 

system components?

547.7 547.7 What are the minimum technical hardware standards applicable to Class II gaming 

systems?

547.8 547.8 What are the minimum technical software standards applicable to Class II gaming 

systems?

547.9 547.9 What are the minimum technical standards for Class II gaming system accounting 

functions? 

547.10 547.10 What are the minimum standards for Class II gaming system critical events?

547.11 547.11 What are the minimum technical standards for money and credit handling?

547.12 547.12 What are the minimum technical standards for downloading on a Class II gaming 

system?

547.13 547.13 What are the minimum technical standards for program storage media?

547.14 547.14 What are the minimum technical standards for electronic random number generation? 

547.15 547.15 What are the minimum technical standards for electronic data communications between 

system components? 

547.16 547.16 What are the minimum standards for game artwork, glass, and rules? 

547.17 547.17 How does a tribal gaming regulatory authority apply forTGRA grant a variance from 

these standards?

Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706(b). 

§ 547.1 What is the purpose of this part? 

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. 2703(7)(A)(i), permits the use of electronic, 

computer, or other technologic aids in connection with the play of Class II games. This part establishes 

the minimum technical standards governing the use of such aids. 

§ 547.2 How do these regulations affect state jurisdiction? 

Nothing in this part shall be construed to grant to a state jurisdiction over Class II gaming or to 

extend a state’s jurisdiction over Class III gaming. 

§ 547.3 What are the definitions for this part? 
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For the purposes of this part, the following definitions apply: 

Account AccessComponent,access component. A component within a Class II gaming system that 

reads or recognizes account access media and gives a patron the ability to interact with his or heran

account. 

Account AccessMedium,access medium. A magnetic stripe card or any other medium inserted into, 

or otherwise made to interact with, an account access component in order to give a patron the ability to 

interact with an account. 

Audit Mode,mode. The mode where it is possible to view Class II gaming system accounting 

functions, statistics, etc. and perform non-player-related functions. 

Agent, An employee or other. A person authorized by the gaming operation, as approved by the 

tribal gaming regulatory authority, designated for certainTGRA, to make decisions, tasks andor

actions inon the behalf of the gaming operation. This definition permits the use of computer 

applications to perform the function(s) of an agent.

Cancel Credit,credit. An action initiated by the Class II gaming system where some or all of a 

player’s credits are removed by an attendant and paid to the player. 

Cashless System,system. A system that performs cashless transactions and maintains records of 

those cashless transactions. 

Cashless Transaction,transaction. A movement of funds electronically from one component to 

another, often to or from a patron deposit account., or promotional account.

CD-ROM,. Compact Disc – Read Only Memory. 

Chairman,. The Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. 

Class II Game, The same as “classgame. Class II gaming” in shall have the same meaning as 

defined in 25 U.S.C. 2703(7)(A).
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Class II GamingSystem,gaming system. All components, whether or not technologic aids in 

electronic, computer, mechanical, or other technologic form, that function together to aid the play of 

one or more Class II games, including accounting functions mandated by these regulations. 

Commission,. The National Indian Gaming Commission established by the Indian Gaming 

Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq. 

Coupon,. A financial instrument of fixed wagering value, usually paper, that can only be used to 

acquire non-cashable credits through interaction with a voucher system. This does not include 

instruments such as printed advertising material that cannot be validated directly by a voucher system. 

Critical Memory,memory. Memory locations storing data essential to the functionality of the Class 

II gaming system. 

DLL,. A Dynamic-Link Library file. 

Download Package,package. Approved data sent to a component of a Class II gaming system for 

such purposes as changing the component software. 

DVD,. Digital Video Disk or Digital Versatile Disk. 

ElectromagneticInterference, The physical characteristic of an electronic component to emit

electronic noise either into free air, onto the power lines, or onto communication cables.

(Remark: Definition not used in this proposed draft.)

Electrostatic Discharge. A single-event, rapid transfer of electrostatic charge between two 

objects, usually resulting when two objects at different potentials come into direct contact with

each other. 

EPROM,. Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory – a storage area that may be filled with data 

and information, that once written is not modifiable, and that is retained even if there is no power 

applied to the machine. 

Fault,. An event that when detected by a Class II gaming system causes a discontinuance of game 

play or other component functions. 
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Financial Instrument,instrument. Any tangible item of value tendered in Class II game play, 

including, but not limited to, bills, coins, vouchers and coupons. 

Financial InstrumentAcceptor,instrument acceptor. Any component that accepts financial 

instruments, such as a bill validator. 

(Remark: Added clarity when referring to proposed TGWG draft Part 543.)

Financial InstrumentDispenser,instrument dispenser. Any component that dispenses financial 

instruments, such as a ticket printer. 

(Remark: Added clarity when referring to proposed TGWG draft Part 543.)

Financial InstrumentStorageComponent,instrument storage component. Any component that 

stores financial instruments., such as a drop box.

(Remark: Added clarity when referring to proposed TGWG draft Part 543.)

Flash Memory,memory. Non-volatile memory that retains its data when the power is turned off and 

that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed without being removed from the circuit board. 

Game Software,software. The operational program or programs that govern the play, display of 

results, and/or awarding of prizes or credits for Class II games. 

Gaming Equipment,equipment. All electronic, electro-mechanical, mechanical, or other physical 

components utilized in the play of Class II games. 

Hardware,. Gaming equipment. 

Interruption,. Any form of mis-operation, component failure, or interference to the Class II gaming 

equipment. 

Modification,. A revision to any hardware or software used in a Class II gaming system. 

Non-cashable Credit,credit. Credits given by an operator to a patron; placed on an Class II gaming 

system through a coupon, cashless transaction or other approved means; and capable of activating play 

but not being converted to cash. 

Patron. A person who is a customer or guest of the gaming operation and may interact with a 
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Class II game. Also may be referred to as a “player”.

Patron DepositAccount,deposit account. An account maintained on behalf of a patron, for the 

purpose of depositing and withdrawing cashable funds for the primary purpose of interacting with a 

gaming activity. 

Player Interface,interface. Any component or components of a Class II gaming system, including 

an electronic or technologic aid (not limited to terminals, player stations, handhelds, fixed units, etc.), 

that directly enables player interaction in a Class II game. 

Prize Schedule,schedule. The set of prizes available to players for achieving pre-designated 

patterns in the Class II game. 

Program StorageMedia,storage media. An electronic data storage component, such as a CD-ROM, 

EPROM, hard disk, or flash memory on which software is stored and from which software is read. 

Progressive Prize,prize. A prize that increases by a selectable or predefined amount based on play 

of a Class II game. 

Random NumberGeneratornumber generator (RNG),. A software module, hardware component or 

combination of these designed to produce outputs that are effectively random. 

Reflexive Software,software. Any software that has the ability to manipulate and/or replace a 

randomly generated outcome for the purpose of changing the results of a Class II game or deprives a 

player of a prize to which the player is otherwise entitled based on the random outcome of the game.

(Remark: The added language makes this definition more consistent with the industry 

understanding of reflexive technology. The proposed language operates to clearly identify the 

harm the provision is intended to prevent.)

Removable/RewritableStorageMedia,/rewritable storage media. Program or data storage 

components that can be removed from gaming equipment and be written to, or rewritten by, the gaming 

equipment or by other equipment designed for that purpose. 
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Server,. A computer that controls one or more applications or environments within a Class II 

gaming system. 

Test/DiagnosticsMode,diagnostics mode. A mode on a component that allows various tests to be 

performed on the Class II gaming system hardware and software. 

Testing Laboratory,laboratory. An organization recognized by a tribal gaming regulatory

authorityTGRA pursuant to § 547.4(f). 

TGRA. Tribal GamingRegulatoryAuthority. The gaming regulatory authority, which is the entity 

authorized by tribal law to regulate gaming conducted pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. 

Voucher,. A financial instrument of fixed wagering value, usually paper, that can only be used to 

acquire an equivalent value of cashable credits or cash through interaction with a voucher system. 

Voucher System,system. A component of the Class II gaming system or an external system that 

securely maintains records of vouchers and coupons; validates payment of vouchers; records successful 

or failed payments of vouchers and coupons; and controls the purging of expired vouchers and coupons. 

§ 547.4 How does a tribal government, tribalgamingregulatoryauthorityTGRA, or tribal gaming 

operation comply with this part? 

(a) (a) Limited immediate compliance. A tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA shall: 

(1) Require that all Class II gaming system software that affects the play of the Class II game

and were in operation prior to November 10, 2008 be submitted, together with the signature 

verification required by § 547.8(f), to a testing laboratory recognized pursuant to paragraph (f) of this 

section within 120 days after November 10, 2008.

(Remark: Submission under this provision was restricted to TGRAs and only provided for games in 

active operation on the effective date. Accordingly, manufacturers who may have had inactive 

games that would otherwise qualify for grandfather status would not have been able to qualify such 

games for grandfather status. To ensure that tribes are able to take advantage of all Class II systems 
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eligible for grandfather status, we propose the foregoing revision to this sub-section. We further 

note that any concerns with system integrity are addressed by the non-waive able provision 

governing the integrity of the grandfathered systems set forth in subpart 547.4.)

(2) (2) Require that the testing laboratory test the submission to the standards established by § 

547.8(b), § 547.8(f), § 547.14, the minimum probability standards of § 547.5(c), and to any additional 

technical standards adopted by the tribal gaming regulatory authority;TGRA; 

(Remark: Minimal probability standards are not applicable to Bingo.)

(3) (3) Require that the testing laboratory provide the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA with a 

formal written report setting forth and certifying to the findings and conclusions of the test; 

(i) The testing laboratory’s written report shall note the submission of any other compliance with 

applicable federal laws or regulations.

(Remark: Given that other federal agencies are responsible for establishing and enforcing electrical 

product safety standards, the NIGC lack’s jurisdiction over this subject matter. However, this section 

was added to clarify that it is industry standard for the laboratories to make note or include other 

laboratory certifications as provided by the manufacturer in their report.)

(4) (4) Make a finding, in the form of a certificate provided to the supplier or manufacturer of the 

Class II gaming system, that the Class II gaming system qualifies for grandfather status under the 

provisions of this section, but only upon receipt of a testing laboratory’s report that the Class II gaming 

system is compliant with § 547.8(b), § 547.8(f), the minimum probability standards of § 547.5(c), § 

547.14, and any other technical standards adopted by the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA. If 

the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA does not issue the certificate, or if the testing laboratory 

finds that the Class II gaming system is not compliant with § 547.8(b), § 547.8(f), the minimum

probability standards of § 547.5(c), § 547.14, or any other technical standards adopted by the tribal 

gaming regulatory authorityTGRA, then the gaming system shall immediately be removed from play 

and not be utilized. (See previous remark regarding minimal probability.)
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(5) (5) Retain a copy of any testing laboratory's report so long as the Class II gaming system that is the 

subject of the report remains available to the public for play; 

(6) (6) Retain a copy of any certificate of grandfather status so long as the Class II gaming system that 

is the subject of the certificate remains available to the public for play; and 

(7) (7) Require the supplier of any player interface to designate with a permanently affixed label each 

player interface with an identifying number and the date of manufacture or a statement that the date of 

manufacture was on or before the effective date of this part. The tribal gaming regulatory

authorityTGRA shall also require the supplier to provide a written declaration or affidavit affirming 

that the date of manufacture was on or before on or before November 10, 2008. 

(b) (b) Grandfather provisions. All Class II gaming systems manufactured or placed in a tribal facility 

on or before the effective date of this part and certified pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section are 

grandfathered Class II gaming systems for which the following provisions apply: 

(1) Grandfathered Class II gaming systems may continue in operation for a period of five

years from November 10, 2008.

(Remark: The proposed strike out is intended to rectify the economically burdensome and unfair 

effect of the rule as promulgated. In the first place, the rule as promulgated is unduly restrictive

and given that its promulgation was not supported by relevant and credible data, it is arbitrary and 

capricious as well. Operation of grandfathered Class II gaming systems under the existing 

grandfather provision demonstrate no reason to suggest retention any time restrictions on usage of 

the grandfathered Class II gaming systems. Additionally, any concerns with system integrity are 

addressed by the non-waive able provision governing the integrity of the grandfathered systems set 

forth in subpart 547.4. Finally, any concerns with regard to product safety standards are within the 

jurisdiction of other agencies and therefore beyond the scope of NIGC jurisdiction.)

(2) (1) Grandfathered Class II gaming system shall be available for use at any tribal gaming facility 

subject to approval by the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA, which shall transmit its notice of 
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that approval, identifying the grandfathered Class II gaming system and its components, to the 

Commission. 

(3) (2) As permitted by the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA, individual hardware or software 

components of a grandfathered Class II gaming system may be repaired or replaced to ensure proper 

functioning, security, or integrity of the grandfathered Class II gaming system. 

(4) (3) All modifications that affect the play of a grandfathered Class II gaming system must be 

approved pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, except for the following: 

(i) Any software modifications that the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA finds will 

maintain or advance the system's overall compliance with this part or any applicable provisions of parts

542 andpart 543 of this chapter, after receiving a new testing laboratory report that the modifications 

are compliant with the standards established by § 547.8(b), the minimum probability requirements of§ 

547.5(c), § 547.14, and any other standards adopted by the tribal gaming regulatory authority;TGRA;

(Remark: Reference to part 542 removed throughout the proposed draft part 547 because it is not 

applicable to minimal technical standards for gaming equipment used with the play of Class II games.)

(ii) Any hardware modifications that the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA finds will 

maintain or advance the system’s overall compliance with this part or any applicable provisions of parts

542 andpart 543 of this chapter; and 

(iii) Any other modification to the software of a grandfathered Class II gaming system that the 

tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA finds will not detract from, compromise or prejudice: 

(A) (A) The proper functioning, security, or integrity of the Class II gaming system, and 

(B) The gaming system’s overall compliance with the requirements of this part or any applicable 

provisions of parts 542 andpart 543 of this chapter. 

(iv) No such modification may be implemented without the approval of the tribal gaming

regulatory authority TGRA. The tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA shall maintain a record of 

the modification so long as the Class II gaming system that is the subject of the modification remains 
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available to the public for play and shall make the record available to the Commission upon request. 

The Commission will only make available for public review records or portions of records subject to 

release under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552; the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a; or 

the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. 2716(a). 

(c) (c) Submission, testing, and approval - generally. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (d) of 

this section, no tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA shall permit in a tribal gaming operation the 

use of any Class II gaming system, or any associated cashless system or voucher system or any 

modification thereto, unless: 

(1) (1) The Class II gaming system, cashless system, voucher payment system, or modification has 

been submitted to a testing laboratory; 

(2) The (2) A TGRA shall require a testing laboratory teststo test the submission to the standards 

established by:

(i) This part; 

(ii) Any applicable provisions of parts 542 andpart 543 of this chapter that are testable by the 

testing laboratory; and 

(iii) The tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA;

(3) (3) The testing laboratory provides a formal written report to the party making the submission, 

setting forth and certifying to its findings and conclusions; and 

(4)(i) (4)(i) Following receipt of the testing laboratory's report, the tribal gaming regulatory

authorityTGRA makes a finding that the Class II gaming system, cashless system, or voucher system 

conforms to the standards established by: 

(A) This part; 

(B) Any applicable provisions of parts 542 andpart 543 of this chapter that are testable by the 

testing laboratory; and 

(C) The tribal gaming regulatory authority TGRA. 
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(ii) The tribal gaming regulatory authority TGRA shall retain a copy of the testing laboratory's report 

so long as the Class II gaming system, cashless system, voucher system, or modification thereto that is 

the subject of the report remains available to the public for play in its gaming operation. 

(d) (d) Emergency hardware and software modifications.

(1) A tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA, in its discretion, may permit modified hardware or 

software to be made available for play without prior laboratory testing or review if the modified 

hardware or software is: 

(i) Necessary to correct a problem affecting the fairness, security, or integrity of a game or 

accounting system or any cashless system, or voucher system; or 

(ii) Unrelated to game play, an accounting system, a cashless system, or a voucher system. 

(2) If a tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA authorizes new or modified software or hardware to 

be made available for play or use without prior testing laboratory review, the tribal gaming regulatory

authorityTGRA shall thereafter require the hardware or software manufacturer to: 

(i) Immediately advise other users of the same hardware or software of the importance and 

availability of the update; 

(ii) Immediately submit the new or modified hardware or software to a testing laboratory for 

testing and verification of compliance with this part and any applicable provisions of parts 542 andpart

543 of this chapter that are testable by the testing laboratory; and 

(iii) Immediately provide the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA with a software signature 

verification tool meeting the requirements of § 547.8(f) for any new or modified software. 

(3) If a tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA authorizes a software or hardware modification under 

this paragraph, it shall maintain a record of the modification and a copy of the testing laboratory report 

so long as the Class II gaming system that is the subject of the modification remains available to the 

public for play and shall make the record available to the Commission upon request. The Commission 

will only make available for public review records or portions of records subject to release under the 
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Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552; the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a; or the Indian 

Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. 2716(a). 

(e) Compliance by charitable gaming operations. This part shall not apply to charitable gaming 

operations, provided that: 

(1) The tribal government determines that the organization sponsoring the gaming operation is a 

charitable organization; 

(2) All proceeds of the charitable gaming operation are for the benefit of the charitable organization; 

(3) The tribal gaming regulatory authority TGRA permits the charitable organization to be exempt 

from this part; 

(4) The charitable gaming operation is operated wholly by the charitable organization’s employees or 

volunteers; and 

(5) The annual gross gaming revenue of the charitable gaming operation does not exceed $1,000,000. 

(f) Testing laboratories. (1) A testing laboratory may provide the examination, testing, evaluating and 

reporting functions required by this section provided that: 

(i) It demonstrates its integrity, independence and financial stability to the tribal gaming

regulatory authority.TGRA. 

(ii) It demonstrates its technical skill and capability to the tribal gaming regulatory

authority.TGRA. 

(iii) ItIf the testing laboratory is not owned or operated by the same tribe or tribal gaming 

regulatory authoritytribe the testing laboratory must be independent from the manufacturer and

gaming operator for whom it is providing the testing, evaluating, and reporting functions required by 

this section.

(Remark: The existing rule improperly restricts tribes from owning or operating test laboratories. The 

proposed revision corrects this problem, while at the same time ensuring independence and the 

appropriate segregation of function.)
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(iv) The tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA:

(A) Makes a suitability determination of the testing laboratory based upon standards no less 

stringent than those set out in §§ 533.6(b)(1)(ii) through (v) of this chapter and based upon no less 

information than that required by § 537.1 of this chapter, or 

(B) Accepts, in its discretion, a determination of suitability for the testing laboratory made by any other 

gaming regulatory authority in the United States. 

(v) After reviewing the suitability determination and the information provided by the testing laboratory, 

the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA determines that the testing laboratory is qualified to test 

and evaluate Class II gaming systems. 

(2) The tribal gaming regulatory authority TGRA shall: 

(i) Maintain a record of all determinations made pursuant to paragraphs (f)(1)(iv) and (f)(1)(v) of 

this section for a minimum of three years and shall make the records available to the Commission upon 

request. The Commission will only make available for public review records or portions of records 

subject to release under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552; the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 

U.S.C. 552a; or the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. 2716(a). 

(ii) Place the testing laboratory under a continuing obligation to notify it of any adverse regulatory 

action in any jurisdiction where the testing laboratory conducts business. 

(iii) Require the testing laboratory to provide notice of any material changes to the information 

provided to the tribal gaming regulatory authority.TGRA. 

§ 547.5 What are the rules of interpretation and of general application for this part? 

(a) (a) Minimum standards. A tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA may establish and implement 

additional technical standards that are as stringent as, or more stringent than, those set out in this part. 

(b) (b) Only applicable standards apply. Gaming equipment and software used with Class II gaming 

systems shall meet all applicable requirements of this part. For example, if a Class II gaming system 

lacks the ability to print or accept vouchers, then any standards that govern vouchers do not apply. 
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(c) (c) Fairness. No Class II gaming system shall cheat or mislead users. All prizes advertised shall be 

available to win during the game. No progressive prize shall have a probability of winning less than

1 in 100,000,000. No other prize shall have a probability of winning less than 1 in 50,000,000.Test 

laboratory shall calculate and/or verify the mathematical expectations of game play, where applicable,

in accordance with the manufacturer stated submission. The results shall be included in the test 

laboratory’s report to the TGRA. 

(Remark: This correctly states the terms applicable to the game of Bingo where use of the term 

mathematical probability standards is incorrect. In Bingo, it is appropriate to require the manufacturer 

to disclose to TGRA the mathematical expectations of the game and to have the laboratories such 

mathematical expectations. In the existing rule the NIGC included an admittedly arbitrary probability 

standard that unfairly operates to limit game design and is not consistent with the probability standards 

applicable to most, if not all, charitable bingo operations and state lotteries.)

(d) (d) Approved equipment and software only. All gaming equipment and software used with Class II 

gaming systems shall be identical in all respects to a prototype reviewed and tested by a testing 

laboratory and approved for use by the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA pursuant to § 547.4(a)

through (c). Unapproved software shall not be loaded onto or stored on any program storage medium 

used in a Class II gaming system, except as provided in § 547.4(d).

(e) (e) Proper functioning. All gaming equipment and software used with Class II gaming systems 

shall perform according to the manufacturer’s design and operating specifications. 

(f) (f) No Limitation of Technology. This part should not be interpreted to limit the use of technology or 

to preclude the use of technology not specifically referenced. 

(g) (g) Severability. If any provision of this part is declared invalid by a court of competent 

jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the remainder of this part. 

§ 547.6 What are the minimum technical standards for enrolling and enabling Class II gaming 

system components? 
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(a) (a) General requirements. Class II gaming systems shall provide a method to: 

(1) Enroll and unenroll system components; 

(2) (2) Enable and disable specific system components. 

(b) Specific requirements. Class II gaming systems shall: 

(1) (1) Ensure that only enrolled and enabled system components participate in gaming; and 

(2) (2) Ensure that the default condition for components shall be unenrolled and disabled. 

§ 547.7 What are the minimum technical hardware standards applicable to Class II gaming 

systems? 

(a) Generalrequirements. (1) The Class II gaming system shall operate in compliance with

applicable regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

(2) Prior to approval by the tribal gaming regulatory authority pursuant to §

547.4(c), the Class II gaming system shall have obtained from 

Underwriters’ Laboratories, or its equivalent, relevant certification(s) 

required for equipment of its type, including but not limited to 

certifications for liquid spills, electromagnetic interference, etc.

(Remark: Other federal agencies are responsible for establishing and enforcing electrical product safety 

standards. Accordingly, promulgation of such standards is beyond the scope of NIGC jurisdiction.

However, sub-part 547.4 (a)(3)(i) is proposed above to reflect that it is industry standard for the 

laboratories to make note or include other laboratory certifications as provided by the manufacturer in 

their report.)

(b)(a) Printed circuit boards.

(1) Printed circuit boards that have the potential to affect the outcome or integrity of the game, 

and are specially manufactured or proprietary and not off-the-shelf, shall display a 

unique identifier such as a part number and/or revision number, which shall be updated 
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to reflect new revisions or modifications of the board. 

(2) Switches or jumpers on all circuit boards that have the potential to affect the outcome or 

integrity of any game, progressive award, financial instrument, cashless transaction, 

voucher transaction, or accounting records shall be capable of being sealed. 

(c) (b) Electrostatic discharge. Class II gaming system components accessible to the public shall be 

constructed so that they exhibit immunity to human body electrostatic discharges on areas exposed to 

contact. Static discharges of ±15 kV for air discharges and ±7.5 kV for contact discharges may not 

cause damage, or inhibit operation or integrity of the Class II gaming system. 

(d) (c) Physical enclosures. Physical enclosures shall be of a robust construction designed to resist 

determined illegal entry. All protuberances and attachments such as buttons, identification plates, and 

labels shall be sufficiently robust to avoid unauthorized removal. 

(e) (d) Player interface. The player interface shall include a method or means to: 

(1) Display information to a player; and 

(2) Allow the player to interact with the Class II gaming system. 

(f) (e) Account access components. A Class II gaming system component that reads account access 

media shall be located within a secure, locked or tamper-evident area or in a cabinet or housing that is 

of a robust construction designed to resist determined illegal entry and to protect internal components. 

In addition, the account access component: 

(1) (1) Shall be constructed so that physical tampering leaves evidence of such tampering; and 

(2) (2) Shall provide a method to enable the Class II gaming system to interpret and act upon valid or 

invalid input or error condition. 

(g) (f) Financial instrument storage components. Any Class II gaming system components that store 

financial instruments and that are not designed to be operated under the direct control of a gaming 

operation employee or agent shall be located within a secure and locked area or in a locked cabinet or 
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housing that is of a robust construction designed to resist determined illegal entry and to protect internal 

components.

(Remark: Technical Standards should only cover the design of the component; operation of the 

component should be covered in the MICS.)

(h) (g) Financial instrument acceptors. (1) Any Class II gaming system components that handle 

financial instruments and that are not designed to be operated under the direct control of an agent shall:

(Remark: Technical Standards should only cover the design of the component; operation of the 

component should be covered in the MICS.)

(i) Be located within a secure, locked and tamper-evident area or in a locked cabinet or housing 

that is of a robust construction designed to resist determined illegal entry and to protect internal 

components; 

(ii) Be able to detect the entry of valid or invalid financial instruments and to provide a method to 

enable the Class II gaming system to interpret and act upon valid or invalid input or error condition; and 

(iii) Be constructed to permit communication with the Class II gaming system of the accounting 

information required by § 547.9(a) and by applicable provisions of any Commission and tribal gaming 

regulatory regulations governing minimum internal control standards. 

(2) (2) Prior to completion of a valid financial instrument transaction by the Class II gaming system, no 

monetary amount related to that instrument shall be available for play. For example, credits shall not be 

available for play until currency or coupon inserted into an acceptor is secured in the storage 

component. 

(3) (3) The monetary amount related to all valid financial instrument transactions by the Class II 

gaming system shall be recorded as required by § 547.9(a) and the applicable provisions of any 

Commission and tribal gaming regulatory authority TGRA regulations governing minimum internal 

control standards.

(ih) Financial instrument dispensers.
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(1) Any Class II gaming system components that dispense financial instruments and that are not 

designed to be operated under the direct control of a gaming operation employee or agent shall:

(Remark: Technical Standards should only cover the design of the component; operation of the 

component should be covered in the MICS.)

(i) Be located within a secure, locked and tamper-evident area or in a locked cabinet or housing 

that is of a robust construction designed to resist determined illegal entry and to protect internal 

components; 

(ii) Provide a method to enable the Class II gaming system to interpret and act upon valid or 

invalid input or error condition; and 

(iii) Be constructed to permit communication with the Class II gaming system of the accounting 

information required by § 547.9(a) and by applicable provisions of any Commission and tribal gaming 

regulatory regulations governing minimum internal control standards. 

(2) (2) The monetary amount related to all valid financial instrument transactions by the Class II 

gaming system shall be recorded as required by § 547.9(a), the applicable provisions of parts 542

andpart 543 of this chapter, and any tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA regulations governing 

minimum internal control standards. 

(ji) Game Outcome Determination Components. Any Class II gaming system logic components 

that affect the game outcome and that are not designed to be operated under the direct control of a 

gaming operation employee or agent shall be located within a secure, locked and tamper-evident area or 

in a locked cabinet or housing that is of a robust construction designed to resist determined illegal entry 

and to protect internal components. DIP switches or jumpers that can affect the integrity of the Class II 

gaming system must be capable of being sealed by the tribal gaming regulatory authority.TGRA. 

(k) (j) Door access detection. All components of the Class II gaming system that are locked in order to 

meet the requirements of this part shall include a sensor or other methods to monitor an open door. A 
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door open sensor, and its components or cables, shall be secure against attempts to disable them or 

interfere with their normal mode of operation;. 

(lk) Separation of functions/no limitations on technology. Nothing herein shall prohibit the 

account access component, financial instrument storage component, financial instrument acceptor, and 

financial instrument dispenser from being included within the same component, or separated into 

individual components. 

§ 547.8 What are the minimum technical software standards applicable to Class II gaming 

systems? 

This section provides general software standards for Class II gaming systems for the play of Class II 

games, including where applicable games similar to bingo.

(a) (a) Player interface displays. (1) If not otherwise provided to the player, the player interface shall 

display the following: 

(i) The purchase or wager amount; 

(ii) Game results; and

(iii) Any player credit balance. 

(2) (2) Between plays of any game and until the start of the next play, or until the player selects a new 

game option such as purchase or wager amount or card selection, whichever is earlier, if not otherwise 

provided to the player, the player interface shall display: 

(i) The total purchase or wager amount and all prizes and total credits won for the last game 

played; 

(ii) The final results for the last game played, including entertaining displays of results, if any; 

and 

(Remarks: In Bingo gaming systems, game outcome is displayed on the bingo card located on the 

player interface which is independent of, and separate from, any entertaining display. Because an 

entertaining display cannot in anyway affect the player outcome of the game, it is irrelevant for 
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regulatory purposes. Furthermore, inclusion of regulatory language concerning entertaining displays 

creates a false appearance of legal relevancy that enhances the potential for patron disputes. We,

therefore, have proposed the removal of this language.)

(iii) Any default purchase or wager amount for the next play. 

(b) (b) Game initiation and play. (1) Each game played on the Class II gaming system shall follow and 

not deviate from a constant set of rules for each game provided to players pursuant to § 547.16. Any

change in rules constitutes a different game. There shall be no automatic or undisclosed changes of 

rules.

(Remark: These statements have caused much confusion in the industry, particularly the 

laboratories. To eliminate this confusion, we propose removal of these statements as they are 

redundant with the first sentence.)

(2) For bingo games and games similar to bingo,The Class II gaming system shall not alter or allow 

to be altered the card permutations or game rules used for play of a Class II game unless specifically 

chosen by the player prior to commitment to participate in the game. No duplicate cards shall be sold 

for any common draw. 

(Remark: Removed “game rules” reference because it is addressed in 547.8 (b)(1) above.)

(3) No game play shall commence and, no financial instrument or credit shall be accepted on the 

affected player interface, in the presence of any fault condition that affects the outcome of the game, 

open door, or while in test, audit, or lock-up mode. 

(4) The player must choose to participate in the play of a game. 

(c) Audit Mode. (1) If an audit mode is provided, the Class II gaming system shall provide, for those 

components actively involved in the audit: 

(i) All accounting functions required by § 547.9, by applicable provisions of any 

Commission regulations governing minimum internal control standards, and by any 

internal controls adopted by the tribe or tribal gaming regulatory authority;TGRA; 
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(ii) Display player interface identification; and 

(iii) Display software version or game identification; 

(2) Audit mode shall be accessible by a secure method such as an employee or agent PIN and ,key or 

other auditable access control.

(Remark: Removed “and” to eliminate confusion that multiple controls may be required.)

(3) (3) Accounting function data shall be accessible by an agent authorized person at any time, except 

during a payout, during a handpay, or during play. 

(4) (4) The Class II gaming system shall disable financial instrument acceptance on the affected player 

interface while in audit mode, except during financial instrument acceptance testing. 

(d) (d) Last bingo game play recall. The last bingo game play recall function shall: 

(Remark: The term “play” clarifies the need to identify the activity of a specific bingo game play

instance.)

(1) (1) Be retrievable at all times, other than when the recall component is involved in the play of a 

game, upon the operation of an external key- switch, entry of an audit card, or a similar method; 

(2) (2) Display the results of recalled bingo games play as originally displayed or in text representation

, including entertaining display results implemented in video, rather than electro-mechanical, form,

if any, so as to enable thetribal gaming regulatory authority TGRA or operator to clearly identify the 

bingo game play sequences and results that occurred;

(Remarks: The entertaining display has no legal significance to the outcome of the play of a bingo 

game. Its inclusion in any regulation is therefore legally inappropriate. The decision to display the 

entertaining display as a record should be a business decision made by the gaming operation, TGRA, 

and/or manufacturer. This is solely a business decision between the all parties, therefore a federal 

requirement is inappropriate. See previous remark for 547.8 (a)(2)(ii).)
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(3) (3) Allow the Class II gaming system component providing bingo game play recall, upon return to 

normal game play mode, to restore any affected display to the positions, forms and values displayed 

before access to the bingo game play recall information; and 

(4) (4) Provide the following information for the current and previous four bingo games played plays

and shall display: 

(i) Game Play start time, end time, and date; 

(ii) The total number of credits at the start of play, less the purchase or wager amount; 

(iii) The purchase or wager amount; 

(iv) The total number of credits at the end of play; and 

(v) The total number of credits won as a result of the bingo game play recalled, and the value in 

dollars and cents for progressive prizes, if different. 

(vi) For bingo games and, where applicable, games similar to bingo only, also display: 

(A) The card(s) used by the player; 

(B) The identifier of the bingo game played; 

(C) The numbers or other designations drawn, in the order that they were drawn; 

(D) The numbers or other designations and prize patterns covered on each card; 

(E) All prizes won by the player, including winning patterns and entertaining displays

implemented in video, rather than electro- mechanical form, if any; and 

(Remark: See previous remark for 547.8 (a)(2)(ii).)

(F) The unique identifier of the card on which prizes were won; 

(vii) For pull-tab games only, also display:

(A) The result(s) of each pull-tab, displayed in the same pattern as on

the tangible pull-tab;

(B) All prizes won by the player;

(C) The unique identifier of each pull tab; and
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(D) Any other information necessary to fully reconstruct the 

current and four previous plays.

(e) (e) Voucher and credit transfer recall. Notwithstanding the requirements of any other section 

in this part, a Class II gaming system shall have the capacity to: 

(1) (1) Display the information specified in § 547.11(b)(5)(ii) through (vi) for the last five vouchers 

or coupons printed and the last five vouchers or coupons accepted; and 

(2) (2) Display a complete transaction history for the last five cashless transactions made and the 

last five cashless transactions accepted. 

(f) (f) Software signature verification. The manufacturer or developer of the Class II gaming system 

must provide to the testing laboratory and to the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA an industrystandard methodology, acceptable to the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA, for verifying the 

Class II gaming system game software. By way of illustration, for game software stored on rewritable 

media, such methodologies include signature algorithms and hashing formulas such as SHA-1. 

(g) (g) Test, diagnostic, and demonstration modes. If test, diagnostic, and/or demonstration modes are 

provided, the Class II gaming system shall, for those components actively involved in the test, 

diagnostic, or demonstration mode: 

(1) Clearly indicate when that component is in the test, diagnostic, or demonstration mode; 

(2) Not alter financial data on that component other than temporary data; 

(3) Only be available after entering a specific mode; 

(4) (4) Disable credit acceptance and payment unless credit acceptance or payment is being tested; and 

(5) (5) Terminate all mode-specific functions upon exiting a mode. 

(h) Multi-game. If multiple games are offered for player selection at the player interface, the player 

interface shall: 

(1) (1) Provide a display of available games; 

(2) (2) Provide the means of selecting among them; 
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(3) (3) Display the full amount of the player’s credit balance;

(4) Identify the game selected or being played; and 

(5) (5) Not force the play of a game after its selection. 

(i) Program interruption and resumption. The Class II gaming system software shall be 

designed so that upon resumption following any interruption, the system: 

(1) (1) Is able to return to a known state; 

(2) Shall check for any fault condition upon resumption; 

(3) (3) Shall verify the integrity of data stored in critical memory; 

(4) (4) Shall return the purchase or wager amount to the player in accordance with the rules of the 

game; and 

(5) (5) Shall detect any change or corruption in the Class II gaming system software. 

(j) Class II gaming system components acting as progressive controllers. This paragraph applies 

to progressive controllers and components acting as progressive controllers in Class II gaming systems. 

(1) (1) Modification of progressive parameters shall be conducted in a secure manner approved by the 

tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA. Such parameters may include: 

(i) Increment value; 

(ii) Secondary pool increment(s); 

(iii) Reset amount(s); 

(iv) Maximum value(s); and 

(v) (v) Identity of participating player interfaces. 

(2) (2) The Class II gaming system component or other progressive controller shall provide a means of 

creating a progressive balancing report for each progressive link it controls. At a minimum, that report 

shall provide balancing of the changes of the progressive amount, including progressive prizes won, for 

all participating player interfaces versus current progressive amount(s), plus progressive prizes. In 

addition, the report shall account for, and not be made inaccurate by, unusual events such as: 
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(i) Class II gaming system critical memory clears; 

(ii) Modification, alteration, or deletion of progressive prizes; 

(iii) Offline equipment; or 

(iv) Multiple site progressive prizes. 

(k) (k) Critical memory. (1) Critical memory may be located anywhere within the Class II gaming 

system. Critical memory is any memory that maintains any of the following data: 

(i) Accounting data; 

(ii) Current credits; 

(iii) Configuration data; 

(iv) Last game play recall information required by § 547.8(d); 

(v) Game play recall information for the current game play , if incomplete; 

(vi) Software state (the last normal state software was in before interruption); 

(vii) RNG seed(s), if necessary for maintaining integrity; 

(viii) Encryption keys, if necessary for maintaining integrity; 

(ix) Progressive prize parameters and current values; 

(x) The five most recent financial instruments accepted by type, excluding coins and tokens; 

(xi) The five most recent financial instruments dispensed by type, excluding coins and tokens; and 

(xii) The five most recent cashless transactions paid and the five most recent cashless transactions 

accepted. 

(2) (2) Critical memory shall be maintained using a methodology that enables errors to be identified 

and acted upon. All accounting and recall functions shall be verified as necessary to ensure their 

ongoing integrity. 

(3) (3) The validity of affected data stored in critical memory shall be checked after each of the 

following events: 

(i) Every restart; 
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(ii) Each attendant paid win; 

(iii) Each attendant paid progressive win; 

(iv) Each sensored door closure; and 

(v) (v) Every reconfiguration, download, or change of prize schedule or denomination requiring 

operator intervention or action. 

(l) Secured access. Class II gaming systems that use a logon or other means of secured access 

shall include a user account lockout after a predetermined number of consecutive failed attempts to 

access system. 

§ 547.9 What are the minimum technical standards for Class II gaming system accounting 

functions? 

This section provides standards for accounting functions used in Class II gaming systems. 

(a) (a) Required accounting data. The following minimum accounting data, however named, shall be 

maintained by the Class II gaming system. 

(1) Amount In: The total value of all financial instruments and cashless transactions accepted by 

the Class II gaming system. Each type of financial instrument accepted by the Class II gaming 

system shall be tracked independently per financial instrument acceptor, and as required by 

applicable requirements of any Commission and tribal gaming regulatory authority the TGRA

regulations governing minimum internal control standards.

(2) Amount Out: The total value of all financial instruments and cashless transactions paid by 

the Class II gaming system, plus the total value of attendant pay. Each type of financial 

instrument paid by the Class II Gaming System shall be tracked independently per financial 

instrument dispenser, and as required by applicable requirements of any Commission and tribal 

gaming regulatory authority the TGRA regulations governing minimum internal control 

standards.

(b) (b) Accounting data storage. If the Class II gaming system electronically maintains 
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accounting data: 

(1) (1) Accounting data shall be stored with at least eight decimal digits. 

(2) (2) Credit balances shall have sufficient digits to accommodate the design of the game. 

(3) (3) Accounting data displayed to the player may be incremented or decremented using visual 

effects, but the internal storage of this data shall be immediately updated in full. 

(4) (4) Accounting data shall be updated upon the occurrence of the relevant accounting event. 

(5) (5) Modifications to accounting data shall be recorded, including the identity of the person(s) 

making the modifications, and be reportable by the Class II gaming system. 

(c) (c) Rollover. Accounting data that rolls over to zero shall not corrupt data. 

(d) (d) Credit balance display and function. (1) Any credit balance maintained at the player 

interface shall be prominently displayed at all times except: 

(i) In audit, configuration, recall and test modes; or 

(ii) Temporarily, during entertaining displays of game results. 

(2) (2) Progressive prizes may be added to the player’s credit balance provided: 

(i) The player credit balance is maintained in dollars and cents; 

(ii) The progressive accounting data is incremented in number of credits; or 

(iii) The prize in dollars and cents is converted to player credits or transferred to the player’s 

credit balance in a manner that does not mislead the player or cause accounting imbalances. 

(3) (3) If the player credit balance displays in credits, but the actual balance includes fractional 

credits, the Class II gaming system shall display the fractional credit when the player credit balance 

drops below one credit. 

§ 547.10 What are the minimum standards for Class II gaming system critical events? 

This section provides standards for events such as system critical faults, deactivation, door 

open or other changes of states, and lockup within the Class II gaming system. 

(a) (a) Fault events. (1) The following events are to be treated as described below: 
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Events Definition and action to be taken

(i) Component fault

(ii) Financial storage component 

full

(iii) Financial output component 

empty

(iv) Financial component fault

(v) Critical memory error

(vi) Progressive communication 

fault

(vii) Program storage medium 

fault

Reported when a fault on a component is detected. When possible, this event

message should indicate what the nature of the fault is.

Reported when a financial instrument acceptor or dispenser includes 

storage, and it becomes full. This event message should indicate what 

financial storage component is full.

Reported when a financial instrument dispenser is empty. The event 

message should indicate which financial output component is affected, 

and whether it is empty.

Reported when an occurrence on a financial component results in a 

known fault state.

Some critical memory error has occurred. When a non-correctable 

critical memory error has occurred, the data on the Class II gaming 

system component can no longer be considered reliable. Accordingly, 

any game play on the affected component shall cease immediately, and 

an appropriate message shall be displayed, if possible. 

If applicable; when communications with a progressive controller 

component is in a known fault state. 

The software has failed its own internal security check or the medium 

itself has some fault. 

Any game play on the affected component shall cease immediately, and 

an appropriate message shall be displayed, if possible.

(2) (2) The occurrence of any event identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be recorded. 

(3) (3) Upon clearing any event identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Class II gaming 

system shall: 

(i) Record that the fault condition has been cleared; 

(ii) Ensure the integrity of all related accounting data; and 

(iii) In the case of a malfunction, return a player’s purchase or wager according to the rules of 

the game. 
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(b) (b) Door open/close events. (1) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this 

section, the Class II gaming system shall perform the following for any component affected by any 

sensored door open event: 

(i) Indicate that the state of a sensored door changes from closed to open or opened to 

closed; 

(ii) Disable all financial instrument acceptance, unless a test mode is entered; 

(iii) Disable game play on the affected player interface; 

(iv) Disable player inputs on the affected player interface, unless test mode is entered; and 

(v) (v) Disable all financial instrument disbursement, unless a test mode is entered. 

(2) (2) The Class II gaming system may return the component to a ready to play state when all 

sensored doors are closed. 

(c) (c) Non-fault events. (1) The following non-fault events are to be treated as described below, if 

applicable:

Event Definition and action to be taken

(i) Player interface power off 

during play 

(ii) Player interface power on

(iii) Financial instrument storage 

component container/ 

stacker removed

This condition is reported by the affected component(s) to indicate power 

has been lost during game play. 

This condition is reported by the affected component(s) to indicate it has 

been turned on. 

This condition is reported when a financial instrument storage container 

has been removed. The event message should indicate which storage 

container was removed. 

§ 547.11 What are the minimum technical standards for money and credit handling? 

This section provides standards for money and credit handling by a Class II gaming system. 

(a) (a) Credit acceptance, generally. (1) Upon any credit acceptance, the Class II gaming system 

shall register the correct number of credits on the player’s credit balance. 

(2) (2) The Class II gaming system shall reject financial instruments deemed invalid. 
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(b) (b) Credit redemption, generally. (1) For cashable credits on a player interface, players shall 

be allowed to cash out and/or redeem those credits at the player interface except when that player 

interface is: 

(i) Involved in the play of a game; 

(ii) In audit mode, recall mode or any test mode; 

(iii) Detecting any sensored door open condition; 

(iv) Updating the player credit balance or total win accounting data; or 

(v) Displaying a fault condition that would prevent cash-out or credit redemption. In this 

case a fault indication shall be displayed. 

(2) (2) For cashable credits not on a player interface, the player shall be allowed to cash out and/or 

redeem those credits at any time. 

(3) (3) A Class II gaming system shall not automatically pay an award subject to mandatory tax 

reporting or withholding. 

(4) (4) Credit redemption by voucher or coupon shall conform to the following: 

(i) A Class II gaming system may redeem credits by issuing a voucher or coupon when it 

communicates with a voucher system that validates the voucher or coupon. 

(ii) A Class II gaming system that redeems credits by issuing vouchers and coupons shall 

either: 

(A) (A) Maintain an electronic record of all information required by paragraphs (b)(5)(ii) through 

(vi) of this section; or 

(B) (B) Generate two identical copies of each voucher or coupon issued, one to be provided to the 

player and the other to be retained within the machine for audit purposes. 

(5) (5) Valid vouchers and coupons shall contain the following: 

(i) Gaming operation name and location; 
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(ii) The identification number of the Class II gaming system component or the player 

interface number, as applicable; 

(iii) Date and time of issuance; 

(iv) Alpha and numeric dollar amount; 

(v) A sequence number; 

(vi) A validation number that: 

(A) (A) Is produced by a means specifically designed to prevent repetition of validation numbers; 

and 

(B) (B) Has some form of checkcode or other form of information redundancy to prevent 

prediction of subsequent validation numbers without knowledge of the checkcode algorithm and 

parameters; 

(vii) For machine-readable vouchers and coupons, a bar code or other form of machine 

readable representation of the validation number, which shall have enough redundancy and error 

checking to ensure that 99.9% of all misreads are flagged as errors; 

(viii) Transaction type or other method of differentiating voucher and coupon types; and 

(ix) Expiration period or date. 

(6) (6) Transfers from an account may not exceed the balance of that account. 

(7) For Class II gaming systems not using dollars and cents accounting and not having odd 

cents accounting, the Class II gaming system shall reject any transfers from voucher payment 

systems or cashless systems that are not even multiples of the Class II gaming system 

denomination. 

(8) (8) Voucher redemption systems shall include the ability to report redemptions per redemption 

location or user. 

§ 547.12 What are the minimum technical standards for downloading on a Class II gaming 

system? 
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This section provides standards for downloading on a Class II gaming system. 

(a) (a) Downloads. (1) Downloads are an acceptable means of transporting approved content, 

including but not limited to software, files, data, and prize schedules. 

(2) Downloads of software, games, prize schedules, or other download packages shall be 

conducted only as authorized by the tribal gaming regulatory authority.TGRA. 

(3) (3) Downloads shall use secure methodologies that will deliver the download data without 

alteration or modification, in accordance with § 547.15(a). 

(4) (4) Downloads conducted during operational periods shall be performed in a manner that will 

not affect game play. 

(5) (5) Downloads shall not affect the integrity of accounting data. 

(6) (6) The Class II gaming system or the tribal gaming regulatory authorityTGRA shall log each 

download of any download package. Each log record shall contain as a minimum: 

(i) The time and date of the initiation of the download; 

(ii) The time and date of the completion of the download; 

(iii) The Class II gaming system components to which software was downloaded; 

(iv) The version(s) of download package and any software downloaded. Logging of the unique 

software signature will satisfy this requirement; 

(v) (v) The outcome of any software verification following the download (success or failure); and 

(vi) The name and identification number, or other unique identifier, of any individual(s) 

conducting or scheduling a download. 

(b) (b) Verifying downloads. Following download of any gameDownloaded software, the on a

Class II gaming system shall verify the downloaded softwarebe verified by the Class II gaming 

system using a software signature verification method that meets the requirements of § 547.8(f). 

Using any method it deems appropriate, the tribal gaming regulatory authority shall confirm the

verification.
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(Remark: The last sentence was removed because it is a MICS issue and is addressed in the TGWG

proposed draft part 543.)

§ 547.13 What are the minimum technical standards for program storage media? 

This section provides minimum standards for removable, (re-)writable, and nonwritable 

storage media in Class II gaming systems. 

(a) (a) Removable program storage media. All removable program storage media shall maintain 

an internal checksum or signature of its contents. Verification of this checksum or signature is to 

be performed after every restart. If the verification fails, the affected Class II gaming system 

component(s) shall lock up and enter a fault state. 

(b) Nonrewritable program storage media. (1) All EPROMs and Programmable Logic Devices 

(PLDs) that have erasure windows shall be fitted with covers over their erasure windows. 

(2) (2) All unused areas of EPROMs shall be written with the inverse of the erased state (e.g., zero 

bits (00 hex) for most EPROMs), random data, or repeats of the program data. 

(3) (3) Flash memory storage components intended to have the same logical function as ROM, i.e.

not to be dynamically written, shall be write- protected or otherwise protected from unauthorized 

modification. 

(4) (4) The write cycle shall be closed or finished for all CD-ROMs such that it is not possible to 

write any further data to the CD. 

(5) (5) Write protected hard disks are permitted if the hardware means of enabling the write 

protect is easily viewable and can be sealed in place Write protected hard disks are permitted using 

software write protection verifiable by a testing laboratory. 

(c) (c) Writable and rewritable program storage media. (1) Writable and rewritable program 

storage, such as hard disk drives, Flash memory, writable CD-ROMs, and writable DVDs, may 

be used provided that the software stored thereon may be verified using the mechanism 

provided pursuant to § 547.8(f). 
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(2) (2) Program storage shall be structured so there is a verifiable separation of fixed data (e.g.

program, fixed parameters, DLLs) and variable data. 

(d) (d) Identification of program storage media. All program storage media that is not rewritable

in circuit, (e.g. EPROM, CD-ROM) shall be uniquely identified, displaying: 

(1) Manufacturer; 

(2) Program identifier; 

(3) Program version number(s); and 

(4) Location information, if critical (e.g. socket position 3 on the printed circuit board). 

§ 547.14 What are the minimum technical standards for electronic random number 

generation? 

This section provides minimum standards for electronic RNGs in Class II gaming systems. 

(a) (a) Properties. All RNGs shall produce output having the following properties: 

(1) Statistical randomness; 

(2) Unpredictability; and 

(3) Non-repeatability. 

(b) (b) Statistical Randomness. (1) Numbers or other designations produced by an RNG shall be 

statistically random individually and in the permutations and combinations used in the application 

under the rules of the game. For example, if a bingo game with 75 objects with numbers or other 

designations has a progressive winning pattern of the five numbers or other designations on the 

bottom of the card and the winning of this prize is defined to be the five numbers or other 

designations are matched in the first five objects drawn, the likelihood of each of the 75C5 

combinations are to be verified to be statistically equal. 

(2) (2) Numbers or other designations produced by an RNG shall pass the statistical tests for 

randomness to a 99% confidence level., which may include:

(i) Mandatory statistical tests for randomness to include:
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(A) Chi-square test; 

(B) Runs test (patterns of occurrences shall not be recurrent); and

(C) Serial correlation test potency and degree of serial correlation (outcomes shall be 

independent from the previous game).

(ii) Optional statistical tests for randomness may include:

(ii) (A) Equi-distribution (frequency) test; 

(iii) (B) Gap test; 

(iv) (C) Poker test;

 (v) (D) Coupon collector’s test; 

(vi) (E) Permutation test; 

(vii) Run test (patterns of occurrences shall not be recurrent); 

(viii) (F) Spectral test; 

(ix) Serial correlation test potency and degree of serial correlation (outcomes shall be

independent from the previous game); and 

(x) (G) Test on subsequences. 

(Remark: TGWG wanted to ensure that industry standard RNG tests were mandated. Less 

commonly used tests were not considered adequate. See NIGC “Part 547 Bulletin 2008-4 Tech 

Stds RNG correction 110708”)

(c) (c) Unpredictability. (1) It shall not be feasible to predict future outputs of an RNG, even if the 

algorithm and the past sequence of outputs are known. 

(2) (2) Unpredictability shall be ensured by re-seeding or by continuously cycling the RNG, and 

by providing a sufficient number of RNG states for the applications supported. 

(3) (3) Re-seeding may be used where the re-seeding input is at least as statistically random as, 

and independent of, the output of the RNG being re-seeded. 
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(d) (d) Non-repeatability. The RNG shall not be initialized to reproduce the same output stream 

that it has produced before, nor shall any two instances of an RNG produce the same stream as 

each other. This property shall be ensured by initial seeding that comes from: 

(1) (1) A source of "true" randomness, such as a hardware random noise generator; or 

(2) (2) A combination of timestamps, parameters unique to a Class II gaming system, previous 

RNG outputs, or other, similar method. 

(e) (e) General requirements. (1) Software that calls an RNG to derive game outcome events shall 

immediately use the output returned in accordance with the game rules. 

(2) (2) The use of multiple RNGs is permitted as long as they operate in accordance with this 

section. 

(3) (3) RNG outputs shall not be arbitrarily discarded or selected. 

(4) (4) Where a sequence of outputs is required, the whole of the sequence in the order generated 

shall be used in accordance with the game rules. 

(5) (5) The Class II gaming system shall neither adjust the RNG process or game outcomes based 

on the history of prizes obtained in previous games nor makeuse any reflexive software or 

secondary decision that affects the results shown to the player or game outcome. In no event shall 

the Class II gaming system deprive a player of a prize to which the player is otherwise entitled 

based on the random outcome of the game. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit the use of 

entertaining displays. 

(Remark: The added language makes this provision more consistent with the industry 

understanding of reflexive technology. The proposed language operates to clearly identify the 

harm the provision is intended to prevent.)

(f) (f) Scaling algorithms and scaled numbers. An RNG that provides output scaled to given 

ranges shall: 

(1) (1) Be independent and uniform over the range; 
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(2) (2) Provide numbers scaled to the ranges required by game rules, and notwithstanding the 

requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this section, may discard numbers that do not map uniformly 

onto the required range but shall use the first number in sequence that does map correctly to the 

range; 

(3) (3) Be capable of producing every possible outcome of a game according to its rules; and 

(4) Use an unbiased algorithm. A scaling algorithm is considered to be unbiased if the measured 

bias is no greater than 1 in 100 million. 

(Remark: See NIGC Bulletin 11/7/2008 #2008-4)

§ 547.15 What are the minimum technical standards for electronic data communications 

between system components? 

This section provides minimum standards for electronic data communications with gaming 

equipment or components used with Class II gaming systems. 

(a) (a) Sensitive data. Communication of sensitive data shall be secure from eavesdropping, 

access, tampering, intrusion or alteration unauthorized by the tribal gaming regulatory

authorityTGRA. Sensitive data shall include, but not be limited to: 

(1) (1) RNG seeds and outcomes; 

(2) Encryption keys, where the implementation chosen requires transmission of keys; 

(3) PINs; 

(4) (4) Passwords; 

(5) (5) Financial instrument transactions; 

(6) Transfers of funds; 

(7) (7) Player tracking information; 

(8) Download Packages; and 

(9) (9) Any information that affects game outcome. 
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(b) (b) Wireless communications. (1) Wireless access points shall not be accessible to the general 

public. 

(2) (2) Open or unsecured wireless communications are prohibited. 

(3) (3) Wireless communications shall be secured using a methodology that makes eavesdropping, 

access, tampering, intrusion or alteration impractical. By way of illustration, such methodologies 

include encryption, frequency hopping, and code division multiplex access (as in cell phone 

technology). 

(c) (c) Methodologies shall be used that will ensure the reliable transfer of data and provide a 

reasonable ability to detect and act upon any corruption of the data. 

(d) (d) Class II gaming systems shall record detectable, unauthorized access or intrusion attempts. 

(e) (e) Remote communications shall only be allowed if authorized by the tribal gaming

regulatory authorityTGRA. Class II gaming systems shall have the ability to enable or disable 

remote access, and the default state shall be set to disabled. 

(f) (f) Failure of data communications shall not affect the integrity of critical memory. 

(g) The Class II gaming system shall log the establishment, loss, and re-establishment of 

data communications between sensitive Class II gaming system components. 

§ 547.16 What are the minimum standards for game artwork, glass, and rules? 

This section provides standards for the display of game artwork, the displays on belly or top 

glass, and the display and disclosure of game rules, whether in physical or electronic form. 

(a) (a) Rules, instructions, and prize schedules, generally. The following shall at all times be 

displayed or made readily available to the player upon request: 

(1) (1) Game name, rules, and options such as the purchase or wager amount stated clearly and 

unambiguously; 

(2) (2) Denomination; 
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(3) (3) Instructions for play on, and use of, the player interface, including the functions of all 

buttons; and 

(4) (4) A prize schedule or other explanation, sufficient to allow a player to determine the 

correctness of all prizes awarded, including; 

(i) The range and values obtainable for any variable prize; 

(ii) Whether the value of a prize depends on the purchase or wager amount; and 

(iii) The means of division of any pari-mutuel prizes; but 

(iv) For bingo and games similar to bingoClass II Gaming Systems, the prize schedule or 

other explanation need not state that subsets of winning patterns are not awarded as additional 

prizes (e.g. five in a row does not also pay three in a row or four in a row), unless there are 

exceptions, which shall be clearly stated. 

(b) (b) Disclaimers. The Class II gaming system shall continually display: 

(1) “Malfunctions void all prizes and plays” or equivalent; and 

(2) (2) “Actual Prizes Determined by Bingo [or other applicable Class II game] Play. Other 

Displays for Entertainment Only.” or equivalent.

§ 547.17 Howdoesa tribalgamingregulatoryauthorityapplyforavariancefromthese the

standards of this part?

(a) TribalGamingRegulatoryAuthorityapproval. (1) A tribal gaming regulatory 

authority may approve a variance from the requirements of this part if it has 

determined that the variance will achieve a level of security and integrity 

sufficient to accomplish the purpose of the standard it is to replace.

(a) Variance.
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(1) Should a TGRA grant a variance to any provision of these standards, the TGRA 

shall deliver a notice of the same to the Commission within ten (10) days of such 

approval.

(Remark: Please see transmittal memorandum.)

(2) For each enumerated standard for which the tribal gaming regulatory 

authority approves a variance, it shall submit to the Chairman within 30 

days, a detailed report, which shall include the following:

(i) An explanation of how the variance achieves a level of security and integrity

sufficient to accomplish the purpose of the standard it is to replace; and(ii) The

variance as granted and the record on which it is based.

(3) In the event that the tribal gaming regulatory authority or the tribe’s 

government chooses to submit a variance request directly to the Chairman 

for joint government to government review, the tribal gaming regulatory 

authority or tribal government may do so without the approval

requirement set forth in paragraph (a) (1) of this section.

(b) ChairmanReview. (1) The Chairman may approve or object to a variance 

granted by a tribal gaming regulatory authority.

(2) Any objection by the Chairman shall be in written form with an 

explanation why the variance as approved by the tribal gaming regulatory 

authority does not provide a level of security or integrity sufficient to 

accomplish the purpose of the standard it is to replace.

(3) If the Chairman fails to approve or object in writing within 60 days after 

the date of receipt of a complete submission, the variance shall be 

considered approved by the Chairman. The Chairman and the tribal 
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gaming regulatory authority may, by agreement, extend this deadline an 

additional 60 days.

(i) The notice shall contain a complete copy of the information presented to the 

TGRA and the variance as granted.

(ii) The notice shall be forwarded to the Commission within ten (10) days of 

the granting of the Variance.

(4) No variance may be implemented until approved by the tribal gaming regulatory

authority pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section or the Chairman has approved

pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(2) During a thirty (30) day period when the Commission first receives the notice 

required by this subpart, the Chairman may request additional information from the 

TGRA concerning the subject of variance. Such request shall suspend the thirty (30) 

day period until the Chairman receives the TGRA response.

(b) Commission Review.

(c) CommissionReview. (1) Should the tribal gaming regulatory authority elect to 

maintain its approval after written objection by the Chairman, the tribal gaming 

regulatory authority shall be entitled to an appeal to the full Commission in accordance

with the following process:

(1) Within the thirty (30) day review period, the Commission may:

(i) Within 60 days of receiving an objection, the tribal gaming regulatory

authority shall file a written notice of appeal with the Commission that may

include a request for an oral hearing or it may request that the matter be decided

upon written submissions. Advise the TGRA, in writing, that it has no 

objection.

(ii) Within 10 days after filing a notice of appeal the tribal gaming 

regulatory authority shall file a supplementalstatement specifying the reasons

why the tribal gaming regulatory authority believes the Chairman’s objection
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should be reviewed, and shall include supporting documentation, if any. Provide 

the TGRA a written statement itemizing its objections. 

(iii) Failure to file an appeal or submit the supplementalstatement within the

time provided by this section shall result in a waiver of the opportunity for an

appeal.Take no action, in which case, the TGRA’s variance shall be final. 

(2) If the Commission has provided the TGRA a statement itemizing objections to the 

variance: 

(i) The TGRA shall reconsider the variance taking into account the objections 

itemized by the Commission.

(ii) The TGRA may seek reconsideration by submitting a request to the 

Chairman and members of the Commission.

(iii) Upon receipt of a request for reconsideration, the Commission shall 

conduct an informal hearing with the TGRA within 30 days, which may be 

conducted in person or through the exchange of documents, as requested by the 

TGRA.

(iv) If an oral hearing is requested it shall take place within 30 days of the notice

of appeal and a record shall be made.

(v) If the tribal gaming regulatory authority requests that the appeal be 

decided on the basis of written submission, the Commission shall 

issue a written decision within 30 days of receiving the supplemental 

statement.After the informal hearing, the Commission must issue a 

written decision within 14 days. If the Commission disapproves the 

variance, such written decision must include an explanation of why 

the requested variance creates an imminent threat to the integrity of 

the tribal gaming operation.

(vi) The Commission shall uphold the objection of the Chairman, only if, 

upon de novo review of the record upon which the Chairman’s 

decision is based, the Commission determines that the variance 

approved by the tribal gaming regulatory authority does not achieve
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a level of security and integrity sufficient to accomplish the purpose 

of the standard it is to replace.

(vii) The Commission shall issue a decision within 30 days of the oral 

hearing unless the tribal gaming regulatory authority elects to provide

the Commission additional time, not to exceed an additional

30 days, to issue a decision. In the absence of a decision by the 

Commission within the time provided, the decision of the tribal 

gaming regulatory authority shall be deemed affirmed.

(viii) The Commission’s decision shall constitute final agency action.

Dated: September , 2008

Philip N. Hogen, 

Chairman

Norman H. DesRosiers

ViceChairman