61D-14.038. Percentage Payout and Odds

(1) An independent test laboratory licensed by the state (laboratory) shall:

(a) Certify a slot machine game for play in Florida only when the manufacturer’s Payout and Retention (PAR) sheet for that slot machine game indicates a probable minimum payout percentage of at least 85 percent of all credits played over the mathematical (lifetime) cycle of the game at a 95 percent level of confidence;

(b) Test each slot machine game independently to certify that the game meets the probable minimum payout indicated on the manufacturer’s PAR sheet at a 99 percent level of confidence;

(c) Certify in writing to the Office of Slot Operations, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, North Broward Regional Service Center, 1400 West Commercial Boulevard, Suite 165, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33309-3787:

1. The game’s minimum and maximum theoretical payout percentage;

2. The game has been tested and meets the provisions of Chapter 551, F.S. and Chapter 61D-14, F.A.C.; and

3. The game performs as described in the manufacturer’s PAR sheet.

(2) A slot machine game manufacturer or distributor shall provide a PAR sheet to the slot machine licensee and the division at the address in paragraph (1)(c) of this rule upon delivery of each slot machine game to a slot machine licensee in Florida. The volatility index for the game shall be reflected on each manufacturer’s PAR sheet.

(3) Upon the alteration or revision of any previously certified game, the slot machine manufacturer shall submit the game to the laboratory which shall re-evaluate the minimum theoretical payout percentage and provide an amended report to the division complying with subsection (1) of this rule.

(4) Slot machine games used at Florida slot machine licensee facilities shall:

(a) Have a total payout over the cycle of both the bonus and non-bonus part of the game combined that conforms to the minimum theoretical payout percentage of 85 percent;

(b) Meet the minimum theoretical payout percentage of the game at all times pursuant to the reporting frequency required in subsection (5) of this rule; and

(c) Meet the minimum theoretical payout percentage of the game when playing at the lowest end of a non-linear paytable.

(5) The slot machine licensee shall create a semi-annual report using the facility based monitoring system (FBMS), demonstrating an overall floor average of 85 percent or higher and providing the following information for each slot machine in play:

(a) The lifetime actual payout to the end of the reporting period;

(b) The actual number of plays since the installation of the game;

(c) The theoretical payout percentage; and

(d) The minimum number of handle pulls required to reach the minimum payout percentage as indicated on the PAR sheet.

(6) The semi-annual report required by subsection (5) of this rule shall be filed with the division at the address in paragraph (1)(c) of this rule, electronically or in writing, for each of the following periods:

(a) January 1 through June 30; and

(b) July 1 through December 31.

(7) If the report required by subsection (5) of this rule shows that a slot machine facility’s gaming floor payout is less than 85 percent, the slot machine licensee shall notify the division in writing of the identity of the slot machine game.

(8) If, in two consecutive semi-annual reports, any slot machine game fails to remain at 85 percent or higher, the division will verify the operating software.

(9) Each slot machine licensee shall maintain records demonstrating:

(a) The semi-annual report results required in subsection (5) of this rule for each slot machine game that has been placed on the gaming floor;

(b) The actual payout percentage for each slot machine game at the time of each semi-annual report required in subsection (5) of this rule;

(c) The recomputed payout percentage for each slot machine game and whether the payout percentage is within its volatility range; and

(d) Any record regarding software operating program verification by the division pursuant to subsection (8) of this rule.

(10) The records generated under this rule shall be maintained consistent with Rule 61D-14.080, F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 551.103(1), 551.122 FS. Law Implemented 551.103(1)(c), (d), (e), (h), 551.104(4)(j) FS. History–New 6-25-06, Amended 6-21-10, 8-14-11.