New Technologies

Colour television had only been available to Canadian viewers for two years when the Criminal Code (Canada) was amended in 1969 to give federal and provincial governments the authority to conduct and license lottery schemes. The battery-operated pocket calculator astounded the world when it was introduced one year later and mobile phones, laptops, global positioning systems and the Internet were still in the realm of science fiction. 

Nearly forty years later, the Criminal Code (Canada) still governs gambling, but technology now drives much of our world and how we live in it – including the development and operation of gambling activities. Shifting demographics, the Internet, globalization and increasing consumer comfort with technology are driving player demands, which the gaming industry – including developers, manufacturers and suppliers – will seek to meet. 

From the perspective of a gaming regulator at the beginning of the 21st century, a look into our future shows that we must anticipate and prepare to meet the challenges of gambling’s new and emerging technologies. Building upon the strength of our current game integrity standards, requirements, terms and conditions, tests and inspections, the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission (MGCC) is confident that we will be prepared to assure the public’s confidence in gaming as technological advances continue to influence the evolution of gambling activities in Manitoba.

The MGCC is monitoring these new and emerging technologies to ensure we are well positioned to craft and apply regulatory standards and to ensure gaming continues to be conducted with honesty, integrity and in the public interest. 

Downloadable and server-based gambling

Downloadable and server-based games use technology that potentially permits operators to change games, wager denominations and odds at the push of a button. From an operators’ point of view, this flexibility can customize individual slot machines or the whole gaming floor for promotions at certain times of the day or week or to personalize each player’s experience. However, the potential to change the structure of the game, wagers and prize payouts raises cautionary flags for regulators, who must set game security and integrity standards to ensure fair play and public trust. As a vigilant regulator, however, the MGCC is reviewing standards and tests that will be required for downloadable and server-based game introductions. 

Real time, network-based systems

System developers are touting real time, network-based systems as the ultimate operating platform for casino floor operations. Introducing these systems will allow operators to monitor and access immediate information about all aspects of their facilities, including electronic gaming devices, tables, banking, customer promotions, player information, responsible gambling and security. These comprehensive systems will enable regulators to confirm the honesty and integrity of casino operations by using real time information to test compliance with standards and terms and conditions; to provide data and background for inspections and investigations; to assist with patron complaints; to examine security functions; and to monitor unusual or suspicious activity. From a technical integrity perspective, application of this new technology to casino floor operations can enhance a regulator’s capacity to ensure that gaming activities are fair, honest, safe, secure and auditable. 

Real time marketing

Although it falls more within the scope of marketing than within the purview of gambling regulation, direct-to-player, real time, on-screen communication will enable casino operators to customize marketing, advertise meal specials and promote upcoming entertainment events.  Looking at this option from the traditional regulatory perspective of licensing and registration, a regulator may see little application to the integrity of the lottery scheme. However, examining this more closely, and in the context of public interest and responsible gambling, direct-to-player technologies could be applied to give players information on their time and money expenditures, as well as options for other forms of entertainment and information about healthy player choices and problem gambling.

Fixed price gambling

Fixed price gambling poses a potential test for regulators as it also challenges the current definition of gambling, that is, placing a wager for a chance to win a prize. Fixed price games offer players the opportunity to “purchase” gambling time or plays – for example, 30 minutes or 50 plays – to win a prize. The potentially complex game structure of fixed price gaming will require regulators to develop and establish regulatory standards to test and confirm that the integrity of each play and wager is applied equally, fairly and consistently over the specified period of time or the specified number of games. 

 

Standards for
Honesty and Integrity

Gaming/
Non-Gaming Equipment

Table Games

New Technologies

Electronic Gaming

Charitable Gaming