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3624/0246/MN/
Topic 1. Video Draw Poker Employee Permit Application The Video Gaming Division is processing applications and issuing permits for those persons whom have applied for permitting as a Video Draw Poker Employee. L.A.C. 42:2407.A.1 outlines that a licensee or a representative of the licensee shall be required to be physically present at all times during all hours of operation. L.A.C 42:2407.B provides the procedures for application and other information pertaining to permitting of video draw poker employee permittees. Failure to comply with these outlined regulations will result in administrative action against the licensed establishment and/or the video draw poker employee permittee. A large volume of the applications we are receiving are submitted utilizing the incorrect version of the application. The correct version of the application is labeled DPSSP 6503 (R 01/2004). This label is located on the bottom left corner of the first page of the application It can be differentiated from the previous version in that it has a block labeled Mailing Address on page 1 of the application. Again, we will only accept applications labeled DPSSP 6503 (R 01/2004). In the event we receive an application on the incorrect form, it will be returned to the sender. The correct version of the application is available for download on our Website, located at www.lsp.org. For your convenience, we are enclosing a copy of the video draw poker employee application (DPSSP 6503 R 01/2004). Said enclosure does not include the additional required releases necessary for submittal of the application. These must be obtained from the aforementioned website. We are also experiencing an inordinate amount of conditional letters and other correspondence being returned to the division as undeliverable. The regulations concerning Video Draw Poker Employee Permittee’s require that each application shall contain a telephone number and permanent address for receipt of correspondence. Additionally, that all video draw poker employees or applicants shall notify the division in writing of all changes in address, phone numbers and other required information within 10 calendar days of the effective date of the change. In the event correspondence is returned to the Division, the application will be denied. Again, all licensees and permittee’s are reminded to review the laws and rules pertaining to video draw poker employee permittee’s. These laws and rules are also posted on our Website at www.lsp.org. Topic 2. Central System Update Currently, there are approximately 14,500 video draw poker devices operating throughout the State of Louisiana. Each of these machines connects through a controller to a host central system computer located in Baton Rouge. This computer controls all activities and reports all financial information with regard to these gaming devices. The current maintenance agreement for this International Game Technology (IGT) central computer system has been extended until 2006. Current timelines call for a complete transition to the new central computer system by the end of April 2006. Operation of the current central system beyond April 2006 significantly puts the industry at risk due to the age of the hardware and software and their potential for failure. Outdated computer components and replacement parts are becoming more and more difficult to purchase and maintain. The Department of Public Safety has formed a central system committee comprising of various persons from within State Government including members from the Louisiana State Police, DPS Data Processing Center, Attorney General’s Office, and the Division of Administration – Office of State Purchasing. This committee has been tasked with developing and implementing a course of action which would provide the State of Louisiana, and the Gaming Industry as a whole, a complete and useful central computer system which will meet the needs as best suited for the industry and the state. On July 22, 2004, the Division of Administration, Office of State Purchasing published a Request For Proposal (RFP) specifically outlining the requirements for a replacement Video Poker Central Computer System. This RFP is available in electronic form at the LaPAC website The RFP is also available in PDF format or in printed form by submitting a written request to the RFP Contracting Officer with the Office of State Purchasing. P.O. Box 94056 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095 The Division has received numerous inquiries regarding the future status of currently operating video draw poker gaming devices. With regard to the upgradeability of these poker machines, we suggest that you contact the Distributors of the particular devices you own. As one can see, this is a difficult and complex issue faced by both the State and the Video Draw Poker Gaming industry. While the Louisiana State Police are tasked with the regulation of the industry, we are also committed to partnering with the industry in our efforts to resolve this situation as favorably as possible for all concerned. In addition, while we hope to acquire a state of the art, advanced system which will better serve the needs and future of the State of Louisiana and the gaming industry, we remain mindful of the impact and consequences of our decisions. At such time that a contract is awarded or if we acquire any more information regarding the central computer system or the gaming devices operating in the state, we will attempt to keep the industry informed in a timely manner, either through advisories or by updating our web site. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please feel free to contact LSP Technical Supervisor Norbert Courville at (225) 922-2222 or any other member of our staff. If you have any questions or need any assistance please contact your nearest Video Gaming field office.
Sincerely, Captain Mike Noel Louisiana State Police General Gaming Section |