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IGT SAS Simulator: A Tool for Testing Casino Systems
If you are a casino operator, a game developer, or a testing lab, you might be interested in a tool that can help you test and verify the functionality and compatibility of casino systems and slot machines. Such a tool is the IGT SAS Simulator, a software application that simulates the behavior of a slot machine using the IGT SAS Protocol.
igt sas simulator
What is IGT SAS Simulator?
IGT SAS Simulator is a software application that runs on a Windows PC and communicates with a casino system using the IGT SAS Protocol. The simulator mimics the actions and responses of a real slot machine, such as coin in, coin out, ticket in, ticket out, game play, progressive jackpots, bonusing, etc. The simulator can also generate and display various exception events, such as door open, power off, tilt, etc.
Features and benefits of IGT SAS Simulator
IGT SAS Simulator has many features and benefits that make it a useful tool for testing casino systems. Some of them are:
It supports all versions of IGT SAS Protocol, from 2.00 to 6.03.
It can simulate multiple slot machines simultaneously, each with its own configuration and settings.
It can simulate different types of slot machines, such as video slots, reel slots, multi-game slots, multi-denomination slots, etc.
It can simulate different types of progressive jackpots, such as standalone progressives, linked progressives, system progressives, etc.
It can simulate different types of bonusing features, such as mystery jackpots, wager matching, free spins, etc.
It can simulate different types of ticketing features, such as ticket in, ticket out, cashable credits, promotional credits, etc.
It can simulate different types of funds transfer features, such as advanced funds transfer (AFT), electronic funds transfer (EFT), etc.
It can display various meters and statistics for each simulated slot machine.
It can log all the messages and events exchanged between the simulator and the casino system.
It can generate reports and graphs based on the logged data.
It can export and import the configuration and settings of each simulated slot machine.
The main benefit of using IGT SAS Simulator is that it can help you test and verify the functionality and compatibility of casino systems and slot machines without having to use real hardware or money. This can save you time, money, and resources. It can also help you troubleshoot and debug any issues or errors that might occur during the testing process.
How to use IGT SAS Simulator
To use IGT SAS Simulator, you need to have a Windows PC with an Ethernet card and a cable that connects to the casino system. You also need to have a license from IGT to use the simulator. You can request a license by filling out an e-signature form at this link: https://support.igt.com/apps/sas-protocol.aspx
Once you have installed the simulator on your PC and obtained a license from IGT, you can follow these steps to use it:
Launch the simulator application and select the number of slot machines you want to simulate.
Configure the settings and parameters for each simulated slot machine according to your testing needs. You can choose from various options such as game type, denomination, progressive type, bonus type, ticket type, funds transfer type, etc.
Connect the simulator to the casino system using the Ethernet cable. The simulator will automatically detect the protocol version used by the system and adjust accordingly.
Start simulating the slot machine actions and responses by clicking on the buttons or using the keyboard shortcuts. You can also use the auto-play feature to generate random actions and responses.
Monitor the messages and events exchanged between the simulator and the casino system on the log window. You can also view various meters and statistics for each simulated slot machine on the meter window.
Analyze the results of your testing by generating reports and graphs based on the logged data. You can also export and import the configuration and settings of each simulated slot machine for future use.
What is IGT SAS Protocol?
IGT SAS Protocol is a communication protocol that enables slot machines to communicate with casino systems. It was developed by International Game Technology (IGT), one of the leading providers of gaming products and services in the world. The protocol was initially designed to automate slot machine meter reporting and event logging but has since evolved over the years to meet the needs of the industry including player tracking bonusing ticketing cashless gaming etc Every version of the protocol is fully backward compatible with any previous versions If the system issues a command that the gaming machine does not recognize the gaming machine will simply ignore the request The protocol also directs the system to ignore any exceptions sent by the gaming machine that it does not understand It is important to note that the gaming machine only needs to support those commands in a protocol version that are relevant to its operation For example video machines do not need to support reel tilt messages
The evolution of IGT SAS Protocol
The IGT SAS Protocol has gone through several versions since its inception Each version added new functionality or improved existing functionality Here is a brief overview of each version:
SAS 2 Versions
The SAS 2 protocol provided the base functionality that all later versions incorporate This includes basic meter accounting polls and basic exception reporting Basic meter polls include coin in coin out coin drop jackpot cancelled credits and games played as well as bill validator accounting meters The basic exception reporting includes door open closed power on off drop door open closed and handpay jackpot events
SAS 3 Versions
The SAS 3 protocol added an early form of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) The types of EFT supported included system downloads of cashable credits and non-cashable promotional credits Uploads of cashable credits to the system were supported as well EFT has since been replaced with a more robust form of funds transfer known as Advanced Funds Transfer (AFT)
SAS 4 Versions
The SAS 4 protocol added multi-game accounting bonusing SAS controlled progressives and real-time event reporting The multi-game accounting allows the gaming machine to report accounting information for all playable games in the multi-game machine Bonusing support includes mystery jackpots wager matching and other generic bonus types Real-time event reporting provides faster reporting of exception events SAS-hosted progressive broadcasts allow the system to act as a progressive controller for all machines connected to the system This allows the system the flexibility to monitor and control different progressive amounts by machine bank and or game type Since the system is also the progressive host progressive system monitoring and reconciliation is easier for the operator and the overseeing regulatory agency
SAS 5 Versions
The SAS 5 protocol added ticket in ticket out (TITO) functionality This functionality includes secure support for the generation and redemption of tickets at the gaming machine as well as accounting meter support to properly report the total value and quantity of ticket transactions SAS 5 also brought the addition of multi-denomination accounting (Version 5.02) and Advanced Funds Transfer (Version 5.10)
The advantages of IGT SAS Protocol
The IGT SAS Protocol has many advantages that make it one of the most widely used communication protocols in the gaming industry Some of them are:
It is reliable secure and robust It has been tested and proven over many years of operation in thousands of casinos worldwide
It is flexible and adaptable It can support various types of gaming machines systems and features It can also be customized or extended to meet specific needs or requirements
It is compatible and interoperable It can work with any gaming machine or system that supports the protocol regardless manufacturer or vendor
It is standardized and regulated It follows a strict specification that defines the format and meaning of each message and event It also complies with the regulatory requirements of various jurisdictions around the world
These advantages make the IGT SAS Protocol a reliable and efficient way of connecting slot machines and casino systems. It also enables various features and functions that enhance the gaming experience and the operational efficiency of casinos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, IGT SAS Simulator is a tool that can help you test and verify the functionality and compatibility of casino systems and slot machines using the IGT SAS Protocol. It can simulate various types of slot machines, progressive jackpots, bonusing features, ticketing features, funds transfer features, etc. It can also display various meters and statistics, log all the messages and events, generate reports and graphs, and export and import the configuration and settings of each simulated slot machine. It can save you time, money, and resources by eliminating the need for real hardware or money. It can also help you troubleshoot and debug any issues or errors that might occur during the testing process.
IGT SAS Protocol is a communication protocol that enables slot machines to communicate with casino systems. It was developed by IGT, one of the leading providers of gaming products and services in the world. It has evolved over the years to meet the needs of the industry, including player tracking, bonusing, ticketing, cashless gaming, etc. It is fully backward compatible with any previous versions. It is flexible and adaptable to support various types of gaming machines, systems, and features. It is compatible and interoperable with any gaming machine or system that supports the protocol. It is standardized and regulated to follow a strict specification and comply with various regulatory requirements.
These features make the IGT SAS Protocol a reliable and efficient way of connecting slot machines and casino systems. It also enables various features and functions that enhance the gaming experience and the operational efficiency of casinos.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about IGT SAS Simulator and IGT SAS Protocol:
Q: How can I get a license to use IGT SAS Simulator?A: You can request a license by filling out an e-signature form at this link: https://support.igt.com/apps/sas-protocol.aspx
Q: How can I get technical support for IGT SAS Simulator or IGT SAS Protocol?A: You can get technical support from one of these independent testing laboratories: BMM Test Labs Please email sassupport@bmm.com. Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) Please email ProtocolTeam@gaminglabs.com. IGT does not provide SAS technical support.
Q: What are some other tools or applications that use IGT SAS Protocol?A: Some examples are THTerminal, a simulator of casino machines for testing systems, SAS Tester, a tool for testing slot machines using SAS protocol, and IGT Advantage System, a casino management system that uses SAS protocol to connect with slot machines.
Q: What are some other communication protocols that are used in the gaming industry?A: Some examples are G2S (Game to System), a protocol that enables more advanced communication between slot machines and casino systems, S2S (System to System), a protocol that enables communication between different casino systems, and AFT (Advanced Funds Transfer), a protocol that enables secure transfer of funds between slot machines and casino systems.
Q: What are some of the benefits of using communication protocols in the gaming industry?A: Some benefits are improved security, reliability, efficiency, compatibility, interoperability, standardization, regulation, functionality, and customer satisfaction.