(a) As used in this section:

1. (1) “Base amount” means the amount of a progressive payoff schedule initially offered before it increases;
2. (2) “Commission” means the Arkansas Racing Commission or the commission’s designee;
3. (3) “Fixed payoff schedule” means a payoff schedule determined prior to the time the intercasino-linked system is offered to the public for play that does not increase automatically over time or as the intercasino-linked system is played;
4. (4) “Incremental amount” means the difference between the amount of a progressive payoff schedule and its base amount;
5. (5) “Operator” means any person or entity holding a license to operate a casino that operates an intercasino-linked system for affiliates;
6. (6) “Progressive payoff schedule” means a payoff schedule that increases automatically over time or as the intercasino-linked system is played; and
7. (7) “Reset fund” means monies collected pursuant to a contribution schedule set by an operator that are intended to be used for the funding of future progressive payoff schedules.

(b) Intercasino-linked systems shall have signs or award cards which conspicuously display:

1. (1) The fixed payoff schedules at or near each game and on each machine;
2. (2) The current progressive payoff schedules at or near all games or machines; and
3. (3) Rules and, if applicable, the specific qualifying and final round date or dates for tournaments or contests at or near all games or machines.

(c)

1. (1) Each operator shall record the base amount of each progressive payoff schedule when first exposed for play and subsequent to each payoff.
2. (2) At least once each day, the operator must record on a log the amount of the progressive payoff schedule.
3. (3) Explanations for decreases in the payoff schedule shall be maintained with the progressive logs.

(d)

1. (1) Subject to compliance with the minimum rate of progression requirements set forth in this part, an operator may change the rate of progression, including those between multiple progressive payoff schedules and reset funds, provided that records of such changes are created and maintained.
2. (2) The operator, upon request, shall provide such information to the commission and participating locations.

(e)

1. (1) An operator may limit the amount of the progressive payoff schedule to an amount that is equal to or greater than the amount of the progressive payoff schedule when the limit is imposed.
2. (2) The operator shall post a conspicuous notice of the limit at or near each game or machine to which the limit applies.
3. (3) An operator shall notify the commission and the participating locations of such limitation, in writing, contemporaneously with the imposition of such limitation.

(f) An operator, including an operator that ceases operations, shall not reduce the amount of a progressive payoff schedule or otherwise eliminate a progressive payoff schedule unless:

1. (1) A player wins the progressive payoff schedule and any reset fund;
2. (2) For games other than slot machines, the incremental amount of the progressive payoff schedule or schedules and any reset fund may be distributed within one hundred eighty (180) days of removal through a concluding contest, tournament, or promotion and the contest, tournament, or promotion is conducted with a game or games similar to the game or games from which the amounts are distributed;
3. (3) The progressive payoff schedule is adjusted to correct a malfunction or to prevent the display of an amount greater than a limit imposed by this part, and the operator documents the adjustment and the reasons for it;

4. (4) The operator distributes the entire incremental amount and any reset fund to another single intercasino-linked payoff schedule and reset fund, whether progressive or not, on similar games or machines at substantially the same locations, and:

   1. (A) The operator documents the distribution;
   2. (B) Any game or slot machine offering the payoff schedule to which the operator distributes the incremental amount or reset fund does not require that more money be played on a single play to win the payoff schedule than the game or slot machine from which the incremental amount or reset fund is distributed unless the incremental amount distributed is increased in proportion to the increase in the amount of the wager required to win the payoff schedule;
   3. (C) If from a slot machine, any slot machine offering the payoff schedule to which the incremental amount or reset fund is distributed complies with the minimum theoretical payout requirement of this part; and
   4. (D) The distribution is completed within thirty (30) days after the progressive payoff schedule or reset fund is removed from play or within such longer period as the commission may for good cause approve; or
5. (5) The commission, upon a showing of exceptional circumstances, approves a reduction, elimination, distribution, or procedure not otherwise described in this subsection, which approval is confirmed in writing.