1. A. Critical memory shall be used to store all data that is considered vital to the continued operation of the electronic gaming device. Critical memory storage shall be maintained by a methodology that enables errors to be identified and corrected in most circumstances. This methodology may involve signatures, checksums, partial checksums, multiple copies, timestamps, or use of validity codes. This includes:

   1. 1. All electronic meters required in 11VAC20-20-440 E;
   2. 2. Current unused credits;
   3. 3. Electronic gaming device or game configuration data;
   4. 4. Recall of all wagers and other information necessary to fully reconstruct the game outcome associated with the last 10 plays;
   5. 5. Software state, which is the last state the electronic gaming device software was in before interruption; and

   6. 6. Error conditions that may have occurred on the electronic gaming device that may include:

      1. a. Memory error or control program error;
      2. b. Low memory battery, for batteries external to the memory itself or low power source;
      3. c. Program error or authentication mismatch; and
      4. d. Power reset.

2. B. Comprehensive checks of critical memory shall be made continually to test for possible corruption. In addition, all critical memory:

   1. 1. Shall have the ability to retain data for a minimum of 180 days after power is discontinued from the electronic gaming device. If the method used is an off-chip battery source, it shall recharge itself to its full potential in a maximum of 24 hours. The shelf life shall be at least five years. Memory that uses an off-chip back-up power source to retain its contents when the main power is switched off shall have a detection system that will provide a method for software to interpret and act upon a low battery condition;
   2. 2. Shall only be cleared by a department certified memory clear method; and
   3. 3. Shall result in an error if the control program detects an unrecoverable memory error.

Statutory Authority

§ 18.2-340.15 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 14, eff. March 29, 2023.