As you may know, there were many steps you had to take prior to reaching your go-live day. From spending countless hours researching terminal operators, to filling out paperwork and completing background checks, to getting your machines installed, and everything in between.
Well, the wait is over, and your go-live day is finally here! Congratulations!
To help you prepare and understand what your go-live day will entail, here are a few things you should expect, along with a few delays that may occur:
When can I Schedule an Appointment?
The appointments are only made one week prior, and dates/times are subject to change. Typically, the appointments take about two hours total. Your appointment time depends on how many other locations go live that week.
What does the Process Entail?
Your Account Manager will arrive prior to the appointment to make sure everything is running smoothly for the IGB Agent. He or she will go through any additional paperwork that needs to be signed and make sure the correct signage is displayed and stanchions are in place (if needed). They will be there to mitigate any issues that may arise during this time.
Who Participates in the Go-Live Day?
Video Gaming Manager and/or Owner(s): The Illinois Gaming Board (“IGB”) may request that owners and anyone else involved in the business (who were listed on the application for the gaming license) be present at the go-live. However, more often than not, as long as the Video Gaming Manager is present, he or she can handle the process from the Location’s standpoint.
Lucky Lincoln Gaming Account Manager: Your RM will be there to coordinate any outstanding paperwork and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Lucky Lincoln Gaming Technician: A licensed technician will prep the VGTs, ensure software and settings such as screen brightness and max volume are calibrated correctly. The technician also assists with IGB Agent (see below) with a “coin test” on the VGTs.
Illinois Gaming Board Agent: The IGB Agent will be there to ensure the gaming area is compliant, the paperwork is complete, the system is working correctly and will make the determination if the machines can be turned on.
Scientific Games Service Technician: Scientific Games is the entity that provides the central communications system which monitors every VGT in the State. They will physically be present at your go-live, and a technician will also be on the phone with the IGB Agent.
Scientific Games will ensure the machines are working properly and connected to the redemption terminal (used by players to redeem a voucher for payment of cash, which can also serve a dual purpose as an ATM machine).
Once the entire system is tested, the IGB Agent gives the green light to put the slot machines in live mode. This means that they are ready for customers to start playing. The machines will be enabled during your legal liquor pouring hours and disabled (but not turned off) during the time your liquor license does not allow you to pour.
Unexpected Delays
At Lucky Lincoln Gaming, we strive as a terminal operator to make the process of obtaining and maintaining VGTs a breeze. However, there are times when a go-live is delayed. In full transparency, here are some reasons your go-live could be delayed:
- A delay experienced during the go-live appointment prior to yours in the day
- An error in last minute paperwork
- Expired licenses (state liquor license, local liquor license, etc.)
- Missing required signage (Who Should I Call, Under 21)
- Gaming area not segregated (if location allows minors)
- Machine malfunction (very rare)
- Fees left unpaid (IGB license fee and any Municipal fee requirements)