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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 3770:2-5 | Technology Providers

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 3770:2-5-01 | Technology providers; licensing of independent testing.
 

(A) Licensing of independent test labs. The director shall establish and publish criteria and/or requirements that an interested independent test lab may be required to satisfy, submit or make available to the commission prior to consideration of licensing of independent test labs to provide certification or testing services in connection with video lottery terminals, video lottery games and/or associated equipment. One or more independent test labs may be licensed by the commission for selection by a technology provider or video lottery sales agent. Once licensed, the independent test lab shall be added to the list of licensed independent test labs which shall be published by the commission. The director may remove an independent test lab from the licensed list of independent test labs in accordance with the Ohio Administrative Procedures Act. Any required submissions shall be submitted on a form approved by the director. Such criteria or requirements may include but may not be limited to:

(1) An interested independent test lab may be required to provide the commission with access to its facility or facilities for inspection and review by the commission.

(2) An interested independent test lab may be required to agree that its video lottery principals, employees or other persons affiliated with the independent test lab will submit to background checks as required by the director. The results of any required background checks may be a factor in determining whether an independent test lab is eligible to provide certification services in connection with video lottery terminals, video lottery games and/or associated equipment.

(3) Payment of costs, if any, associated with a request to the commission to be licensed as an independent test lab to provide certification services in connection with video lottery terminals, video lottery games and/or associated equipment.

(4) Experience in testing video lottery terminals, video lottery games or substantially similar gaming systems and/or associated equipment.

(5) Submission of evidence of any certifications, accreditations or proof of compliance with industry standards as required by the director.

(6) Submission of proof that the independent test lab is not owned or controlled by, or has any interest in, a video lottery terminal manufacturer, distributor or provider or video lottery sales agent, or any other lottery or gaming related entity that the director determines would an unacceptable affiliation.

(7) An agreement by the independent test lab to indemnify and hold the Ohio lottery commission harmless from acts or omissions of the independent test lab.

(B) Selection of approved independent test lab. A technology provider or video lottery sales agent may only utilize those test labs that are licensed and are included on the then current list of licensed independent test labs. The director may determine that the technology provider or video lottery sales agent is required to utilize more than one independent test lab to provide testing and certification services..

(C) Certification. Prior to operation by the public at a video lottery sales agent's facility, all video lottery terminals that are purchased, leased or otherwise acquired from a video lottery technology provider licensee, all video lottery games and all associated equipment shall be certified by an independent test lab licensed by the director to provide testing and certification. In the event that there are modifications or updates to the software or hardware associated with a video lottery terminal, video lottery game or associated equipment, notification to the commission must be provided by the technology provider and/or a video lottery sales agent, and if required by the director, recertification of all or part of the software or hardware for that video lottery terminal, video lottery game or associated equipment will be required prior to continued operation by the public of that video lottery terminal. The director may authorize, without a requirement of recertification, disablement of a feature of the software or hardware for a video lottery terminal, video lottery game or associated equipment that has been modified or updated if certain features are not features available to the public. Testing, certification and recertification of video lottery terminals, video lottery games and associated equipment shall be conducted and provided in accordance with specifications and/or criteria approved by the director. The director may, but is not required to, establish standards for transfer of test results or certifications performed by an independent test lab in another gaming jurisdiction for a video lottery terminal, video lottery game and/or associated equipment being proposed for approval by the director and/or commission, as applicable. All test results must be submitted to the director by the licensed independent test lab.

(D) Prohibition. A licensed test lab may not be licensed by the lottery as a technology provider to manufacture, distribute, provide, maintain and/or repair video lottery terminals acquired by a video lottery sales agent.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:46 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.03, 3770.21
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029
Rule 3770:2-5-02 | Technology providers licenses; application.
 

(A) Application for a technology provider license. A video lottery terminal manufacturer, distributor or provider application for a technology provider license shall be submitted in accordance with procedures and/or conditions set by the director and shall be made on a form approved by the director. At a minimum, and without limitation, an application for a technology provider license shall include the following requirements which a video lottery terminal manufacturer, distributor, or provider must provide at the time of submission of the application or agree to comply with should a technology provider license be issued.

(1) An applicant must submit its legal name, form of entity, the names, addresses, employer identification numbers or social security numbers (if applicable) and dates of birth (as applicable) of its video lottery principals. Disclosure of any criminal charges or convictions of all individuals or entities whose names must be provided must also be included in the application;

(2) An applicant must submit to the commission an application fee in the amount set forth in rules promulgated by the commission under division 3770:2-11 of the Administrative Code;

(3) An applicant must submit proof that it is registered to do business in Ohio, and shall provide the name and contact information for the principal contact for its business in Ohio;

(4) For the period of time established or required by the director, a technology provider applicant must provide a listing of any and all gaming licenses, registrations or certifications obtained by the applicant, including the type of license, registration, or certification, date of issuance, date of suspension, termination, expiration or cancellation, if suspended, terminated, expired or cancelled, and the reason for suspension, termination, expiration or cancellation, and the date of assessment, imposition or payment of any penalties or fines;

(5) If and as required by the director, an applicant must agree to submit to a full background check and review of the applicant or its video lottery principals, or any other persons affiliated with the applicant or licensee who the director determines should be required to submit to a background check. Individual licenses may be required of persons affiliated with the applicant or licensee who the director determines should be required to hold an individual license. Individual licenses would be required to be obtained in accordance with applicable provisions of the Administrative Code;

(6) If required by the director, an applicant must submit a signed indemnification agreement in a form approved by the director;

(7) Prior to operation of video lottery terminals, video lottery games and/or associated equipment, the applicant must agree that the video lottery terminals, video lottery games and/or associated equipment will have obtained the required certifications and/or tests from an independent test lab that is licensed and included on the then current list of Ohio lottery commission licensed independent test labs;

(8) An applicant must agree that, it will provide test video lottery terminals and video lottery games to the video lottery central monitoring system provider with no additional costs to the lottery; and

(9) A video lottery applicant must agree to allow the lottery and its designated agents access to its hardware and software, facilities and records for audits authorized under section 3770.06 of the Revised Code and for any other purposes deemed necessary by the director.

(B) Amendments by the applicant prior to issuance. All information required to be submitted as part of an application for a technology provider license pursuant to Chapter 3770:2-5 of the Administrative Code must be updated or supplemented if updates or changes occur prior to issuance of a license. In the event that updated or supplemental information is required by or received by the lottery, the director maintains discretion to suspend, revoke or reconsider an application or otherwise modify the conditions of the issuance of a license. In the event that the director takes action in connection with any updated or supplemental information received by the lottery, the director will adhere to required notices and procedures regarding any suspensions, revocation, reconsideration or modification of an application or the issuance of a license.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:46 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.03, 3770.21
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029
Rule 3770:2-5-03 | Technology providers licenses; application review process.
 

(A) Application review process. Upon receiving an application, the director shall review the application to determine if the applicant meets the requirements of the Lottery Act and the commission's rules and regulations pertaining to video lottery. The following factors may be considered during the application review process for determining whether an application for a technology provider license shall be granted or denied.

(1) The financial responsibility and security of the applicant, including the extent to which an applicant has demonstrated its ability to manufacturer, distribute or provide video lottery terminals and/or video lottery games;

(2) The results of any background checks;

(3) Whether an applicant has failed to comply with a commission rule, regulation, policy, directive or order;

(4) Whether an applicant has failed to comply with another jurisdiction's lottery or gaming laws, rules, regulations, policies directives or orders;

(5) Whether the applicant or persons who will be involved in the applicant's business is affiliated with a technology provider or video lottery sales agent to be engaged in the operation of video lottery in the state, and if so affiliated, the nature of the affiliation;

(6) The extent to which the applicant has cooperated with the commission in the application process including but not limited to cooperation with criminal and financial background checks and reviews;

(7) Any other information that the director deems relevant to a determination regarding the applicant's ability to offer video lottery games for sale in accordance with the Lottery Act, rules, regulations, policies, directives and orders adopted, promulgated or issued by the commission or the director pertaining to video lottery gaming operations.

(B) Consideration of certification and/or licensure from other jurisdictions. If an applicant has been certified and/or licensed by another state lottery for the operation of video lottery, or another United States gaming jurisdiction, the director may, but is not required to, consider and rely upon any such certification and/or licensure.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:46 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.03, 3770.21
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029
Rule 3770:2-5-04 | Technology providers licenses; issuance of license.
 

(A) Issuance of license. If after a review of an application and consideration of factors deemed relevant to the efficient and proper administration of video lottery, and provided that the director determines that an applicant has met the requirements for issuance of a technology provider license, the director may license an applicant as a technology provider on such terms and conditions, and for such length of time, deemed appropriate, including issuance of a temporary license.

(B) Licensing fee. No technology provider license shall be issued until any required licensing fee is submitted in the amount set forth in rules promulgated by the commission under Chapter 3770:2-11 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Non-transferability of license. A technology provider license is not transferable. If ownership or majority control of the technology provider changes, unless the director determines that a new application is not required, the new owner may apply to the director for a license pursuant to applicable rules and regulations.

(D) Approval of video lottery games and terminals. Video lottery games provided by or sold by and video lottery terminals provided by or sold by a technology provider licensee to a licensed video lottery sales agent must be approved by the director, commission or commissioners, as applicable.

(E) Authority to sell. A technology provider license, once issued, authorizes the sale of video lottery games and video lottery terminals to licensed video lottery sales agents to be installed and operated in accordance with application provisions of the Lottery Act, all rules regulations, policies and directives of the commission or director.

(F) Compliance with the Lottery Act. Upon issuance of a technology provider license, a licensee shall be obligated to comply with the applicable provisions of the Lottery Act, all rules, regulations, policies and directives of the commission or director and all terms and conditions of the license as set forth in the application, or any amendments or modifications thereto. Failure to comply with any and all obligations required of a licensee may subject the license to suspension or revocation as set forth in rule 3770:2-5-06 of the Administrative Code, or to imposition of monetary penalties as set forth in rule 3770:2-5-07 of the Administrative Code. A temporary license, if issued, does not guarantee the issuance of a technology provider license and may be suspended or revoked at any time and for any reason without further notice and opportunity to be heard.

(G) Number of licenses. There shall be no limit on the number of technology provider licenses issued.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:46 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.03, 3770.21
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029
Rule 3770:2-5-05 | Technology providers licenses; denial of license.
 

(A) Denial of license. If after a review of a technology provider application and consideration of any other factors deemed relevant to the efficient and proper operation of video lottery, the director determines that an applicant has not met the requirements for issuance of a technology provider license, the director may deny the application, or may request that the application be revised and reviewed for further consideration.

(B) Grounds for refusal. In addition to the grounds for refusal to grant an applicant's request for a license in divisions (C)(1) to (C)(5), (D)(1) to (D)(3) and (E)(1) to (E)(2) of section 3770.05 of the Revised Code, and except as provided in paragraph (C) of this rule, in the event any of the following are determined by the director, an application for a technology provider license may be denied:

(1) A determination that an applicant or persons who will be involved in video lottery operations in the state is known to be affiliated with a video lottery sales agent or independent test lab licensed to provide testing services in the state which has been determined by the director to be an unacceptable affiliation and an applicant or a person who will be involved in video lottery in the state has refused to divest itself of the affiliation with the video lottery sales agent or independent test lab.

(2) A determination that an applicant has made a misrepresentation regarding a fact material to an application or has failed to disclose information regarding a fact material to an application.

(3) A determination that an applicant or person who will be involved in video lottery operations in the state has been convicted of any other criminal violation which as determined by the director may negatively impact the integrity of the lottery.

(C) Sealing of record. The director may require an applicant, or any of its principals or any person who the director has determined should be subjected to a criminal background check that have been convicted of any of the offenses set forth in divisions (C)(1) to (C)(5) and (E)(1) to (E)(2) of section 3770.05 of the Revised Code to obtain an order from a court of competent jurisdiction to have the record of such offense sealed. If such an order is not obtained during the time specified by the director, the director may deny the video lottery application. If the record of an applicant, or any of its video lottery principals or any person who the director has determined should be subjected to a criminal background check reveals an offense listed in divisions (C)(1) to (C)(5) and (E)(1) to (E)(2) of section 3770.05 of the Revised Code which is at least ten years old, the director may disregard the offense and may license the applicant.

(D) Right to hearing. When required to do so by the Administrative Procedure Act, the director shall afford a hearing to an applicant affected by a decision to deny an application for a technology provider license. Such hearings shall be conducted by the director or a hearing examiner designated by the director and shall comply with the requirements for adjudication hearings set out in the Administrative Procedure Act.

(E) Reapplication. If an application is denied, an applicant may reapply, but any subsequent application shall require submission of a new application and payment of a separate application fee and licensing fee, as applicable, and shall only be submitted after any waiting period for reapplication, if any established by the director, has expired.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:47 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.02, 3770.03
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029
Rule 3770:2-5-06 | Technology providers licenses; suspension or revocation.
 

(A) Suspension or revocation. A technology provider license may be suspended or revoked as set forth in this rule:

(1) Non-compliance. The director may suspend or revoke a license of a technology provider who does not comply with the Lottery Act, all rules, terms and conditions, policies, orders and directives adopted, promulgated or issued by the commission or the director, or any state of federal law, including but not limited to the following:

(a) Failure to pay any required licensing fee;

(b) Failure to maintain any required surety bond, dedicated non-revocable letter of credit, or other form of credit authorized or required by the director;

(c) Failure to maintain any insurance, coverage and/or bonds required by the director;

(d) Making a false statement, omission, or misrepresentation of a material fact in connection with a technology provider application for, or renewal of, a license, in any reports or to any person in connection with a lottery transaction or investigation;

(e) Failure to maintain adequate and sufficient security for video lottery terminals or video lottery games provided in the state;

(f) Providing or participating in the installation of a video lottery game that has not been approved by the director or commission, as applicable;

(g) Providing or participating in the installation of devices for the sale of video lottery at a facility not approved for a video lottery license or providing or participating in the installation of devices for the sale of video lottery at a facility approved for a video lottery license other than video lottery terminals authorized and approved by the director for use in connection with video lottery;

(h) Failure to provide any required notice or failure to obtain any required approval prior to relocation or transportation of a video lottery terminal;

(i) Acting in a manner that impacts or has the likelihood of impacting the efficient operation or integrity of video lottery; and

(j) Failure to adhere to all the terms and conditions as set forth in the licensing agreement, including any amendments or modifications thereto.

(2) The director may suspend or revoke a technology provider license if any person who the director has determined should be subjected to a criminal background check is convicted of any of the offenses set forth in divisions (C)(1) to (C)(3), (C)(5), (E)(1), or (E)(2) of section 3770.05 of the Revised Code, or any other criminal violation, which as determined by the director, may negatively impact the integrity of the lottery.

(3) The director may suspend or revoke a license if, at any time after issuance of a technology provider license, the director determines that a licensee no longer meets the requirements and standards for issuance of a video lottery license as set forth in the Lottery Act, commission rules, regulations, policies, orders and directives adopted, promulgated or issued by the commission or the director.

(B) Fines. Any suspension or revocation under this section may be in addition to or in lieu of the imposition of a fine under rule 3770:2-5-07 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Right to hearing. When required to do so by the Administrative Procedure Act, the director shall afford a hearing to a licensee affected by an order to suspend or revoke a license. Such hearings shall be conducted by the director or a hearing examiner designated by the director and shall comply with the requirements for adjudication hearings set out in the Administrative Procedure Act. The requirement of the Administrative Procedure Act that adjudication hearings be afforded prior to a final decision by the director to suspend or revoke a license may be waived under circumstances for reasons related to the public safety, convenience or trust which require immediate action. Further, as necessary for reasons related to public safety, convenience or trust which require immediate action, the director may order the immediate and indefinite disabling of all or a portion of the video lottery operations and/or removal of video lottery equipment at a video lottery sales agent's video lottery facility. The director, however, must continue to comply with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act in affording the licensee a subsequent opportunity for an adjudication hearing.

(D) Re-application. If a technology provider's license is revoked, a technology provider may reapply, but any subsequent application shall require submission of a new application and payment of a separate application fee and licensing fee, as applicable, and shall only be submitted after any waiting period for reapplication, if any, established by the director, has expired.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:51 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.03, 3770.21
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 12/29/2011
Rule 3770:2-5-07 | Tecnology providers licenses; fines.
 

(A) Monetary fines. As determined by the director, monetary fines may be imposed upon a technology provider licensee who does not comply with the Lottery Act, all rules, regulations, terms and conditions, policies, orders and directives adopted, promulgated or issued by the commission or the director which may include but may not be limited to a determination that a video lottery sales agent has failed to comply with or violated any provisions set forth in paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(3) of rule 3770:2-5-06 of the Administrative Code.

(B) Suspension or revocation.. Any fines under this section may be in addition to or in lieu of a suspension or revocation under rule 3770:2-5-06 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Schedule of fines. The director may establish a schedule of fines that may be imposed pursuant to the authority set forth herein. Said schedule, and any amendments or revisions thereto, shall be approved by the director and made available to video lottery sales agents prior to imposition of monetary fines hereunder. Nothing contained on a fine schedule established by the director for technology provider licensees shall mandate imposition of a fine, but in the event that fines are imposed, the technology provider fine schedule in effect at the time of the event leading to a determination that a fine shall be imposed, shall be applicable.

(D) Right to hearing. When required to do so by the Administrative Procedure Act, the director shall afford a hearing to a technology provider licensee affected by an order imposing a fine. Such hearings shall be conducted by the director or a hearing examiner designated by the director and shall comply with requirements for adjudication hearings set out in the Administrative Procedure Act. The requirement of the Administrative Procedure Act that adjudication hearings be afforded prior to a final decision by the director to suspend or revoke a technology provider license may be waived under circumstances for reasons related to the public safety, convenience or trust which require immediate action. Further, as necessary for reasons related to public safety, convenience or trust which require immediate action, the director may order the immediate and indefinite disabling of all or a portion of the video lottery operations and/or removal of video lottery equipment at a video lottery sales agent's video lottery facility. The director, however, must continue to comply with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act in affording the technology provider licensee a subsequent opportunity for an adjudication hearing.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:51 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.03 and 3770.21
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029
Rule 3770:2-5-08 | Technology providers licenses; renewal.
 

(A) Form of application. All applications to renew a technology provider license must be filed on a form approved by the director and shall be subject to review and approval by the director in accordance with the Lottery Act, rules, regulations, policies, orders and directives adopted, promulgated or issued by the commission or the director.

(B) License renewal process. Unless otherwise deemed necessary by the director, annually the license renewal process shall consist of a certification by the licensee that there have been no changes to any information provided in connection with the licensee's application, renewal applications or any other supplements thereto. Every five years, a licensee shall be required to resubmit a complete application in the manner and form as required by the director, if not otherwise specified in division 3770:2 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Submission date. An application to renew a license must be filed on or before dates established by the director for submission of renewal applications, unless submission of a late renewal application is approved by the director.

(D) Licensing renewal fee. No technology provider license shall be renewed until a renewal licensing fee in the amount set forth in rules promulgated by the commission under division 3770:2-11 of the Administrative Code are submitted.

(E) Penalty. Any renewal license shall be subject to suspension, modification, revocation or fine as required by the Lottery Act, rule, regulation, policy order or directives adopted, promulgated or issued by the commission or the director.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:51 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.03 and 3770.21
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029
Rule 3770:2-5-09 | Technology providers licenses; records; audits and inspection.
 

(A) Examination of records. The lottery and the auditor of the state may at any time examine, inspect, test or access for any purposes all records, files, equipment and other documents, including but not limited to electronic, paper and computer records, files and other documents, video lottery terminals, and hardware and software used in connection with video lottery whether kept or maintained by the licensee, its affiliated companies, employees, representatives and/or other entity assisting the video lottery terminal manufacturer, distributor or provider licensee in the operation of video lottery in the state. Video lottery technology provider licensees shall ensure that such equipment, records, files and other document are regularly maintained and up to date.

(B) Inspection of facilities. A technology provider licensee shall allow inspections of the video lottery terminals or facilities at which a video lottery terminal manufacturer, distributor or provider licensee stores video lottery terminals at any time as authorized by the director. The inspection may be made without prior notice to the video lottery terminal manufacturer, distributor or provider licensee.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:51 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.03 and 3770.21
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2029