11VAC20-20-380: Critical memory

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. All electronic meters required in 11VAC20-20-440 E;

2. Current unused credits;

3. Electronic gaming device or game configuration data;

4. Recall of all wagers and other information necessary to fully reconstruct the game outcome associated with the last 10 plays;

5. Software state, which is the last state the electronic gaming device software was in before interruption; and

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

a. Memory error or control program error;

b. Low memory battery, for batteries external to the memory itself or low power source;

c. Program error or authentication mismatch; and

d. Power reset.

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

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. Shall only be cleared by a department certified memory clear method; and

3. Shall result in an error if the control program detects an unrecoverable memory error.