IGT's Slot Accounting System (SAS) Discourse by Frank Floor: A chronicle of chronology, technology, and transition

IGT's Slot Accounting System (SAS) Discourse by Frank Floor: A chronicle of chronology, technology, and transition

In the dynamic world of slot machines and casino promotions, one name stands out as a cornerstone of innovation - SAS. However, it's essential to clarify that SAS does not refer to a historical or significant entity within the casino industry, despite its mention in other contexts, such as the SAS Hotel Scandinavia's casino.

The SAS we're referring to is the Slot Accounting System developed by International Game Technology (IGT) in the late 1980s. This system revolutionised the gaming industry by providing a universal communications protocol for slot machines and casino management systems.

SAS's introduction marked a significant milestone, as it equipped slot game designers and marketers with the ability to add bonuses, a feature now common in top slot machines and casino promotions. One of the most transformative advancements brought about by SAS was the introduction of Ticket In/Ticket Out (TITO) technology in the late '90s, which eliminated the need for coins and tokens, revolutionising slot floors.

SAS Version 3, introduced in the early '90s, was a game-changer with the introduction of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), allowing for Cashable and Non-Cashable credits, paving the way for today's Free Play. This version also gained traction due to its simplicity, reliability, and availability to third-party vendors.

By the mid-2000s, SAS had become a global standard for slot machines sold in North America and many parts of the world. IGT, the company that owned SAS, welcomed collaboration, making the SAS brand universal and indispensable. In fact, Konami, Aristocrat, Bally, AGS, Ainsworth, Novomatic, and most niche providers all built SAS compatibility into their games.

IGT made their SAS protocol available for widespread licensing, making it the default standard in virtually every gaming jurisdiction and machine manufacturer. This widespread adoption was further bolstered by SAS's regulatory support, with the protocol becoming the required protocol for machine certification in jurisdictions like Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, and tribal jurisdictions.

Despite the rise of newer protocols like Gaming Standards Association's (GSA) Game-to-System (G2S) software, SAS remains the default protocol on most slot machines globally. Every new advancement in slot technology had to find a way to speak SAS or make it compatible with SAS.

However, it's important to note that SAS does have its limitations. For instance, it cannot handle newer developments like responsible gaming restrictions, foreign languages, smart cards, and many other advanced features.

In conclusion, while SAS may not be the most recent player in the gaming industry, its impact and influence are undeniable. Whether you're a slot director, floor manager, systems analyst, or marketing innovator, chances are you've interacted with SAS, whether you knew it or not. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, SAS remains a crucial part of its history and infrastructure.

The Slot Accounting System (SAS), developed by International Game Technology (IGT) in the late 1980s, revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing a universal communications protocol for slot machines and casino management systems. SAS was a game-changer with the introduction of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Ticket In/Ticket Out (TITO) technology, and the ability to add bonuses to slot machines, features now common in top slot machines and casino promotions.

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