Hardware Standards
HARDWARE STANDARDS
The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hardware provided by the totalisator companies operating in the State of Colorado and/or handling wagering data from out-of-state will operate in a manner that provides a reliable platform on which the software can run.
X.
All race tracks are required to operate with a computerized cash/sell pari-mutuel system. An association must operate a multi-computer or multi-processor system with varying degrees of independence in the transaction processing and system control functions distributed among the computers. The computers must be configured in such a way that should one of the computers actively tracking events fail, the other can immediately begin to take over all functions of the failed computer.
XI. Schematic Chart
A. The totalisator company must provide the Racing Commission with an overview of the equipment by providing a detailed schematic chart showing the interconnections of each piece of hardware in the computer system.
1. This chart must indicate, where appropriate, the part of the database each terminal can access as well as the amount and degree of access each terminal has to the application and operating system programs. The amount and degree of access could range from unrestricted access to databases and programs with the ability to change each (an operator's terminal), to limited database access (race information input) and the ability to carry out only preassigned, specific commands (a judge's terminal).
2. User assignment must be determined by access, and the schematic must reflect usual and potential user types assigned.
B. The schematic chart must be given to the Racing Commission two weeks prior to system installation and testing.
C. Any changes to the system, however small, must be reflected in a revised schematic chart and submitted to and approved by the Racing Commission before implementation.
XII. Peripherals
A pari-mutuel computer system must include the following peripherals:
A. A log printer for each computer.
B. A master control terminal that allows the operator to execute routine maintenance and operational functions based on individual operator identification/authentication.
C. User terminals that allow the mutuel manager, money room and judges/stewards restricted system access. Access via modems or these terminals to the wager processing program or the operating system is not permitted .
D. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
1. The computer system must be supported by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to allow for system shutdown should a power failure occur. System shutdown means that all wagering data in the computer at the time of the failure remains intact, and that all race and end-of-day reports can be produced. The UPS must also be capable of supplying even power to the system, within accepted limits, when a power surge or drop occurs.2. The alarm associated with the UPS must be readily recognizable by the operator from within the totalisator room.
E. Wagering information screen displays that meet the requirements of the Racing Commission.
F. Data storage devices to record necessary system data.
G. Backup devices capable of recording complete system information on removable media for storage and restoration.
H. Ticket Issuing Machines (TIMs).
1. The local area ticket issuing machines (TIMs), also known as cash/sell tellers' terminals, are not required to be intelligent.
2. Intelligent local area and remote TIMs must limit their programming to communication with the main computer, maintenance routines, and dynamic terminal configuration routines.
3. Programs related to the production or verification of the wager identification number that is printed on the ticket or assigned by the main computer must never reside in a TIM.
4. Access to the wagering database via a TIM is restricted to the wagering or cashing functions necessary for a teller to serve the public.
5. Removable electronic components that affect TIM operation must be approved by a Commission Representative. This approval will include a device, such as a Commission tape seal, that will identify the components.
I. Stop wagering devices.The totalisator company must install two separate devices that activate the stop wagering function of the totalisator system.
1. The primary device will be accessible to the Board to issue the Stop Wagering command during normal operations and activate the "off bell."
2. The second bell device "back up" is to be installed in the totalisator room to enable the totalisator operator to issue the stop wagering command in the event of a totalisator malfunction or human error that prevents the totalisator system from activating the stop wagering function at the appropriate time.
XIII. Maintenance
Totalisator systems in the State of Colorado and/or handling wagering data from out-of-state must have sufficient preventative maintenance to ensure that the system hardware will provide a high degree of reliability. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, physical cleaning of system components and peripherals and testing of the UPS for battery life and power stability.
XIV. Tote-to-Tote Common Pool Networks
A. General Requirements
1. Associations operating the wagering sites in a Tote-to-Tote network within the State of Colorado and/or handling wagering data from out-of-state must each provide a pari-mutuel computer system that meets the standards and requirements outlined earlier in this chapter, in rules adopted by the Commission, and the current Inter-Tote Standard Protocol.
2. Intertrack wagering is allowed if all equipment used is of an approved type and in an approved location.
3. The host association staging the races or card for which the common pools are operated must also provide a pari-mutuel system that:
a. Operates whenever another system in the network is accepting wagers on the common pools.
b. Directs each system with respect to pools offered, live and scratched runners, common pool totals, network odds and probable payout, start and stop wagering commands, official orders of finish, deduction and payout calculations.
c. Produces reports showing the amount wagered on each runner and pool from each site, except for scanned pools per the current Inter-Tote Standard Protocol.
B. Realignment
1. A Tote-to-Tote network may be realigned to a TIM-to-Tote relationship within the State with a new central computer or with another remote site.
2. Authorization of the realignment is dependent upon the Commission Representative having approved alternate communication links and the capability of the new central CPU system to carry out the functions of a central CPU.
3. Agreements among the associations taking part in the network must include provisions for realignment in the event of a system failure.
XV. Future Totalisator Systems
Any future system configurations, including, but not limited to, central totalisators and other technologies, must receive approval of the Racing Commission prior to implementation.
XVI. Emergency Procedures
A. The computer system must be supported by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as described in Section III.
B. Emergency procedures in the event of a pari-mutuel system failure apply whether the system is operating as a stand-alone wagering site for regular or separate pool wagering, or as a satellite in a common pool wagering network.
C. In a Tote-to-Tote network, system failure may occur at either the remote site or the host. If it occurs at the remote site, the Commission Representative and the network's mutuel and system managers must establish the pools for the unaffected sites, which will continue normal operation, while the failure site must cease wagering. The Commission Representative must then determine when the failed pari-mutuel system may resume operation.