undefined | Better HN

0 pointsmcny8y ago0 comments

I've read (though have no first hand experience) that slot machines have better security and better vetting than electronic voting machines do so I'm not surprised either.

0 comments

8 comments · 4 top-level

EvanAnderson8y ago· 4 in thread

In Nevada the source code for gaming devices is required to be provided to the state gaming commission.

(c) In the case of a gaming device, a copy of all executable software, including data and graphic information, and a copy of all source code for programs that cannot be reasonably demonstrated to have any use other than in a gaming device, submitted on electronically readable, unalterable media;

http://gaming.nv.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=29...

xg158y ago

But only for "programs that cannot be reasonably demonstrated to have any use other than in a gaming device".

Makes one imagine what kind of political trench wars probably went on behind the scenes about this regulation.

Edit: On second thought, this seems awfully easy to circumvent. What stops me from making a rigged PRNG and then refusing to make the source code available on the grounds that there are lots of non-gambling applications for PRNGs?

da_chicken8y ago

The gaming commission also regulates how much each machine must pay out over a given period with a given take. Any machine not in compliance is removed, and the casino can be fined. Continued non-compliance can result in the termination of the casino gaming license.

This was true even before electronic slot machines.

1 more reply

ilikeATMs8y ago

You could make a rigged PRNG but the front-end software of the system (different applications) have to display extremely detailed statistics on every function and variable (payouts, money in, number of wins, probabilities etc) and that code will have to be open source. The only upside to interfering with the PRNG would be being able to predict the winning moves based on whats on-screen (assuming whats on-screen is derived from the PRNG).

matt_the_bass8y ago

What’s a PRNG?

1 more reply

mikeash8y ago

Voting machines have atrocious security. ATM levels of security would be a huge step up for them.

ilikeATMs8y ago

The actual slot machines themselves are unexpectedly secure. But the back-end environment is usually a total mess. The aim of the admins is to make sure no-one gets to the back-end environment and that's achieved through heavy use of CCTV and port-security on switches.

IntronExon8y ago

They also tend to exist in the context of massive surveillance and security efforts by casinos.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 comments

8 comments · 4 top-level

EvanAnderson8y ago· 4 in thread

In Nevada the source code for gaming devices is required to be provided to the state gaming commission.

http://gaming.nv.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=29...

xg158y ago

But only for "programs that cannot be reasonably demonstrated to have any use other than in a gaming device".

Makes one imagine what kind of political trench wars probably went on behind the scenes about this regulation.

da_chicken8y ago

This was true even before electronic slot machines.

1 more reply

ilikeATMs8y ago

matt_the_bass8y ago

What’s a PRNG?

1 more reply

mikeash8y ago

Voting machines have atrocious security. ATM levels of security would be a huge step up for them.

ilikeATMs8y ago

IntronExon8y ago

They also tend to exist in the context of massive surveillance and security efforts by casinos.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse