Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO) technology enables patrons to collect credits from a poker machine via a barcoded ticket that can be exchanged for cash or used in another poker machine to continue play.
It is not compulsory for venue operators to use TITO and venue operators can choose if, and how many machines they would like to operate TITO.
Provision and installation of TITO
TITO is an ‘ancillary service’ and is offered by third party gaming venue service providers who are listed on the Roll of Manufacturers, Service Providers and Testers (Roll).
Although Intralot Gaming Services Pty Ltd (IGS) cannot provide a TITO service under the Monitoring Licence, IGS is responsible for monitoring TITO transactions and facilitating the connection of the third-party TITO system.
A venue operator must engage with a third-party gaming venue service provider to provide a TITO service, ensuring all gaming machines have been appropriately updated to offer TITO.
While some machines have built in TITO capabilities, others will require modifications to the gaming machine to allow TITO to operate. Such modifications require approval to be obtained by manufacturers.
The TITO system and Credit Redemption Terminal (CRT)
The TITO system normally comprises an onsite computer server at the venue, which is connected to poker machines via IGS’s Central Monitoring and Control System (CMCS). All communications between poker machines and the TITO server travel via the venue site controller and are logged by the CMCS and therefore tracked by IGS as well as your TITO provider.
A Credit Redemption Terminal (CRT) is a separate self-service terminal, which is connected to the TITO System, and provides ticket redemption capabilities.
Venue operators may choose to use a CRT.
TITO approvals
Before a third-party service provider can operate a TITO system, and a gaming machine can facilitate TITO transactions, they will both be subject to testing.
Testing ensures the TITO system (the server and its program) is compliant with the relevant technical standards.
All poker machines and games must be approved to be connected to a TITO system. Venue operators will need to ensure that any poker machine and required TITO equipment on the poker machine have been approved by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). This includes approval for any software change or reconfiguration as well as the installation of additional hardware such as printers and protocol converters.
The technical standards(opens in a new window) that apply to TITO and card-based cashless gaming are available on the VGCCC website.
Manufacturers and service providers are responsible for obtaining certification for TITO systems. Venue operators should check with their service provider that they have the relevant certifications before implementing TITO in the venue.
Regulations applicable to TITO
The Accounting & Auditing Venue Requirements apply to gaming venues regardless of whether they are TITO-enabled.
The Gambling Regulations 2015 have been amended with regulations specific to cashless gaming. Venue operators should familiarise themselves with Regulations 42A, 42B,42C 42D and 42E.
The Gambling legislation and regulations are available on the VGCCC website.
Venue operators should check that their service providers have ensured compliance against relevant technical standards.
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