Recently, I sent the following email to the Alcohol and Gaming
Commission of Ontario:
"Video poker machines are a unique type of slot machine, in that they
can be analyzed by a computer, based on the payout for various types
of hands, to determine the long term theoretical payback of the
machine.
This analysis assumes that the computer "deals" cards in a completely
random fashion, with no built-in biases.
Does the Commission require that totally random card dealing be
incorporated in video poker machines in Ontario, and, if so, how do
you check to ensure this is the case?"
Here is their reply:
"Thank you for your email of May 8, 2007 concerning the randomness of
video poker machines in Ontario .
The AGCO regulates the gaming industry in Ontario , including
testing for the technical integrity, security and safety of all
electronic gaming machines operating in Ontario gaming facilities.
The AGCO requires 'cards' in video poker machines be dealt in a
completely random manner. The randomness of the video poker "cards"
in a deal is verified by various statistical tests, such as frequency
test, "poker" tests and Kolmogorov-Smirnof test. The randomness of
the winning combinations is verified by a statistical test
called "goodness of fit".
Once again, thank you for writing and hopefully you will find this
information to be helpful."
Neil