Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | March 2009 36 BMM Compliance Mind the Gap MPI-BMM’s new testing laboratory for gaming equipment will play a key role in developing Macau’s distinctive standards Peter Turner, BMM, and Prof. Lei Heong Iok, Macao Polytechnic Institute Mr. Peter Turner dotting the eye I n the world of equipment and systems compliance, gap analysis is examination of the technical variations between one jurisdiction and another. That analysis can then be used to reconcile any differences to ensure technology is compliant across those two or more jurisdictions. Macau, in establishing its own system of standards for gaming technology, is seeking not to reinvent the wheel, but to benefit from the work done to establish standards in the leading jurisdictions (known as Tier 1) and to supplement it. BMM Compliance, one of the global leaders in gaming compliance services, has arguably gained first mover advantage in the Macau market by establishing a partnership with a local educational establishment, Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI). That alliance involves not only setting up a testing lab for gaming equipment and systems but giving something back to the local community by training and then employing local technicians and by supporting talented local technology students with scholarships. Ceremony The MPI-BMMTesting Centre for Gaming Devices opened on the MPI campus in downtown Macau on 28th February, with a ceremony led by Professor Lei Heong Iok, President of MPI and Peter Turner, Managing Director of BMM Compliance, Australia Asia Pacific. The guest of honour was Phil Ingram, SeniorTradeCommissioner&DeputyConsul- General of the Australian Government in Hong Kong and Macau. Also in attendance were other senior representatives of MPI, BMM, theMacaugaming industry, theMacau legal profession and Austrade, the Australian Trade Commission. “The establishment of a slot machines and gaming devices testing laboratory is essential and a trend of the times,” said Professor Lei in his speech at the ceremony. Prof. Lei added that under the venture the testing centre would provide MPI with a research fund and scholarship fund of at least MOP300,000 per year (US$37,500). This would help pay for research into gaming industry related topics and to reward outstanding students at MPI. “We now invite operators and manufacturers tomake use of thisworld class testing centre, whether that be for gaming machine certification, systems certification or interoperability testing,” said Mr Turner in his remarks. “Australia is keen to support Macau in its ambitions and in its development,” added Mr Ingram. “Quite a number of Australian companies have been actively involved in this market, from design and construction of casinos and