Gaming Laboratories International celebrates its 20th anniversary during G2E Asia 2009
GLI—20 years in business
The month of June has a double significance for Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) this year. It marks the company’s 20th anniversary as well as an opportunity for GLI executives to meet regional gaming industry bosses at G2E Asia 2009 in Macau.
For two decades GLI has been a world leader in independent testing for the gaming industry. It now has 13 testing laboratories spread across six of the world’s seven continents. If a casino ever opens in Antarctica, you can be sure GLI will have a presence there too. GLI is the only laboratory service of its kind to hold both U.S. and international accreditations for compliance with ISO 17025 and 17020 standards for technical competence in testing and inspection services.
GLI Asia Interoperability and Testing Center
Earlier this year, GLI opened the GLI Asia Interoperability and Testing Center, a 3,000 square foot facility located in the China Civil Plaza in Macau. The company says it is Asia’s first gaming testing lab. More than 55 regulators and other dignitaries from across the region—including suppliers, government officials and operators—joined in the celebration in February to mark the beginning of a new era for the gaming industry in the region.
Staffed by locals
GLI says it made a special effort to recruit local test engineers for its Macau lab, with the aim of integrating the business into the local economy. Those engineers provide services to many regional organisations, including those with Macau operations, further reinforcing GLI’s involvement in the community.
Serving jurisdictions throughout Asia
Since opening, the GLI Asia Interoperability and Testing Center has been busy serving several regional markets such as Mainland China’s lottery sector as well as emerging gaming and lottery markets in Japan, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.
GLI Asia—more than an office
GLI Asia is the company’s Asian base. From GLI Asia, the company serves multiple markets along the Pacific Rim at governmental and supplier level local as well as at casino and lottery operator level.
GLI and Macao Polytechnic Institute—working together
GLI Asia quickly acted to increase the number of qualified local engineers available to the regional gaming industry by signing an agreement with Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI). GLI entered into a memorandum of understanding with the MPI to work on joint research projects, to provide training at the Institute and to cultivate and to hire future graduates.
Private operation
The company says GLI’s Asia Interoperability and Testing Center is the only one run by a private laboratory. The Center helps suppliers and regulators ensure that equipment connects to systems and communicates correctly. The Asia Center has access to the expertise of the world’s largest Interoperability Center in GLI’s Las Vegas office. Both Centers are places where suppliers and regulators can come together to discuss key industry issues in a neutral environment.
Exclusive relationship with Gaming Standards Association
GLI states it is the only independent laboratory to be approved by the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) to test and certify the industry’s latest set of communication protocols.
Tools to help regulators
GLIAccess(SM) and GLI Verify(SM) are important tools that enable regulators to track certifications and to ensure that what was tested in the lab is what was installed on the gaming floor.
Training programme for regulators
GLI University is a training programme that conducts on-site and off-site training and discussion round tables to help regulators stay ahead of technological developments.
Tools for manufacturers
GLI’s Point.Click.Transfer is an online application that allows original equipment manufacturers to save costs and speed shipment of products to market. Where a product has been previously certified, that certification clearance can be transferred digitally to another jurisdiction participating in the scheme, ahead of receipt of the goods themselves.
Gaming Laboratories International: Booth #943
G2E Asia 2009, Cotai Strip® CotaiExpo™, The Venetian Macao 3rd-4th June.
