We have source-code verificaton and results-testing as the two options for software verification. With results-testing, the credibility of the results is the issue: are they genuine results, or faked by the casino / tester? If that is established / establisheable, then you can move forward. With this alternative, that problem is removed, but there are others (please humour me if these questions are in any way irrelevant):
Caruso wrote: how regularly is the code tested? how is one guarenteed that the "fair" code you examine is the same code run by the operator?
Caruso wrote: Is code-testing foolproof? - meaning, a code which "passes inspection" cannot then entertain the possibility that non-random numbers may still be generated? Can a "fair" code not be somehow bypassed?
Caruso wrote: Do you consider source-code verification a better alternative to result-testing? If so, why? And the old chestnut: What guarentees is it possible to offer the consumer (me) that you are on the level and that your pronouncements may be trusted?
9/9/04 - Caruso wrote: What stage are you at with this now, Doug? Any interest from software platforms? Or are you currently looking to get it all independently verified and haven't got to the marketing yet? Seems to me if you get a sniff from just one of the big ones the others won't have much option but to step up and be counted - always assuming that any of them actually have the desire to be subject themselves to genuine scrutiny.
14/9/04 - :Caruso wrote: Wish I could help, Doug, but marketing's not exactly my line. At the very least, you have my support - this is clearly the way forward in terms of the players' interests. If I can help in simply giving a layman's explanation of the principle of the project and my "endorsement" with my perception of its value and attractiveness to players (as, if nothing else, a player myself with some street-cred) to your would-be partners, I would be very happy to to do so.
I wouldn't wait for people to come forward and help if I were in your shoes. Speaking as a realist / cynic, this is not in my honest opinion exactly what the industry is looking for - honest, verified software regulation - and I bet noone is going to be beating your door down to get on board (correct me if I'm wrong). If you can get a sniff from just one of them, however, like Crypto, it'll be the thin end of the wedge and the others are going to have to stand up and be counted, otherwise players will be asking what the others have to hide. Since I believe Crypto MAY actually deal a fair game I see this as quite a serious possibility. NetGaming? also comes to mind - a small operation that may have nothing to hide and may be interested in participating in such a ground-breaking project. If not, I hope you have a few more trump cards yet up your sleeve. Please keep the threads at Casinomeiser and WOL updated.