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Frequently Asked Questions about the
New Mexico Lottery Digital Draw System
What is it?
The OriginTM digital draw system,
manufactured by Smartplay International, is a
self-contained random number generation and graphic
display device.
What
is Smartplay International?
Established in
1993, Smartplay is a leading lottery supplier of
drawing equipment whose clients include lotteries
around the world. It does not sell its products to
the general public
.Is it a
computer?
Yes. It is a
custom-built computer installed in a secure console.
How
does it work?
The system
uses two hardware devices which pass all
internationally-accepted scientific and mathematical
randomness tests. It uses quantum physics to create a
number range of more than six billion numbers. The
system is then programmed to randomly generate winning
numbers within a particular game’s range (matrix),
such as 0 to 9 for Pick 3 or 1 to 34 for Roadrunner
Cash.
How
do we know the numbers are random?
The initial
number generation occurs using one of two
hardware-based true random number generators (RNG).
Selection of which RNG will be used is also random,
performed by the computer’s random number server.
These devices pass internationally-accepted randomness
benchmarks. The generated numbers are then processed
through what is known as a pseudo random number
algorithm. Next, the data is processed through a
battery of tests using federal information processing
standards (FIPS 140-2) specifying security
requirements and tamper-proof computer codes. Drawing
operators view the on-going test results on the
system’s command screen.
How have these machines
been certified?
An independent
testing lab, Secure Software of Chantilly, VA, has
tested and certified both the OriginTM
System in general, and the New Mexico Lottery’s
specific game matrix and program.
How are the
winning numbers selected?
The draw
application queries the random number server for
random numbers. When the drawing option is selected,
the system switches from selecting random numbers from
within the entire range of more than six billion
numbers to only those in the matrix for a particular
game’s drawing --- the same range of numbers available
with traditional ping pong-style balls.
Can the system be hacked
into?
No. There is
no connection to any network or the Internet. In
addition to its stand-alone nature, there are the
added security elements of the console’s housing plus
logon validation, which is required prior to the start
of a game. Once the system is powered up, every
keystroke is written to a log. The system also runs a
self-diagnostic check during startup known as a cyclic
redundancy.
How
many operators are required to run the system?
The console
requires two people – a security draw staff member and
an independent auditor.
How secure is the system?
The system is
locked into the console and can only be accessed by
Smartplay personnel in the presence of a Lottery
security draw staff member and an independent
auditor. In addition, the chassis is sealed with a
tamper-proof security seal. There are no outside
connections to the computer. The system is stored
inside a secured room with restricted access.
Are there any logs or
paper trails?
Yes. As soon as the system is activated, a log starts
to record all keyboard input and activity for the
console. Once the draw process is complete, the log
is automatically saved onto the system. The file can
be viewed or printed. Users cannot alter it. In
addition, the computer’s video images created by the
draw are saved. All activities are monitored by
closed circuit camera.
Can additional games be
added on an ongoing basis?
Yes.
Smartplay can update the system to include other draws
and the related graphics. To add new games using
traditional ball machines means having to purchase and
maintain several new machines and ball sets for each
game.
How many machines is the
New Mexico Lottery Authority getting?
There are
three computer systems, each of which has two RNGs.
The three systems will replace the New Mexico
Lottery’s six game-specific ball machines, up to 24
ball sets, plus any ball machines and ball sets for
future games. However, unlike the existing machines,
the new computer systems can be programmed to run any
New Mexico game, further adding to the flexibility.
Each system can serve as either a primary or back-up
unit.
Where are RNGs currently
in use?
Other North
American lotteries that have already converted from
traditional drawing machines to computers and RNGs are
California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana,
Kansas, Loto-Québec, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.
Integrity is the
cornerstone of a successful lottery organization. To
ensure the highest ethical and technical standards,
these and other lotteries worldwide have independent
laboratories test the RNGs. The independent
laboratories perform various statistical tests for
randomness.
What are the computer
elements?
The computer
randomly selects numbers from within specified
parameters, performs self-diagnostics, tracks every
transaction and provides technical flexibility.
What are the human
elements?
It still takes
an operator (Lottery security draw staff member) to
operate the computer inside a secure draw studio. An
independent auditor monitors each step of every
drawing, following a detailed checklist of dozens of
items. A separate team of a Lottery control room
operator and an additional auditor monitor different
transactions with different checklists. All
procedures must balance and match before drawing
results are made official. Additionally, all New
Mexico Lottery drawings are open to the public for
viewing and monitoring. Advance requests are
necessary because of after-hours access to a secured
facility.
Will the drawing results
continue to be broadcast?
Yes.
They will continue to air during the 10 p.m. news on
New Mexico’s three CBS affiliates, KRQE/Albuquerque,
KBIM/Roswell and KREZ/Durango-Farmington. Drawing
results are faxed to all interested media shortly
thereafter. Powerball results are faxed separately. |
