REPORTING
Having the right gaming machine reporting is crucial to sound gaming machine management.
Now, you might think that the reporting software or systems you currently use are satisfactory and do the job just fine. Unfortunately, although they produce the statutory reports and other data filled spreadsheets, they all fall way short of what gaming machine professionals need.
It is important to exceed what those reports do for you if you are to excel in complete analyses of gaming machine performance. Without extensive and meaningful gaming machine reporting you cannot achieve the best outcomes.
That is why gaming machine management practitioners should possess extensive knowledge and skills in order to develop spreadsheets, charts and other tools that can aid in prudent decision-making.
We can show you how to achieve that goal and structure your gaming machine performance reporting to be more meaningful and analysis-ready.
“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” – Gary Player
Top 10 Tips to improve your gaming machine reporting
1. Excel in using Microsoft Excel
Improving your knowledge and skills in Microsoft Excel, which is widely regarded as the benchmark of spreadsheet applications, will enhance your capabilities and the effectiveness of your gaming machine performance reporting.
1. Excel in using Microsoft Excel
Improving your knowledge and skills in Microsoft Excel, widely regarded as the benchmark of spreadsheet applications, will enhance your capabilities and the effectiveness of your gaming machine performance reporting. Get it, learn it and use it!
2. Consider statistical equivalency
When comparing data for different periods and for different games or groups of games, ensure that statistical equivalency is observed and achieved.
3. Normalise data when applicable
To help normalise performance data, it is often appropriate to convert monetary values to percentage values in order to properly and correctly make valid comparisons.
4. Avoid references to gross clearances
Don’t use gross clearances as a key component of your reports or as a performance indicator. Focus your time and attention on the more important and valid considerations.
5. Limit references to average bets
Take care not to overuse references to average bets as the data may lead to confusion when assessing machine performance or a player’s contribution to turnover or profit.
6. Incorporate charts and tables
Use of charts and tables help to organise your data and assist readers to understand your observations and recommendations. In particular, charts and graphical content reinforce the adage – “Every picture tells a story”.
7. Don't trust official RTP percentages
Official expected RTP and venue profit percentages for each gaming machine and game variations represent guidelines, at best. Operating gaming machines is often a long-term game with the knowledge that volatile outcomes are an inescapable part of the business.
8. Validate the data
Before you finalise your gaming machine performance reporting, make sure you have adopted data validation techniques to be sure of the accuracy of the information presented.
9. Review as a reader - not as the writer
Remember that your gaming machine reports are written and prepared for others, not for you. Therefore, your final review before submission should be thorough and read critically as if you are the recipient. Avoid emotional language and ensure you include recommendations directed at what you want to achieve and how.
10. Include statutory reports
Many of the statutory reports required may not have the genuine merit as do those you can produce. However, it is important that the venue’s legal obligations are met by ensuring that the various reports mandated by legislation are included in your report presentation papers.