OPERA Gaming Interface
The Opera Gaming Interface offers intelligent connectivity between OPERA and the major casino Patron Tracking Systems. The Opera Exchange Interface (OXI) provides instant two-way communication between OPERA and the PTS so that the two systems can share information in real time.
The Opera Comp Accounting license (OPP_GCA) provides a set of features and enhancements that customize OPERA functionality for comp accounting. Opera Comp Accounting functionality is integrated into the standard OPERA modules, including Configuration, Reservations, Profiles, Memberships, Cashiering, and AR.
When combined with the Opera Gaming Interface (such as OPX_GA2, OPX_ACRS, OPX_BALL), Opera Comp Accounting meets specific comp accounting needs of casinos and gaming resorts that use an external Patron Tracking System (PTS).
Note: The comp accounting features enabled by the Opera Comp Accounting license (OPP_GCA) described here can be used with or without the Opera Gaming Interface license codes.
The following list provides a summary of the advantages of using Opera Comp Accounting and the Opera Gaming Interface.
- Improved management of costs related to complimentary goods and services (comps). Opera Comp Accounting allows properties to provide complimentary goods and services (called "comps" or "comp transactions") to guests by routing selected transaction codes to up to 8 special Billing screen windows called "comp windows." The property specifies which transactions may be comped (including how related taxes should be handled), which staff members (called "authorizers") may approve comps, and the monetary value of the comps they may authorize (per-day and per-instance).
Authorizers may also review and evaluate requests for comps that have been submitted via OPERA by other staff members, who themselves may not be authorizers. Upon guest check out, comp transactions that have been posted to any of the comp windows. And, when the Opera Gaming Interface is active, approved by the casino PTS — can be automatically transferred to special AR accounts which are attached to authorizers, if such accounts have been set up. If no account is attached to the authorizer, the agent selects a payment method to settle the comp charges. If AR accounts are used, comp charges may be handled using OPERA AR features (invoicing, payment management, reminders, statements, etc.) according to the procedures the property has established.
- Strict security control over information. OPERA user permissions control who may use specific Opera Comp Accounting features and capabilities, and Opera Gaming Interface features and capabilities including dynamic lookup of PTS information that is passed from the PTS to OPERA. An OPERA user ID and password are required to authorize comps with Opera Comp Accounting, and to access player gaming statistics with the Opera Gaming Interface. A journal tracks all OPERA system activity related to comp transactions, including employee ID, date and time.
- More efficient and accurate awarding of comps through on- line comp request features and real-time monitoring of guest information. Requests for comp are maintained by OPERA — no vouchers or paper forms are required, so requests cannot be lost or misdirected. When the Opera Gaming Interface is used with Opera Comp Accounting, each comp transaction is subject to final approval by the PTS, based on PTS internal validations.
- Automatic handling of comp charges to eliminate guesswork and mistakes, and reduce staff workload. Once "comp routing" is set up, OPERA automatically ensures that (only) the selected goods and services are comped. (Comp transactions may also be handled "manually" by authorized staff.) Guest comp consumption can be monitored in real-time.
- Expanded management oversight through on-demand reporting and information displays. Opera Comp Accounting reporting features provide revenue breakdowns by property-specific comp transaction codes which have been set up to summarize comp transactions by specific outlet or franchise (e.g., restaurant A, restaurant B, grille room, etc.) and/or type of transaction (e.g., food, beverage, food and beverage, room, etc.).
- A Comp History can be attached to guest profiles (available via the Profile Options menu). The history shows revenue information related to the guest, categorized into customized comp revenue buckets set up by the property.
- Enhanced guest service through faster and more convenient PTS membership enrollment and player card embossing. Opera Gaming allows seamless enrollment of new players, or lookup of existing players, in the casino PTS prior to guest arrival, during guest check-in, or anytime thereafter. OPERA can also send a message to the PTS to generate a player ID card.
- Consistent guest profile information stored in both the PTS and OPERA databases is ensured by OXI communications between the systems when the Opera Gaming Interface is used.
Note: To enable the Opera Gaming features, the Comp Accounting license (OPP_GCA) must be active. An Opera Gaming Interface license code (such as OPX_GA2, OPX_ACRS, OPX_BALL) is required for the connection between OPERA and the PTS.
The following concepts and procedures are associated with Opera Gaming:
