Methods and apparatus for automatic generation of a hostname for a network printer embedded in or associated with a gaming machine are provided. An identification number is received at the printer from the gaming machine. The printer can then generate a unique Hostname for the printer by modifying the identification number. Once the Hostname is generated, the printer is able to connect to the network using the generated Hostname. For example, a connection of the printer to the network may be delayed after initial power up of the printer until print data for a game generated ticket has been received at the printer from the gaming machine. The identification number may be extracted from the print data at the printer and used to generate the Hostname.