EP1613406A1 - Cashless gaming system and method with monitoring - Google Patents
Cashless gaming system and method with monitoringInfo
- Publication number
- EP1613406A1 EP1613406A1 EP03716884A EP03716884A EP1613406A1 EP 1613406 A1 EP1613406 A1 EP 1613406A1 EP 03716884 A EP03716884 A EP 03716884A EP 03716884 A EP03716884 A EP 03716884A EP 1613406 A1 EP1613406 A1 EP 1613406A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- player
- game
- information
- terminal
- central controller
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 42
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 abstract description 13
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 15
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000001613 Gambling Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013479 data entry Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003442 weekly effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
- G07F17/3232—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
- G07F17/3237—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed about the players, e.g. profiling, responsible gaming, strategy/behavior of players, location of players
- G07F17/3239—Tracking of individual players
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
- G07F17/3251—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes involving media of variable value, e.g. programmable cards, programmable tokens
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to the field of computer-controlled games, and more particularly to the field of cashless computer-controlled games.
- slot machines which are defined as devices that both receive and dispense items of value, such as coins, and which each have their own set of odds. Under many jurisdictions' laws, this prohibition extends to machines that accept alternative items of value, such as tokens or magnetic cards.
- Another system offered by U.S. Games, Inc., a manufacturer of slot machines, contains a game server to control several player terminals. Each player terminal allows a player to choose from several games. This system, however, does not manage player accounts, nor does it keep track of other information deemed important by gaming establishments. Furthermore, conventional systems that provide a single game server connected to several player terminals cannot operate if the connection between the game server and a player terminal is interrupted. Also, traditional systems do not provide for remote monitoring of players and/or games being played.
- a remote monitoring system may track and/or control activity at a plurality of player terminals.
- player identification information and game selection information indicating one of the plurality of games are received from a player at a player terminal.
- a selected one of the games is displayed to the player at a video display at the player terminal.
- Software application programs corresponding to the plurality of games are executed at the player terminal in response to an externally-generated set of random numbers to determine a result of the selected game independent of player participation at other ones of the player terminals.
- Player account information for each of the players is stored at a central controller connected to each of the plurality of player terminals. The central controller adjusts the account information of the players according to the result of the selected game from the player terminal.
- game information corresponding to the plurality of player terminals is stored at a monitoring system remote from the central controller.
- game software is stored on a central controller or remote monitoring system and downloaded to player terminals.
- a method of operating games includes establishing a player account file for a participating player at a central controller and sending software application programs corresponding to a plurality of games of chance, by the central controller, to a player terminal coupled to the central controller.
- Player identification information input by the participating player is received at the player terminal, and the plurality of games of chance are displayed on a video display of the player terminal.
- Information for a selected one of the plurality of games is received at the player terminal.
- the central controller sends an externally-generated set of random numbers to the player terminal.
- the player terminal executes one of the software application programs corresponding to the information for the selected game to determine the result of the selected game independent of player participation at other player terminals.
- the central controller updates the participating player's account file according to the result of the games from the player terminal.
- a cashless gaming method provides a plurality of games at a player terminal that does not accept items of value.
- Player identification information and game selection information indicating one of the plurality of games are received at the player terminal from a player.
- a selected one of the games is displayed to the player at a video display at the player terminal, and software application programs corresponding to a plurality of games are executed at the player terminal in response to an externally-generated set of random numbers to determine the result of the selected game independent of player participation at other ones of the player terminals.
- Player account information for each of the players is stored at a central controller connected to each of the plurality of player terminals and adjusted on a per game basis according to the result of the selected game from the player terminal.
- Fig. 1a is a block diagram of a cashless gaming system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. 1 b is a block diagram of a cashless gaming system consistent with another embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2a is a block diagram of a player terminal consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2b is a block diagram of a player terminal consistent with another embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a game server consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a central control network consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Figs. 5a and 5b are process flow diagrams illustrating a method of operating a cashless gaming system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a system including a remote monitoring system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 1a is a block diagram of a cashless gaming system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the system generally comprises a plurality of player terminals 100a-100n, a game server 102 connected to each of the player terminals 100a-100n, and a central, control network 104 connected to each player terminal for administering and controlling the player terminals 100 and for maintaining player accounts.
- a central control network consistent with the present invention may also be referred to herein as, for example, a central controller.
- game server 102 may connect to player terminals 100 via a daisy-chain connection 106 and may communicate via the RS-422 protocol.
- Central control network 104 connects to each player terminal 100 via a hub network 108 and a terminal server 110.
- the system also includes a terminal server 110 connected to each player terminal 100, communicating via the RS-232 protocol.
- terminal server 110 converts information from player terminals 100 into the TCP-IP protocol and communicates the converted messages to central control network 104 via the hub network 108.
- Hub network 108 may comprise, for example, an Ethernet network or the Internet.
- a group of player terminals 100a-100n are serviced by a single game server 102 and a single terminal server 110.
- a single game server 102 and single terminal server 110 may service up to thirty-two player terminals. Additional groups of player terminals (not shown) may be connected to central control network 104 via hub network 108.
- any additional groups of player terminals may also be serviced by a single game server and connected to the hub network via a single terminal server.
- a gaming system may comprise hundreds or thousands of player terminals.
- a single game server and a single terminal server service a group of player terminals, and a central control network controls all the groups of player terminals.
- a single game server and/or a single terminal server may service any number of player terminals consistent with the present invention.
- a game server and/or a terminal server may have a one-to-one or a one-to-many relationship with a player terminal.
- Fig. 1 b is a block diagram of a cashless gaming system consistent with another embodiment of the present invention.
- the system generally comprises a plurality of player terminals 100a-100n and a central control network 104 connected to each player terminal via a network 108.
- Network 108 may be, for example, a local area network or a wide area network such as the Internet.
- Central control network 104 may control player terminals 100a-100n and/or maintain player accounts.
- Player terminals 100a- 100n and central control network 104 may communicate using, for example, TCP/IP communication.
- game server 102 may be combined with central control network 104.
- game server 102 may be combined with each player terminal 100a-100n.
- game server 102 may include game software that is stored at central control network 104.
- the player terminal 100a may download the game software from central control network 104 via network 108.
- player terminals 100a- 100n may download other things, such as pay tables (i.e., tables of how much is paid per win, etc.) or random number generators, from central control network 104 via network 108.
- player terminal 100a may download game software and other things on a periodic basis, such as monthly, daily, etc., or occasionally.
- a player terminal 100 may operate autonomously for a period of time, meaning that games will not be interrupted in case network 108 fails. Also, games may be executed more quickly at a player terminal 100 that does not have to wait while information is sent back and forth to central control network 104.
- player terminals 100a-100n may receive data from central control network 104 on a periodic basis, for example, once a day or once an hour. This enables easy updating of games and/or pay tables because changes made at central control network 104 are easily transferred to player terminals 100. Frequent updating of this nature also reduces the risk of fraud because games and/or pay tables may be frequently changed and may be stored securely at central control network 104.
- Player terminals 100a-100n differ from conventional electronic slot machine-type video game terminals because they do not receive coins and do not pay off winners with coins. Rather, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, player terminals 100a-100n accept a magnetic card or key (referred to generically as magnetic card), and communicate with the central control network 104 (as shown in Figs. 1a-1 b) to debit and credit a player's account based on amounts wagered by the player for each game.
- a magnetic card or key referred to generically as magnetic card
- Fig. 2a is a block diagram of a player terminal consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2a refers to a player terminal 100, such as, player terminals 100a-100n.
- player terminal 100 comprises a controller 200, a player interface 202, a game player 204, a magnetic card reader 206, a keypad 208, a counter 210, and a video display 212.
- controller 200 is, for example, a processor for directing operation of player terminal 100 and player interface 202 comprises a software application for displaying attract mode graphics to attract a player to the player terminal.
- game player 204 comprises software applications running electronic games of chance, such as lotto, keno, bingo, etc.
- each player terminal 100 plays any one of several games independently of the others.
- a group of player terminals such as player terminals 100a-100n, several players may be playing keno while others play lotto and still others play video poker.
- the player terminals 100 look to the game server 102 for the random number to determine a result.
- Magnetic card reader 206 comprises a conventional magnetic card reader capable of reading a credit card or smart card-type player identification card. The type of card will dictate the type of card reader.
- Keypad 208 comprises a conventional alphanumeric or numeric key entry device. Keypad 208 permits a player to enter a personal identification number (“PIN”) to verify the player at the player terminal 100.
- PIN personal identification number
- Video display 212 comprises a conventional touch screen video monitor for displaying video graphics and receiving player inputs.
- a touch screen is not necessary, however, since player inputs can be made through keypad 208.
- the counter 210 comprises a conventional digital counting device for counting a predetermined interval between game plays. Counter 210 helps synchronize operation.
- electronic games of chance rely on randomly generated numbers to determine wins and losses.
- the video games are played by game player 204 at the player terminals
- the random number from which games player 204 determines wins and loses at each player terminal is generated by the game server 102 servicing those player terminals 100.
- Fig. 2b is a block diagram of a player terminal consistent with another embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2b refers to a player terminal 101 , such as, player terminals 100a-100n.
- player terminal 101 differs from conventional video game terminals because it does not receive or dispense coins or any other item of value. Instead, player terminal 101 accepts only alphanumerical input from players, such as an account number and/or PIN number.
- player terminal 101 comprises a controller 200, a player interface 202, a game player 204, an optional keypad 208, a counter 210, and a video display 212.
- controller 200 is, for example, a processor for directing operation of player terminal 101 and player interface 202 comprises a software application for displaying attract mode graphics to attract a player to the player terminal.
- game player 204 comprises software applications running electronic games of chance, such as lotto, keno, bingo, etc.
- player terminal 101 may include a game server 102 that generates random numbers used by game player 204 to determine wins and losses.
- random numbers may be generated external to player terminal 101.
- random numbers may be generated by a central controller, a remote monitoring system, or some other entity external to player terminal 101.
- keypad 208 comprises a conventional alphanumeric or numeric key entry device. Keypad 208 permits a player to enter a personal identification number (“PIN”) to verify the player at player terminal 101.
- PIN personal identification number
- player terminal 101 does not include keypad 208 and instead a touch screen of video display 212 may be used for account number and/or PIN entry.
- a keypad and card reader reduces the expense of producing player terminals and reduces the likelihood of repairs. Also, this type of player terminal would not violate laws against games that accept items of value.
- player terminal 101 may appear to the player as only a video monitor, providing a great deal of flexibility in game placement. For example, such player terminals may be set into a bar top, a console, or a wall, allowing gaming to fit into almost any type of location.
- Video display 212 comprises a conventional touch screen video monitor for displaying video graphics and receiving player inputs.
- a touch screen is not necessary, however, in an embodiment in which player inputs may be made through keypad 208, for example.
- Counter 210 comprises a conventional digital counting device for counting a predetermined interval between game plays. Counter 210 helps synchronize operation.
- the random number from which games player 204 determines wins and loses at each player terminal is generated by the game server 102 (not shown on Fig. 2b) servicing those player terminals 101.
- game server 102 comprises a random number generator 300 and a counter 302.
- game server 102 generates a random number every fifteen seconds, as determined by counter 302, and transmits that random number to its associated player terminals.
- game server 102 may generate a random number in real-time or at any time interval. This centralization of the random number generation provides an efficient and effective means for controlling the games, increases the average number of games played, and helps reduce fraud.
- central control network 104 provides a centralized control means for monitoring and administering all video games and player accounts.
- Central control network 104 tracks each player activity, preferably on a per-game basis, to maintain current and comprehensive information about the players at any time during each player's session at a player terminal.
- Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a central control network consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 4 depicts one embodiment of a central control network 104.
- Central control network 104 comprises an account server 400 running control applications 402 to provide the administrative and service functions described in this application.
- Account server 400 stores players' account information in an account files database 404, stores player card information in a player card information database 406, and stores game result information in a game information database 408.
- account server 400 may control a cashier station 410 and a customer service station 412.
- player card information database 406 may store player account information, such as a player account number and/or PIN number.
- Cashier station 410 comprises an operator terminal 414, a magnetic card reader 416, and a keypad 418.
- Cashier station 104 is connected to account server 400, for example, via an Ethernet connection.
- Customer service station 412 comprises an operator terminal 420, a magnetic card issue system 422, and a keypad 424.
- Customer service station 412 is connected to account server 400, for example, via an RS-232 connection.
- Magnetic card reader 416 and magnetic card issue system 422 may comprise conventional devices for reading and generating credit card-type magnetic cards. In an embodiment of the present invention that does not use player cards, magnetic card reader 416 and a magnetic card issue system 422 would not be necessary, simplifying cashier station 410 and customer service station 412. Furthermore, an embodiment that does not use player cards reduces costs, such as the cost of the cards, card readers, and card issue systems.
- Keypads 418 and 424 comprise conventional alphanumeric or numeric keypads, and terminals 414 and 420 may comprise conventional PC or networked data entry terminals.
- account server 400 is shown as a single element of the central control network 104, in one embodiment of the present invention, account server 400 comprises a fault-tolerant configured paired STRATUS R55 computer, or any other type of hardware and/or software.
- central control network 104 also provides reports on both using report server 426.
- Account server 400 preferably trickles information from its databases 404, 406, and 408 to report server 426, which in turn generates customized or standardized reports in accordance with a service provider's requirements.
- Report server 426 may comprise, for example, a RS-6000 computer, or any other type of hardware and/or software.
- a player wishing to use a player terminal can establish an account and receive a magnetic I.D. card to operate the player terminal.
- a player may provide an operator with some identifying information, and the operator uses terminal 420 to transmit this information to account server 400.
- Account server 400 establishes an account file for the player in account files database 404 and assigns a corresponding account number to that player.
- the operator may ask the customer to select a PIN via keypad 424.
- the player identifier information, the account number, and an encrypted version of the PIN is then stored on a magnetic strip of a magnetic I.D. card issued by the magnetic card issue system 422.
- a player may receive a slip of paper containing the player's account number and/or PIN number or the operator may simply tell the player the account number and/or PIN number.
- customer service station 412 may also include a scanning device for scanning and storing a player's signature or photograph.
- customer service station 412 may include camera for photographing the player and including a picture on the player's I.D. card.
- Account server 400 stores the player's identification information in the player card information database 406. Any scanned information may be stored in a separate file server.
- the customer server station 412 may include a printer device to print, for example, customer receipts.
- a player After receiving an I.D. card, the player proceeds to a cashier station 410 to deposit money into his or her account.
- An operator swipes the card through the magnetic card reader 416 to credit the account via the keypad 418 after receiving payment from the player.
- a player may give the operator a slip of paper containing the player's account number and/or PIN number, or may simply tell the operator the account number and/or PIN number, or may enter the account number and/or PIN number into keypad 418.
- Account server 400 stores the player's account information in the account files database 404.
- Cashier station 410 also serves to pay players having positive account balances at the end of their play sessions.
- a player provides an operator at cashier station 410 with his/her I.D. card.
- the operator swipes the I.D. card to retrieve the account balance information, verifies the player by requesting the player to input his/her PIN via keypad 418, and pays the player any positive account balance.
- a player may give the operator a slip of paper containing the player's account number and/or PIN number, or may simply tell the operator the account number and/or PIN number, or may enter the account number and/or PIN number into keypad 418.
- FIGs. 5a and 5b are process flow diagrams illustrating a method of operating a cashless gaming system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a player logs onto a player terminal, such as player terminals 100 or 101 , by inserting the I.D. card into the magnetic card reader 206 (stage 500).
- the system does not require player I.D. cards, so the player simply enters his/her assigned player account number using keypad 208.
- the player may enter the account number and/or PIN number using a touch screen of video display 212.
- the player terminal which has been executing attract mode graphics, reads the information from the I.D. card (or from the keypad or touch screen), displays the player's name (stage 502), sends the player account number to the account server 400, and requests the account server 400 to verify the player's account number.
- Account server 400 receives the account number and, referring to the account file database 404, determines whether the player account number is valid (stage 504). If not, the player terminal informs the player and either requests the player to reenter the account number or terminates the session (stage 506).
- the player terminal requests the player to enter his/her PIN (stage 508). In one embodiment, the player terminal encrypts the PIN and forwards the encrypted PIN to the account server 400 (stage 510).
- Account server 400 receives the PIN and determines whether the PIN is valid and corresponds to the player's account number (stage 512). If the PIN is not valid or does not correspond to the player's account number, the player terminal either requests the player reenter the PIN, or terminates the session (stage 514). If the PIN is valid, the player terminal displays a graphical selection of video games on video display 212 (stage 516). As described, the video games may include keno, lotto, bingo, etc.
- the player uses the touch screen video display 212 or keypad 208 to select a desired game (stage 518).
- the player terminal displays the corresponding game graphics and requests the player to enter game choices corresponding to that game (stage 520).
- a player may have to make certain selections required by the rules of each game including a selection of predetermined numbers, colors, and/or symbols. For example, if the player selects keno, video display 212 may display eighty numbers from which the player selects up to twenty numbers via the video display screen 212.
- the player terminal also displays the account balance during a player session.
- video display 212 also displays the wager amount during each game.
- the player terminal responds to the waged amount by requesting account server 400 to verify that the player has a sufficient balance in the his/her account to cover the wager.
- account server 400 When account server 400 receives this request from the player terminal, it makes the requested determination (stage 524). If the player has insufficient funds to cover the wager, the player terminal so informs the player and either requests the player to enter a new wager consistent with the player's account balance or terminates the session (stage 526). If account server 400 determines that the account balance is sufficient to cover the wager, the player terminal informs the player that he/she is authorized to play and requests the player to select a "play" button on the video display 212 or keypad 208 (stage 528). Once the player selects the "play” button, the player terminal passes control to counter 210 (stage 530) and waits to receive a random number from the corresponding game server 102.
- Counter 210 in player terminal 100 keeps track of this interval and, in one embodiment, may display the time remaining between the player's selection of the "play” button and the determination of a win or loss (stage 532).
- game server 102 At the end of the interval, game server 102 generates a random number and sends it to each corresponding player terminal.
- the player terminal receives the random number from the game server (stage 534) and determines whether the player has won or lost that game (stage 536).
- game server 102 may be part of player terminal 100 and no delay occurs after the player selects the "play" button. If the player has lost, the player terminal displays preselected loss graphics explaining the losing results (stage 538). If the player wins, the player terminal displays preselected win graphics explaining the winning results (stage 540).
- the player terminal sends a packet of information to the account server 400.
- This information might include the player's account number, information on the game played and the game choices selected by the player, the waged amount, the winning numbers provided by the game server 102, and a credit or debit request for crediting or debiting the player's account the waged amount (stage 542).
- this information may be encrypted in accordance with conventional encrypting techniques.
- the player terminal also maintains the player's account balance during a player session.
- the account server 400 responds to the data from the player terminal by recording the game information in the game information database 408 (stage 544) and crediting or debiting the player's account by the waged amount (stage 546).
- Account server 400 then preferably returns the updated account balance to the player terminal (stage 548).
- the player terminal determines whether the returned account balance matches the account balance being tracked by player terminal 100 (stage 550). This additional monitoring of the player's account balance helps protect the game service provider and the player by reducing fraud and detecting balance inconsistencies as early as possible, for example, on a per-game basis. If the account balances do not match, the player terminal may prevent the player from continuing and request service assistance (stage 552). If the account balances match, the player terminal prompts the player to choose whether to play again (stage 554).
- a player When a player has finished playing, he/she exits the player terminal using an appropriate touch screen command on video display 212 or key on the keypad 208 and returns to the cashier station 410 to settle his/her account.
- a cashier or operator (not shown) requests the player account information from the account server 400 and redeems the balance of the player's account to the player.
- player terminals 100a-100n transmit real-time to account server 400 all player activity information input by the player.
- This information may include, for example, the player's account number, information on the game played, and the game choices selected by the player, the wager amount, the winning numbers provided by the game server 102, and a credit or debit request for crediting or debiting the player's account the wager amount.
- Account server 400 stores player activity information at account files database 404 and player card information database 406.
- the player card information includes player demographics data such as age, gender, and geographic location. Accordingly, central control network 104 maintains a current and comprehensive player activity information and demographics of each player, which may be accessed at any time by authorized personnel.
- Report server 426 may provide a report of varying specificity including a detailed listing of an individual player's activity for a specified time period, a summary of a player's activity over a period of time, actual number of games played by each player, and a summary of all players' activity on a particular day or over a period of time. Report server 426 generates these reports periodically, for example, once every two minutes. Server 426 may then generate a player activity report outlining player gambling habits such as frequency of plays, favorite games, nomination of player terminals, and average amount of wagers. Such player tracking is valuable to casinos and players. Based on such reports, for example, casinos may tailor the types, number, and wager amount of games offered at player terminals 100a-100n to accommodate player demand. Player terminals 100a-100n may be modified periodically or interactively based on current player demand.
- casinos may use the reports as a tool to identify players with certain characteristics for marketing purposes.
- One marketing tool may be to offer "free play" cards, which are unique player cards with non- redeemable, playable credits. Such cards may be used as an incentive to attract players to the casino.
- Casinos may also offer complimentary "free play” cards to players who spend a certain weekly amount playing games. A player's account number along with an expiration date and time of the free play cards may be printed on the card. Upon expiration of such date and time, player terminals 100a-100n will not recognize the free play card. Additionally, casinos may program cashier stations 410 to restrict withdrawals on the free play cards to only amounts greater than the face value of the card.
- the redemption period may also be restricted, for example, as a predetermined number of days after the expiration date.
- players may be given free play numbers, i.e., special numbers that correspond to non-redeemable, playable credits.
- Free play numbers may be used in a similar fashion as free play cards, except that players may input the free play number using a keypad or touch screen rather than swiping a card.
- Central tracking of all player activity on a per-game basis helps better taiior player terminals 100a-100n abased on player use and demand, reduce fraud, and target marketing efforts to players with certain attributes. Additionally, instantaneous information provides greater flexibility for managing gaming establishments. For example, such information may enable a gaming establishment to access information whether player habits qualify for special awards during the play. It also helps detect fraud while it is occurring, for example, by detecting wins that far exceed average statistical odds or a single player playing at multiple player terminals 100a-100n simultaneously. Moreover, real-time maintenance of player activity enables accurate system recovery in emergency situations such as power outage.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system including a remote monitoring system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a monitoring system 600 may correspond to a plurality of central control networks 104 at a plurality of locations.
- Each location may include a plurality of player terminals, such as player terminals 100 or 101 , connected to a central control network 104 via a network 108.
- Each location may include any number of player terminals.
- Monitoring system 600 maintains this type of control and supervision in more flexible gaming environments.
- a number of bars and restaurants in a town may each have a central control network and several player terminals.
- a gaming operator, or "route operator,” may be responsible for monitoring all of the player terminals in the town and may have a monitoring system 600 located at a secure location in the town. Using monitoring system 600, the route operator may track player activities at all of the bars and restaurants from a single location.
- monitoring system 600 may have the capability to disable a player terminal, for example, if fraud is suspected or for maintenance. This embodiment may be used to comply with laws in jurisdictions that require strict supervision and control over games. This type of embodiment also reduces the risk to game operators that provide games at remote locations.
- Monitoring system 600 may include copies of some or all of the components of a central control network 104, such as an account server 404 for control applications and a report server 426 (as shown in Fig. 4 and described above). Monitoring system 600 may include, for example, a printer for printing invoices, reports, etc. Monitoring system 600 may track the amount of money in player accounts, the amount of money in play at any one time, net wins or losses, etc. Monitoring system 600 may be used, for example, to generate invoices for individual players, for each remote location, etc. Using high speed connections' between monitoring system 600 and central control networks 104, such as high speed Internet connections, enables near real-time tracking by monitoring system 600. Furthermore, changes may be made to game software, pay tables, etc. stored at monitoring system 600 and sent to the player terminals via central control networks 104, providing maximum flexibility.
- a central control network 104 such as an account server 404 for control applications and a report server 426 (as shown in Fig. 4 and described above).
- Monitoring system 600 may include, for example,
- monitoring system 600 may be provided at a government office to enable a government or regulatory agency in a jurisdiction to regulate gaming, improve security, and reduce fraud.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/009601 WO2004096395A1 (en) | 2003-03-28 | 2003-03-28 | Cashless gaming system and method with monitoring |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1613406A1 true EP1613406A1 (en) | 2006-01-11 |
EP1613406A4 EP1613406A4 (en) | 2011-06-29 |
Family
ID=33415175
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03716884A Withdrawn EP1613406A4 (en) | 2003-03-28 | 2003-03-28 | Cashless gaming system and method with monitoring |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1613406A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003220570A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2520216A1 (en) |
IS (1) | IS8076A (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA05010403A (en) |
NO (1) | NO20054675L (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ543072A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004096395A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITFI20120275A1 (en) * | 2012-12-10 | 2014-06-11 | V N E S R L | A DEVICE FOR MAKING AN INTERNET CONNECTION AND MONITORING OF MACHINES WE CHANGE AND RELATED PLAYING MACHINES. |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5674128A (en) * | 1995-02-21 | 1997-10-07 | Oneida Indian Nation | Cashless computerized video game system and method |
US6280328B1 (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 2001-08-28 | Oneida Indian Nation | Cashless computerized video game system and method |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6280326B1 (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2001-08-28 | Mikohn Gaming Corporation | Cashless method for a gaming system |
-
2003
- 2003-03-28 AU AU2003220570A patent/AU2003220570A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-03-28 NZ NZ543072A patent/NZ543072A/en unknown
- 2003-03-28 WO PCT/US2003/009601 patent/WO2004096395A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-03-28 EP EP03716884A patent/EP1613406A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-03-28 MX MXPA05010403A patent/MXPA05010403A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-03-28 CA CA002520216A patent/CA2520216A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-10-11 NO NO20054675A patent/NO20054675L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-10-14 IS IS8076A patent/IS8076A/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5674128A (en) * | 1995-02-21 | 1997-10-07 | Oneida Indian Nation | Cashless computerized video game system and method |
US5800269A (en) * | 1995-02-21 | 1998-09-01 | Oneida Indian Nation | Cashless computerized video game system and method |
US6280328B1 (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 2001-08-28 | Oneida Indian Nation | Cashless computerized video game system and method |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of WO2004096395A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2520216A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
IS8076A (en) | 2005-10-14 |
NZ543072A (en) | 2008-05-30 |
NO20054675D0 (en) | 2005-10-11 |
WO2004096395A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
EP1613406A4 (en) | 2011-06-29 |
NO20054675L (en) | 2005-12-16 |
AU2003220570A1 (en) | 2004-11-23 |
MXPA05010403A (en) | 2005-11-08 |
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