WO2010056680A1

WO2010056680A1 - Methods and apparatus for player tracking and gaming table setup using a gaming table device

Info

Publication number: WO2010056680A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/063915
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elizabeth Lopez Vicens; Wayne Loynes
Original assignee: Futurelogic, Inc.
Priority date: 2008-11-17
Filing date: 2009-11-10
Publication date: 2010-05-20
Also published as: AU2009314257A1; CA2744002A1; CA2744002C; US20110309577A1

Abstract

A gaming table device for player tracking and gaming table setup. The gaming table device connects a gaming table to host systems such as a Player Tracking System and Gaming Table System. A user interface provides visual representation of the gaming table and seat locations to configure a table layout and assign a player to a seat. A card reader/writer scans a player's card for tracking. Player and seating data allows for player tracking for issuance and redemption of incentives based on game play activity.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PLAYER TRACKING AND GAMING TABLE SETUP USING A GAMING TABLE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application

No. 61/115,175, filed November 17, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if stated in full herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to cashless gaming, more specifically to cashless gaming at game tables.

Background

[0003] The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety of gaming machines for the amusement of gaming machine players. An exemplary gaming machine is a slot machine. A slot machine is an electro-mechanical game wherein chance or the skill of a player determines the outcome of the game. Slot machines are usually found in casinos or other more informal gaming establishments.

[0004] Gaming machine manufacturers have introduced cashless enabled games such as a slot machine to the market and these have begun to find wide acceptance in the gaming industry. Cashless enabled games are so named because they can conduct financial exchanges using a mixture of traditional currencies and vouchers. Typically, a cashless enabled game has a gaming printer to produce vouchers and a voucher reader that supports automatic reading of vouchers. To coordinate the activities of multiple cashless enabled games, one or more cashless enabled games can be electronically coupled to a cashless enabled game system that controls the cashless operations of a cashless enabled game.

[0005] Over the last several years, cashless enabled games have found an increasing acceptance and use in the gaming industry with both the players, who enjoy the speed of play and ease of transporting their winnings around the casino, and the casinos who have realized significant labor savings in the form of reduced coin hopper reloads in the games, and an increase in revenue due to speed of play. Practical field experience with the application has illustrated that there are areas for improvement in current printer designs and implementation within the game and gaming establishments.

[0006] One such area for improvement is how to use and exchange vouchers generated by cashless enabled game at a gaming table such as a poker table. Additionally, there exists a need to provide cashless payout from a gaming table.

[0007] This invention provides a solution for these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention identifies a gaming table device that connects a gaming table to one or more host systems such as a Player Tracking System to allow multiple player tracking in a single location. A card reader/writer such as a scanning device allows the use of a player's card for tracking. A user interface provides a visual representation of the gaming table and seat locations that a dealer uses to set up a table layout and/or assign a player to a seat. The player data and seating data allows for player tracking for the issuance and redemption of player incentives based on game play activity.

[0009] In one aspect of the invention, the gaming table device includes a printer, barcode reader or scanner, bill validator, user interface, one or more controllers, an interface to one or more host systems, keypad, card reader/writer such as a scanning device, RFID sensing and/or reading device, and an entry point, among others.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the gaming table device connects to a gaming table, such as a poker table, to connect the gaming table to one or more host systems such as a

Player Tracking System (herein, "PTS") for signaling and data transmission.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the card reader/writer such as a scanning device of a gaming table device scans an inserted player card to allow player tracking such as player play time on a gaming table.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the user interface of a gaming table device displays a visual representation of the gaming table to which the device is connected to allow a dealer or other authorized personnel of a gaming table to select the layout of the gaming table and/or associate an available seat with a player.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a keypad or touchscreen user interface of a gaming table device allows a dealer or other authorized personnel of a gaming table to associate a player with a seat location. [0014] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device uses a user interface and a visual representation of the gaming table to which the device is connected to display and identify on the user interface key players and/or various levels of player tracking thereby allowing a dealer or other authorized personnel to grant bonuses, coupons, and/or points, among others to a player depending on rules set for a particular player tracking level. [0015] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device uses programming instructions and/or algorithms to associate a player with a seat location at a game, to remove a player's association with a seat location at a game, to provide a visual representation of the gaming table layout, to identify key players, to identify various levels of player tracking, to process player tracking data, to grant bonuses, coupons and/or points, and to signal and transmit data to one or more host systems, among others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, accompanying drawings and appendix where:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a gaming table device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a gaming table device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming table device connected to various host systems in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 4a is a front plan view of a touchscreen user interface and keypad of a gaming table device for game table setup in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4b is a front plan view of a touchscreen user interface and keypad of a gaming table device for player identification in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0022] APPENDIX A is a list of definitions of terms as used herein.

[0023] Identically labeled elements appearing in different ones of the figures refer to the same elements but may not be referenced in the description for all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention identifies a gaming table device that connects a gaming table to one or more host systems such as a Player Tracking System to allow multiple player tracking in a single location, such as at a gaming table. A user interface provides a visual representation of the gaming table and seat locations that a dealer uses to set up a table layout and assign a player to a seat. A card reader/writer such as a scanning device allows the use of a player's card for tracking. The player data and seating data allows for player tracking for the issuance and redemption of player incentives based on game play activity. Table and seating layout and configuration allow for the use of the device at any table.

[0025] The Inventors have observed that practical field experience with cashless enabled gaming and components thereof has illustrated that there are areas for improvement in the design and implementation.

[0026] For example, currently there are no means by which to transfer credits or winnings from a gaming table into cashless form such as a game voucher for use in other games such as another gaming table or a slot machine. There are no means by which to issue a game voucher from gaming table winnings to replace or compliment issuing traditional currency or gaming chips.

[0027] Additionally, gaming tables are not connected with other systems (such as accounting, POS) in use at a gaming establishment.

[0028] Another problem with the current situation is that game vouchers issued from cashless enabled games cannot be redeemed at a gaming table. Customers with winnings in the form of game vouchers must redeem the game vouchers for cash in order to use play those winnings at a gaming table. Gaming establishments run the risk that these customers will leave the gaming establishment instead of continuing to play. This in turn leads to reduced and lost revenue for the gaming establishment.

[0029] Additionally, the Inventors have observed that there is not an automated or computerized means at a gaming table to connect to a player tracking system to track a player's progress. Additionally, there are no means to track multiple players at a gaming table.

[0030] This invention provides a solution to these problems by enabling cashless gaming in gaming tables, the transfer of credits for the redemption of game vouchers issued from cashless enabled games, the issuance of a game voucher from winnings at a gaming table and the connection of gaming tables with other systems in use (such as accounting, POS). [0031] One benefit in using this invention is that gaming machine game vouchers can be used on a gaming table thereby allowing players to transfer and use winnings from a slot machine on a gaming table and vise versa as well as from gaming table to another gaming table. [0032] Another benefit in using this invention is that the present invention allows for an easy and reliable method of tracking multiple players at a single location, such as a gaming table by a dealer, attendant, or other authorized personnel or system. This is accomplished using a user interface displaying a visual representation of the gaming table and seat layout, and a keypad for data entry such as associating a player with an available seat at the gaming table. [0033] Additionally, the Inventors have observed that there are different layouts and configurations to gaming tables. For example, a poker table layout can be circular or rectangular, among others. The seating for a poker table can include seating for four or more players. One benefit in using this invention is that the invention can be configured to match the layout of the gaming table to which it is attached or associated. A user such as the table dealer or pit boss can select and configure a gaming table layout using, for example, the user interface. This allows the invention to be easily configured and used at different gaming tables.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a gaming table device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The gaming table device 100 is shown mounted to a gaming table 102. The gaming table device has an outer housing 104 having an upper portion 106 that extends over an upper or playing surface 108 of the gaming table, a lower portion 110 that extends below a lower surface 112 of the gaming table, and a middle portion 114 adjacent to an edge surface 116 of the gaming table and located between the upper portion and the lower portion. The housing has an interior portion 118 and an exterior surface 120 with a first opening 122 and a second opening 124 extending through the exterior surface into the interior portion. The openings are located on the upper portion with the first opening accessible to a dealer at the gaming table and the second opening accessible to a player at the gaming table. The upper portion of the gaming table device further includes a keypad 125 or keyboard proximate to the first opening for use by the dealer and a dealer display 126 viewable by the dealer. The upper portion also includes a player display 128 proximate the second opening and viewable by the player. [0036] As illustrated, the gaming table device 100 is removably connected to the gaming table 102 by being mounted at an edge surface 116 of the gaming table. In this embodiment, the gaming table device is secured by a screw clamp 130 extending upwardly from the bottom portion 110 of the housing toward the upper portion 106 with the gaming table clamped therebetween. The clamping system allows for an adjustable, flexible, and repositionable mount, thereby allowing the gaming table device to be moved to another location on the same gaming table or moved to another gaming table. This mounting arrangement does not require modification to the gaming table in order to accommodate the gaming table device.

[0037] In another embodiment, the gaming table device 100 is mounted in an opening

(not shown) in the gaming table 102 used for an existing drop box of the gaming table. In this embodiment, the gaming table device may replace the use of existing drop boxes.

[0038] The gaming table device 100 also includes an RFID reader 132 located in the interior portion 118 of the housing and proximate to the second opening 124. The RFID reader is used to perform a RFID scan on, for example, a rewritable card with RFID or RFID gaming chips.

[0039] The gaming table device 100 further includes one or more printed circuit boards

134 in the interior portion 118. The printed circuit boards are for the mounting of a controller and other electronic components such as one or more interfaces (not shown) used to send and receive signaling to and from one or more host systems to generate game vouchers and/or promotional coupons as previously described as well as transaction receipts.

[0040] A bill validator/voucher scanner 136 is mounted in the interior portion 118 of the housing. The bill validator receives printed items such as paper currency, vouchers, coupons and the like 138 via the first opening 122 and transports the items out of the housing via the second opening 124. The bill validator may further receive printed items via a bulk note feeder (not shown). The bulk note feeder is used to process a plurality of notes or currency in one feed or run instead of processing one note or currency at a time. In operation, a stack of notes or currency is placed in the bulk note feeder after which the gaming table device may pull each note or currency for processing.

[0041] The gaming table device 100 further includes a voucher or coupon printer 140 mounted in the interior portion 118 of the housing. The printer receives print media 142 from a media supply storage area 144 located in the bottom portion 110 of the housing. Once the printer prints a coupon, voucher, or transaction receipt, the coupon, voucher, or transaction receipt is transported via pinch rollers 146 to the second opening 124 where the coupon, voucher, or transaction receipt is presented to the player.

[0042] The dealer and player displays 126 and 128 constitute a dual display interface or user interface for interfacing with one or more host systems for example, for the issuance, redemption, validation, and verification of game vouchers and/or promotional coupons at a gaming table. Additionally, the plurality of displays or user interfaces can indicate to a player and/or dealer the amount of an inserted voucher. Additionally, the value of the game voucher or promotional coupon may also be indicated on a display. Additionally, a user may use a display to verify an amount. Additionally, a display is used to show when an error occurs with the gaming table device 100 and/or any component thereof. Additionally, a display shows a visual representation of the gaming table in use. Additionally, a display shows a visual representation of key players.

[0043] In another embodiment, the user interface such as a display is a single display interface.

[0044] In another embodiment, the user interface such as a display is used to set up and configure a gaming table layout. Additional detail is disclosed in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b.

[0045] The keypad 125 is used to receive input such as a cash-in amount, cash-out amount, a verification number, or a validation number, among others. The keypad may be used for secured validation and/or verification of game vouchers and/or promotional coupons inserted for redemption at a gaming table 102. Additionally, the keypad is used to enter a security code or authentication code. Additionally, the keypad may include extra keys, which can be used to customize the keypad. For example, one button on the keypad may be programmed to contact a pit boss; another button may be programmed to contact the bar; and another button may be programmed to contact security.

[0046] In another embodiment, the keypad 125 and functionality thereof is a component of a user interface, such as a touchscreen user interface.

[0047] Entry points or lit rings (not shown) proximate to the first 122 and second openings 124 may be used to provide signaling to the dealer or others, for instance, flashing when chips are pushed in. In another example, vouchers and/or promotional coupons are inserted into the entry point. In another example, currency and/or notes are inserted into the entry point. [0048] In another embodiment, the gaming table device 100 may include multiple entry points, for example, one entry point for vouchers, coupons, and currency and another entry point for media such as rewritable cards and player tracking cards, among others. [0049] The scanning device 136 may further include a mechanism to accept or reject game vouchers and/or promotional coupons. In another embodiment, the scanning device may include an optical scanning device and/or other means to scan rewritable media, such as rewritable cards and/or player tracking cards.

[0050] In another embodiment, the gaming table device 100 does not include a media intake storage area. In this embodiment, media such as vouchers and/or promotional coupons may be returned to the dealer or player after being scanned. For example, the media can be reprinted with a void pattern over the existing indicia.

[0051] The media supply storage area 144 is used to store blank media that the gaming table device uses to generate additional vouchers and/or promotional coupons. [0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a gaming table device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gaming table device 100 is shown mounted to a gaming table 102. The gaming table device has an outer housing 104 having an upper portion 106 that extends over a playing surface 108 of the gaming table, a lower portion 110 that extends below a lower surface 112 of the gaming table, and a middle portion 114 adjacent to an edge surface 116 of the gaming table between the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion of the gaming table device has a first opening 122 accessible to a dealer at the gaming table and a second opening 124 accessible to a player at the gaming table. The upper portion of the gaming table device further includes a keypad 125 or keyboard proximate to the first opening for use by the dealer and a dealer display 126 viewable by the dealer. The upper portion also includes a player display 128 proximate the second opening and viewable by the player. [0053] In operation, the player presents paper currency, vouchers, RFID chips or RFID cards to the dealer for cashing in to a game played at the gaming table. In the case of cash and vouchers, the dealer inserts the paper currency or vouchers into the first opening 122 for validation by the gaming table device 100. In the case of chips or cards, the player inserts the RFID chips or RFID card into the second opening 124 for verification or validation by the gaming table device. Upon verification or validation by the gaming table device, an appropriate amount of credit is made available for play at the gaming table. Upon completion of the game, the dealer uses the keypad 125 to initiate a cashout of the player. In response to the dealer's input, the gaming table device prints a voucher for presentation to the player via the second opening 124.

[0054] In the operation of another embodiment, when a player with credit and/or winnings in a gaming machine cashes out of the gaming machine, the player receives media such as a game voucher containing the appropriate cashout value such as in dollars. If the player decides to play at a gaming table 102, the player can insert the same game voucher into the bill validator or voucher scanning device (136 of FIG. 1) of the gaming table device 100. The voucher scanning device scans the inserted game voucher. Additionally, the keypad 125, user interface such as 126 and 128, and security code is used with one or more of host systems to verify and/or validate an inserted game voucher. If accepted, any or all the amount from the value of the inserted game voucher may be played at the gaming table by the player.

[0055] When the player with credit and/or winnings at the gaming table 102 cashes out of the gaming table, a keypad 125, user interface such as 126 and 128, and security code is used with one or more of host systems to verify and/or validate a game voucher generated at the gaming table. In turn, the player may take the game voucher generated at the gaming table and play the game voucher in a gaming machine, another gaming machine, the same gaming table, or another gaming table. Additionally, the player may cashout the game voucher at a point of redemption.

[0056] In another embodiment, the media is a promotional coupon.

[0057] In another embodiment, the security code is entered by the player or any authorized personnel at a gaming table 102.

[0058] In another embodiment, the means for a keypad 125 and user interface such as

126 and 128 is a touchscreen display.

[0059] In the operation of another embodiment, when a player wants to cashout the gaming table 102, the player may press a cashout button which functions similar to that of a slot machine after which a printer (140 of FIG. 1) coupled to the gaming table device 100 generates a game voucher containing the appropriate cashout value such as in dollars.

[0060] In the operation of another embodiment, the gaming table device 100 connects to a gaming table 102 for the transfer of credits in the form of game vouchers, to generate game vouchers and or promotional coupons other items of interest to patrons of a gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments.

[0061] In the operation of another embodiment, a gaming table device 100 connects to a point-of-sale system to generate promotional coupons and other items of interest to patrons of a gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments.

[0062] The gaming table device 100 sends and receives signaling from one or more host systems to generate game vouchers, promotional coupons, and/or transaction receipts. Additionally, the signaling may include the completion of a print job such as a game voucher or promotional coupon and printer status such as paper low, among other types of operational or status signals.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming table device connected to various host systems in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0064] As illustrated, a gaming table device 100 connects to any one or combination of the following host systems for data processing, data verification, and or data validation, among others: an accounting system 312, a TITO system 304, a Slot Machine Interface Board (SMIB) 306, a Player Tracking System (PTS) 308, a gaming chip issuance/redemption and/or tracking system 310, a promotional couponing system 300, a cash-out vouchering system 302, a point-of- sale system (POS) 314, a Gaming Table System 316, and other(s) 318, among others not shown. [0065] An accounting system 312 processes data related to any or all financial transaction that occurs within a gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments. [0066] A TITO system 304 controls the issuance and redemption of game vouchers within a gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments. [0067] A Slot Machine Interface Board (SMIB) 306 processes data related to issuance and redemption of game vouchers and or promotional coupons. The SMIB manages transactions of a slot machine, such as money in, money out, bills and tickets inserted, jackpots paid, etc. [0068] A Player Tracking System (PTS) 308 monitors game play activity by participating patrons. Additionally, a gaming table device 100 uses data from the PTS to personalize a promotional coupon and/or issue awards to the player's card.

[0069] A gaming chip issuance/redemption and/or tracking system 310 monitors play activity at a gaming table. Additionally, gaming chips containing RFID are electronically tracked by the system and read by the gaming table device 100. [0070] A promotional couponing system 300 creates and manages promotional coupons.

The promotional couponing system controls and performs the printing of promotional coupons and other items of interest to patrons of a gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments.

[0071] A cash-out vouchering system 302 creates cash-out voucher records and issues data packets that are used by a printer in a game such as a slot machine or gaming table device

100 to print a cash-out game voucher.

[0072] A point-of-sale system (POS) 314 is installed in a gaming establishment in various locations where business is transacted, such as a retail shop, restaurant, ticket sales counter, front desk, etc. The POS monitors and controls transaction activity, typically through a cash register and other peripherals.

[0073] The Gaming Table System 316 manages and controls the gaming tables in use at a gaming establishment.

[0074] Other(s) 318 systems include a lodging management system that monitors and tracks a patron's lodging as well as one or more links to financial institutions for verification and processing of credit cards and/or debit cards, among others.

[0075] In one embodiment, a gaming table device 100 connects to one or more host systems such as a Promotional Couponing System 300 in any one or more means such as a direct connection, indirectly connected through another connected system such as a PTS 308, or connected through a slot machine interface board (SMIB) 306.

[0076] In another embodiment, the connection uses a standard game protocol. In another, the connection uses a nonstandard game protocol.

[0077] In another embodiment, a gaming table device 100 connects to one or more host systems using one or more connections such as a serial connection, a network connection, or a wireless connection.

[0078] In an embodiment of a cash-in, when a customer presents a game voucher or promotional coupon to the entry point of the gaming table device 100, a cash-in signal is processed. Using the barcode reader/scanner, the gaming table device reads the unique ID or serial number from the game voucher. The unique ID is transmitted to a host system such as the

TITO host system 304 for validation. The host validates the unique ID and signals the gaming table device as to the value of the game voucher or promotional coupon for exchange of chips at the table or for good and or services at any other associated point of sale.

[0079] Additionally, the value of the game voucher or promotional coupon is indicated on the user interface such as 126 and 128 (of FIG. 1).

[0080] In another embodiment, the actual value or a determined value of the game voucher or promotional coupon is indicated by the user interface such as 126 and 128 (of FIG. 1) and/or entry point. For example, a gaming establishment determines that any game voucher or promotional coupon with a value of $200 is eligible for a certain promotion. When a customer having a game voucher meeting this requirement inserts the game voucher into the gaming table device 100, the user interface and/or entry point provides flashing lights or some other visual indicator for eligibility for one or more promotions.

[0081] In the operation of a cash-out embodiment similar to when a customer presses the cashout button on a slot machine or other gaming machine, at the end of a game when chips are cashed or at the end of a transaction for goods and or services that require change to be paid to the customer, a cash-out signal is processed. A unique ID and possibly additional data then is transmitted to the requesting gaming table device 100 where the requesting gaming table device generates a game voucher or promotional coupon using the unique ID.

[0082] Additionally, a user such as a gaming table dealer enters an amount to be returned to the customer using a keypad (125 of FIG. 1) or touchscreen user interface. Using a user interface such as 126 and 128 (of FIG. 1), a user visually can verify the entered amount. In this embodiment, if the value exceeds the approved limit for a dealer, a gaming table supervisor uses the keypad or touchscreen user interface to authorize the transaction. Once the value is entered, the gaming table device 100 requests a unique ID from one or more host systems for the value of the transaction.

[0083] FIG. 4a is a front plan view of a touchscreen user interface and keypad of a gaming table device for game table setup in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] As illustrated, the user interface 400 provides a visual representation of the gaming table 402 to which the device 100 is connected and/or with seat identification for each player location such as seat 1 404, seat 2 406, seat 3 408, seat 4 410, seat 5 412, seat 6 414, and seat 7 416. The visual representation allows a dealer or other authorized personnel of the gaming table to select the layout of the gaming table. The layout of the gaming table and/or the number of seats for the gaming table can be modified.

[0085] In one embodiment, to modify the gaming table layout and/or number of seats for the gaming table, a dealer, attendant or other authorized personnel selects the Table button 418 after which the user interface 400 updates to reflect one or more additional gaming table layouts

402. Once the desired gaming table layout is selected, the number of seats for the gaming table is selected. Data regarding the gaming table layout and/or number of seats is transmitted to and from a host system such as a Gaming Table System (316 of FIG. 3).

[0086] In another embodiment, the keypad 125 is used to modify and select the desired gaming table layout.

[0087] In another embodiment, a security card such as a personnel card is swiped through the card reader/writer such as a scanning device (136 of FIG. 1) to permit secured access to modify the gaming table layout and/or number of seats.

[0088] In another embodiment, a security code is entered using the keypad 125 to permit secured access to modify the gaming table layout and/or number of seats.

[0089] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device uses programming instructions and/or algorithms to provide a visual representation of the gaming table 402, to modify the gaming table layout, and/or to modify the number of seats at the gaming table, among others.

[0090] FIG. 4b is a front plan view of a touchscreen user interface and keypad of a gaming table device for player identification in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] A gaming table allows multiple players to play a game at a single location. A seat association with a player permits individual player tracking at a gaming table by the gaming establishment for the issuance and redemption of player incentives based on game play activity.

The association also permits the player to receive, for example the bonuses, points, coupons due to the player.

[0092] As illustrated, the user interface 400 provides a visual representation of the gaming table 402 to which the device 100 is connected and/or with seat identification for each player location such as seat 1 404, seat 2 406, seat 3 408, seat 4 410, seat 5 412, seat 6 414, and seat 7 416. The visual representation allows a dealer or other authorized personnel of the gaming table to associate an available seat with a player. The layout of the gaming table and/or the number of seats for the gaming table can be modified.

[0093] In one embodiment, when a player tracking card is swiped through the card reader/writer such as a scanning device (136 of FIG. 1) of the gaming table device 100, the dealer, attendant, or other authorized personnel using the touchscreen user interface 400 and the

PTS button 420 or a combination of a user interface and keypad 125, selects an available seat such as seat 6 414 to associate and assign to the player. Data regarding the player and seat association is transmitted to one or more host systems such as a Gaming Table System 316, PTS

308, and/or Promotional Couponing System 300 (all of FIG. 3). Once the player and seat association is made, information such as points and bonuses for example, from the PTS is linked to the individual player.

[0094] In another embodiment, when a player leaves the gaming table such as by cashing out, the dealer, attendant, or other authorized personnel using the touchscreen user interface 400 and the PTS button 420 or a combination of a user interface and keypad 125, selects the seat such as seat 6 414 that was associated and assigned to the player thereby releasing the seat associated to the player for use for another player.

[0095] In another embodiment, the player and seat association is set prior to the swiping of a player tracking card.

[0096] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device 100 uses a user interface

400 and a visual representation of the gaming table 402 to which the device is connected to display and identify on the user interface key players and/or various levels of player tracking thereby allowing a dealer or other authorized personnel to grant bonuses, coupons, and/or points, among others to a player depending on rules set for a particular player tracking level.

[0097] For example, once a player at a gaming table is identified by a player and seat association, the user interface 400 using a visual representation of the gaming table 402 to which the device is connected updates, for example, by using colors, flashing or changing the size of a visual identifier such as an icon, among others to provide notification to the dealer or other authorized personnel of the gaming table.

[0098] In an example, the PTS (308 of FIG. 3) signals the gaming table device 100 that the player associated with seat 6 414 is a key player. The gaming table device using program instructions and algorithms, among others updates the visual representation 402 of the user interface 400 by changing the color of seat 6 as well as flashing the seat 6 icon. [0099] The previous example also functions when varying levels of player tracking are available with the PTS (308 of FIG. 3). This allows the dealer or other authorized personnel to grant bonuses, points, and/or coupons, among others to each player based on the level that their player tracking membership dictates per rules set by the PTS. In this case, one or more seat icons flash and display in varying colors and/or shapes depending on the player tracking level. For example, seat 3 408 flashes in one color such as yellow and/or a shape of a first type to identify player tracking at level 1 and seat 6 414 flashes in one color such as red and/or a shape of a second type to identify player tracking at the highest level set in the PTS. [00100] In another embodiment, the key player and/or various levels of player tracking is identified using a separate indication system such as LEDS that, for example, flash to provide notification to the dealer or other authorized personnel of the gaming table. [00101] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device 100 uses programming instructions and/or algorithms to associate a player with a seat location at a game, to remove a player's association with a seat location at a game, to provide a visual representation of the gaming table layout 402, to identify key players, to identify various levels of player tracking, to process player tracking data, to grant bonuses, coupons and/or points, and to signal and transmit data to one or more host systems, among others.

[00102] In one embodiment, the gaming table device 100 connects to a sensing device (not shown). In another embodiment, the sensing device is connected to a seat at a gaming table (102 of FIG. 1). In another, the sensing device is connected to the gaming table. [00103] In another embodiment, signaling from a sensing device is sent to the gaming table device 100 connected to the gaming table (102 of FIG. 1) to notify a dealer when a player vacates a seat. The user interface 400 of the gaming table device displays the table layout of the game to the dealer with the vacated seat associated for the player, for example, flashing and displaying the seat icon in a color or shape different than the other seat icons. The dealer or other authorized personnel can then disassociate the player with the seat, thereby ending a player tracking session. [00104] In another embodiment, the sensing device uses a separate indication system such as LEDS that, for example, flash to provide notification to the dealer or other authorized personnel of the gaming table.

[00105] Although the invention has been described in certain specific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application and the claims' equivalents rather than the foregoing description.

APPENDIX A - LIST OF TERMS

For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply:

"Game Voucher" - Media, such as paper or rewritable card, containing sufficient information to identify at a minimum, an amount of money and a validation number used to authenticate the transaction. A game voucher consists of thermal paper, thermal rewritable media or smart cards such as commonly used debit and/or credit cards for financial transactions. Information storage on the media includes magnetic encoding.

"Gaming Establishment" - A gaming entity such as a casino or other place where gambling takes place.

"Game", "Gaming Machine", "Game Machine" - A slot machine, gaming machine, or game table in a gaming establishment.

"Host System" - A computer, back-end system, gaming system, network, or other system that sends and/or receives information to and/or from a printer or other component in a cashless enabled game or gaming table. Examples of a host system include a wagering issuance and redemption system, a player tracking system, and a promotional couponing system, among others.

"Promotional Coupon" - Media such as paper or rewritable card, containing sufficient information to identify at a minimum, a promotional event or a promotional reward to a player and validation information. A promotional coupon consists of thermal paper, thermal rewritable media or smart cards such as commonly used debit and/or credit cards for financial transactions.

Information storage on the media includes magnetic encoding.

"PTS" - Acronym for Player Tracking System. The system installed at a gaming establishment that is used to monitor game play activity by participating patrons.

"Rewritable Card" - Media such as a smart card, magnetic media, thermal media, thermal reversible media, RF fiber media, RFID tag media, or write once media which may be used for game vouchers and promotional coupons.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A gaming table device, comprising: means for tracking a player and the play activity selected from a group of players; means for associating a player with a gaming table; means for scanning a player card; means for assigning a player to a seat at the gaming table; and means for issuing an incentive to a player based on game play activity selected from a group of incentives including bonuses, points, and coupons.

2. A gaming table device, comprising: means for configuring the layout of a gaming table selected from a group of gaming table layouts; means for selecting the layout of a gaming table; and means for displaying the layout of a gaming table.