Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02424421 2007-01-25
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ISSUING AND USING GAMING MACHINE
RECEIPTS IN SECONDARY GAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to gaming machines, and more particularly, a
ganiing machine capable of issuing a receipt or ticket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Game players continually seek new and exciting games which they believe
will yield them a large winning. As such, gaming manufacturers and gaming
establishments continue to develop and offer new games. Some new games differ
from old ones by fundamentally changing the game which is played. Other games
differ by changing the odds of receiving a payout or winning amounts paid.
Gaming establishments also continue to seek new ways of attracting current
and new game players. For example, besides common advertising, gaming
establishments often offer "player rewards programs." In accordance with these
programs, a player's game play is tracked. If the player's play reaches one or
more
levels, the player may be entitled to an award separate from any award payed
by
obtaining a winning outcome while playing a particular game. For example, a
player's wagers may be tracked in the form of points. If the player reaches a
level of
play evidenced by the total points accrued, the player may be awarded a prize.
A new way of attracting players to gaming establishments and a new way of
enticing game players to play games is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE IIWENTION
The present invention comprises a gaming system and a method of issuing and
using receipts. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes at least one
gaming
machine. The gaming machine is adapted to accept credit from a player, present
a
game for play to a player, and pay a winning in the event a winning event is
achieved
by play of the game.
CA 02424421 2008-11-28
la
Accordingly, the present invention provides in a gaming environ.ment
including at least one gaming machine and a handheld portable monitoring
device, a
method of participating in an event comprising: providing the gaming machine
on a
gaming environment floor, the gaming machine adapted to receive a wager for
playing one or more games of chance presented on the gaming machine and pay a
monetary award for a winning outcome of one or more games of chance; providing
the handheld portable monitoring device separate from the gaming machine, the
handheld portable monitoring device adapted to be carried by hand about the
gaming
environment floor; receiving game play information at the handheld portable
monitoring device, the game play information including gaming machine
information
as a measure of usage of a plurality of gaming machines including a number of
gaming machines in use; applying one or more criteria to the game play
information;
when the game play information satisfies the one or more criteria, generating
a receipt
at the handheld portable monitoring device; issuing the receipt for the
player; and
providing the receipt for participation in a secondary event, the outcome of
the
secondary event determined by use of receipts used in the secondary event.
The present invention also provides a method of using a receipt in a game
comprising: providing a gaming machine on a gaming environment floor, the
gaming
machine adapted to receive a wager for playing one or more games of chance
presented on the gaming machine and pay a monetary award for a winning outcome
of the one or more games of chance; providing a handheld portable monitoring
device
separate from the gaming machine, the handheld portable monitoring device
adapted
to be carried by hand about the gaming environment floor; receiving game play
infoimation at the handheld portable monitoring device, the game play
information
including gaming machine information as a measure of usage of a plurality of
gaming
machines including a number of gaming machines in use; applying one or more
criteria to the game play information; when the game play information
satisfies the
one or more criteria, issuing a receipt for a player responsive to a signal
from the
handheld portable monitoring device; providing the receipt for participation
in a
secondary game; the outcome of the secondary game determined by selecting one
or
more of the receipts.
CA 02424421 2008-11-28
lb
The present invention also provides a method of issuing and using a receipt in
a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of
handheld
portable devices, one or more of the gaming machines and one or more of the
handheld portable devices including a printing device, comprising: providing
the
gaming machines on a gaming environment floor, each of the gaming machines
adapted to receive a wager for playing one or more games of chance presented
on the
gaming machine and pay a monetary award for a winning outcome of the one or
more
games of chance; providing the handheld portable devices separate from the
gaming
machines, the handheld portable devices adapted to be carried by hand about
the
gaming environment floor; receiving game play information at one of the
handheld
portable devices, the game play information including gaming machine
information as
a measure of usage of the plurality of gaming machines including a number of
gaming
machines in use; applying one or more criteria to the game play information;
when the
game play information meets the one or more criteria, issuing a receipt from
the
printing device of one of the gaming machines or one of the handheld portable
devices; receiving the receipt in a game or event; and determining the outcome
of the
game or event by selecting one or more receipts received in the game or event
from a
group of receipts received in the game or event.
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2
In one embodiment, the gaming machine is arranged to print receipts. In one
embodiment of a method, a player plays a game on the gaming machine and is
issued
a receipt. In another embodiment, the gaming systenl includes one or more hand-
held
devices or separate printing devices. [Jsers of these devices print and issue
receipts or
tickets to players based upon one or nlore criteria.
In accordance with a method of the invention, a player utilizes an issued
receipt in a secondary game or event, such as the entry ticket in a lottery or
raffle
event. In one embodiment, the receipt includes printing for accepting a
];)layer's
name, address or other identifying information. 1"he player fills out the
ticket and
enters the receipt in the drawing.
The receipt is used in the play of the secondary game or event. In a preferred
embodiment, the receipts are used to determine the outcome of'the game or
event. In
one embodiment, one or more receipts are entered in the event and one or more
receipts are selected from the group of entered receipts. The selected receipt
or
receipts determine the winner or winners of the game or event.
In one embodiment, a player is issued a receipt in the event a particular
outcorne is received when playing a game at a gaming machine. In other
embodiments, a receipt or receipts may be issued based upon other criteria.
These
criteria may comprise game play (even without a win), amounts bet, time of
play,
random issuance and the like.
In one enibodiment, the receipt which is issued is representative of value or
an
award. In one embodiment, the receipt represents monetary value or credits
that the
player provided to or accrued while playing the gaming machine. In another
enibodiment, the receipt represents a complimentary award. In this
embodinlent, the
player preferably redeems the receipt for the value or award before entering
the
receipt in the secondary game or event.
In one embodiment, receipts may be issued at other than a gaming rnachine.
Receipts may be issued with hand-held portable devices or from cashier or
other
stations. The receipts may he issued based upon a variety of criteria. In one
embodiment, player game play activity is provided to the user of a portable
device.
"Che user determines, based uport the game play activity information, whether
a player
CA 02424421 2007-01-25
3
is entitled to a receipt. In one embodiment, receipts may be used to entice
patrons to
play gaming machines
Further ., features and advantages of the present invention over the
prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings
which
follows, when considered with the attached figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 illustrates a gaming machine adapted to print a receipt in
accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE. 2 illustrates a gaming network including a plurality of gaming
machines in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 3(a) illustrates a"value' type receipt which may be issued/generated
and used in a game or event in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 3(b) illustrates a"comp' type receipt which may be issued/generated
and used in a game or event in accordance with the present invention; and
FIGURE 3(c) illustrates a receipt configured to accept player information and
be used in a game or event in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a gaming machine arranged to generate receipts, a gaming
system including one or more of the gaming machines and/or other devices
configured to issue receipts or tickets for use in a secondary game. In the
following
description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
more
thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however,
to one
skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific
details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in
detail so
as not to obscure the invention.
Figure 1 illustrates a gaming machine or device 20 in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. In general, the gaming machine 20 is adapted to
present at least one game for play to a player. As illustrated, the gaming
machine 20
includes a housing 22 which supports and/or houses the various components of
the
gaming machine 20. In the embodiment illustrated, the gaming machine 20 is
adapted
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
4
to present a game of "slots," and includes three rotating reels 24a,b,c. A
handle 26 or
spin button 28 may be used to cffectuate rotation of the reels 24a,b,c.
In this well known game. a player nlay be declared the winner of the game and
be awarded an award if the result of the rotation of the reels 24a,b,c is a
predetermined combination ol' symbols. It should be understood that the gaming
niachine 20 niay be adapted to present one or more of a wide variety of games.
Depending upon the ganle presented, the configuration of the machine may vary.
For
example, in the event the gaming machine 20 is adapted to present the game of
video
poker, then the ganiing machine 20 may include a video display.
In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machine 20 is
adapted to present a wager-type game. In this arrangement, a player is
required to
place a bet or wager in order to participate in the game. In the event the
outcome of
the ganle is a winning outcome, then the player may be provided with an award.
In
one arrangement, the award may be winnings in proportion to the amount wagered
or
bet by the player. The winnings may coinprise coins or paper currency, or
credit
redeemable for coins, paper currency or prizes.
In order to accept a wager, the gaming machine 20 may include a coin
acceptor 30 for accepting coins. The ganling machine 20 may also include a
bill
acceptor or validator 32 for accepting paper currency. '['he gaming machine 20
may
be provided with other means for accepting or verifying value, such as a
credit card
reader.
Preferably, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the
gaming machine 20 includes at least one means for generating a receipt. In one
embodiment, this mear-s comprises a receipt printer 34. The receipt printer 34
may
comprise a variety of now known or later-developed devices. In general, the
receipt
printer 34 comprises a device for generating a receipt having information
associated
therewith. In one embodiment, the receipt is generated by printing, such as
with ink,
inforniation onto an element. It is contemplated, however, that the
information need
not be printed, but may be generated and associated with the receipt in other
manners.
For exainple, electronic data may be generated and then "written" to amagnetic
stripe
of the receipt.
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
J
ln a preferred embodinient, the receipt is constructed from paper or a similar
material. "I'he receipt may comprise a wide variety of other elements or
members,
however, such as cards or the iike. While the term "receipt" is used herein,
it will be
appreciated that these elements may be referred to as vouchers, tickets or the
like.
Though not illustrated in detail, the gaming machine 20 includes appropriate
elements for generating the receipts. "1'he gaming machine 20 may include, for
example, a receipt storage device for storing blank or unprinted receipts. 7in
one or
more embodiments, a controller is provided for controlling the operation of
the receipt
printer 34. As is well known. the gaming machine 20 may include a master
gaming
controller (not illustrated) for controlling the operation of many of the
peripheral
devices of the ganiing machine 20, such as lights, input buttons, coin and
bill
acceptors and the like. The gaming controller may include a bus with which a
printer
controller is associated. In this manner, the gaming controller may provide
instructions, such as pritlt instructions, to the printer for printing
receipts.
In a preferred embodiment, the ganiing controller of the gaming machine 20 is
associated with other devices, such as through a wired or wireless network,
which will
be described in more detail below. Figure 2 illustrates one particular
environnient/application of the method and apparatus ot' the invention. As
described
in nlore detail below, this preferred environment/application comprises a
gaming
system 40. 'I'he method and apparatus of the present invention may be applied
to a
nunlber of different environments, including but not limited to food service,
entertainment shows, promotional ganle play, or generally to events or
activities
where receipts may be issued and redeenled or used.
In general, the system 40 includes at least one gaming machine 20. As
illustrated, in a preferred embodiment, the systenl 40 includes a plurality of
gaming
machines 20. Each gaming machine 20 is arranged to present one or more õames
to a
player. The game presented at each machine may be the same or different.
In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machines 20 are associated with a
player tracking or reward sytiteni host 44. One or more appropriate
communications
links, whether wired or wireless, permit information to be transferred to and
from
each gaming machine 20 and the player tracking host 44. The player tracking
host 44
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
6
may comprise a single coniputer or a group of computers associated with one
another
via one or more communication links forming a network.
In one embodiment, the player tracking host 44 is associated with a player
tracking/reward or "comp" ftinction. The player tracking host 44 inay thus be
adapted
to aggregate game play data regarding the players playing the gaming machines
20.
This data may include information such as the length of time of game play,
amounts
bet, amounts awarded, and a wide variety of other information. The player
tracking
host 44 may also store information regarding receipts which are issued for
"comps,"
as described in more detail below. In general, each ganling machine 20 is
adapted to
transmit the player tracking data over the communications link(s) to the
player
tracking host 44.
In one embodinient, the player tracking host 44 includes at least one data
storage element for storing the player information. 'I'he data storage
elernent may
comprise a hard drive, RAM, tape drive, CD or other memory or data storage
member
or element. The player tracking host 44 also includes necessary communications
equipnient, such as network cards or the like for receiving and sending
information.
In a preferred ernbodiment, the gaming nlachines 20 are also associated with a
payment host 45. The payment host 45 may be similar to the player tracking
host 44,
and comprise a computer or group of computers and include memory or other data
storage devices. In one embodiment, the payment host 45 is adaptecl to store
information regarding paynient information and receipt or ticket information
when a
receipt or ticket has associated value.
The gaming system 40 may include a wide variety of other hosts or be
associated with other networks, such as a security monitoring network or the
like. As
illustrated, in one or more e-nibodiments, a variety of sub-systems or devices
are
associated with the gaming system 40. In one embodiment, a soft count system
46 is
associated with the gaming systeni 40. The soft count system 46 is for use in
a soft
count process of reconciling the amounts received and paid by the gaming
niachines
20 with bills or receipts which have been accepted by the gaming machine 20
and
removed therelz-om.
One or more receipt validation mechanisms 50, wireless receipt terminals 52
and cashier cage systems 54 may be associated with the gaming systen- 40. The
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
7
manner by which information from these mechanisms, terminals and systems is
transmitted to and from other mechanisms, terminals and systems may vary. For
example, as illustrated, the wireless receipt terminals 52 may comprise
handheld
devices adapted to transmit and receive information from the payment host 45
via a
wireless coinmunications link. The other systems, including the soft count
system 46,
receipt validation mechanisms 50 and cashier cage systenls 54 are illustrated
as being
hard wired to the player tracking host 44 and payment host 45.
The receipt validation mechanisms 50, wireless receipt terminals 52 and
cashier cage systems 54 niay be arranged to include a variety of apparatus,
including
both hardware and software, for performing a variety of functions. In one or
more
embodinlents, these mechanisms, terminals and systems may include receipt
generation/printing devices and recc;ipt scanning or reading devices. In this
manner
ganiing personnel may issue receipts to players and players may cash-in
receipts after
play at a variety of locations.
The receipts which are generated/printed by the gaming machines 20 (and
optionally by other devices such as the receipt validation mechanisms 50,
wireless
receipt terminals 52 and cashier cage systems 54) niay have a variety of
information
associated therewith and may he used for a variety of'purposes. In one
embodiment,
the receipts niay be representative of value. As an example, in the event the
player is
declared a winner of a game played on a gaming machine 20, the player may be
paid
an award. As noted above, the award may be in the form of coins. In one
embodiment of the im-ention, however, the award may be associated with or
represented by a receipt. For example, in the event the player wins 100
dollars and
the player wishes to discontinue playing the ganiing machine 20, the gaming
machine
20 may print a receipt representing this winning amount. As detailed below,
data
regarding the ticket and the winning amount is preferably transmitted to the
payment
central host 45. Such a receipt tnay be referred to as a'`value" receipt.
In one or more ernbodiments, the gaming machine 20 may be arranged to
accept such a (value) receipt, thus Corming a basis by which the player may
provide
credit to play the game. As illustrated in Figure 1, the gaming machine 20
includes a
validating mechanism 32 and a storage device for the bill monies and receipts.
The
validating mechanism is arranged to verify the authenticity of the bill money
or a
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
8
receipt which is supplied by the player, thus establishing the right of the
player to play
the game. For example. the validating mechanism is arranged to reject a
counterfeit
paper item which a player attempts to pass as a treasury bill. "hhe operation
of these
mechanisms are well known. Additional details regarding the validation of a
value
type receipt are disclosed below.
In accordance with the present invention, the generated receipts may be of
other types or associated with liinctions/purposes other than for use in
replacement of
currency or value as described above. In one or more embodiments, the gaming
macliine 20 is arranged to print receipts which represent a promotional award
or
"cotnp."
Such "comp" or award receipts may be generated in a number of manners. In
one embodiment, a player's play of any gaming machine associated with the
gaming
system 40 is tracked. Data regarding the player's play is stored at the player
tracking
host 44. The player tracking host 44 is also preferably arranged to nionito:r
the play
data such that, if the player reachcs predetermined levels of play or other
criteria of
play exist, the player is awarded a "comp." In another embodiment, the play of
a
particular gaming machine 20 may trigger a'`comp" award. As is known, the
tracking of the play of a particular player may be initiated by the player
identifying
tlienlselves, such as by swiping a magnetic stripe of a player
tracking/identification
card through a card reader associated with the gaming machine 20. Of course,
the
means by which a player may identify themselves is not limited, and may
include for
example smart cards, proximity cards and other means now known or later
developed.
"fhe criteria for awarding a"comp" or "complinlentary" reward may vary. In
a preferred embodimerit of the iilvention, the player is rewarded a comp based
upon
criteria independent of the direct outcome of a game played at the gaming
machine.
In this regard, the award may be referred to as a bonus, as the award is above
and
beyond any award provided to the player based in the above outcome of a
player's
game, and does not require further or additional consideration (such as an
additional
bet) by the player. As noted, the comp may be awarded based upon frequency or
time
of play, actual losses, theoretical win or a wide variety of criteria other
than the direct
win or loss of a game.
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
9
A"comp" receipt may also be awarded to a player at the discretion of the
game operator or casino. For example, regardless of the length of time a
player has
been playing, the operator may instruct the machine 20 to issue a receipt for
a prize or
award. The operator may also cause receipts representing awards indepenclent
of
game play to be issued at several ganiing inachines, such as a promotion.
Once a player is entitled to a"comp," the player tracking llost 44 is adapted
to
send a signal to the gaming machine 20 to cause the gaming machine to issue a
`'comp" receipt. In one embodinlent, the player may be provided with an
opportunity
to select the "comp" or award which is given. For example, for reaching a
predetermined level of play. a player may be perrnitted to select one prize
from a list
of prizes. This list may be transrnitted from the player tracking host 44 for
display by
the gaming machine 20 to the player. The player may then input their
selection. The
gaming machine 20 is then arranged to print the receipt representative of the
"comp."
Infornlation regarding the comp which has been awarded is stored at the:
player
trackiug host 44 and printed on the receipt.
In one embodiment, the c.omp receipt 160 may be issued at a gaming inachine
or otller location, such as at the front desk of the hotel/casino to new
patrons or at a
station when a player joins a player tracking/rewards club of the casino.
In one embodirnent, the gaming machine 20 may be configured to print the
20 receipt based on tracked play or, as indicated above, the player tracking
host 44 or
other device may track play and then send a signal to the gaming machine 20
causing
the gaming machine to print the receipt.
In accordance with a niethod of the invention, the receipts 60,160 which are
issued by the gaming machine 20 are used to participate in a secondary event
or
game. In a preferred embodirnent, the receipts 60,160 are used to determine
the
outconie of the event or game.
In one embodiment of the invention, the receipt 60,160 is used in a game or
event comprising a drawing, raffle or the like. In this embodiment of the
invention,
the receipt 60,160 is submitted for use in the game or event.
Additional details of the ganle or event are described below. Regardless of
the
type o1'game or event, in one embodiment, the receipt 60,160 is preferably
used for
its prinlarily intended purpose before it is used in the secondary game or
event. For
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
example, in the case of a value receipt 60, the player may "cash in" or
"redeem" the
receipt for its value before the receipt 60 is used in the secondary game or
event. For
example, in one embodinlent_ the player may travel to a casino cage and cash
the
receipt 60 for curreney. The cashier may then place the receipt 60 in the
drawing. In
5 another embodiment, the redeemed receipt may be validated to indicate that
it has
been redeemed, such as by physical marking, and then the receipt may be
returned to
the player. The player may then use the receipt in the secondary event, such
as by
traveling to a location of the ganiing establishment where the event is held
and
depositing the receipt.
10 Likewise, a player may use a`comp" or similar type receipt 160 before using
the receipt in the secondary game or event. For exatnple, a player may take
the
receipt 160 to a redemption area to redeem the receipt 160 for a prize. In
like fashion
to a value receipt 60, the receipt 160 may then be used in the secondary
event.
As described above, in one embodiment of the invention, a gaming rriachine or
other device is configured to issue a ticket or receipt 60,160 having a
primary
purpose, such as for representing value or a "comp" or award. This sanie
receipt
60,160 may be used in a game or event. such as a secondary drawing.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a ticket or receipt
260 (see Figure 3C) may be issued having its primary or sole purpose use in a
game
or event. For example, in one enlbodiment, when a player plays a game at a
gaming
machine 20, the gaming machine may be configured to issue a receipt 260. This
receipt 260 preferably does not have a value or the like associated therewith,
and only
has utility in participating in a game or event.
The receipt or ticket 60,160,260 may be used in a variety of games or events.
In one embodinient, the game is referred to as a secondary game or event
because the
receipt 60,160,260 is either issued having a primary or first purpose or is
issued as a
result of' the play of a first game or games at a gaming machine. As
indicated, the
primary or first purpose may be to signify value or a complimentary award.
The game or event in which the receipt is used may comprise a wide variety of
events. In a preferred etnbodiment, the game or event comprises an event where
one
or more winners are determined by selecting receipts or tickets. In one
embodiment,
the game or event is a raffle. drawing or the like. In this embodiment,
receipts or
CA 02424421 2008-11-28
11
tickets are grouped and then one or more particular receipts or tickets are
randomly
selected from the group. The selection may be by hand drawing or the like. As
known
in the art of such games, the receipts or tickets may be rotated in a drum,
blown by an
air blower or the like in order to make random the selection of one or more
particular
tickets or receipts therefrom.
The one or more winners of the event may be entitled to a prize or award. The
prize or award may comprise goods or services, or discounts, or cash or other
value.
In one embodiment, the identity of the one or more winners is determined
from the selected ticket(s) or receipt(s). In one embodiment of the invention,
before
entering the event, the player writes their name or other identifying
information on the
ticket or receipt. For example, the receipt 260 may include, as illustrated in
Figure
3(C), one or more spaces in which the player is prompted to provide
information. As
illustrated, this information may comprise the player's name, address, phone
number
or the like.
In one embodiment, a value or comp receipt 60,160 may include spaces or
other printing for accepting player identification information in like manner.
In one
embodiment, this information is located on a rear side of the receipt 60,160.
In another embodiment, the player's identity may be determined from
information associated with the ticket or receipt when it is generated. For
example, as
described above, a value receipt 60 may be printed and include a bar code or
other
information. Player identification information, such as a player's name
obtained via
the player tracking system or a code obtained from the player's player
tracking card,
may be printed onto the receipt 60. The information may be printed in direct
form,
such as the player's actual name, or may be encoded, such as in the case of a
bar code.
In one or more embodiments, as described in part above, receipts may be
provided to a player by other than by direct play of a gaming machine 20. For
example, receipts may be issued in complimentary fashion by operators of the
hand-
held devices 52 and distributed randomly.
In one or more embodiments, receipts may be distributed based upon tracked
player play. This feature is described in published US application No.
2002/0187834
published on December 12, 2002, to which this application claims priority.
CA 02424421 2008-11-28
lla
Tracked player play may involve the collection of information including, but
not limited to the total number of gaming machines presently in use/play; the
number
of players of the gaming machines in use which are presently active or playing
a
game; the number of players of gaming machines who have provided their player
identification information (or the number of players of machines who have
not); the
type of gaming machines which are being played; and a wide variety of other
information.
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
12
As described tllerein, the player tracking host 44 (see Figure 1) may be
configured as a game play monitoring system liost adapted to monitor play of
the one
or more gaming machines 20, including the activities of specific players. T`he
game
play monitoring system host 44 is preferably arranged to obtain game play
information, and manipulate that information, such as by aggregating game play
data
and displaying game play inforrnation. The game play information which is
obtained
and nionitored may comprise a wide variety of information, such as the length
of time
of game play, amounts bet, amounts awarded, and a wide variety of other
information.
The game play data or information preferably also includes information
regarding the
player of the gaming machine or game event, such as the identity of the
player. The
game play monitoring systenl host 44 niay also store information regarding
game
play, including individual player game play. 'I'he game play monitoring system
host
44 is preferably adapted to displav game play information to a user of the
system 40.
In one embodinient, game play inforniation regarding a particular player's
activities is trarismitted to the game play monitoring system host 44. When a
player
wishes to engage the play of the gaming machine 20 or other gaming
device/event,
the player may identify themselves. In one embodiment, a player identifies
theniselves with their player card. As noted above, such a card may be encoded
with
identification information. When using the gaming machine 20 such as that
illustrated in Figure 1, the player may insert their player card into the card
reader 34.
"I'he card reader 34 reads the infornzation from the card and then tranismits
the
information. As illustratcd in Figure 2, the identitication information may be
transmitted directly from the gaming machine 20 to the game play monitoring
system
host 44.
In one embodiment, player identification information may be stored at the
game play monitoring systenl host 44, such as in a memory. In response to a
player
identitication code or nunlber, such as read from the player card, more
detailed
inforrnation regarding the player may be obtained li-om the memory. In another
embodiment, such detailed information nlay be stored remotely and either
obtained by
or transmitted to the ganie play nlonitoring systein host 44. For example, the
player
card may have an encoded identitication code, such as AX18329IK. This code may
be associated with the player known as John Doe. A file may be associated with
the
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
1J
plaver's code, which file includes a variety of information such as the full
name and
address of the player, their telephone number, accrued points, and other data.
In
response to receiving the player's code, the game play monitoring system host
44 may
obtain information regarding the player from the file or other location.
Game play information is also transniitted to the game play monitoring system
host 44. For example, the gaming machine 20 may transmit information regarding
a
player's wagers, time play began, tinle play ended, awards or payouts, and
other
information. T'he game play information is preferably generated at the gaming
machine 20 or other device. 'I'he information may be aggregated and then
transmitted
at intervals, such as predetermined intervals of titne, to the system host 44.
In certain
embodiments of the invention, the transmitted information may comprise "point"
or
similar inforniation. The gaming machine 20 or other device may be configured
to
generate point information based upon particular player events, such as the
placing of
bets. This point information may be transmitted to the host 44.
Of course, the gaining machine 20 or other device/element may be adapted to
utilize a particular communication format or lormat data or information ir-
one or
more manners which is different froni that of other systems. In a preferred
embodiment, the game play monitoring system host 44 is provided with an
interface
allowing the data in different forms to be integrated and presented
cohesively.
In one or more embodinients, the ganie play data or information is utilized by
the ganle play monitoring systeni host 44. In one embodiment, some or all of
the
information may be stored, such as in a memory. In one or more embodiments,
some
or all of the information may he manipulated, such as aggregated or
transformed. The
information may also be displayed in one or more formats for viewing.
"hhe information niay he displayed at a variety of devices, including the hand-
held devices 52. In this manner, information may be provided to casino or
other
gaming personnel who are in the vicinity of players. 'The information may be
presented in a variety of forms, including via one or more graphical user
interfaces.
7'hese interfaces may include menus and other features, including the ability
of a use
to provide an input to filter data or have displayed inforination regarding
the status of
one or more players.
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
14
In one embodiment, ready identification of a player with particular
characteristics may be accomplished. For exaniple, it is possible to determine
if a
particular player is playing a game. In addition, however, it is possible to
axamine
particular characteristics of play by that player. Using these
characteristics, a casino
or other entity can carefully target players for specific
advertising/marketing or the
award of a receipt, such as a drawing receipt 260 described above. For
example, a
user of the system can determine, in real-time, the amounts which are being
wagered
and/or won by a piayer. Thus, the user can not only determine if a player is
playing a
game, hut which players are betting or wagering the highest amounts or winning
or
losing the most money. The user may then target those players for specific
awards/marketing. For example, a player betting large sums may be rewarded for
their play, eveii though they have not acerued sufticient points to be awarded
a
reward. Players who have lost large sums of money with awards or rewards may
also
be targeted in order to entice those players to not stop playing, but instead
play for a
longer period of time.
In accordance with the invention, a casino can identify players which are to
be
rewarded based on their present or current play. In addition, once such a
player is
identified, it is possible to know where that player is and have casino
personnel travel
to them and personally and immediately provide them a reward. For example, a
particular player of a table gaine betting large amounts may be identified.
The user of
the system 40 may also identify the particular table at which that player is
playing,
and then contact a floor person to travel to them and provide the player with
a reward.
In accordance with the invention, a casino can also reward a player based upon
their
past play or play history.
In one or inore embodinients, the host may be programmed to scan current
game play data to identify particular players to be rewarded. For example, a
user of
the system 40 may program specific filtering criteria which is scanned against
the
received ganle play data. Such criteria may comprise a certain length of time
for a
single player, total coin or credits in, credits or coins won, a number of
player points
rewarded in a particular session, a number of games played or the like. In the
event
such criteria are met by the current play of a device or event by a player,
then an
indication of such may be provided to the user. "1'he indication may be an
audible or
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
visible alarm, such as the direct presentation of information regarding the
player's
identity and game play information which met the criteria.
In these and other situations, a player or even a non-player may be awarded or
issued a receipt which may be used in a game or event as described above. For
5 example, casino personnel may issue receipts to patrons of an associated
hotel or
restaurant. A player of a gaming machine who has niet particular criteria,
such as
minimum amounts bet, may be awarded one or more receipts.
As detailed above, the garning machine 20 may also issue receipts based upon
criteria other than a winning game outcome or in response to a player's
request to
10 cash-out or rept-esentative of an award. For example, specific game events
may cause
the gaming machine 20 issue a receipt or a number of receipts. These game
events
nlay comprise the receipt oi' a particular symbol or the like, even if the
outcome of the
game is not a winning outcome which yields a payout of monies/credits. The
gaming
machine 20 may also issue receipts randomly over time or based on other
criteria.
3 5 In one embodiment, a receipt may be issued to a player or prospective
player.
To be used in a secondary ganie or event, the party may be required to play at
least
one game at a gaming machinc 20 in order to "validate" the receipt for use in
the
secondary game or event. In this nianner, the receipt is used to both entice a
player to
play and provide the opportunity of the player to win an award in the
secondary game.
'Fhe "receipt" of the invention may have a var-iety of forms. As indicated,
the
receipt may be a printed paper receipt. The receipt may comprise a card, such
as a
card including a magnetic stripe or a smart card or a variety of other
elements to
which information may be written or with which information may be stored. For
example, the method of the invention may be inlplemented using a player card
by
writing information to the card. The same card may be used to enter a
secondary
event by, for example, swiping the card at a card reader at a secondary event
device.
Information regarding the player and the player's entitled to participate in
the
secondary event may be obtained from the card.
The methods and devices of the present invention have numerous advantages.
One advantage of the invention is that a new and exciting game is presented to
players. In accordance with this ganle, players of games of gaming machines
are
provided with the opportunity of a"second chance" to win by participating in
another
CA 02424421 2003-04-03
16
game. In a preferred embodiment, participation in the second game or event
does not
require that the player place an additional bet.
As another aspect of the invention, casinos and other establishments may
utilize the secondary event as a means to entice players to play games, or
certain
games. The secondary event serves as a promotion, offering players the char-ce
at a
bonus or free winning for simply playing games that they would otherwise play.
Another advantage is that the secondary game or event may be used to entice
players to utilize receipts. The use of value receipts 60 has many advantages
to both
players and casinos. However, some players may be reluctant to embrace this
new
technology over the decades cornmon use of coins or cash in playing games and
being
paid payouts. These players are enticed to utilize the receipt system because
they are
then eligible for the opportunity to win an additional prize or payout.
It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and
the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles
of this
invention and many other enibodiments and modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
