Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SAFEGAMING 11-02 PATENT
SYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING GAMING
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices to
aid players of
gaming and gambling games. More specifically, the present invention includes a
system, method, and device for monitoring gaming of a user and displaying
messages to
the user based on intervention points and gambling limits set manually by the
user
and/or automatically.
Background of the Invention
[0002] It is well-known that certain players of casino and other wagering
games may
have an addictive personality and may become a problem gambler. It is also
well-
known that without monitoring, many players without an addictive personality
may
gamble for a longer period, and lose more money, than the player intended
and/or is
affordable by the player. Many features of casinos immerse the player in an
environment free of clocks and other prompts, such as windows, as to the
passage of
time.
[0003] Likewise, casino games, particularly electronic gaining machines,
are designed
for deceptively large wagers and fast games to increase the drop from the
player. For
example, popular penny slot machines may include as many as two hundred forty-
three
pay lines and allow the player to wager multiple coins per pay line, plus
require an extra
wager to activate bonus Of supplemental features. In this manner, a penny slot
machine
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may, when the maximum wager is placed, require the player to wager several
dollars
per game. Moreover, the speed of a slot game means that many electronic slot
machines can conduct five hundred games per hour. These factors can cause any
player, regardless of whether they are a "problem gambler," to lose track of
time and
money.
[0004] When playing via the Internet or in a networked environment, such as
on a
handheld device within a local area network or on an in-room gaming device, a
system
may be built into the gaming device, personal computer, handheld device, or
the like, to
periodically alert the player or even interrupt play, when pre-set limits are
reached
during the game. For example, the player or the house may specify loss limits,
time
limits, changes in playing behavior, or other factors in determining when to
alert and/or
interrupt the player's play. However, where such a system is not integrated
into the
gaming system, the player must rely on his or her own self-control or the
assistance of
others to avoid losing track of his or her play. Thus, it can be seen that
there is a need
in the art for a method, system, and device for monitoring gaming for a
player.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present invention includes a method, mobile device, and system
directed to
monitor gaming and alert a user. In an optional embodiment, a method of
monitoring
gaming is implemented on a mobile device having a data processor in
communication
with a display and a user interface. Optionally, player information is
received through
the user interface. The player information is assessed by the data processor
to
determine a gambling sub-type and an initial set of messages and intervention
points are
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set by the data processor based on the gambling sub-type determined by the
data
processor.
[0006] In an optional embodiment, the mobile device communicates with a
server. In
one such optional embodiment, session data monitored during the gambling
session are
transmitted from the mobile device to the server. The session data are
assessed for
problem gambling.
[0007] . Player preferences are received through the user interface.
Optionally, the
player preferences include at least one gambling limit. The player preferences
are
optionally stored in a player monitoring account accessible to the data
processor.
[0008] In an optional embodiment, a secure player monitoring account is
established on
the mobile device securing at least the player information and player
preferences.
Optionally, the secure player monitoring account prevents any use of the
method
(optionally embodied as software) and use of the player information and player
preferences without verification. For example, in an optional embodiment,
access to the
secure player monitoring account may be verified through the user interface.
[0009] The data processor monitors session data representing the status of
a gambling
session and transactions conducted in the gambling session for occurrences of
intervention points and gambling limits. In one optional embodiment, session
data may
be received through the user interface. In an alternate or additional optional
embodiment, the gambling session may be conducted at a gaming device which
generates session data and transmits session date to the data processor which
receives
the session data from the gaming device. A message is selected by the data
processor
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based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during the
gambling
session. The message is optionally displayed at the mobile device display.
[0010] In another optional embodiment, a mobile device includes a data
processor
along with a display, user interface, and memory in communication with the
data
processor. In an optional embodiment, the memory stores executable program
instructions for conducting a method of monitoring gaming. In one such
optional
embodiment, the data processor executes the executable program instructions to
receive
player information through the user interface. The player information is
assessed by the
data processor to determine a gambling sub-type and an initial set of messages
and
intervention points are set by the data processor based on the gambling sub-
type
determined by the data processor.
[0011] Player preferences are received through the user interface. In an
optional
embodiment, the player preferences include at least one gambling limit. Player
preferences may be stored in a player monitoring account accessible to the
data
processor.
[0012] In an optional embodiment, the memory is adapted to store executable
program
instructions to establish a secure player monitoring account on the mobile
device
securing at least the player information and player preferences and verifying
access to
the secure player monitoring account through the user interface. In this
manner, the
player information and player preferences, and consequently their use in a
method
according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be secured from use
without
verification.
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[0013] The data processor monitors session data representing the status of
a gambling
session and transactions occurring in the gambling session for occurrences of
intervention points and gambling limits. The data processor selects and
triggers a
message based on any defined intervention points and gambling limits occurring
during
the gambling session and displays the message at the mobile device display. In
an
optional embodiment, the mobile device is in communication with a server. In
one such
optional embodiment, the data processor of the mobile device executes
executable
program instructions to transmit session data monitored during the gambling
session
from the mobile device to the server where it may be assessed for signs and/or
patterns
of problem gambling.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention includes a system including
a mobile
device in communication with server. In one such optional embodiment, the
mobile
device includes a data processor, along with a display, a user interface, and
memory in
communication with the data processor. hi one such optional embodiment, the
memory
stores executable program instructions for conducting a method of monitoring
gaming
which includes receiving player information through the user interface. Player
information is assessed by the data processor to determine a gambling sub-type
and an
initial set of messages and intervention points is set by the data processor
based on the
gambling sub-type determined by the data processor.
[00151 Player preferences are received through the user interface. The
player
preferences optionally include at least one gambling limit. The player
preferences are
stored in a player monitoring account accessible to the data processor.
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[0016] In an optional embodiment, a secure player monitoring account is
established on
the mobile device to secure at least the player information and player
preferences. In an
optional embodiment, access to the secure player monitoring account is
verified through
the user interface.
[0017] The data processor monitors session data representing the status of
a gambling
session and transactions occurring in the gambling session for occurrences of
intervention points and gambling limits. In one optional embodiment, the
session data
is received through the user interface. In another optional embodiment, the
system
includes a gaming device in communication with the mobile device. In one such
optional embodiment, the gaining device includes a gaming device data
processor and a
gaming device memory in communication with the gaming device data processor.
In an
optional embodiment, the gaming device memory stores executable program
instructions to conduct the gambling session, generate session data at the
gaming
device, and transmit session data from the gaming device to the mobile device.
A
message is selected by the data processor based on any intervention points and
gambling limits occurring during the gambling session and the message is
displayed at
the mobile device display.
[0018] The server includes a server processor and a server memory adapted
to store
executable program instructions. In one optional embodiment, the server
receives
session data monitored during the gambling session from the mobile device at
the server
processor and assesses the session data for problem gambling or gambling
behavior that
would indicate the need for advice, consumer protection or intervention.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of
the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of
the present
invention;
[00211 FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an interactive webs ite used according to
an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of data transferred according to an
embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of
the present
invention.
Description
[0024] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are
referred to by like
numerals throughout. Referring first to FIG. 5, a method according to an
embodiment
of the present invention may be implemented in a mobile device 500. It is
contemplated
that the method may operate on a mobile device 500 in a connected mode, i.e.,
when the
mobile device 500 cooperates with a server 600, gaming device 700, or the like
to
conduct a method, or in a non-connected mode, i.e., when the mobile device 500
conducts the method independent of any device conducting the gambling session.
In an
optional embodiment, the executable program instructions, e.g., software, that
is
executed by the mobile device 500 to conduct a method may include an option to
switch
between a connected mode or a non-connected mode automatically, upon selection
by a
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user, or the like, depending on the optional embodiment. In an alternate
optional
embodiment, the executable program instructions may be configured solely for a
connected mode or a non-connected mode. It is noted that even in a non-
connected
mode, the mobile device 500 may still connect to a telephone service provider
in the
event that the mobile device 500 is a cellular telephone, and that the mobile
device 500
may communicate with a server to update the executable program instructions
conducting a method according to an embodiment of the present invention and/or
synchronize data generated while conducting a method according to an
embodiment of
the present invention.
[00251 A mobile device 500 may take any form including, but not limited to,
a cellular
telephone, personal digital assistant ("PDA"), tablet, e-reader, handheld
device, or any
other device. In one optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 includes a
data
processor 502 in communication with a display 504, user interface 506, and
memory
508.
[0026] The display 504 may take any form, such as a liquid crystal display
("LCD"),
light emitting diode ("LED") or organic light emitting diode ("OLED") display,
or any
other form of display or screen. Similarly, the user interface 506 may take
any form,
such as a keypad, keyboard, pointer, mouse, touch pad, or the like. In an
optional
embodiment, the user interface 506 and display 504 may be combined into a
touchscreen device in which the display 504 includes, or communicates with,
sensors
forming a user interface 506 that receives input from a user.
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[0027] Memory 508 may take any form, including magnetic data storage,
optical data
storage, semiconductor memory, flash memory, or the like. Likewise, memory 508
may be removable from the mobile device 500 or integral with the mobile device
500.
[0028] Memory 508 may be adapted to store executable program instructions
executable by the data processor 502 to conduct a method according to an
embodiment
of the present invention.
[0029] In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 may conduct a
method in a
non-connected mode, i.e., without requiring cooperation with other devices.
For
example, in the optional embodiment of FIG. 2, executable program
instructions, e.g.,
software or application or "app," may be obtained and installed on the memory
508 of
the mobile device 500. In an optional embodiment, the executable program
instructions
may be downloaded 102 and installed 104 on the mobile device 500. As may be
appreciated, the executable program instructions may be written for any
operating
platform, any device, or in any programming language.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may
initiate 106
a registration process. In one such optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG.
2, the
registration process may be conducted 108 only on the first use of the method,
with
updates to the data collected during the registration process input through a
separate
data collection process. Alternatively, the registration process may be
conducted 108
each time the method is used.
[0031] The registration process may be conducted 108 by receiving data
from the user
through a user interface 506 in response to prompts. For example, in an
optional
embodiment, the registration process may include collection of player
information and
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player preferences through the user interface 506. In an optional embodiment,
the
player information is assessed to determine 110 a gambling sub-type. Because
the
assessment is based on user input through the user interface 506 rather than
an objective
observer or through monitoring of actual gambling behavior, the assessment may
be
termed a "self-assessment." For example, in an optional embodiment, player
information is compared to parameter files that define a range of gambling sub-
types.
Player information that corresponds to, for example, someone who has the
potential to
develop a gambling problem may be associated with a different gambling sub-
type than
a person who inputs player information who already has a gambling problem or,
conversely, is unlikely to develop a gambling problem.
[0032] The gambling sub-type determined for a user may be associated
with an initial
set of messages and intervention points. In an optional embodiment, the
messages and
intervention points may be selected to maintain the user's awareness of the
user's
gambling activity, for example, by reminding the user of the time duration of
a
gambling session, the amount of the player's budget wagered, the player's
winnings or
losses, or the like. In an optional embodiment, player preferences may be used
to tailor
the method to the particular user, such as by configuring personal time and
loss limits
over a specified period of time, which may correspond to, or alter the initial
set of
intervention points and messages. Similarly, player preferences may be used to
configure monitoring, intervention messages, report formats, gambling venues,
games
played, personal exclusions, or other functions of the executable program
instructions.
Optionally, player preferences and/or player information and/or messages and
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intervention points selected for a player are stored in a player monitoring
account.
Optionally, the player monitoring account is unique to the player.
[0033] In an optional embodiment, the registration process includes
selecting or
assigning a unique identifier for a user and establishing 112 a secure, unique
player
monitoring account on the mobile device to secure the executable program
instructions
and data used by the executable program instructions, such as player
information and
player preferences. For example, in an optional embodiment, a secure player
monitoring account having multi-factor, secure authentication may prevent
access to the
executable program instructions and/or player information and player
preferences
without first verifying access through the user interface using, for example,
a unique
identifier and password. As may be appreciated, the executable program
instructions
may allow the player information, player preferences, password, or the like to
be
accessed and reset or updated.
[0034] For example, in an optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a user
accesses
302 a monitoring method through an Internet browser on a mobile device 500. In
such
an optional embodiment, a user browses 304 to a hub home page where the user
can
access 306 public information, such as information about the service provider
308 and
interactive features 310 such as tutorials or the like. The user may also be
presented
with an option to log in 314 to a private system which stores 312 the user's
private
information submitted at registration and developed through the user's play
using the
monitoring method. A determination 316 may be made as to the user's
eligibility to
access private data. Optionally, the same determination may be made as to the
user's
eligibility to use the system as illustrated in FIGS. I and 2. If the user is
verified, the
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user may access 318 private data. A user may be presented with an option to
log off
320 when the player is finished.
[0035] Returning to FIG. 2, as noted, in an optional embodiment, the
executable
program instructions may be configured 114 to allow the mobile device 500 to
operate
in a connected or non-connected mode. In one such optional embodiment,
different
data may be collected depending on the mode of operation. For example, in a
connected mode, a player may establish and fund a gambling account. One such
optional embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in greater detail
below.
Continuing with the optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the user's
identity may
be verified 116 and a determination made 118 whether the user is eligible to
gamble
online. As noted above, in an alternate optional embodiment, the executable
program
instructions may be configured solely for offline use and, thus, there may be
no need to
determine whether a user is eligible to play online. However, in the optional
embodiment of FIG. 2, a player ineligible to play online may be permitted to
operate in
a non-connected mode only.
[0036] Continuing with the optional, non-connected mode of FIG. 2, the
executable
program instructions may provide 120, 220 the user with secure access the
secure,
unique player monitoring account storing the user's player preferences and
player
information. The user may be presented 121 with information, such as help with
the
application, counseling, exclusion, gambling tutorials, and the like.
[0037] A gambling session is conducted 122, 222. As may be appreciated, a
gambling
session in a non-connected mode may be conducted in any manner, including on a
non-
connected gaming device, such as a slot machine, video poker machine, or other
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electronic gaming device, at a gaming table, or online at a personal computer,
web-
enabled television, or other device that does not communicate with the mobile
device
500. It is also contemplated that non-connected gaming may be conducted on the
mobile device 500 conducting the monitoring method, where the executable
program
instructions (e.g., application) executing the monitoring method does not
cooperate with
the executable program instructions or server conducting the gambling session.
[0038] A gambling session may be measured in any manner. For example, the
gambling session may be initiated through the user interface 506, such as by
actuating a
"start" touchscreen button or the like. In another optional embodiment where
the user
must log into a player monitoring account (whether or not a secure player
monitoring
account), a gambling session may be initiated upon login. Similarly, the
gambling
session may be ended through the user interface 506, such as by actuating a
"finish"
touchscreen button or the like, by logging out of a player monitoring account,
or the
like.
[0039] The gambling session is monitored 124. In one optional embodiment,
the
gambling session is monitored by monitoring gambling transactions and gambling
status during the gambling session. The attributes monitored could include
many
different factors, such as one or more of the amount of wins or losses, amount
of
wagers, time elapsed, number of games played, the type of games played, or the
like. In
one optional embodiment, the gambling session may be monitored manually 226,
such
as by the user inputting gambling session data through the user interface. For
example,
the user may input wagers, losses, wins, the time the gambling session
commenced, and
so forth, thereby enabling the mobile device 500 executing the monitoring
method to
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monitor the gambling session. Alternatively or additionally, the gambling
session may
be monitored automatically, such as by receiving gambling session data at the
mobile
device 500 via wireless or wired transmission, optical capture, or the like,
It is noted
that such an optional embodiment may not necessitate that the mobile device
500
operate in a connected mode.
[0040] During the gambling session, the gambling session data are monitored
for
intervention points. For example, the gambling session data may be examined to
determine net or gross losses, time elapsed, wagers placed, or the like and
compared to
intervention points set by the user and/or set automatically based on the
gambling sub-
type determined through the assessment of the user. Based on the intervention
points,
messages may be selected 128,228 and displayed to the player. Alternatively,
messages may be generated based on the intervention point and/or limit reached
and
displayed to the player. In one optional embodiment, the messages may be
informative
in nature, e.g., informing the user of session status, gambling limits, and/or
advice as
appropriate to make the user aware of responsible gambling behavior and the
possible
risks of irresponsible gambling behavior as exhibited by reaching any
intervention
points. In an optional embodiment, the intervention points are selected and
monitored
through a session progression algorithm in the nature of an expert system that
selects
messages based on the nature of the gambling session event or status that
triggers an
intervention point. In one optional embodiment, the messages are prepared by
experts
in gambling behavior and are positively structured to achieve optimum
protection
results for the user.
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[0041] At the end of a gambling session, reports of the gambling session
may be
prepared 130. In a further optional embodiment, gambling session data may be
stored
132 on the mobile device 500 and/or transmitted 134 to a server 600. Again,
this step
may be conducted in either a connected mode or a non-connected mode, since the
non-
connected mode merely refers to the lack of communication between the mobile
device
500 and any device that is used to conduct the gambling session. Thus, if the
server 600
is used for storage and analysis, but not gambling, it may be utilized in both
a connected
and non-connected mode.
[0042] The gambling session data may be analyzed 136 for existing or
developing user
gambling issues. Specifically, a server processor 602 may execute program
instructions
stored in a server memory 604 to analyze session data for trends or other
indicators of
problem gambling or potential problem gambling. For example, in one optional
embodiment, the data may be analyzed for gambling behavior of a user that may
indicate a possible gambling problem. In one such optional embodiment, the
data may
be analyzed by a statistics analysis module to seek trends that follow
patterns of
behavior associated with problem gambling.
[0043] In a further optional embodiment, the analysis of gambling session
data over one
or more gambling sessions may be utilized in many ways. In an optional
embodiment,
feedback may be provided to users, such as additional messages making the user
aware
of the user's gambling behavior. In yet a further optional embodiment, the
analysis of
gambling session data may be used to revise the user's gambling sub-type
selected
based on the self-assessment. That is, if the gambling sub-type selected based
on the
self-assessment does not match the actual gambling behavior of the user, the
application
CA 02815130 2013-05-07
may revise the gambling sub-type assigned to the player based on the change or
misclassification of the player's gambling sub-type. In an optional
embodiment, the
server 600 communicates the change in the player's gambling sub-type to the
mobile
device 500 which, in turn, may alter or change the messages and intervention
points
selected for the player based on the player's gambling sub-type and/or player
preferences.
[0044] For example, in FIG. 4, a user may log into a server 600 using a
mobile device
500. The login may initiate 402 an automatic exchange of data between the
server 600
and mobile device 500. Once the user is verified, such as through a secure,
unique
account as discussed above, the mobile device 500 is provided secure access
404 to a
master database. Any user data, including updates to player information,
player
preferences, data collected during a gambling session, and the like, may be
stored 406
on the server 600 at a master database. Separate from the mobile device 500,
the server
600 may include program instructions for analyzing 408 user data. The analysis
may be
used for a variety of purposes, including messages 410 to the user, updating
or changing
412 the user's gambling sub-type, and/or providing 414 updates.
[00451 In another aspect of the present invention, the mobile device 500
may operate in
a connected mode. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a mobile device SOO may
communicate
with a gaming device 700. As used herein, a gaming device 700 may include any
electrical, mechanical, or computer device that conducts or assists in gaming.
Specifically, a gaming device 700 may take any form, including an Internet
gaming
host, an electronic gaming machine in a standalone or networked form, such as
a slot
machine, video poker machine, or the like, a handheld device, kiosk, or the
like. In
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such an optional embodiment, a gaming device 700 may include a gaming device
processor 702 executing program instructions stored at a gaming device memory
704 to
conduct a game. Although FIG. 5 includes a "server" 600 in certain optional
embodiments, it should not be interpreted to imply that the gaming device 700
could not
be a server. To the contrary, it is contemplated that, in certain embodiments,
the
gaming device 700 may be a network server, file server, or otherwise form part
of a
network with the mobile devices 500 such as in an embodiment applied to
Internet
gaming in which the gaming device 700 may be a host server that conducts
gaming,
alone or with other devices in a network.
[0046] The mobile device 500 may communicate with the gaming device 700
for a
variety of purposes. For example, the mobile device 500 may receive from. a
gaming
device 700, either directly or indirectly, data representing wins, losses,
wagers, game
outcomes, amounts deposited, amounts cashed out, time elapsed, number of hands
and/or games played, game play rate (such as hands and/or games per hour), or
other
game play data.
[0047] In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 and gaming device
700 may
communicate wirelessly in a local area network ("LAN") using a protocol such
as WI-
FiTM, in a wide area network ("WAN") using a protocol such as 3G, 40, W-
CDIVIA, or
other wireless broadband protocol, or using any other wireless communication
system.
In an alternate optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 and gaming device
700 may
communicate via a wired connection such as universal serial bus ("USB") or the
like.
[0048] As discussed above, a server 600 may also communicate with the
mobile device
500 and/or the gaming device 700. It is contemplated that the server 600 in
such an
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optional embodiment may aid in conducting games or may be independent of any
gaming activity.
[0049] Although a method could take many different forms, in an optional
embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, many of the steps of a method conducted in a connected
mode, an
example of which is illustrated in FIG. 1, may remain the same as the steps of
a method
conducted in a non-connected mode, an example of which is illustrated in FIG.2
and
was described above, In this description of FIG. 1, only those steps differing
between
FIG. 2 (described in greater detail above) and FIG. 1 are described herein
rather than
reiterating the discussion above. However, this should be interpreted as
illustrative
rather than limiting, as a method could be implemented within the scope of the
claims
for a connected method without necessarily relying on all the steps described
in FIGS. 1
and/or FIG. 2 herein.
[0050] According to an optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. I, a user
may establish
123 a gambling account. The gambling account may be any type of financial
account,
In an optional embodiment, the gambling account is used to fund wagers and
receiving
pay outs. In an alternate optional embodiment, the gambling account may be
used to
fund wagers with pay outs sent elsewhere.
[0051] In an optional embodiment, the gambling account is established by
collecting
user information and funding 125 the gambling account. In an optional
embodiment,
the user information for the gambling account may include, or may be drawn
from, the
player information collected from the player to establish the player's
monitoring
account. Alternatively or additionally, user information for a gambling
account may be
collected through a form or other interactive process independent of, or in
addition to,
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the form or interactive process used to collect player information and/or
player
preferences as discussed above. For example, in an optional embodiment, a
credit
check may be conducted.
[0052] The gambling account may take any form. For example, the gambling
account
may be a deposit account, i.e., money is deposited into the gambling account
and
debited as it is used, a credit account, i.e., credit is extended to the user
who repays the
credit according to a credit agreement, or any other type of financial
account. The
gambling account may be stored and maintained on a server 600, a financial
institution
system, a gaming operator or gaming host system, or the like.
[0053] It is noted that a gambling account is not essential to a connected
mode and that,
in an alternate optional embodiment, it is contemplated that a mobile device
500 may
communicate with a gaming device 700 without necessarily using a gambling
account
to fund wagers. In such an optional embodiment, wagers may be funded in any
other
fashion, including cash, vouchers, tickets, prepaid cards, debit or credit
cards, or the
like. Similarly, payouts may take any form, such as a deposit into a deposit
account,
credit, electronic funds transfer to a bank account, added value to a prepaid
or stored
value account or card, or the like. In an optional embodiment, the gambling
account is
reconciled 140 at the end of a gambling session by transferring funds to or
from the
gambling account based on the user's play.
[0054] In an optional embodiment including a gambling account, a single
login may be
used for a user to log into his or her player monitoring account and gambling
account.
Alternatively, separate log in processes may be conducted for the player
monitoring
account and gambling account. For example, where the gambling account and
player
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monitoring account are maintained separately (such as a player monitoring
account
maintained on a mobile device 500 and a gambling account maintained on a
financial
institution system), separate logins may be required.
[0055] As noted above, a gambling session may be defined based on the
login and
logout from a player monitoring account. In additional or alternate optional
embodiments, a gambling session may be defined based on the login and logout
from a
gambling account. While these may be the same events in some optional
embodiments,
where the player monitoring account and gambling account are maintained
separately,
either or both events may be used to measure a gambling session.
[0056] During the gambling session, session data are received at the
mobile device 500
from the gaming device 700. In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500
conducts the monitoring method alone, i.e., solely determines whether
intervention
points are reached and displays messages to the user. In an alternate optional
embodiment, the mobile device 500 cooperates with a server 600 to conduct a
monitoring method. In either case, as discussed above, occurrences of
intervention
points may trigger messages selected for the user based on the user's gambling
sub-type
and/or the player preferences selected by the user, Additionally or
alternatively,
intervention points may trigger intervention by the mobile device 500, server
600,
and/or gaming device 700 in the gambling session. For example, exceeding time
or
budgetary limits may result in the termination of the user's access to the
gaming device
700 or the gambling account, thereby preventing the user from continuing the
gambling
session. In this regard, it is contemplated that a connected mode may be
voluntary, i.e.,
the user chooses whether to heed messages generated at intervention points,
CA 02815130 2013-05-07
involuntary, i.e., messages are accompanied by actions by the mobile device
500, server
600, and/or gaming device 700 to end a gambling session, or a combination of
voluntary and involuntary, e.g., a user may set a player preference of
voluntary and
involuntary intervention points.
[0057] In an optional embodiment, session data may be collected and
transmitted to a
server 600 for analysis and feedback, such that the user's gambling sub-type
may be
tailored in a recursive process to match the intervention points with the
player's actual
behavior.
[0058] While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown
and
described it is to be understood that the present invention is subject to many
modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention
presented herein.
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