U.S. patent application number 10/171495 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-16 for method and apparatus for offering and providing consolation prizes.
Invention is credited to Friesen, Scott T., Gelman, Geoffrey M., Gilman, Norman C., Jorasch, James A., Santisi, Steven M., Walker, Jay S..
Application Number | 20030013516 10/171495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29782263 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030013516 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker, Jay S. ; et
al. |
January 16, 2003 |
Method and apparatus for offering and providing consolation
prizes
Abstract
A system and method for providing consolation prizes base upon
player gaming losses is described. Gaming device players are
awarded consolation prizes based upon the amount of money they lose
in a gambling session. The prizes a player may be offered may be
determined by calculating the total amount a player put into a
gaming device (the "coin-in" amount) less the total amount he
receives from the device (the "coin-out" amount) during a gambling
session. In some embodiments, third-party merchants provide prizes
that both represent value to players and allow the merchants to
establish a relationship with new customers. For example, a
consolation prize may include a free three-month trial subscription
to a magazine or to a cable television service. In some
embodiments, the consolation prizes may be rewarded on a tiered
basis in proportion to the amount of loss the player has sustained.
In some embodiments, a voucher with a retail value equal to the
player's entire loss amount may be provided as a consolation
prize
Inventors: |
Walker, Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch, James A.; (Stamford, CT) ;
Friesen, Scott T.; (Stamford, CT) ; Gelman, Geoffrey
M.; (Stamford, CT) ; Gilman, Norman C.;
(Stamford, CT) ; Santisi, Steven M.; (Ridgefield,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
FIVE HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
29782263 |
Appl. No.: |
10/171495 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60297970 |
Jun 13, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method comprising: determining an amount lost by a player at a
gaming device; determining a consolation prize based upon the
amount lost; and offering the consolation prize to the player.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein determining an amount lost
includes determining a tier based upon the amount lost.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein determining a consolation prize
includes determining a consolation prize based upon the tier.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein determining an amount lost
includes determining an amount lost based upon an initial
amount.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein determining an amount lost
includes determining an amount lost based upon a cash-out
amount.
6. A method comprising: determining gambling losses; and providing
an award based upon the gambling losses.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein determining gambling losses
includes determining that an amount lost exceeds a threshold
amount.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein determining gambling losses
includes determining an average rate of loss and a period of
play.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein providing an award based upon the
gambling losses includes offering an award if the gambling losses
exceed a threshold.
10. The method of claim 6 wherein providing an award based upon the
gambling losses includes offering an award if within a defined
period of time the gambling losses exceed a threshold.
11. The method of claim 6 wherein providing an award based upon the
gambling losses includes offering an award if a duration of losing
play exceeds a threshold.
12. The method of claim 6 wherein providing an award based upon the
gambling losses includes offering an award if a duration of play
exceeds a threshold, and gambling losses exceed gambling winnings
during the duration of play.
13. The method of claim 6 wherein providing an award based upon the
gambling losses includes determining a tier based upon the gambling
losses; and offering an award based upon the teir.
14. A method comprising: receiving a player identifier; receiving a
wager amount; receiving an indication that a gambling session is
complete; determining a cash-out amount; determining a loss amount
based upon the wager amount and the cash-out amount; determining a
prize based upon the loss amount; and offering the prize.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein receiving a wager amount
includes determining the wager amount based upon receipt of a
plurality of wagers.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein determining a prize based upon
the loss amount includes determining a tier based upon the loss
amount; and determining a prize based upon the tier.
17. The method of claim 14 further including: providing an
indication of an amount required to be lost to qualify for a
prize.
18. The method of claim 14 further including: providing an
indication of an additional minimum amount required to be wagered
to be able to qualify for a prize.
19. A method comprising: determining a loss amount; and providing
an offer based upon the loss amount.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein providing an offer based upon
the loss amount includes providing a coupon to a player.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein providing a coupon to a player
includes providing a coupon having a face value based upon the loss
amount.
22. The method of claim 19 wherein providing an offer based upon
the loss amount includes providing a coupon for a third-party
product via a gaming device to a player.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein providing a coupon for a
third-party product includes providing a coupon having a face value
based upon the loss amount.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein providing an offer based upon
the loss amount includes providing a consolation prize ticket via a
gaming device to a player.
25. The method of claim 19 wherein providing an offer based upon
the loss amount includes providing a discount offer for a
product.
26. The method of claim 19 wherein providing an offer based upon
the loss amount includes providing a voucher for a free
product.
27. The method of claim 19 wherein providing an offer based upon
the loss amount includes providing an amount of value to a player
wherein the amount of value is determined based upon the loss
amount.
28. A method comprising: receiving value from a player at a gaming
device; determining a loss amount for the player; determining if
the loss amount falls within a particular loss range among a
plurality of predefined loss ranges; associating the particular
loss range with a consolation prize tier; presenting the player
with a consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier;
receiving acceptance of the consolation prize offer from the
player; and transferring the acceptance of the consolation prize
offer to a third-party merchant.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving value from a player at
a gaming device includes receiving a player tracking card.
30. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving value from a player at
a gaming device includes receiving a balance transfer from a casino
account.
31. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving value from a player at
a gaming device includes receiving funds via a bill validator.
32. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving value from a player at
a gaming device includes receiving tokens.
33. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving value from a player at
a gaming device includes receiving a player identity.
34. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving value from a player at
a gaming device includes receiving a cashless gaming receipt.
35. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving value from a player at
a gaming device includes receiving a financial account
identifier.
36. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes tracking coin-in and coin-out.
37. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes receiving an indication the player desires to
cash-out.
38. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes receiving a cash-out signal.
39. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes detecting a pause in play greater than a
threshold period of time.
40. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes subtracting a cash-out amount from a buy-in
amount.
41. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes subtracting a coin-out amount from a coin-in
amount.
42. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes summing loss amounts from all gambling sessions
within a time period.
43. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes summing loss amounts from a continuous gambling
session.
44. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes summing loss amounts from gambling sessions
during a stay at a hotel associated with the gaming device.
45. The method of claim 28 wherein determining a loss amount for
the player includes counting losing outcomes and winning outcomes
of the gaming device.
46. The method of claim 28 wherein determining if the loss amount
falls within a particular loss range among a plurality of
predefined loss ranges includes specifying the plurality of
predefined loss ranges.
47. The method of claim 28 wherein determining if the loss amount
falls within a particular loss range among a plurality of
predefined loss ranges includes comparing the loss amount to the
plurality of predefined loss ranges.
48. The method of claim 28 wherein determining if the loss amount
falls within a particular loss range among a plurality of
predefined loss ranges includes specifying the plurality of
predefined loss ranges based upon a value of a loss range to a
casino.
49. The method of claim 28 wherein determining if the loss amount
falls within a particular loss range among a plurality of
predefined loss ranges includes specifying the plurality of
predefined loss ranges based upon values of a set of available
consolation prizes.
50. The method of claim 28 wherein determining if the loss amount
falls within a particular loss range among a plurality of
predefined loss ranges includes determining if the loss amount is
greater than a lower bound of the particular loss range and less
than an upper bound of the loss range.
51. The method of claim 28 wherein associating the particular loss
range with a consolation prize tier includes determining a number
of consolation prize tiers desired.
52. The method of claim 28 wherein associating the particular loss
range with a consolation prize tier includes associating each one
of the plurality of loss ranges with a different consolation prize
tier.
53. The method of claim 28 wherein presenting the player with a
consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier
includes associating a consolation prize with a consolation prize
tier.
54. The method of claim 28 wherein presenting the player with a
consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier
includes associating a plurality of consolation prizes with a
consolation prize tier.
55. The method of claim 28 wherein presenting the player with a
consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier
includes associating consolation prizes of increasing value with
increasingly higher consolation prize tiers.
56. The method of claim 28 wherein presenting the player with a
consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier
includes offering a plurality of consolation prize offers to the
player.
57. The method of claim 28 wherein presenting the player with a
consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier
includes determining a consolation prize offer having a cost
approximately equal to the value of a loss amount associated with
the consolation prize tier.
58. The method of claim 28 wherein presenting the player with a
consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier
includes determining a consolation prize having a value based upon
duration wherein the duration of the consolation prize is related
to the consolation prize tier.
59. The method of claim 28 wherein presenting the player with a
consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier
includes drawing attention to the player.
60. The method of claim 28 wherein presenting the player with a
consolation prize offer based on the consolation prize tier
includes requesting information from the player.
61. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving acceptance of the
consolation prize offer from the player includes receiving a signal
that indicates the player has accepted the consolation prize
offer.
62. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving acceptance of the
consolation prize offer from the player includes providing the
player with a written copy of the consolation prize offer.
63. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving acceptance of the
consolation prize offer from the player includes printing the
consolation prize offer.
64. The method of claim 63 wherein printing the consolation prize
offer includes printing the consolation prize offer on a cashless
gaming receipt.
65. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving acceptance of the
consolation prize offer from the player includes receiving payment
from a third-party after a player redeems the consolation prize
offer.
66. The method of claim 28 wherein receiving acceptance of the
consolation prize offer from the player includes requiring
information from the player.
67. The method of claim 28 wherein transferring the acceptance of
the consolation prize offer to a third-party merchant includes
providing the player with a copy of the consolation prize offer
that can be redeemed at the third-party merchant.
68. The method of claim 28 wherein transferring the acceptance of
the consolation prize offer to a third-party merchant includes
providing the player with a copy of the consolation prize offer
that can be redeemed at a casino.
69. The method of claim 28 wherein transferring the acceptance of
the consolation prize offer to a third-party merchant includes
providing the player with a confirmation number.
70. The method of 69 wherein providing the player with a
confirmation number includes providing the player with a
confirmation number via email.
71. The method of claim 28 wherein transferring the acceptance of
the consolation prize offer to a third-party merchant includes
transmitting data regarding the player to the third-party
merchant.
72. The method of claim 28 wherein transferring the acceptance of
the consolation prize offer to a third-party merchant includes
providing access to a database containing information regarding the
consolation prize offer.
73. A system comprising: means for computing an amount lost by a
player at a gaming device; means for selecting a consolation prize
based upon the amount lost; and means for presenting the
consolation prize to the player.
74. A system comprising: a gaming device coupled to a controller
operative to compute an amount lost by a player of the gaming
device, select a consolation prize based upon the amount lost, and
present a voucher for the consolation prize to the player.
75. A coupon comprising: a material having printed theron a
confirmation number representative of a consolation prize offered
to a player of a gaming device based upon an amount lost by the
player while playing the gaming device.
76. Computer readable media including computer executable
instructions operable to implement the method of claim 1.
77. A gaming device comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled
to the memory and operative to calculate an amount lost by a player
at the gaming device; identify a consolation prize based upon the
amount lost; and provide a voucher for the consolation prize to the
player.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to commonly-owned,
co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/297,970,
filed Jun. 13, 2001, entitled "A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OFFERING
CONSOLATION PRIZES BASED ON A PLAYER'S LOSS AMOUNT" which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for
offering and providing consolation prizes. More specifically, the
present invention relates to determining an appropriate consolation
prize as well as when and to whom it may be desirable to offer
it.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Despite the fact that many players win sizable jackpots at
casinos or in other gaming settings, many more would-be players are
reluctant to play for fear of losing. Arguably, a fear of losing or
a fear of receiving nothing in return for money wagered, is the
most significant dissatisfaction or disappointment players
experience at a casino. As a result, many prospective players avoid
gambling altogether.
[0004] One way that casinos reward a player (who has either won or
lost) is through "Casino Complimentary Programs." These programs,
also known as "comps," are designed to provide a player with
complimentary rewards based on the amount of money that a player
has wagered or is expected to wager at a casino. For example, a
player may accumulate thirty-five comp points as a result of slot
machine play and subsequently apply those points towards the price
of a buffet for a free meal. In addition, comp points may also be
associated with a particular cash value.
[0005] There are, however, significant disadvantages to comp
programs. One disadvantage is that comp points do not adequately
provide a player with compensation in the event that he has lost a
substantial amount of money in a short period of time. For example,
if a player has lost $500.00 at a slot machine in two hours, he may
not have accumulated sufficient comp points to receive even a low
value comp and will most likely leave the casino frustrated and
angry. Conversely, if a player has won $500 at a slot machine, the
amount of comp points that he has earned will seem meaningless when
compared to the emotional high that his winning $500.00 has
created. In short, because a player must wager relatively large
amounts of money in order to obtain a meaningful comp, the player
may rarely make the effort to win the prizes that are available to
him via a comp program. The result is that the player will leave
the casino feeling empty and frustrated and the casino will lose
valuable gaming revenue.
[0006] Another disadvantage of the current comp system is that a
player can rarely accumulate the number of comp points that he
needs to win a prize in one gambling session. Rather, a player must
accumulate comp points over a long period of time. As a result, the
player who has lost all of his money will usually leave the casino
with nothing but bad memories. Furthermore, because the player has
left the casino empty handed, he may associate "unlucky" feelings
with the casino and may not want to return to that casino. Thus, a
need exists for an improved system that does not have the above
drawbacks of existing systems such as comp programs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example system
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an example system
according to some alternative embodiments of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
controller 102 as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
gaming device 104 as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
redemption terminal 108 as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
third-party merchant terminal 106 as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example player database 208 as depicted in FIG. 2 for use in
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example of offer database 210 as depicted in FIG. 2 for use in
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example third-party merchant database 212 as depicted in FIG. 2
for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example transaction database 214 as depicted in FIG. 2 for use
in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process
for offering and providing consolation prizes according to and for
use in some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The disclosed invention solves the above and other drawbacks
of the prior art by providing a system for awarding consolation
prizes based upon gambling losses, and other factors, as opposed to
awarding comps based upon wager amounts.
[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
gaming device players are awarded consolation prizes based upon the
amount of money they lose in a gambling session. In other words,
the prizes a player may be offered may be determined by calculating
the total amount a player put into a gaming device (the "coin-in"
amount) less the total amount he receives from the device (the
"coin-out" amount) during a gambling session. In some embodiments,
third-party merchants provide prizes that both represent value to
players and allow the merchants to establish a relationship with
new customers. For example, a consolation prize may include a free
three-month trial subscription to a magazine or to a cable
television service. In some embodiments, the consolation prizes may
be rewarded on a tiered basis in proportion to the amount of loss
the player has sustained.
[0020] In some embodiments, a third-party merchant may be able to
fund a consolation prize that completely eliminates a player's
losses. For example, a telephone service provider may be willing to
pay $50.00 to a casino in exchange for a new customer. In some
embodiments, a gaming device may ask a player who finishes a losing
gaming session if he would like his money back. The gaming device
may offer the player the $42.00 the player lost in exchange for
signing up for the telephone service provider's service plan. The
casino makes $8.00 on top of their profits from the player's
gaming, the player gets his $42.00 refunded, and the telephone
company gets a customer for their customer acquisition fee.
[0021] The effect of providing a consolation prize based upon
losses may be very different than a comp system where comps are
provided based upon an amount wagered. Consolation prizes may
provide a salve to a player suffering disappointment over a loss
while a comp system is insensitive to whether a player wins or
loses, it merely rewards more play. Thus, Applicants have
recognized that a need exists for efficient and cost effective
systems and methods that allow casinos and other entertainment
providers to provide players with means to directly mitigate player
losses and minimize player frustration. In some embodiments, the
present invention may be used to supplement existing comp systems
and thus, reduce the drawbacks and negative effects of existing
systems.
[0022] The present invention may allow casinos to acquire new
customers. A casino may attract more players by guaranteeing that a
player will win something every time he plays a casino game.
Players' fear of losing or their fear of not receiving anything in
return for their money may be assuaged and ultimately eliminated.
Further, the present invention may increase a casino's customer
retention. A casino employing the present invention may encourage
its current players to play for longer periods of time. Players who
have yet to reach a certain consolation prize threshold may extend
their playing time despite potentially increasing losses. Casinos
employing the present invention may also realize increased gaming
revenue. Players who would ordinarily quit playing after reaching a
certain losing point may continue to play with the hopes of earning
a better, higher-tier consolation prize.
[0023] Beyond reducing players' fear of loss by eliminating players
leaving casinos empty handed and feeling rejected, depressed, and
frustrated, the present invention may increase player's enjoyment
of gaming. With the present invention players may be less inclined
to worry about whether they win or lose because both winning and
losing have positive, emotionally re-affirming effects. Further,
the present invention may allow players to enjoy playing for longer
periods of time as they try to earn their desired consolation
prize. The present invention may be used to eliminate the
possibility of any player from having a completely losing
experience. Third-party merchants may also benefit from the present
invention in that players who receive an introductory sample of a
product or service as a consolation prize may be inclined to
continue their use of the merchants' product or service. This may
result in a low cost of customer acquisition for participating
third-party merchants.
[0024] With these and other advantages and features of the
invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the
invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the
following detailed description of the invention, the appended
claims and to the several drawings included herein.
[0025] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural, logical, software, and
electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the present invention. The following description is, therefore, not
to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present
invention is defined by the appended claims.
A. Terms
[0026] Throughout the description that follows and unless otherwise
specified, the following terms may include the meanings provided in
this section. These terms and illustrative meanings are provided to
clarify the language selected to describe embodiments of the
invention both in the specification and in the appended claims.
[0027] The terms "products," "goods," "merchandise," and "services"
shall be synonymous and may refer to anything licensed, leased,
sold, available for sale, available for lease, available for
licensing, and/or offered or presented for sale, lease, or
licensing including packages of products, subscriptions to
products, contracts, information, services, and intangibles.
[0028] The term "merchant" may refer to an entity who may offer to
sell, lease, and/or license one or more products to a consumer (for
the consumer or on behalf of another) or to other merchants. For
example, merchants may include sales channels, individuals,
companies, manufacturers, distributors, direct sellers, re-sellers,
and/or retailers. Merchants may transact out of buildings including
stores, outlets, malls and warehouses, and/or they may transact via
any number of additional methods including mail order catalogs,
vending machines, online web sites, and/or via telephone marketing.
Note that a producer or manufacturer may choose not to sell to
customers directly and in such a case, a retailer may serve as the
manufacture's or producer's sales channel.
[0029] The term "user device" may refer to any device owned or used
by a consumer capable of accessing and/or displaying online and/or
offline content. Such devices may include gaming devices, personal
computers, personal digital assistants, point-of-sale terminals,
point of display terminals, kiosks, telephones, cellular phones,
automated teller machines (ATM), etc.
[0030] The term "gaming device" may refer to any gaming machine,
including slot machines, video poker machines, video bingo
machines, video keno machines, video blackjack machines, video
lottery terminal, arcade games, game consoles, personal computers
logged into online gaming sites, etc.. Gaming devices may or may
not be owned by a casino and/or may or may not exist within a
casino.
[0031] The term "controller" may refer to a device that may be in
communication with gaming devices, third-party servers/terminals,
and/or a plurality of user devices or other network nodes. A
controller may be capable of executing software and relaying
communications and/or instructions and data to and from each type
of network node.
[0032] The term "input device" may refer to a device that is used
to receive an input. An input device may communicate with or be
part of another device (e.g. a user device, a third-party server, a
controller, etc.). Some examples of input devices include: a
bar-code scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, a computer keyboard, a
point-of-sale terminal keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, an
infrared sensor, a sonic ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a
digital camera, a GPS receiver, a motion sensor, a radio frequency
identification (RFID) receiver, a RF receiver, a thermometer, a
pressure sensor, and a weight scale.
[0033] The term "output device" may refer to a device that is used
to output information. An output device may communicate with or be
part of another device (e.g. a user device, a third-party server, a
controller, etc.). Some examples of output devices include: a
cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD)
screen, light emitting diode (LED) screen, a printer, an audio
speaker, an infra-red transmitter, a radio transmitter, etc..
[0034] The term "I/O device" may refer to any combination of input
and/or output devices.
[0035] The term "loss range" may refer to an upper loss threshold,
a lower loss threshold and the values between the thresholds. In
some embodiments for example, a lower loss threshold may be a
consolation prize threshold and a loss range may define the loss
amounts that qualify a player for a consolation prize tier.
[0036] The term "consolation prize threshold" may refer to a loss
threshold above which a player may qualify for a particular
consolation prize or consolation prize tier. For example, a
consolation prize threshold may denote that $100.00 is the minimum
amount a player must lose in order to receive a consolation prize
from the bronze consolation prize tier.
[0037] The term "consolation prize tier" may refer to one ore more
consolation prizes that may be awarded to a player that sustains a
loss within a corresponding pre-defined loss range. For example, in
some embodiments, a consolation prize hierarchy may contain bronze,
silver, gold, and platinum tiers. In addition, for each consolation
prize tier, there may be associated a loss range specified in
dollar values. For example, the bronze tier may allow a player who
has lost between $10 and $99 to receive a particular consolation
prize. Or, the silver tier may allow a player who has lost between
$100 and $199 to receive a more valuable consolation prize.
[0038] The term "consolation prize ticket" may refer to a receipt
or voucher (in some embodiments, much like a cashless gaming
receipt) which may be printed from a gaming device and redeemed by
a player for his consolation prize from a consolation prize
redemption area, terminal, and/or redemption service provider. In
some embodiments, a consolation prize ticket may be a pre-printed
ticket or voucher which may be given to a player for losing a
certain amount of money from a casino table game. In some
embodiments, a consolation prize ticket may serve as a player's
written guarantee that he will receive a consolation prize.
[0039] The term "consolation prize redemption area" may refer to a
location or website at which a player may redeem a consolation
prize ticket and/or receive a consolation prize. A consolation
prize redemption area may be within a casino or in a third-party's
facility.
[0040] The term "loss rate" may refer to a parameter used in some
embodiments for determining the consolation prize tier from which a
player may choose a consolation prize. In some embodiments, a loss
rate may be determined by dividing the total amount of money lost
by a player during a gaming session by the total amount of time in
the gaming session.
B. System
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a system 100A according to some
embodiments of the present invention includes a controller 102 that
is in one or two-way communication with one or more gaming devices
104, third-party merchant terminals 106 and/or redemption terminals
108. In operation, the controller 102 may function under the
control of a casino or other entity that may also control the
gaming devices 104. For example, the controller 102 may be a slot
server in a casino's slot network, a server in a network operated
by a consortium of gaming industry entities, or a server in an
Internet service provider's online network. In some embodiments,
the controller 102, the gaming device 104, and/or the redemption
terminal 106 may be one and the same.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1B, an alternative system 100B according
to some embodiments of the present invention may further include
one or more third-party service provider servers 112. A third-party
service provider server 112 may also be in one or two-way
communication with the controller 102. However, as shown in the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, the third-party service provider
server 112 may be disposed between the controller 102 and the
third-party merchant terminals 106 and/or the redemption terminals
108 and serve as a gateway. The various network nodes may
communicate via the Internet 110 (or other communications link). In
some embodiments, controller 102 may include multiple servers, each
under the control of different entities, e.g. different casinos. In
such an embodiment, the third-party service provider server 112 may
function as a service provider for the entities operating the
plurality of controllers and any practicable network topology may
be employed.
[0043] The primary difference between the two alternative
embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B is that the embodiment of
FIG. 1B includes the third-party service provider server 112 which
may be operable by an entity both distinct and physically remote
from the entity operating the controller 102. In operation, the
third-party service provider server 112 may perform the methods of
the present invention by sending signals to the controller 102
relayed from the third-party merchant terminals 106 and/or the
redemption terminals 108. In such an embodiment, the third-party
service provider server 112 may function as a reseller or
distributor of information owned or controlled by the controller
102. For example, a customer acquisition service provider may
operate a third-party service provider server 112 that communicates
with a casino's slot server (functioning as a controller 102) to
provide third-party merchants (via the third-party merchant
terminals 106) with contact information of casino players who have
been qualified as interested potential new customers. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1A, the functions of the third-party service
provider server 112 may be consolidated into the controller
102.
[0044] An additional difference between the two embodiments
depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B relates to the physical topology of the
system 100A, 100B. In both of the embodiments, each node may
securely communicate with every other node in the system 100A, 100B
via, for example, a virtual private network (VPN). Thus, all nodes
may be logically connected. However, the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 1B allows the third-party service provider server 112 to serve
as a single gateway between the nodes that will typically be
operated by a casino and active players and the other nodes in the
system 100B, i.e. nodes that may be operated by third-party
merchants and people outside the casino.
[0045] In some embodiments, the third-party merchant terminals 106
may each be controlled by different merchants. The controller 102
may be operated by a casino. If there is a third-party service
provider server 112, it may be operated by an unrelated entity that
arranges for the operators of the controller 102 to have access to
products of the third-party merchants for use as consolation
prizes. Thus, in such an example embodiment, the system of the
present invention may involve merchants (operating third-party
merchant terminals 106), a consolation prize service agent
(operating the third-party service provider server 112), casinos
(each operating one or more controllers 102), and players
(operating gaming devices 102 and redemption terminals 108). In
some embodiments, a casino may operate a combined controller/gaming
device/redemption terminal directly and the system may only involve
a casino and a player.
[0046] In both embodiments pictured in FIGS. 1A and 1B,
communication between each of the controllers 102, the gaming
devices 104, the redemption terminals 108, third-party merchant
terminals 106, and/or the third-party service provider servers 112,
may be direct and/or via a network such as the Internet 110.
[0047] Referring to both FIGS. 1A and 1B, each of the controller
102 (and/or the third-party service provider servers 112), the
gaming devices 104, the redemption terminals 108, and/or the
third-party merchant terminals 106 may comprise computers, such as
those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processor, that are
adapted to communicate with each other. Any number of third-party
service provider servers 112, gaming devices 104, redemption
terminals 108, and/or third-party merchant terminals 106 may be in
communication with the controller 102. The controller 102 (and/or
the third-party service provider servers 112), the gaming devices
104, the redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant
terminals 106 may each be physically proximate to each other or
geographically remote from each other. The controller 102 (and/or
the third-party service provider servers 112), the gaming devices
104, the redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant
terminals 106 may each include input devices (not pictured) and
output devices (not pictured).
[0048] As indicated above, communication between the controller 102
(and/or the third-party service provider servers 112), the gaming
devices 104, the redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party
merchant terminals 106, may be direct or indirect, such as over an
Internet Protocol (IP) network such as the Internet 108, an
intranet, or an extranet through a web site maintained on the
controller 102 (and/or the third-party service provider server 112)
on a remote server or over an online data network including
commercial online service providers, bulletin board systems,
routers, gateways, and the like. In some embodiments, the nodes may
communicate with the controller 102 over local area networks
including Ethernet, Token Ring, and the like, radio frequency
communications, infrared communications, microwave communications,
cable television systems, satellite links, Wide Area Networks
(WAN), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN), other wireless networks, and the
like.
[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in
communication with each other need not be continually transmitting
to each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to
each other as necessary, and may actually refrain from exchanging
data most of the time. For example, a device in communication with
another device via the Internet 110 may not transmit data to the
other device for weeks at a time. The nodes of the system 100A,
100B may not remain physically coupled to each other. For example,
the gaming devices 104 may only be connected to the system 100A,
100B when a service technician needs to upload a slot machine's
daily gaming data to the controller 102.
[0050] The controller 102 (and/or the third-party service provider
server 112) may function as a "web server" that presents and/or
generates web pages which are documents stored on
Internet-connected computers accessible via the World Wide Web
using protocols such as, e.g., the hyper-text transfer protocol
("HTTP"). Such documents typically include one or more hyper-text
markup language ("HTML") files, associated graphics, and script
files. A Web server allows communication with the controller 102 in
a manner known in the art. The gaming devices 104, the redemption
terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant terminals 106 may
include a Web browser, such as NAVIGATOR.RTM. published by
NETSCAPE.RTM. to access HTML forms generated or maintained by or on
behalf of the controller 102 (and/or the third-party service
provider server 112).
[0051] As indicated above, any or all of the controller 102 (and/or
the third-party service provider servers 112), the gaming devices
104, the redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant
terminals 106 may include, e.g., processor based cash registers,
telephones, interactive voice response (IVR) systems such as the
ML400-IVR.RTM. designed by MISSING LINK INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE
SYSTEMS, cellular/wireless phones, vending machines, pagers,
personal computers, portable types of computers, such as a laptop
computer, a wearable computer, a palm-top computer, a hand-held
computer, and/or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Further
details of the controller 102 (and/or the third-party service
provider server 112), the gaming devices 104, the redemption
terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant terminals 106 are
provided below with respect to FIGS. 2 through 5.
[0052] As indicated above, in some embodiments of the invention the
controller 102 (and/or the third-party service provider server 112)
may include gaming devices 104 and/or redemption terminals 108. The
controller 102 may communicate with players directly instead of
through the gaming devices 104 and/or the redemption terminals 108.
Although not pictured, the controller 102 (and/or the third-party
service provider server 112), the gaming devices 104, the
redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant terminals
106 may also be in communication with one or more consumer and/or
merchant credit institutions to effect transactions and may do so
directly or via a secure financial network such as the Fedwire
network maintained by the United States Federal Reserve System, the
Automated Clearing House (hereinafter "ACH") Network, the Clearing
House Interbank Payments System (hereinafter "CHIPS"), or the
like.
[0053] In operation, a player may gamble using a gaming device 104.
The gaming device 104 may communicate the player's identity,
wagers, and gaming device outcomes to the controller 102. The
controller 102 may compute the player's losses and determine a
consolation prize to offer the player. The controller 102 may
communicate the consolation prize to the gaming device 104 which
may provide the player with a consolation prize ticket. The player
may take the consolation prize ticket to a redemption terminal 106
that communicates the prize ticket information to the third-party
service provider server 112. The third-party service provider
server 112 may confirm the validity of the prize ticket and
retrieve player information via communication with the controller
102 and then instruction a merchant via communication with the
third-party merchant terminal 106 to ship a consolation prize to
the player's home address.
C. Devices
[0054] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating details of an example
of the controller 102 of FIGS. 1A and 1B (and/or third-party
service provider server 112 of FIG. 1B). The controller 102 is
operative to manage the system and execute the methods of the
present invention. The controller 102 may be implemented as one or
more system controllers, one or more dedicated hardware circuits,
one or more appropriately programmed general purpose computers, or
any other similar electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, and/or
human operated device. For example, in FIG. 1B, the controller 102
is depicted as coupled to a third-party service provider server
112. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, these two servers may provide
the same functions as the controller 102 alone in the embodiment of
FIG. 1A.
[0055] The controller 102 (and/or third-party service provider
server 112) may include a central processing unit (CPU) 202, such
as one or more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. The CPU 202 may
include or be coupled to one or more clocks or timers (not
pictured), which may be useful for determining information relating
to, for example, a length of a gaming session, and one or more
communications interfaces 218 through which the CPU 202
communicates with other devices such as the gaming devices 104, the
redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant terminals
106. The CPU 202 is also in communication with a data storage
device 204. The data storage device 204 includes an appropriate
combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and
may include, for example, additional processors, communication
ports, Random Access Memory ("RAM"), Read-Only Memory ("ROM"), a
compact disc and/or a hard disk. The CPU 202 and the storage device
204 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within a single
computer or other computing device; or (ii) connected to each other
by a remote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, a
LAN, a telephone line, radio frequency transceiver, a fiber optic
connection or the like. In some embodiments for example, the
controller 102 may comprise one or more computers (or CPUs 202)
that are connected to a remote server computer operative to
maintain databases, where the data storage device 204 is comprised
of the combination of the remote server computer and the associated
databases.
[0056] The data storage device 204 stores a program 206 for
controlling the CPU 202. The CPU 202 performs instructions of the
program 206, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention, and particularly in accordance with the methods
described in detail herein. The present invention may be embodied
as a computer program developed using an object oriented language
that allows the modeling of complex systems with modular objects to
create abstractions that are representative of real world, physical
objects and their interrelationships. However, it would be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention
as described herein may be implemented in many different ways using
a wide range of programming techniques as well as general purpose
hardware systems or dedicated controllers. The program 206 may be
stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The
program 206 furthermore may include program elements that may be
generally useful, such as an operating system, a database
management system and "device drivers" for allowing the CPU 202 to
interface with computer peripheral devices. Appropriate general
purpose program elements are known to those skilled in the art, and
need not be described in detail herein.
[0057] Further, the program 206 is operative to execute a number of
invention-specific modules or subroutines including but not limited
to one or more routines to upload, store, and organize player
tracking information; one or more routines to compute a loss amount
based on coin-in and coin-out; one or more modules to determine a
consolation prize based on a loss amount; one or more routines to
offer consolation prizes; one or more modules to implement a server
for hosting Web pages; one or more routines to generate consolation
prize tickets; one or more routines to confirm consolation prize
tickets; one or more routines to redeem consolation prize tickets;
one or more routines to receive and store information about a
player; one or more routines to facilitate and control
communications between the controllers 102 (and/or the third-party
service provider servers 112), the gaming devices 104, the
redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant terminals
106; and one or more routines to control databases or software
objects that track information regarding players, consolation prize
offers, merchants, gaming devices 104, and transactions. Examples
of the functions of some of these routines and their operation are
described in detail below in conjunction with the flowchart
depicted in FIG. 10.
[0058] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
instructions of the program 206 may be read into a main memory of
the CPU 202 from another computer-readable medium, such from a ROM
to a RAM. Execution of sequences of the instructions in the program
206 causes CPU 202 to perform the process steps described herein.
In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or integrated
circuits may be used in place of, or in combination with, software
instructions for implementation of the processes of the present
invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not
limited to any specific combination of hardware, firmware, and/or
software.
[0059] In addition to the program 206, the storage device 204 is
also operative to store (i) a player database 208, (ii) an offer
database 210, (iii) a third-party merchant database 212, and (iv) a
transaction database 214. The databases 208, 210, 212, 214 are
described in detail below and example structures are depicted with
sample entries in the accompanying figures. As will be understood
by those skilled in the art, the schematic illustrations and
accompanying descriptions of the sample databases presented herein
are exemplary arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by the tables shown. For example, even
though four separate databases are illustrated, the invention could
be practiced effectively using one, two, three, five, six, or more
functionally equivalent databases. Similarly, the illustrated
entries of the databases represent exemplary information only;
those skilled in the art will understand that the number and
content of the entries may be different from those illustrated
herein. Further, despite the depiction of the databases as tables,
an object based model could be used to store and manipulate the
data types of the present invention and likewise, object methods or
behaviors may be used to implement the processes of the present
invention. These processes are described below in detail with
respect to FIG. 10.
[0060] Turning to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an example gaming
device 104 is depicted. A gaming device 104 according to the
present invention may include a CPU 302 coupled to a communications
interface 308, a data storage device 304 that may store a gaming
device program 306 and gaming data, a printer 310, a player input
device 316, a player tracking card reader 314, and a display screen
312. Although not pictured, a gaming device 104 may include other
typical elements such as a coin-hopper and a bill validator. A
gaming device program 306 may include one or more routines to
facilitate and control communications and interaction with the
controller 102, routines to count coin-in and coin-out, and
routines to implement a user interface to facilitate gaming and
communication with the player. As indicated above, a gaming device
104 may be implemented by any number of devices such as, for
example, an arcade game, a point-of-sale terminal, a lottery
terminal, a telephone, an IVR system, a cellular/wireless phone, a
kiosk, a vending machine, a pager, a personal computer, a portable
computer such as a laptop, a wearable computer, a palm-top
computer, a hand-held computer, and/or a PDA.
[0061] Turning to FIG. 4, a block diagram of an example third-party
merchant terminal 106 is depicted. A third-party merchant terminal
106 according to the present invention may include a CPU 402
coupled to a communications interface 404, a data storage device
(not pictured) that may store a merchant terminal program (not
pictured), an input device (not pictured), and an output device
(not pictured). A merchant terminal program may include one or more
routines to facilitate and control communications and interaction
with the controller 102 as well as a user interface to facilitate
communications and interaction with a merchant operator (e.g. an
operating system, a Web browser, etc.).
[0062] In addition, a third-party merchant terminal 106 may include
additional devices to support other functions. For example, a
third-party merchant terminal 106 embodied in a point-of-sale
terminal may additionally include a system for tallying prices,
receiving, counting, and dispensing cash as well as a printing
device for generating a receipt. Further, many alternative input
and output devices may be used in place of the device pictured in
FIG. 4. Uses of these optional third-party merchant terminal 106
components are discussed below in conjunction with the description
of the methods of the present invention.
[0063] Turning to FIG. 5, a block diagram of an example redemption
terminal 108 is depicted. A redemption terminal 108 according to
the present invention may include a CPU 502 coupled to a
communications interface 504, a data storage device (not pictured)
that may store a redemption terminal program (not pictured), an
input device (not pictured), and an output device (not pictured). A
redemption terminal program may include one or more routines to
facilitate and control communications and interaction with the
controller 102 as well as a user interface to facilitate
communications and interaction with a player (e.g. an operating
system, a Web browser, etc.).
[0064] In addition, a redemption terminal 108 may include
additional devices to support other functions. For example, a
redemption terminal 108 embodied in an ATM may additionally include
a system for receiving, counting, and dispensing cash as well as a
printing device for generating a receipt and/or a security camera.
In another example, a redemption terminal 108 embodied in a gaming
device may additionally include a system for generating and/or
selling outcomes certified by a gaming authority. Such systems
include slot machines which include conventional reel slot
machines, video slot machines, video poker machines, video keno
machines, video blackjack machines, and other gaming machines. In
yet another example, a redemption terminal 108 embodied in a
gasoline pump may additionally include a system for pumping,
measuring, and managing the flow control of fuel. Further, many
alternative input and output devices may be used in place of the
device pictured in FIG. 5. Uses of these optional redemption
terminal 108 components are discussed below in conjunction with the
description of the methods of the present invention.
D. Databases
[0065] As indicated above, it should be noted that although the
example embodiment of FIG. 2 is illustrated to include four
particular databases stored in storage device 204, other database
arrangements may be used which would still be in keeping with the
spirit and scope of the present invention. In other words, the
present invention could be implemented using any number of
different database files or data structures, as opposed to the four
depicted in FIG. 2. Further, the individual database files could be
stored on different servers (e.g. located on different storage
devices in different geographic locations, such as on a third-party
service provider server 112). Likewise, the program 206 could also
be located remotely from the storage device 204 and/or on another
server. As indicated above, the program 206 includes instructions
for retrieving, manipulating, and storing data in the databases
208, 210, 212, 214 as necessary to perform the methods of the
invention as described below.
[0066] 1. Player Database
[0067] Turning to FIG. 6, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of a player database 208 according to some embodiments of the
present invention is illustrated. This particular tabular
representation of a player database 208 includes two sample records
or entries which each include information regarding a particular
player. In some embodiments of the invention, a player database 208
is used to track such things as player tracking information
including financial, demographic, performance, and contact
information. Those skilled in the art will understand that such a
player database 208 may include any number of entries.
[0068] The particular tabular representation of a player database
208 depicted in FIG. 6 defines fifteen fields for each of the
entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a player identifier
field 602 that may store a representation uniquely identifying a
player; (ii) a name field 604 that may store a representation of
the player's name; (iii) a financial account identifier field 606
that may store a representation of, for example, the player's
credit card number or bank account number; (iv) a demographic field
608 that may store a representation of a description of demographic
characteristics of the player; (v) a machine identifier field 610
that may store a representation uniquely identifying the machine on
which the player played; (vi) a session theoretical win field 612
that may store a representation of the player's theoretical win
amount for the current gaming session; (vii) a historical
theoretical win field 614 that may store a representation of the
player's theoretical win amount for all known gaming sessions;
(viii) a win/loss field 616 that may store a representation of the
amount of the player's winnings or losses during the current gaming
session; and (ix) a time played field 618 that may store a
representation of the duration of the current gaming session. A
player database 208 may also include (x) a street address field
620; (xi) a town field 622; (xii) a state field 624; (xiii) a zip
code field 626; (xiv) a telephone number field 628; and (xv) an
email address field 630, that store a representation of the
player's contact information.
[0069] The example player database 208 depicted in FIG. 6 provides
example data to illustrate the meaning of the information stored in
this database embodiment. Referring to the first entry in the
player database 208, player "P111123" is named "Sam Brown." Sam
Brown's credit card number is "1111-1111-1111-1111" and he is
"male, age 23." Sam Brown played on gaming device "234M" for "3:24"
(hours and minutes) and won "$50." The casino had computed for him
a session theoretical win of "$58" and a historical theoretical win
of "$252." Sam Brown lives at "183 Rock Place," in "Park City,"
"Nev.," "95830." His phone number is "418-555-1234" and his email
address is sbrown@aol.com.
[0070] Referring to the second entry in the player database 208,
player "P222234" is named "Linda Jones." Linda Jones's credit card
number is "2222-2222-2222-2222" and she is "female, age 47." Linda
Jones played on gaming device "532M" for "1:22" (hour and minutes)
and lost "$100." The casino had computed for her a session
theoretical win of "$63" and a historical theoretical win of
"$357." Linda Jones lives at "34 Beat Street," in "Juniper,"
"N.J.," "11364." Her phone number is "445-987-6543" and her email
address is "lones@hotmail.com."
[0071] 2. Offer Database
[0072] Turning to FIG. 7, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of an offer database 210 according to some embodiments of the
present invention is illustrated. This particular tabular
representation of an offer database 210 includes three sample
records or entries which each include information regarding a
particular consolation prize offer. In some embodiments of the
invention, an offer database 210 is used to track consolation prize
information such as the details of the offer, the value of the
offer, and revenue from player acceptance of the consolation prize
offer. Those skilled in the art will understand that such an offer
database 210 may include any number of entries.
[0073] The particular tabular representation of an offer database
210 depicted in FIG. 7 defines eleven fields for each of the
entries or records. The fields may include: (i) an offer identifier
field 702 that may store a representation uniquely identifying a
particular consolation prize offer; (ii) a merchant identifier
field 704 that may store a representation uniquely identifying the
merchant providing the consolation prize; (iii) an offer name field
706 that may store a representation of the name of consolation
prize offer; (iv) a third-party merchant field 708 that may store a
representation of the name of a producer of the consolation prize;
(v) an offer duration field 710 that may store a representation of
the length of time an subscription-type consolation prize will be
provided; (vi) a full retail value field 712 that may store a
representation of the actual retail value of the consolation prize;
(vii) a quantity of offers made field 714 that may store a
representation of the number of times the consolation prize offer
has been offered; (viii) a payment to casino per offer made field
716 that may store a representation of the amount of revenue the
casino earns from the third-party merchant each time the
consolation prize offer is presented to a player; (ix) a payment to
casino per offer accepted field 718 that may store a representation
of the amount of revenue the casino earns from the third-party
merchant each time the consolation prize offer is accepted by a
player; (x) a tier level field 720 that may store a representation
of the consolation prize tier of the consolation prize offer; and
(xi) a threshold field 722 that may store a representation of a
loss range required to qualify for the consolation prize tier level
of the consolation prize offer.
[0074] The example offer database 210 of FIG. 7 provides example
data to further illustrate the meaning of the information stored in
this database embodiment. Referring to the example first entry,
offer number "56839" from merchant number "M135468" is called
"Magazine 1." The Magazine 1 consolation prize offer is a "3 month"
subscription to a magazine by "ABC Publisher" and has a retail
value of "$11.85." This consolation prize has been offered to "20"
players, as a "bronze" level consolation prize, who have sustained
a loss of "$1-$200." The controller 102 operator, in this example a
casino, does not get any payment from the merchant for offering or
getting acceptances of this prize.
[0075] Referring to the second example entry, offer number "47532"
from merchant number "M156321" is called "Phone Card." The Phone
Card consolation prize offer is "20 minutes" of telephone service
by "North Telephone Company" and has a retail value of "$1.50."
This consolation prize has been offered to "65" players, as a
"silver" level consolation prize, who have sustained a loss of
"$201-$600." The merchant is to pay controller 102 operator, in
this example a casino, "$0.80" per Phone Card consolation prize
offered to players. For every acceptance of the Phone Card offer,
the casino is to receive "$1.25." In some embodiments, the payment
to the casino may not be on a flat rate basis. For example, the
amount may be the difference between a player's losses and a total
bounty paid by the third-party merchant.
[0076] Referring to the third example entry, offer number "56840"
from merchant number "M135468" is called "Magazine 2." The Magazine
2 consolation prize offer is a "3 month" subscription to a magazine
by "XYZ Publisher" and has a retail value of "$8.85." This
consolation prize has been offered to "32" players, as a "gold"
level consolation prize, who have sustained a loss of more than
"$601." The merchant is to pay controller 102 operator, in this
example a casino, "$3.08" per Magazine 2 consolation prize accepted
by a player. However, the casino does not receive any payment for
offering the Magazine 2 consolation prize.
[0077] Note that the retail value may not be indicative of the tier
level of a consolation prize relative to other consolation prizes.
Also note that a tier level may not have an upper loss threshold.
The example also illustrates that a single merchant may provide
multiple different consolation prize offers.
[0078] 3. Third-Party Merchant Database
[0079] Turning to FIG. 8, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of a third-party merchant database 212 according to some
embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. This
particular tabular representation of a third-party merchant
database 212 includes two sample records or entries which each
include information regarding a third-party merchant. In some
embodiments of the invention, a third-party merchant database 212
is used to track information about the merchant providing
consolation prizes, the amount earned by the controller 102 from
the merchant, and other information. Those skilled in the art will
understand that such a third-party merchant database 212 may
include any number of entries.
[0080] The particular tabular representation of a third-party
merchant database 212 depicted in FIG. 8 defines six fields for
each of the entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a
merchant identifier field 802 that may store a representation
uniquely identifying the merchant; (ii) a merchant name field 804
that may store a representation of the merchant's name; (iii) a
merchant address field 806 that may store a representation of the
merchant's address; (iv) a product name field 808 that may store a
representation of the merchant's product provided as a consolation
prize; (v) a type field 810 that may store a representation of a
description of the type of product provided as a consolation prize;
and (vi) a total payment due from merchant field 812 that may store
a representation of the total amount of money the merchant owes the
entity operating the controller 102 as a result of the controller
awarding the merchant's product as a consolation prize to
players.
[0081] The example third-party merchant database 212 of FIG. 8
provides example data to further illustrate the meaning of the
information stored in this database embodiment. Referring to the
first sample entry, merchant number "M135468" is called "Magazine
X" and is located in "Anyplace, USA." Magazine X's product is
called "Magazine" and it is a "subscription" type product. Based
upon the total offers and acceptances of Magazine X's product as a
consolation prize, Magazine X owes the controller 102 operator
"$49.28."
[0082] Referring to the second sample entry, merchant number
"M156321" is called "Phone Company Y" and is located in "Someplace,
USA." Phone Company Y's product is called "Phone Card" and it is a
"card" type product. Based upon the total offers and acceptances of
Phone Company Y's product as a consolation prize, Phone Company Y
owes the controller 102 operator "$133.25."
[0083] 4. Transaction Database
[0084] Turning to FIG. 9, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of a transaction database 214 according to some embodiments of the
present invention is illustrated. This particular tabular
representation of a transaction database 214 includes four sample
records or entries which each include information regarding a
particular consolation prize offer transaction. In some embodiments
of the invention, a transaction database 214 is used to track such
things as the details of consolation prize offer transactions
including identification and confirmation numbers as well as time
and date stamps. Those skilled in the art will understand that a
transaction database 214 may include any number of entries.
[0085] The particular tabular representation of a transaction
database 214 depicted in FIG. 9 defines seven fields for each of
the entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a transaction
identifier field 902 that may store a representation uniquely
identifying at least one consolation prize offer transaction; (ii)
an offer identifier field 904 that may store a representation
uniquely identifying at least one consolation prize offer; (iii) a
player tracking number field 906 that may store a representation
uniquely identifying at least one player; (iv) a time field 908
that may store a representation of a time of day a transaction
occurred; (v) a date field 910 that may store a representation of a
date a transaction occurred; (vi) a player confirmation number
field 912 that may store a representation uniquely identifying the
transaction for use by the player in redeeming a consolation prize
ticket; and (vii) a casino confirmation number field 914 that may
store a representation uniquely identifying the transaction for use
by the casino in billing third-party merchants for accepted
consolation prize offers, for example.
[0086] The example transaction database 214 of FIG. 9 provides
example data to further illustrate the meaning of the information
stored in this database embodiment. Referring to the first sample
data entry, transaction number "T1233456" involved consolation
prize offer number "56839" to player number "P11123." The offer was
accepted at "3:24 PM" on "Apr. 4, 2001." The player received
confirmation number "1233456" and the controller 102 operator, in
this example, a casino, recorded "412563" as a confirmation number
for use with the third-party merchant supplying the consolation
prize.
[0087] Referring to the second sample data entry, transaction
number "T654321" involved consolation prize offer number "47532" to
player number "P22234." The offer was accepted at "1:26 AM" on "May
6, 2001." The player received confirmation number "654321" and the
casino recorded "965874" as a confirmation number for use with the
third-party merchant.
[0088] Referring to the third sample data entry, transaction number
"T789654" involved consolation prize offer number "56840" to player
number "P33345." The offer was accepted at "12:01 PM" on "Mar. 3,
2002." The player received confirmation number "789455" and the
casino recorded "764923" as a confirmation number for use with the
third-party merchant.
[0089] Referring to the fourth sample data entry, transaction
number "T345678" involved consolation prize offer number "67943" to
player number "P44456." The offer was accepted at "4:44 AM" on
"Jan. 1, 2001." The player received confirmation number "456789"
and the controller 102 operator, in this example, a casino,
recorded "478537" as a confirmation number for use with the
third-party merchant.
E. Process Descriptions
[0090] The system discussed above, including the hardware
components and the databases, are useful to perform the methods of
the invention. However, it should be understood that not all of the
above described components and databases are necessary to perform
any of the present invention's methods. In fact, in some
embodiments, none of the above described system is required to
practice the invention's methods. The system described above is an
example of a system that would be useful in practicing the
invention's methods. For example, the player database 208 described
above is useful for tracking users, but it is not absolutely
necessary to have such a database in order to perform the methods
of the invention. In other words, the methods described below may
be practiced using a conventional player/customer list. Likewise,
in embodiments in which a casino provides all consolation prizes, a
third-party merchant database 212 may not be necessary or
useful.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 10, a flow chart is depicted that
represents some embodiments of the present invention that may be
performed by the controller 102 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), an external
third-party, and/or an integrated third-party entity/device such as
a third-party service provider server 112. It must be understood
that the particular arrangement of elements in the flow chart of
FIG. 10, as well as the order of example steps of various methods
discussed herein, is not meant to imply a fixed order, sequence,
and/or timing to the steps; embodiments of the present invention
may be practiced in any order, sequence, and/or timing that is
practicable.
[0092] In general terms and referring to FIG. 10, the method steps
of an embodiment of the present invention may be summarized as
follows. In Step S1, the system 100A, 100B receives a player
identifier. In Step S2, gaming device 104 coin-in and coin-out
amounts are tracked. In Step S3, the system 100A, 100B receives an
indication that the player has completed a gaming session. In Step
S4, the system 100A, 100B determines a loss amount. In Step S5, a
determination is made whether the player's loss amount qualifies
for a consolation prize: if so, the process proceeds to Step S6
where the system 100A, 100B determines a consolation prize offer
based upon the loss amount and then in Step S7, offers the player
the consolation prize. If in Step S5, the loss amount is less than
the lowest loss range associated with a consolation prize, the
process terminates.
[0093] In the subsections that follow, each of these seven steps
will now be discussed in greater detail. Note that not all seven of
these steps are required to perform the method of the present
invention and that additional and/or alternative steps are also
discussed below. Also note that the above general steps represent
features of only some of the embodiments of the present invention
and that they may be combined and/or subdivided in any number of
different ways so that the method includes more or less actual
steps. For example, in some embodiments many additional steps may
be added to update and maintain the databases described above, but
as indicated, it is not necessary to use the above described
databases in all embodiments of the invention. In other words, the
methods of the present invention may contain any number of steps
that are practicable to implement the processes described herein.
The methods of the present invention are now discussed in
detail.
[0094] Step S1: Receive A Player Identifier
[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, a player may
identify himself to the system 100A, 100B. This allows the present
invention to be applied to a single gaming session played on
different gaming devices 104, a discontinuous gaming session,
shipping consolation prizes to a player's home, targeted
consolation prize offers, and numerous other relationship-type
benefits for players, casinos, and third-party merchants. However,
in other embodiments of the present invention, a consolation prize
may be awarded for example, based upon an anonymous player's losses
at a single gaming device 104 during a single continuous gaming
session. Thus, in some embodiments, players may not be required to
identify themselves. A gaming session begins once a player starts
to play, for example, upon the gaming device receiving the first
coin-in of a wager. In some embodiments of the present invention, a
player may sit down at a gaming device 104 and enter his player
tracking card into the player tracking card reader 314. Next, the
player may deposit bills into the gaming device's bill validator
and proceed to play the gaming device 104. The player tracking card
information may be used to populate a player database 208 or an
identification number on a player tracking card may be used to
access player information in a pre-existing player database
208.
[0096] Step S2: Track Coin-in And Coin-Out Amounts
[0097] While playing the gaming device 104, the gaming device 104
may record coin-in and coin-out amounts to keep a running
tabulation of a player's current loss amount or to later determine
a player's final loss amount. For example, all coin-in (the number
of coins/credits wagered by the player) and coin-out (the number of
coins/credits paid out by the gaming device 104) may be tracked,
with the difference representing the player's win or loss. Such
wins and losses may be recorded by the gaming device 104 and/or
communicated to the controller 102 (to be stored, for example, in
the player database 208). In some embodiments the gaming device 104
may display the player's current loss amount, an indication of one
or more consolation prizes for which the loss amount qualifies,
and/or a consolation prize tier for which the current loss amount
qualifies. In some embodiments, the player's loss amount may be
calculated based upon other factors in addition to or alternatively
from the difference between coin-in and coin-out. For example, a
loss calculation may include parameters such as standard deviation
of the player's payouts over time to give more of a consolation
prize and account for the emotional stress of large or sudden
losses. In such embodiments, additional data may be tracked to
facilitate such calculations.
[0098] Step S3: Receive An Indication That A Gambling Session is
Complete
[0099] After the player has lost, for example, $112.00, the player
may determine that he does not want to risk losing any additional
money and he may decide to stop playing. The player may indicate to
the gaming device 104 (and the system 100A, 100B) that he would
like to stop playing by pressing a cash-out button on the gaming
device 104. At that point, a final loss amount may be determined by
gaming devices' CPU 302 comparing the total amount of coin-in with
the total amount of coin-out and/or by another method.
[0100] In some embodiments, the gaming device 104 may determine
that a player is finished playing based upon a pause in playing.
For example, a gaming device 104 may ask the player (via a prompt
on the display screen 312) if he is finished playing if the gaming
device determines that the player has not made a handle pull within
the past thirty seconds. The player input device 316 may be used to
allow the player to respond to the gaming device's inquiry. In some
embodiments, gaming devices 104 may be equipped with sensors that
detect that a player is beginning to move away from the gaming
device. In some embodiments, casino personnel may provide the
indication to the system 100A, 100B that the gambling session is
complete. Many other methods and devices may be employed to
indicate to the system 100A, 100B that the gambling session is
complete.
[0101] Step S4: Determine a Loss Amount
[0102] In some embodiments, the controller 102 may record and
determine a player's loss amount. For example, for every losing
combination that the player experiences, an outcome indicator may
transmit a losing signal to the gaming devices' CPU 302.
Conversely, for every winning combination that the player
experiences, the outcome indicator may transmit a winning signal to
the gaming devices' CPU 302. After receiving the gaming device's
loss and win signals, the CPU 302 may transmit the losing and/or
winning signals to the controller 102. Upon receiving the CPU's
losing and/or winning signals, the controller 102 may record and
store the number of losing and winning signals within the player
database 208. For example, after a player sustains a loss of
$100.00, the player database 208 may have recorded that the player
has had 200 winning outcomes and 600 losing outcomes. After losing
this $100, the player may decide to stop playing. The player may
indicate to the gaming device 104 that he would like to stop
playing by pressing a cash-out button. At that point, a final loss
amount for the session may be determined by the controller 102
accessing the player database 208 and compare the total amount of
losses with the total amount of wins.
[0103] Step S5: Determine If The Loss Amount Qualifies For A
Consolation Prize
[0104] The system 100A, 100B may next compare the loss amount
against a prize qualification threshold. If the loss does not
exceed the prize qualification threshold, the process terminates
without awarding a consolation prize in some embodiments.
Otherwise, the process may proceed to determine an appropriate
prize.
[0105] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to only provide a
consolation prize to players with a loss amount greater than a
defined minimum threshold. In some embodiments, a casino may want
to provide consolation prizes no matter how small a player's loss
amount may be. In some embodiments, certain players maybe be
identified to be offered a consolation prize only when their losses
exceed a threshold specific to them. Such an embodiment may be used
to prevent a player from exploiting the system by receiving more
consolation prizes than the casino intends. Many other rules may be
employed in determining if a loss amount qualifies a player for a
consolation prize.
[0106] Step S6: Determine A Prize Based Upon the Loss Amount
[0107] In some embodiments, consolation prizes may be awarded based
directly upon the player's loss amount. For example, a casino may
provide a player with a coupon with a retail value equal to the
player's loss amount. In some embodiments, the consolation prize
may be calculated from the loss amount. For example, a gaming
device 104 may immediately provide a player with five percent of
his loss amount if he agrees to continue playing.
[0108] In some embodiments, the system 100A, 100B may determine
whether the loss amount falls within a predetermined loss range and
if so, base the consolation prize on the loss range. Several loss
ranges may be defined, each having one or more consolation prizes
associated with them. For example, a set of loss ranges may be
defined as follows: if a player loses between $1 and $200, then his
loss is in loss range 1, if the player loses between $200 and $600,
then his loss is in loss range 2, if the player loses between $600
and $1000, then his loss is in loss range 3, and if the player
loses more that $1000, then his loss is in loss range 4. Loss
ranges may be directly associated with particular consolation
prizes or, in some embodiments, a loss range may be associated with
a consolation prize tier. For example, if a player loses between $1
and $200 (loss range 1 of the above example) he may earn a
consolation prize from the bronze tier. If a player loses between
$200 and $600 (loss range 2 of the above example), the player may
earn a consolation prize from the silver tier. If a player loses
between $600 and $1,000 (loss range 3 of the above example), the
player may qualify for the gold tier. Finally, if a player loses
anything over $1,000.00 (loss range 4 of the above example), he may
be automatically qualify for a platinum tier consolation prize.
Clearly any number of different loss ranges, tier structures, and
tier names may be used. The determination of for which tier a loss
amount qualifies and within which loss range a toss amount falls
may be performed on any of the controller 102 (and/or the
third-party service provider servers 112), the gaming devices 104,
the redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party merchant
terminals 106.
[0109] In conjunction with the various consolation prize tiers,
there may exist various associated consolation prizes. In some
embodiments of the present invention, each consolation prize tier
may be associated with a number of different consolation prizes. In
addition, each consolation prize tier may contain increasingly
higher value consolation prizes. For example, the bronze tier may
contain a number of different "minute denomination" variations for
a pre-paid phone card. The silver tier may contain a number of
three-month magazine subscriptions from various publishers. The
gold tier may contain a one-month subscription to a number of
different local telephone company services. Finally, the platinum
tier may contain a number of different one-month cable and/or
internet service subscriptions. As indicated above, any number of
consolation prizes may be associated with any number of consolation
prize tiers and is not limited to the examples which have been
provided. Examples of the consolation prize tiers and their
associated consolation prizes may be presented to a player as
follows:
1 Bronze 20 Minute 30 Minute 10 Minute 15 Minute Domestic Pre-Paid
International International Pre- Pre-Paid Phone Card Pre-Paid Paid
Phone Card Phone Card Phone Card Silver Three-Month Three-Month
Three-Month Three-Month Magazine Magazine Magazine Magazine
Subscription Subscription Subscription Subscription Gold
Three-Month Three-Month Three-Month Three-Month Caller ID Voice
Mail Three-Way Conference Call Subscription Subscription Calling
Subscription Subscription Platinum One-Month One-Month One-Month
One-Month Internet Cable Direct TV Digital Television Service
Television Service Service Subscription Service Subscription
Subscription Subscription
[0110] As described, a number of different consolation prizes may
be associated with each consolation tier. Thus, a player whose
total loss amount falls within the loss range associated with the
bronze tier may be presented with a choice of one of the different
pre-paid phone cards. In another example, when a player's total
loss amount falls within the loss range associated with the
platinum tier, he may choose from one of the different internet
and/or cable television service subscriptions. Any number of
different consolation prizes may be offered and possible prizes are
not limited to the above examples. It may also be noted that either
a casino or a service provider functioning as a consolation prize
distributor may associate a consolation tier with a consolation
prize. In some embodiments, available consolation prizes may be
associated with particular values. For example, a three-month
magazine subscription may have a retail value of $3.95 while a
three-month internet service subscription may have a retail value
of $69.00 ($23.00.times.3). These values may be assigned to help
track the contributions of a third-party merchant and the benefits
provided to a player.
[0111] Because new customers may have significant long term
economic value to a company, merchants may be willing to pay a
casino a commission for each consolation prize accepted by the
player. For example, a player accepting a free three-month trial
subscription to a sports magazine may generate significant profits
for the publisher if he goes on to become a paid subscriber. For
this reason, the publisher may be willing to pay, for example, the
casino $4.00 for each consolation prize offer accepted by a player.
Further, in some embodiments, the publisher may agree to pay the
casino $10.00 for each customer that become a paid subscriber after
having accepting the free initial trial period. In some
embodiments, a publisher may agree to pay $3.00 a casino per year
as long as the casino-generated customer continued the
subscription.
[0112] Step S7: Offer the Prize
[0113] In some embodiments, a gaming device 104 may provide a
player who has sustained a qualifying loss with a consolation prize
ticket or an actual consolation prize immediately upon detecting
that the player has completed a gaming session and calculating the
loss amount. In some embodiments, a consolation prize ticket may be
redeemed for a consolation prize at any of the controller 102
(and/or the third-party service provider servers 112), the gaming
devices 104, the redemption terminals 108, and/or the third-party
merchant terminals 106. In some embodiments, a casino may provide a
consolation prize redemption area for players to receive their
consolation prizes.
[0114] In some embodiments, after a gaming device 104 has
associated a loss threshold amount with an appropriate consolation
prize tier and associated consolation prizes, the gaming device 104
may present the player with the consolation prize offer. For
example, the gaming device's CPU 302 may retrieve the player's
consolation prize tier and associated consolation prize offers from
an offer database 210 and present the consolation prize offers to
the player. In some embodiments, the gaming device 104 may transmit
a request to the controller 102 to obtain the player's consolation
prize tier and associated offers. Upon receiving the gaming
device's 104 request, the controller 102 may retrieve the player's
consolation prize tier and associated offers from its databases and
transmit the requested information to the gaming device 104. Next,
the gaming device 104 may receive the requested information from
the controller 102 and proceed to present the consolation prize
tier and associated offers to the player.
[0115] In some embodiments, the gaming device 104 may present the
player with the specific consolation prize tier for which his final
loss amount has qualified him. For example, referring back to a
previous example, a player who has lost $100 may be presented with
the silver consolation prize tier's magazine subscription offers. A
tabular representation of the following consolation prize offer may
appear on the gaming device 104 display screen 312 as follows:
2 Congratulations, you have qualified for one of our Silver Tier
Consolation Prizes. Please make you selection: Three-Month
Three-Month Three-Month Three-Month Subscription to Subscription to
Subscription to Subscription to ABC Magazine XYZ Magazine PQR
Magazine RST Magazine Press Here To Press Here To Press Here To
Press Here To Accept Accept Accept Accept
[0116] In some embodiments the gaming device 104 may present the
player's consolation prize tier and associated offers in such a
manner so as to attract attention to the player and gaming device
104. For example, the gaming device 104 may transmit a lighting
signal to a centrally located ceiling spotlight to shine on the
player. In addition, bells, whistles, confetti, laser lights, etc.
may also direct attention to the player and gaming device 104.
Conversely, a player may have the option to avoid any additional
gaming device 104 directed attention. For example, prior to
presenting the player with his consolation prize tier and
associated offers, the player may press a button on the gaming
device 104 which may indicate to the gaming device 104 that he
would not like to receive the additional fanfare.
[0117] After being presented with the silver consolation prize tier
and associated offers, the player, in some embodiments, may
immediately indicate acceptance of one of the consolation prize
offers. The number of consolation prize offers which a player may
accept may be determined by either the casino or the participating
third-party merchant. For example, in the case where a player wants
to accept one consolation prize offer, he may press a button on the
gaming device's 104 video or LCD screen which indicates his
interest in accepting the offer. In some embodiments, the
indication of acceptance may include pressing a button on another
part of the gaming device such as an input/output button, or a spin
button, or an accept button, etc. After pressing an accept button
on the gaming device's display screen 312, the gaming device may
present the player with a personal information page. At this point,
the player may be prompted to enter his personal information into
the gaming device 104. For example, the gaming device 104 may
request that the player enter his name, mailing address, telephone
number, email address, gender, age, additional magazine preferences
and credit card number. In some embodiments, the player's
information including his mailing address and credit card number
may be obtained by the system from a play tracking card or from the
player database 208. This information may be used to send the
player his consolation prize.
[0118] In some embodiments, once the gaming device 104 has received
the player's applicable information, it may transmit the player's
information to the controller 102 where it may be recorded and
stored. In some embodiments, the player's consolation prize
acceptance information may be stored in the transaction database
214. After the controller 102 has recorded and stored the player's
applicable information, the controller 102 may retrieve a
confirmation number from the transaction database 214 and transmit
the consolation prize offer name and confirmation number to the
gaming device 104. Next, the gaming device 104 may receive the
player's consolation prize offer name and confirmation number from
the controller 102 and, in some embodiments, display the
consolation prize offer name and confirmation number on the gaming
device's 104 display screen 312. In some embodiments, after
recording and storing the player's applicable information, the
controller 102 may transmit an indication to the controller 102 to
query the player as to whether he would like to receive his
consolation prize offer name and confirmation number by email. In
some embodiments, the player may indicate to the gaming device 104
that he would like to have his consolation prize offer name and
confirmation number sent to his email address. At that point, the
gaming device 104 may transmit the player's indication to the
controller 102. Next, the controller 102 may receive the player's
acceptance, retrieve the player's email address from the player
database 208, and transmit the player's consolation prize offer
name and confirmation number to the player's email address.
[0119] The above described embodiment may allow the creation of a
direct communications link between the casino and the player which
may be used for additional marketing purposes. Using the player's
postal address, email address, etc., the casino may offer the
player additional offers and promotions in an efficient and cost
effective manner. In some embodiments, should the player prefer not
to have his consolation prize offer name and confirmation number
sent to his email address, he may have them printed from the gaming
device's 104 printer 310. For example, after indicating to the
gaming device 104 that he would not like to have his consolation
prize offer name and confirmation number emailed to his email
address, the gaming device 104 may print the player's consolation
prize offer name and confirmation number and any other information
which may be applicable onto a ticket. In some embodiments, the
offer information may be printed onto a cashless gaming receipt. In
some embodiments, the printed ticket may be lasered onto a roll of
stock paper which may be stored within the gaming device 104. In
some embodiments, the player's consolation prize ticket may serve
as the player's receipt for his accepted consolation prize offer.
The player may use his consolation prize ticket as a receipt if for
any reason he has a problem receiving his expected consolation
prize. In some embodiments, after the player has received his
consolation prize ticket from the printer he may redeem it at an
in-house casino consolation prize cage.
[0120] In some embodiments, after either the gaming device 104 or
controller 102 has stored the player's acceptance of a consolation
prize, the consolation prize offer name, and confirmation number,
the controller 102 may transmit the player's information to a
participating third-party merchant via the third-party merchant
terminal 106. For example, referring back to a previous example, a
player who has selected a three-month magazine subscription
consolation prize may have particular information which a
participating third-party merchant may need to process the order.
For example, a participating third-party merchant may need the
player's name, address, telephone number, email address, and credit
card number to deliver the consolation prize. The player's credit
card number may be used by the third-party merchant to continue the
magazine subscription beyond a free-trial period if the player so
chooses. For example, after a player has reached the end of his
three-month trial subscription, additional subscription time may be
automatically billed to the player's credit card unless he
indicates that he desires otherwise. The magazine publisher may
charge the player's credit card for the appropriate amount of the
subscription and continue sending the player his magazine without
interruption.
[0121] In some embodiments, a dedicated service provider may serve
to consolidate all subscription related consolation prize
transactions. Several casinos may feed accepted offers to this
service provider, and the service provider may work with publishers
to fulfill the subscriptions. In this embodiment, the service
provider may manage payments to the casinos and transferring
subscription information to the publishers.
[0122] In some embodiments, either the gaming device 104 or the
controller 102 may retrieve the player's information from the
applicable databases and create an entry in the transaction
database 214. For example, the controller 102 may enter the offer
number, player tracking number, time, date, and player's
confirmation number into the transaction database 214. The
controller 102 may transmit the information to the third-party
merchant using the information in the third-party merchant database
212. In the above example, the third-party merchant may be a
magazine publisher. After receiving the controller's 102
information, the third-party merchant may transmit a confirmation
number back to the controller 102 which indicates that the
participating third-party merchant has received the casino's
transmission and is processing the order. The controller 102 may
store the third-party merchant's confirmation number in the
transaction database 214.
F. EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0123] The following very specific examples are provided to
illustrate particular embodiments of the present invention,
particularly from the perspective of potential users of the system
100A, 100B including players and potential controller 102 operators
such as casinos.
Example 1
[0124] A player may sit down at a slot machine and enter his player
tracking card into the player tracking card reader. Next, the
player may deposit a $100.00 bill into the slot machine's bill
validator and proceed to play the slot machine. After the player
has wagered and lost this $100.00, the slot machine may transmit an
indication to the player that he has earned a consolation prize. At
that point, the slot machine may present the player with five
different consolation prize offers from which he may choose. After
choosing one of the consolation prize offers, such as a three-month
magazine subscription or a three-month internet service
subscription, the player may enter his personal information and
credit card number into the slot machine. Next, the slot machine
may present the player with a confirmation number that represents
confirmation to the player that he may expect to receive his
consolation prize in the mail.
Example 2
[0125] A player may sit down at a slot machine and enter his player
tracking card into the player tracking card reader. Next, the
player may deposit a $10.00 bill into the slot machine's bill
validator. At that point, the slot machine may receive the player's
$10.00 bill and suggest that the player deposit another $10.00 into
the slot machine by indicating to the player that the additional
$10.00 will allow him to qualify to receive a consolation prize
should he wager and lose all of the money. Next, the player
deposits the additional $10.00 into the slot machine and proceeds
to play the game. After losing all $20.00, the slot machine may
present the player with a choice of consolation prize offers such
as a free three-month magazine subscription or a $20.00 discount
off the purchase of a hotel room stay. At that point, the player
may choose a particular magazine subscription offer and proceed to
input his personal information and credit card number into the slot
machine. Finally, the slot machine may present the player with a
confirmation number that represents confirmation to the player that
he may expect to receive his three-month magazine subscription in
the mail.
Example 3
[0126] A player begins a gambling session by inserting a $100 bill
into the bill validator. After losing $73, the player elects to
cash-out his remaining $27. As his coins are dispensed by the
hopper of the slot machine, a printer on the slot machine prints a
voucher for the player that entitles him to a $73 rebate on his
next purchase of a Ford.RTM. truck.
G. Additional Embodiments of the Invention
[0127] The following are example alternative variations which
illustrate additional embodiments of the present invention. It
should be understood that the particular variations described in
this section may be combined with the different embodiments, or
portions thereof, described above in any manner that is
practicable. These examples do not constitute a definition or
itemization of all possible embodiments, and those skilled in the
art will understand that the present invention is applicable to
many other embodiments. Further, although the following examples
are briefly described for clarity, those skilled in the art will
understand how to make any changes, if necessary, to the
above-described apparatus and methods to accommodate these and
other embodiments and applications.
[0128] In some embodiments, a player may earn the right to purchase
a particular product at a significant discount based on the total
amount that the player has lost. For example, a player who has lost
at least $100 may be eligible to purchase a $300 television for
$200. After wagering and losing his $100, the player may decide to
stop playing and press the cash out button. At that point, the
player may be presented with the option to purchase the television.
The player may choose to purchase the television by pressing the
accept button on the gaming device 104. In response, the gaming
device 104 may present a purchase information page for the player
for the player to complete. After entering his name, address,
credit card number, and any other applicable information, the
gaming device 104 may transmit the information to the controller
102 where it may be recorded and stored. The controller 102 may
then transmit a confirmation number to the gaming device 104 which
may be presented to the player. The controller 102 may also
transmit redemption information to the player. This information may
include the merchant name and address where the player may pick up
his television. The controller 102 may transmit the casino's
request to purchase a television to a third-party merchant where it
may be received and processed. In some embodiments of the present
invention, the player may simply receive a coupon for a discount on
a future television purchase, rather than committing to the
purchase while at the gaming device 104.
[0129] In some embodiments, a consolation prize purchase offer or
consolation prize offer may automatically appear on a player's
gaming device 104 display screen 312. For example, there may exist
predetermined triggers, such as losing a certain dollar amount or
playing despite having mostly losing outcomes for a particular
period of time, which may cause the presentation of a consolation
prize purchase offer or consolation prize offer to appear. Thus,
the player may receive consolation prize offers at any time during
his gaming device 104 play.
[0130] In some embodiments, the casino may offer the player a
consolation prize of an interest free loan for period of time. In
some embodiments, a casino may offer the player a consolation prize
that includes a hotel room upgrade.
[0131] In some embodiments, the third-party merchants may pay the
casino a fee for every consolation prize given away. For example, a
telephone company may pay a casino a fee for every three-month
trial service period given away. The third-party merchant may be
willing to pay the casino a fee in anticipation of a dramatic
increase in new customers that the third-party merchant may
receive.
[0132] In some embodiments, a casino may implement procedures to
prevent a player from "gaming" the consolation prize offer system.
Gaming the consolation prize offer system may include attempting to
obtain more consolation prizes than are intended by the casino. In
some embodiments, a player may be required to provide a credit card
number every time he indicates that he is willing to accept a
consolation prize. The casino may impose, for example, a five
consolation prize limit and enforce the limit by charging the
credit card of any player who exceeds the limit for the full retail
value of the consolation prizes accepted in excess of the limit.
Requiring a credit card number may filter out people who are not
seriously interested in the consolation prizes. Additionally, in
the case of trial subscription-type consolation prizes, providing a
credit card number to a third-party merchant may facilitate
conversion of free trial customers into paid subscribers through an
automated subscription continuation program.
[0133] In some embodiments, a player may be required to provide a
player tracking card in order to receive a consolation prize. For
example, a player may be required to insert his player tracking
card into the player tracking card reader 314 at some point while
he is playing a gaming device 104 in order for the casino to
associate the consolation prize offer with his player tracking card
number. In addition, the casino will be able to track how many
consolation prizes that the player has been offered and has
received.
[0134] In some embodiments, consolation prize offers may be
restricted to be only offered to hotel guests, high rollers, nickel
slot players, players with children, players with an income over a
threshold amount, and/or players with an out-of-state ID. In other
words, the consolation prizes may not be offered to any player or
category of player the casino determines should not receive such
prizes. As indicated above, one way this may be achieved is by
setting a very high qualifying loss amount threshold for individual
players or categories of players.
[0135] In some embodiments, a player may be required to take his
consolation prize ticket to the consolation prize redemption area
to receive his consolation prize. For example, after providing a
player with a consolation prize ticket, the gaming device 104 may
instruct the player to go to the consolation prize redemption area
to receive his prize. This may allow a casino attendant to
recognize when a player is attempting to improperly redeem multiple
consolation prizes ticket. In addition, a casino attendant
stationed at a consolation prize redemption area may also be able
to console a player who she knows has sustained losses. Such an
attendant may be able to provide a personal touch in helping a
player deal with frustrating feelings and also provide special
consolation prizes based on both the player's losses and the
attendant's perception of the player's frustration level. In some
embodiments, a consolation prize redemption area may be provided
that is designed to soothe and reassure losing players. Special
lighting, music, and decorating may be employed to create such an
atmosphere.
[0136] In some embodiments, a casino may intend to give away as
many consolation prize offers as possible. This may be the case,
for example, when a casino receives revenue from third-party
merchants for each offer and/or acceptance of a consolation prize
offer. To facilitate giving away as many consolation prizes as
possible, a casino may rely upon a player tracking system and/or
the use of a transaction database 214 in conjunction with storing
player information in a player database 208.
[0137] In some embodiments, a loss amount may be determined
considering the amount of time that a player has played a gaming
device 104. For example, in addition to recording and storing the
player's actual loss amount, the gaming device 104 may also record
and store the total amount of time that a player has played a
particular machine. After a player has inserted his player tracking
card into the player tracking card reader, the gaming device's 104
CPU may begin recording and storing the total time that the player
has been playing the gaming device 104. After deciding to stop
playing, the player may press a cash out button. At that point, the
player's loss rate may be determined by the gaming device's 104 CPU
dividing the total amount of money that the player has lost by the
total amount of time that the player has played the gaming device
104. To illustrate, an example equation may look as follows:
[0138] loss rate=(coin-in-coin-out)/total time of a play
session
[0139] In some embodiments of the present invention, a player may
be required to both meet a loss amount threshold and a loss rate
threshold in order to qualify for a particular consolation prize or
consolation prize tier. Alternatively, loss rate alone may be used
to determine whether a player qualifies for a particular
consolation prize or consolation prize tier.
[0140] In some embodiments, the gaming device 104 may require that
the player establish an initial minimum credit balance on the
gaming device to later be able to qualify for a particular
consolation prize or consolation prize tier. Further, the system
100A, 100B may impose additional restrictions on when a consolation
prize or consolation prize tier is available to players. For
example, certain consolation prizes may only be awarded during off
peak hours, only on specific gaming devices in the casino, and/or
only during a casino marketing promotion such as a special event
party.
H. Conclusion
[0141] It is clear from the foregoing discussion that the disclosed
systems and methods to provide consolation prizes based upon losses
represents an improvement in the art of gaming marketing. While the
method and apparatus of the present invention has been described in
terms of its presently preferred and alternate embodiments, those
skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be
practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims. The specifications and drawings are,
accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0142] Further, even though only certain embodiments have been
described in detail, those having ordinary skill in the art will
certainly appreciate and understand that many modifications,
changes, and enhancements are possible without departing from the
teachings thereof. All such modifications are intended to be
encompassed within the following claims.
* * * * *