U.S. patent application number 10/752669 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for portable gaming device for viewing wagering results.
Invention is credited to Muskin, Jon H..
Application Number | 20050170881 10/752669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34807428 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050170881 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Muskin, Jon H. |
August 4, 2005 |
Portable gaming device for viewing wagering results
Abstract
A portable amusement device which displays results of gambling
games such as a slot machine. If a player wins money after viewing
results of the gambling games, the player can collect his or her
winnings from a casino or issuer of the amusement device.
Inventors: |
Muskin, Jon H.; (Chevy
Chase, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jon Muskin
4450 South Park Ave, #912
Chevy Chase
MD
20815
US
|
Family ID: |
34807428 |
Appl. No.: |
10/752669 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3218 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method, comprising: generating and storing results of a random
wagering game by a source computer; copying the results into a
portable viewing device; and displaying the results on the portable
viewing device.
2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the random wagering game
is a slot machine.
3. A method as recited in claim 2, further comprising spinning the
slot machine when a user presses a button on the portable viewing
device.
4. A method as recited in claim 3, further comprising not allowing
the user to continue to spin the slot machine when the results have
all been displayed.
5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the generating further
comprises generating results until an amount of credits resulting
from the wagering game is zero.
6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the generating further
comprises generating results until an amount of credits resulting
from the wagering game exceeds a win cap amount.
7. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising crediting to
a purchaser or borrower of the portable viewing device an amount
based on a tabulation of the results.
8. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising awarding
non-monetary prizes based on the entire results.
9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the random wagering game
is keno.
10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the results comprise a
plurality of: random numbers picked and a respective set of desired
numbers.
11. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the random wagering
game is bingo.
12. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the portable viewing
device is a PDA.
13. A method, comprising: generating and storing a plurality of
results of a random wagering game by a source computer; copying the
results onto a computer readable storage; and copying software onto
the computer readable storage which can read the results and
display the results.
14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein each of the results
has an associated monetary value.
15. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein one of the results may
have an associated non-monetary prize.
16. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein the software reads the
results and displays a slot machine game prompted by a user.
17. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein the software emulates
existing slot machines.
18. An apparatus, comprising: a storage storing a set of
predetermined wagering game results; a processing unit reading
results from the set and displaying a wagering game using the
results on an output device.
19. A computer readable storage medium, comprising: data
representing a set of predetermined wagering game results; software
controlling a computer to perform: reading results from the set;
and displaying a wagering game using the results on an output
device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to a method, device, and
computer readable storage medium for generating wagering results
and transmitting the results to a viewing system for later
viewing.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The Casino gaming industry generates billions of dollars in
net revenues per year. Of course, wagering on games of chance is
legal only in certain jurisdictions, and even in those
jurisdictions a license must be obtained to offer wagering games in
particular locations.
[0005] It would be entertaining if a person could legally view a
gambling game such as a slot machine for real money in a location
other than a legalized gambling institution. Therefore, what is
needed is a way in which a person can enjoy a wagering game and
receive winnings based therein, while not having to be present in a
casino environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide
improvements and innovations in wagering games.
[0007] The above aspects can be obtained by a method that includes
(a) generating and storing results of a wagering game; (b) copying
the stored results to a portable viewing device; and (c) viewing
the stored results on the portable viewing device.
[0008] These together with other aspects and advantages which will
be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and
operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed,
reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part
hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present invention, will become apparent and more readily
appreciated from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating hardware used to
implement the present invention, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating
and viewing game results, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an example of a portable viewer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating use of a PDA as a
viewer, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating how game results can
be downloaded over a computer communications network, according to
an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating how game results and
software can be stored on a storage medium, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0017] The present invention relates to providing an ability of a
person to play (technically just view) a slot machine (or other
wagering game) conveniently from a portable device in any location,
while still retaining the ability to legally win real money.
[0018] This can be accomplished by having the person make a wager
in a casino by buying a portable slot viewing device from the
casino (or other licensed vendor), or receiving such a device by
other mechanisms (such as in the mail). The purchase of the
portable slot viewing device should be considered as a legal wager.
During the consummation of the sale, a casino clerk (or automated
machine) generates random trials of a slot game and stores these
random trials in a casino storage device or database. The random
trials are also copied onto the portable slot viewing device (or
other medium) which is given (or loaned) to the player. The
portable slot viewing device now has a dollar value associated with
it, depending on the random trials generated. The ultimately dollar
value may (preferably, but not required) be initially hidden from
the player to enhance his or her enjoyment and surprise.
[0019] The player is then free to take the portable slot viewing
device out of the casino and anywhere he or she wishes. The
portable slot viewing device is merely a viewer, as the results of
the slot games have already been determined in the casino (or other
environment) and are pre-stored (both in the casino database and in
the viewer). Thus, the player can press a button and watch slot
reels spin, and the player can be ultimately awarded money as if it
were a real slot machine. However, no random numbers are generated
as this is an offline predetermined outcome. There should typically
be no discretion involved in the player's actions, as everything is
pre-stored. When the player has finished viewing all of the
pre-stored game results, the device has a final cash value which
can then be cashed in from the vendor. The final cash value can be
verified by the vendor using the original database.
[0020] As an analogy, a player can make a bet on a sporting event
in a casino sports book. The player can then go elsewhere (even
home) to watch the game. If the player wins, the player can then
return to the casino to cash in his ticket (or request payment by
mail). The only difference is in the present invention (unlike the
sporting event), the results are already determined and pre-stored.
These results can be viewed in a user prompted and graphic fashion
in order to provide enjoyment to the player as if the player were
really playing a live slot machine. In fact, it will be transparent
to the user that the results are pre-stored, as the game would
appear identical to a live slot game in a casino.
[0021] When the device is finished displaying all of the gaming
results and the end result is a profit, then the player should
return the device to the casino (or possibly mail it in, or
transmit an electronic request) for reimbursement for the cash
value. The casino will then check their database based on the
device's unique ID (using a number or barcode) and determine the
cash value of the device (actually the cash value of the set of
results associated with the device), which should be the same as
displayed on the device itself. The casino can then pay the amount
while recording in the database that the device has been paid, and
preferably receive the device back and reset the device so it can
be reused. While it is assumed the device itself has no cash value,
a cash value or deposit can also be associated with the device.
Such devices can also be manufactured cheap enough such that they
can be disposable.
[0022] Thus, note that the portable device (although the invention
is not limited to a portable device) is a viewer, not an actual
gambling device that accepts wagers.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating hardware used to
implement the present invention, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] A source computer 100 (or host) is typically operated or
owned by a casino or other gaming entity. The source computer 100
generates the gaming results using a random number generator,
typically in the same way a typical slot machine generates results
as known in the art. The results are not displayed (although they
can be) but are stored in a results storage 102. The results
storage 102 can store results for a plurality of sets of gambling
results (each set would be used for a different viewing device or
other medium). Each set can also be associated with a unique
identification number associated with each viewer. Each set of
results is copied to a separate results storage 108 which is part
of the viewer.
[0025] A viewer 104 stores the pre-stored game results in the
results storage 108. While preferably the results storage 108 is a
nonvolatile storage integrally connected to the viewer 104, the
results storage can also be a separately connectable memory (such
as an EPROM) which contains pre-stored game results (or can be any
other storage method). The viewer also contains an identification
106 identifying the particular viewer and allowing the respective
set of results for this viewer to be matched with the respective
set on the host result storage 102.
[0026] The viewer 104 also comprises a CPU 110 which controls the
processing and operations of the viewer. A ROM 112 (or other kind
of storage) stores the programming to display the game results,
which can include graphics, viewing logic, etc. A RAM 114 stores
any temporary data needed for the viewer, such as screen memory,
etc. An input device 116 allows a user to communicate with the
viewer. For example, a button can be pressed when the user wants to
spin the reels to view the next game. An optional "final value
button" can also be pressed which skips all of the viewing of the
games and immediately outputs the final value after the results of
all of the games. An output device 118 can comprise for example an
LCD and displays the game. Preferably, if the game is a slot
machine game, animation and sound can also be used to imitate the
experience of real live slot machines to make the experience more
enjoyable for users.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating
and viewing game results, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Operations 200-204 of FIG. 1 refer to operations taking
place on the host computer, while operations 206-214 refer to
operations taking place on the viewer.
[0028] The method starts with operation 200, which receives an
initial purchase amount. This is typically the initial credits
used. For example, a user may wish to purchase a viewer with $100
worth of wagers on it. Thus 100 spins of a slot machine can be
generated. However, in the alternative, additional random results
can be generated until the total value of the spins is either zero
or greater than or equal to a predetermined cap. For example, a
viewer can be purchased for $100 with enough spins to view such
that either the viewer will eventually lose all of its value, or it
will reach a value greater than a predetermined threshold (i.e.
$200). The predetermined threshold can be considered a win cap.
Using a win cap is preferably so that the user is not limited to
only a limited number of spins. The player can also choose which
slot game(s) the player wishes to view.
[0029] From operation 200, the method proceeds to operation 202
which generates and stores a random result in the host storage.
Each set of game results (for each different device) should
typically be generated and stored separately. The game result is
typically determined in a manner similar to a typical slot machine.
A random number generator is used to determine reel positions. It
may be desirable to copy the algorithms used in popular current
slot machines so their play can be replicated on the viewer. Any
kind of slot machine can be replicated, such as 3 reel, 5 reel,
etc.
[0030] From operation 202 the method proceeds to operation 203,
which checks to see if the method is done generating random
results. This is done by adjusting the value of the current credits
(starting with an initial credit amount) depending on the results
of the previous game. For example, if each spin costs $1, and the
previous "spin" was a loss, then the total value is decremented by
one. If the previous spin generated a win of $10, then the total
value is incremented by 9. If the value of the viewer is $0, then
the method is typically done generating random results. If a win
cap is being used, and the value of the viewer is greater than the
win cap, then the method is typically done generating random
results. If a win cap is not used but a limited number of spins is
to be generated instead (i.e. 100 spins) then a counter is used to
determine if the method is done generating results.
[0031] If the check in operation 203 determines that the method is
done generating random results, then the method proceeds to
operation 204 which copies stored trials from the host storage into
a viewer storage of a viewer. This can be done preferably by
linking the host storage with the viewer storage by a physical
connection.
[0032] Upon completion of operation 204, the viewer now has the
entire history of the random game results and the viewer (or just
the set of results represented therein) has a predetermined value.
The user (or purchaser) of the viewer is now free to take this
viewer wherever he or she pleases, such as on an airplane, a
restaurant, or even back home.
[0033] In the alternative, instead of copying the results to the
viewer when the results are fully generated, the results can be
copied iteratively as soon as each result is generated.
[0034] When the user wishes to utilize the viewer, the method then
picks up at operation 206 in which the viewer waits for and
receives a signal from an input device to view a new game (a game
would be considered a spin). The signal from the input device could
simply comprise a button on the viewer being pressed.
[0035] From operation 206, the method proceeds (once the input
signal is received) to operation 208 which retrieves the next game
result from the local viewer storage. A counter is typically
maintained (preferably in a nonvolatile storage) so that the viewer
knows which game result is next to be displayed. Game results
should be displayed in sequence, but an individual game result
should not be re-displayed (although of course two different game
results could have an identical outcome in which they should be
displayed separately).
[0036] From operation 208, the method then proceeds to operation
210 which displays the next game result retrieved in operation 206.
The game result is displayed using an output device such as an LCD.
Animation and sound, as known in the art, can be used to enhance
the player's experience. Preferably, a current value of the viewer
(i.e. the sum off the wins and losses) is displayed as well.
[0037] From operation 210, the method proceeds to operation 212,
which checks if there are more results left. This can by done by
having a field in the viewer storage indicating how many game
results are contained in the storage. When the counter reaches this
amount, then there are no more results left to view. Alternatively,
the last game result in the sequence can comprise a special value
indicating no more results are remaining.
[0038] If the check in operation 210 determines that there are more
results left to be displayed, then the method returns to operation
206 which allows the user to continue viewing.
[0039] If the check in operation 210 determines that there are no
more results left to be displayed, then the method proceeds to
operation 214 which displays the final value of the viewer. If this
value if zero, then the viewer has no value to redeem (although it
is possible a deposit might be required for the viewer itself). If
the value is not zero, then the player should redeem the viewer for
this amount, typically where he purchased the viewer originally.
Note that the player is typically not permitted to "keep his
winnings" if there are more spins to view. The player should
typically play every spin available until there are none left
before he can redeem any value left. This would avoid any
discretion on the player's part so that the final result of the
viewer equals that stored in the source computer. Preferably, there
should be no playing discretion on the player's part so that the
final credit result on the player should match what is stored at
the host which would be paid to the player.
[0040] FIG. 3 is an example of a portable viewer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] A portable viewer 300 is used to view the pre-stored game
results. An output device 302 displays the game progress and
outcome. Also displayed is the current value of the viewer (i.e.
the original credits minus the sum of the previous results). An
optional paytable 304 is printed on the device which displays the
payouts (this could be displayed using a dynamic output device as
well). A spin button 306 is used so that the user can spin the
reels of the slot machine and watch the results.
[0042] A communication unit 308 allows the viewer 300 to
communicate with other devices such as a source computer. This can
allow the source computer to transmit a game result set to the
viewer which is stored in a results storage. This can also allow
the viewer 300 to talk to the source computer to transmit an
identification number or any other information, although preferably
a barcode on the viewer 300 itself is how the source computer will
identify the particular viewer 300. The communication unit 308 can
connect to the CPU in the viewer or a interface unit (which may
contain communication instructions) which connects to the CPU,
allowing the viewer to communicate with outside devices.
[0043] Not pictured is an optional speaker which can be used to
generate sound effects. Also not pictured is a power supply such as
a battery or solar panel. Also not pictured is an ID code, such as
an identification number and/or a barcode for easy identification
of the particular viewer. Also not pictured is an optional final
result button, which when pressed, immediately processes each of
the pre-stored games remaining in sequence to immediately display
the final value of the viewer. Such a button can be used if the
player no longer wishes to play and wants to see the final value of
the device.
[0044] In addition to a slot game, the methods described herein can
also be applied to any other gambling games such as keno,
blackjack, video poker, etc. However, with regard to games like
blackjack or video poker where there are player decisions to be
made in the game, it is noted that since the outcomes are all
pre-stored player decisions are typically not allowed. Thus, the
host computer should typically generate hands along with the way
those hands are played. Typically, optimal strategy can be used to
decide how the hands should be played. Further, the player using
the viewer also typically would not be able to adjust his bet.
Thus, flat betting can be utilized, or else some type of betting
progression wherein when the previous hand is won the next bet
increases (or decreases) in a predetermined manner. In this manner,
the player gets excitement of a varying bet size. For all of these
reasons, games like slots are ideal for this system which typically
requires a flat bet and no player decisions or discretion.
[0045] Keno could also be implemented using this system. When the
games are generated by the host, a same set of numbers can be used
for each keno drawing (the same set either chosen randomly or by
the player when the player first purchases the portable gaming
device). Alternatively, a different set of desired numbers
("spots") can be chosen by the computer for each game. Thus, when a
user is viewing the keno game the user will view the desired keno
numbers and then the "randomly" drawn numbers will appear
(preferably one by one using a time delay). Depending on how many
randomly drawn numbers match the desired keno numbers, the player
may win an amount of money. Of course, the numbers are not really
randomly drawn at this point in time, but are pre-stored (and were
randomly drawn by the host). Once all the random numbers are
displayed the round is over and a new game can begin.
[0046] Bingo could also be implemented using this system. A random
bingo card can be generated by the host along with random bingo
spots called (i.e. "O32.") A player can win if he or she gets
"bingo" before a predetermined number of spins (could be fixed or a
random number chosen by the host), upon which an imaginary player
can "yell" "bingo" and the current game would be over. Of course a
plurality of games can be generated in a set. In this way, a player
who likes to play bingo can view bingo for real money while not in
a bingo hall. The player would not really discern a difference
between viewing the game and actually playing it if it were being
called live.
[0047] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a commonly
available Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) can be used as the
portable viewer. The PDA can download software needed to display
the generated game results. The PDA can also download the actual
game results themselves after a purchase (or if provided for free).
A unique identification code should typically be provided when a
set of game results is downloaded to a PDA so that the game results
can be identified by the host computer.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating use of a PDA as a
viewer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] A source computer 400 is comparable to the source computer
from FIG. 1. The results storage 402 also serves the same purpose
as the results storage from FIG. 1. An external interface unit 404
is used to communicate with a PDA 406. The communication can be
done by any standard communication protocol, such as USB.
[0050] If the PDA does not contain the software required to display
the game results, then the PDA can download the software. The
software can actually comprise multiple components, each component
for a different game. A user may only be required to download
components he or she desires. In addition to the software, an
actual set of game results is downloaded as well to be read by the
software and displayed to the user. Since PDA's are now commonly
available in color with loud speakers, a PDA is ideal to use as a
viewer for the game results.
[0051] In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a PDA
(or type of viewer described above) can be used to download game
results over a computer communications network such as the
Internet. In this way, a player can view game results without
having to physically be present in a location to purchase or
receive a set of game results.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating how game results (and
viewing software) can be downloaded over a computer communications
network, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] A source computer 500 is comparable to the source computer
from FIG. 1. The results storage 502 also serves the same purpose
as the results storage from FIG. 1. The source computer 500
transmits a set (or package) of game results over a computer
communications network 504 (such as the Internet) to a home
computer 506. The home computer 506 downloads the set of game
results. If the home computer 506 does not contain the proper
viewing software for the PDA 508, then the home computer 506 can
also request and download viewing software written particularly for
the PDA 508. The PDA 508 then in turn can download the software and
game results from the home computer 506. Alternatively, if the PDA
is capable of connecting directly to the computer communications
network 504, then the home computer 506 is not even necessary. If
the user wishes to view the results for real money, then the user
should typically pay the provider of the game results.
[0054] In this manner, a home user can equip his or her PDA 508 to
view slot and other wagering games, which have predetermined
results stored on the source computer 500. While online casinos
currently exist which may allow a PDA to play a gambling game in
real time with a wireless Internet connection, using a PDA as
described herein allows a PDA owner to view gambling games without
having to have a live Internet connection. This can be desirable
for people who take a train or bus and would like some form of
entertainment.
[0055] When the user of the PDA is finished viewing the set of
gaming results (which are generated as described above), if the
final value is greater than zero, the user can transmit an
identification number of the set of gaming results (either directly
from the PDA or from his or her computer) in order to be reimbursed
for the dollar amount by the party providing the gaming data.
[0056] In a further embodiment, a set of stored results can be
stored on a computer readable storage, such as a CD-ROM. The CD-ROM
can also store the software required to view the results. Thus, a
patron can purchase a CD-ROM for a dollar amount, give an optional
win cap (or just request a predetermined number of plays), and
receive a CD-ROM which may have a dollar value based on the
results. The patron may also choose which slot games he or she
wishes to view. There should preferably be no playing discretion
once the player has possession of the CD-ROM, so that the final
value of the CD-ROM should match the value stored on the host
computer. Sometimes slot games comprise a bonus round with player
decisions (such as picking random items on screen), in this case
the computer should automatically pick the random items for the
player (these picks are pre-stored like the game results
themselves.) In the alternative, in a less preferred embodiment
player discretion and decisions can be allowed, which may affect
the final value of the CD-ROM.
[0057] Further, multiple types of slot machines can be used if the
slot machines have the same payout structure and receive the same
inputs. For example, many different slot machines exist, but they
are basically all variants of the same basic machine but for
different symbols being used. If different machines can read the
same inputs and produce identical payouts, then the player viewing
the set of results is free to choose different slot machines to
play, as the final value of the set of results would not
change.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating how game results and
software can be stored on a storage medium, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] A source computer 600 is comparable to the source computer
from FIG. 1. The results storage 602 also serves the same purpose
as the results storage from FIG. 1. The results storage is copied
to a computer readable storage 604 (such as a CD-ROM). A user can
then play the storage 604 in a home computer 606. The storage 604
can contain the data as well as the software required for
viewing.
[0060] Using a home computer and a CD-ROM can provide an enjoyable
multimedia experience, as slot machines can be emulated to closely
resemble their real live counterparts in the casinos. The CD-ROM
preferably has an unique identification associated it and
preferably printed on the surface for easy identification if the
patron wants to cash in or inquire about the particular result set.
Alternatively, the identification number can not be printed on the
CD-ROM but written on the CD-ROM itself for greater security. For
even greater security, the identification number can be encrypted.
When finished viewing all of the results, the patron can receive
his or her awards based on the identification.
[0061] A CD-ROM (or any other storage as described herein) can also
be used to store game results with non-monetary prizes, such as a
free room, a free show ticket, etc. A casino may wish to mail (or
provide at check in or check out) such a CD-ROM so that a player
can enjoy viewing slots even after he or she has left the casino
hotel and still win prizes. With this method, there is no worry
that a player can hack into the system and rig the game to provide
himself with awards, nor does the player need to be connected to
the Internet.
[0062] The set of gaming results can be generated and stored in
numerous ways. For a slot game with a non-weighted reel, a simple
random number can be used to determine which symbol on a reel the
machine stops at. This can be done three times, one time for each
reel. Table I represent a sample set of gaming result data for 5
spins.
1TABLE I Spin # Symbol1 Symbol2 Symbol3 1 7 blank cherry 2 blank
blank blank 3 blank bar 7 4 blank blank blank 5 bar bar bar
[0063] In addition to the data in Table I, a payout amount for each
spin result can also be included, or this can be calculated by the
viewer after each spin from a paytable. Alternatively, instead of
storing the result for each reel, one number can be stored for each
spin which represents a combination of 3 symbols. While the result
data can be encrypted or otherwise maintained securely, this is
typically not necessary, as the original data stored on the source
computer (which should be kept secure) is used to verify any
winnings.
[0064] Of course, more complicated methods to generate spin results
can be used in accordance with what is known in the prior art, such
as weighted reels, etc. A viewer can be designed to closely emulate
slot games current appearing in casinos.
[0065] A telephone system can also be used to verify winnings from
such a viewing system. A user can call a special number and
indicate his or her game result set by punching or speaking the ID
code. The user can then be presented with the value of the game
result set. If the value is greater than zero, the user may request
that the money be sent to his or her address or paid in another
manner. Alternatively, the user may be required to collect the
dollar amount in person. Typically, the entity providing the set of
results (i.e. a casino) should be accountable for paying winnings
to the viewer, whether monetary or non-monetary. Further, the
Internet can be used to request winnings, where the identification
number of the result set (this may be printed on the CD-ROM or
viewer itself) can be transmitted to the accounting party, which
can then pay the amount electronically or physically.
[0066] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, such a
portable viewing device can be provided to a user free of charge as
a promotion or incentive. For example, a casino may wish to mail
such a viewer (or a CD-ROM as described above) to a selected
patron, or a casino may provide such a viewing device to a patron
at check-in. Of course, the casino can choose the value of each
device (i.e. how many spins and how much each spin is worth, for
example 50 spins at 0.25 each).
[0067] Further, such a viewing device may award non-monetary
prizes. For example, a slot machine (or other game) can be used to
award free nights, free meals, show tickets, etc. Since the results
are pre-stored, there is no concern for a player hacking into the
device to fix the results.
[0068] It is also noted that any and/or all of the above
embodiments, configurations, variations of the present invention
described above can mixed and matched and used in any combination
with one another. Any claim herein can be combined with any others
(unless the results are nonsensical). Further, any mathematical
formula given above also includes its mathematical equivalents, and
also variations thereof such as multiplying any of the individual
terms of a formula by a constant(s) or other variable.
[0069] Moreover, any description of a component or embodiment
herein also includes hardware, software, and configurations which
already exist in the prior art and may be necessary to the
operation of such component(s) or embodiment(s).
[0070] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will
readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to
limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
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