U.S. patent application number 11/746751 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-13 for methods, systems and apparatus for facilitating cashout options at a gaming device.
This patent application is currently assigned to WALKER DIGITAL, LLC. Invention is credited to Gregory M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Jay S. Walker.
Application Number | 20070213124 11/746751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38479626 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070213124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Jay S. ; et
al. |
September 13, 2007 |
METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING CASHOUT OPTIONS AT
A GAMING DEVICE
Abstract
An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request for
a cashout of a balance from a player. In response to receiving the
cashout request, at least one benefit to offer is determined based
upon the balance. A value of the benefit is greater than the
cashout amount. An offer is provided to the player, which the
player may accept in lieu of the cashout amount. In some
embodiments, the player may accept the offer in lieu of a portion
of the cashout amount or in addition to the cashout amount.
Inventors: |
Walker; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch; James A.; (New York, NY) ;
Tedesco; Robert C.; (Fairfield, CT) ; Tulley; Stephen
C.; (Monroe, CT) ; Gelman; Gregory M.;
(Brooklyn, NY) ; Tedesco; Daniel E.; (Huntington,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Assignee: |
WALKER DIGITAL, LLC
Stamford
CT
|
Family ID: |
38479626 |
Appl. No.: |
11/746751 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US05/11747 |
Apr 7, 2005 |
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11746751 |
May 10, 2007 |
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60560314 |
Apr 7, 2004 |
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60581085 |
Jun 18, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. An apparatus comprising: a substrate redeemable for a payout
for a wagering game, the substrate comprising: a first indicia of a
plurality of offers, the offers comprising: a payout offer of a
first amount of currency corresponding to a credit meter balance of
a player; at least one enrollment offer comprising an offer of a
first benefit in exchange for an agreement by the player to apply
for or enroll in a product or service account; and at least one
credit offer comprising an offer of a first credit for a product or
service; and a second indicia that a player is permitted to select
at least one of the plurality of offers, the selection of the offer
comprising: an acceptance of the offer selected; and a rejection of
the offers not selected.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first benefit is a
second amount of currency, the second amount of currency being
greater than the first amount of currency.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one credit
offer comprises a plurality of credit offers, wherein each first
credit is for a different amount wherein each first credit is for a
different product or service.
29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one credit
offer further comprises a sub-offer for a second credit in exchange
for an agreement by the player to apply for or enroll in a product
or service account.
30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein each second credit is an
integer multiple of the respective first credit.
31. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the agreement by the player
to apply for or enroll in a product or service account comprises an
agreement by the player to apply for a credit card.
32. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the payout comprises at
least one cashless gaming receipt.
33. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the cashless gaming receipt
includes the first and second indicia.
34. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the substrate is adapted to
be redeemed at a redemption kiosk.
35. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the substrate is redeemable
at a redemption kiosk.
36. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the substrate is configured
to be generated in response to selection of the plurality of cash
out options from a database.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the selection is capable of
being performed by a server in communication with the gaming
device.
38. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein information regarding the
first and second indicia is stored in an electronic account
associated with the player.
39. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the electronic account is
associated with a player tracking card.
40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the player tracking card
includes indicia operable to facilitate access to the electronic
account.
41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the indicia comprise
electronic memory operable to store information relating to the
electronic account.
42. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the indicia comprise a
magnetic strip operable to store information relating to the
electronic account.
43. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers is at least partially based on an amount of the
credit meter balance.
44. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers is at least partially based on a player's
preferences.
45. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers is at least partially based on a player's
gaming habits.
46. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers is at least partially based on a plurality of
factors, each factor being associated with at least one of a
player, the wagering game, a gaming device, or a wagering game
location, wherein at least one factor is weighted more heavily than
another.
47. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers expires after a predetermined time.
48. An apparatus comprising: a gaming device operable to facilitate
a wagering game and configured to generate a substrate, the
substrate comprising: a first indicia of a plurality of offers, the
offers comprising: a payout offer of a first amount of currency
corresponding to a credit meter balance of a player; at least one
enrollment offer comprising an offer of a first benefit in exchange
for an agreement by the player to apply for or enroll in a product
or service account; and at least one credit offer comprising an
offer of a first credit for a product or service; and a second
indicia that a player is permitted to select at least one of the
plurality of offers, the selection of the offer comprising: an
acceptance of the offer selected; and a rejection of the offers not
selected.
49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first benefit is a
second amount of currency, the second amount of currency being
greater than the first amount of currency.
50. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one credit
offer comprises a plurality of credit offers, wherein each first
credit is for a different amount wherein each first credit is for a
different product or service.
51. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one credit
offer further comprises a sub-offer for a second credit in exchange
for an agreement by the player to apply for or enroll in a product
or service account.
52. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein each second credit is an
integer multiple of the respective first credit.
53. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the agreement by the player
to apply for or enroll in a product or service account comprises an
agreement by the player to apply for a credit card.
54. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the payout comprises at
least one cashless gaming receipt.
55. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the cashless gaming receipt
includes the first and second indicia.
56. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the substrate is adapted to
be redeemed at a redemption kiosk.
57. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the substrate is redeemable
at a redemption kiosk.
58. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the substrate is configured
to be generated in response to selection of the plurality of cash
out options from a database.
59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the selection is capable of
being performed by a server in communication with the gaming
device.
60. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein information regarding the
first and second indicia is stored in an electronic account
associated with the player.
61. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the electronic account is
associated with a player tracking card.
62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the player tracking card
includes indicia operable to facilitate access to the electronic
account.
63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the indicia comprise
electronic memory operable to store information relating to the
electronic account.
64. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the indicia comprise a
magnetic strip operable to store information relating to the
electronic account.
65. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers is at least partially based on an amount of the
credit meter balance.
66. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers is at least partially based on a player's
preferences.
67. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers is at least partially based on a player's
gaming habits.
68. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers is at least partially based on a plurality of
factors, each factor being associated with at least one of a
player, the wagering game, a gaming device, or a wagering game
location, wherein at least one factor is weighted more heavily than
another.
69. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein at least one of the
plurality of offers expires after a predetermined time.
70. A system comprising: a processor; and a gaming device operable
to facilitate a wagering game, in communication with the processor,
and configured to generate a substrate, the substrate comprising: a
first indicia of a plurality of offers, the offers comprising: a
payout offer of a first amount of currency corresponding to a
credit meter balance of a player; at least one enrollment offer
comprising an offer of a first benefit in exchange for an agreement
by the player to apply for or enroll in a product or service
account; and at least one credit offer comprising an offer of a
first credit for a product or service; and a second indicia that a
player is permitted to select at least one of the plurality of
offers, the selection of the offer comprising: an acceptance of the
offer selected; and a rejection of the offers not selected.
71. An apparatus comprising: a cashless gaming receipt for a
wagering game comprising: a first indicia of a plurality of offers,
the offers comprising: a payout offer of a first amount of currency
corresponding to a credit meter balance of a player; at least one
enrollment offer comprising an offer of a first benefit in exchange
for an agreement by the player to apply for a credit card; and a
plurality of credit offers, each credit offer comprising an offer
of a first credit for a product or service, each of said first
credits being different from each other; and a second indicia that
a player is permitted to select at least one of the payout offer,
the enrollment offer, or one of the plurality of credit offers, the
selection of the offer comprising: an acceptance of the offer
selected; and a rejection of the offers not selected.
72. An apparatus comprising: a gaming device configured to
facilitate a wagering game, and further configured to generate a
cashless gaming receipt comprising: a first indicia of a plurality
of offers, the offers comprising: a payout offer of a first amount
of currency corresponding to a credit meter balance of a player; at
least one enrollment offer comprising an offer of a first benefit
in exchange for an agreement by the player to apply for a credit
card; and a plurality of credit offers, each credit offer
comprising an offer of a first credit for a product or service,
each of said first credits being different from each other; and a
second indicia that a player is permitted to select at least one of
the payout offer, the enrollment offer, or one of the plurality of
credit offers, the selection of the offer comprising: an acceptance
of the offer selected; and a rejection of the offers not
selected.
73. A system comprising: a processor; and a gaming device
configured to facilitate a wagering game, in communication with the
processor, and further configured to generate a cashless gaming
receipt comprising: a first indicia of a plurality of offers, the
offers comprising: a payout offer of a first amount of currency
corresponding to a credit meter balance of a player; at least one
enrollment offer comprising an offer of a first benefit in exchange
for an agreement by the player to apply for a credit card; and a
plurality of credit offers, each credit offer comprising an offer
of a first credit for a product or service, each of said first
credits being different from each other; and a second indicia that
a player is permitted to select at least one of the payout offer,
the enrollment offer, or one of the plurality of credit offers, the
selection of the offer comprising: an acceptance of the offer
selected; and a rejection of the offers not selected.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of (i) U.S.
provisional Patent Application No. 60/560,314, entitled "Method,
System and Apparatus for Providing Gaming Device Cashout Options,"
filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and (ii) U.S. provisional Patent Application
No. 60/581,085, entitled "Apparatus, Systems and Methods for
Facilitating Alternate Gaming Device Payments," filed on Jun. 18,
2004.
[0002] The present application also claims priority to
earlier-filed PCT Application No. WO US2005/002233, entitled
"Products and Process for Cashless Gaming," filed on Jan. 20,
2005.
[0003] The entirety of each of the above applications is
incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system overview according
to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example gaming device
according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating an example redemption kiosk
according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0007] FIGS. 4A-B are tables illustrating exemplary data structures
of an offer determination database according to various embodiments
of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a player database according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of an offer criteria hierarchy database according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0010] FIGS. 7A-B are tables illustrating exemplary data structures
of an offer type database according to various embodiments of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of an offer value database according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a number of cashout receipts database according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 10 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a cashout receipt database according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 11 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a sponsor offer database according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 12A-B are together an illustration of a cashout
receipt according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a cashout receipt according to
some embodiments of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a cashout receipt according to
some embodiments of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a cashout receipt according to
some embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 16 is an illustration of a meta-game panel of a cashout
receipt according to some embodiments of the present invention;
and
[0020] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary process steps
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part of the present disclosure,
and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments of the invention. 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, electrical
and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the present invention. The present disclosure is, therefore, not to
be taken in a limiting sense. The present disclosure is neither a
literal description of all embodiments of the invention nor a
listing of features of the invention that must be present in all
embodiments.
[0022] Numerous embodiments are described in this patent
application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The
described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense.
The invention is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is
readily apparent from the disclosure herein. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced with
various modifications and alterations. Although particular features
of the present invention may be described with reference to one or
more particular embodiments or figures, it should be understood
that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more
particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are
described.
[0023] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the
embodiment", "the embodiments", "an embodiment", "some
embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the present invention(s)" unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0024] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0025] The term "consisting of" and variations thereof mean
"including and limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0026] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or
all of the items are mutually exclusive. The enumerated listing of
items does not imply that any or all of the items are collectively
exhaustive of anything, unless expressly specified otherwise. The
enumerated listing of items does not imply that the items are
ordered in any manner according to the order in which they are
enumerated.
[0027] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0028] The methods described herein (regardless of whether they are
referred to as methods, processes, algorithms, calculations, and
the like) inherently include one or more steps. Therefore, all
references to a "step" or "steps" of such a method have antecedent
basis in the mere recitation of the term `method` or a like term.
Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a `step` or `steps` of a
method is deemed to have sufficient antecedent basis.
[0029] Headings of sections provided in this patent application and
the title of this patent application are for convenience only, and
are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.
[0030] Devices that are in communication with each other need not
be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly
specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication
with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one
or more intermediaries.
[0031] A description of an embodiment with several components in
communication with each other does not imply that all such
components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional
components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or
the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes,
methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate
orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be
described in this patent application does not, in and of itself,
indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order.
The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any
order practical. Further, some steps may be performed
simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring
non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the
other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its
depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process
is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does
not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are
necessary to the invention, and does not imply that the illustrated
process is preferred.
[0033] It will be readily apparent that the various methods and
algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,
appropriately programmed general purpose computers and computing
devices. Typically a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) will
receive instructions from a memory or like device, and execute
those instructions, thereby performing a process defined by those
instructions. Further, programs that implement such methods and
algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety of known
media.
[0034] When a single device or article is described herein, it will
be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or
not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single
device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is
described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be
readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place
of the more than one device or article.
[0035] The functionality and/or the features of a device may be
alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not
explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus,
other embodiments of the present invention need not include the
device itself.
[0036] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions)
that may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such
a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to,
non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.
Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks
and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random
access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory.
Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber
optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to
the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic
waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those
generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data
communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,
for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic
tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical
medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with
patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any
other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0037] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying sequences of instructions to a processor. For example,
sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a
processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium,
and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats,
standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, TDMA, CDMA, 3G.
[0038] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, (ii) other
memory structures besides databases may be readily employed. Any
schematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of any sample
databases presented herein are illustrative arrangements for stored
representations of information. Any number of other arrangements
may be employed besides those suggested by the tables shown.
Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases represent
exemplary information only; those skilled in the art will
understand that the number and content of the entries can be
different from those illustrated herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement the processes of the present
invention. In addition, the databases may, in a known manner, be
stored locally or remotely from a device that accesses data in such
a database.
Definitions
[0039] The following terms are defined as indicated below, unless
explicitly described otherwise:
[0040] Gaming device: electrical or mechanical device that accepts
wagers on game outcomes, determines or receives outcomes of the
game, and dispenses and/or obtains winnings based upon the
outcomes. The outcome may be random, based on player skill, or a
combination of both randomness and player skill. The gaming device
may comprise, for example, a slot machine, a video poker machine, a
video blackjack machine, a video keno machine, a video lottery
machine, a pachinko machine, a table-top game, a personal computer
(e.g., which communicates with an online casino/gaming device
operator Web site), a telephone (e.g., to communicate with an
automated sports book that provides gaming services), or a portable
handheld gaming device (e.g., a PDA) or the like. The gaming device
may comprise any or all of the gaming devices of the aforementioned
systems. In some embodiments, a user device such as a PDA or cell
phone may be used in place of, or in addition to, some or all of
the gaming device components.
[0041] Controller, Central Controller, Slot Server, Server: One or
more electronic devices (e.g., a computer, two distinct servers)
that communicates with one or more gaming devices. A controller may
manage, direct or otherwise affect the actions of gaming devices,
such as by providing a random number to a gaming device, by reading
data about a player playing a gaming device. A controller may also
contain or otherwise be configured to read data from (or cause data
to be read from) and/or write data to (or cause data to be written
to) one or more (local or remote) databases regarding, among other
things, (i) data associated with a particular cashout receipt,
cashless gaming ticket or coupon, (ii) player data, (iii) payout
data, (iv) probability data, etc.
[0042] Wager: a bet on the outcome of a game, where the game may be
one of skill, randomness or a combination of both skill and
randomness.
[0043] Game: A wagering activity whereby a player posts
consideration, usually monetary in form, in exchange for a chance
at winning a payout (which is typically a monetary payout). The
game may comprise one event, a sequence/series of events or a
combination of successive events. The definition is intended to
include basic games and bonus games.
[0044] Currency: any form of consideration accepted by the gaming
device operator, including cash, electronic funds, tokens,
vouchers, receipts, chips, tickets or credits that may be exchanged
for cash or cash equivalents. Currency is accepted by the gaming
device in exchange for a credit balance that may be used for game
wagers. Alternatively, currency may include benefits of varying
value.
[0045] Payout: an amount due to a player based upon a combination
of the game wager and outcome of the game.
[0046] Cashout or Cash out: a process by which a player is provided
with payment from the gaming device. Payment may be made in
currency, benefits or other options presented to the player.
[0047] Cashout amount: an amount of currency a player receives as
payment from a gaming device. The payment may be based on the
credit balance associated with the gaming device.
[0048] Credit balance or Balance: an indication of the amount of
currency due to the player at the present time.
[0049] Player: an individual, group of individuals, organization or
party.
[0050] Offer: a proposal put forward to a player for either
acceptance or rejection, or counter-offer.
[0051] Benefit: a value or alternate payment associated with an
offer provided to a player upon acceptance of the offer.
[0052] Bonus round or bonus game: an additional game wherein a
player may make an additional wager or receive an outcome based
upon the original game wager.
[0053] Meta-game: A meta-game may enable a receipt recipient to
attain a benefit without wagering any additional credits or
currency. In some embodiments, a player may attain a benefit
associated with a meta-game in addition to attaining (i) currency
associated with a receipt, or (ii) a benefit associated with an
offer. For example, a player may (i) attain a cash payout from
winning a meta-game, and (ii) exchange a cashout ticket for
currency at a casino cage. In other embodiments, a player must
forfeit a cashout ticket and/or offer strip to play a meta-game
(i.e., a meta-game entry is an alternate payout offer).
[0054] Indicium/Indicia (associated with play of a gaming device):
one or more indicia that may be input to a gaming device in order
to instruct the gaming device to perform a function. The indicia
may be in tangible form, such as a plastic card having a player
tracking identifier stored thereon or a paper cashout receipt. The
indicia may also be intangible in form, such as a code that may be
typed into a keypad or touchscreen of a gaming device. For example,
an indicium comprising a cashout receipt may be input into a ticket
reader component of a gaming device in order to instruct the gaming
device to perform functions such as (i) confirming the validity of
the receipt (e.g., based on an identifier printed on the receipt),
(ii) determining a value associated with the receipt, and/or (iii)
setting a credit meter balance of the gaming device to reflect an
amount of credits, the amount being based on a value of the
receipt. Examples of indicia associated with play of a gaming
device include, but are not limited to, a primary wagering
instrument, a supplemental wagering instrument, a cashout receipt
and an offer panel (each of which is described in detail
below).
[0055] Primary wagering instrument: an instrument associated with
an amount of currency that may be available or that may be made
available for wagering, wherein the amount of currency is
recognizable by a device such as a gaming device upon the primary
wagering instrument being input into the device. Examples of a
primary wagering instrument include, but are not limited to, a
cashout receipt or cashout ticket, a player tracking card or other
account identifier (e.g., a credit or debit card), a smart card, a
casino token, and currency in the form of coins and bills.
[0056] Supplemental wagering instrument: an instrument associated
with an instruction to (i) modify the amount of currency associated
with a primary wagering instrument and/or (ii) make an amount of
currency available for wagering, the amount of currency to be made
available being based on at least one other wagering instrument
along with which the supplemental wagering instrument is redeemed.
One example of a supplemental wagering instrument is an offer
panel, which is defined below. Such an offer panel may have printed
or otherwise stored thereon, for example, an indication of an
instruction to double, up to a $10 value, an amount of credits
associated with a cash-out ticket along with which the offer panel
is redeemed.
[0057] Receipt, Cash-Out receipt, or Cashout receipt: a substrate
(e.g., a small piece of paper, player tracking card, etc.) that may
be output and/or received by a device such as a gaming device
(e.g., via a "ticket-in/ticket-out" slot of a gaming device or its
peripheral) and that is redeemable for currency or another benefit
(or a combination of cash and a benefit) and/or may be used for
wagering purposes. A receipt may be issued by a game or gaming
device, or as a result of a communication from a game or gaming
device to associated equipment. A receipt may be associated with a
value that is based on a credit meter balance of a gaming device at
the time a player requests to cash out the balance and is issued
the receipt. A cashout receipt may comprise indicia, including (i)
machine-readable indicia (e.g., a bar code) or other
machine-readable substance (e.g., magnetically encoded material)
and/or (ii) an identifier (e.g., a unique series of numeric digits
or alphanumeric characters). In one or more embodiments,
machine-readable indicia may indicate an identifier (e.g., a
printed barcode encodes a receipt identifier). In one embodiment, a
database stored at a central location (e.g., a server operable to
communicate with one or more gaming devices, one or more casino
attendant terminals and/or other devices) may store records of
issued cash-out receipts, each record correlating an identifier of
a cash-out receipt to a value. A cash-out receipt may entitle its
bearer (or a specified person) to an amount of credits or currency
equal to an indicated face value or to an amount based on an
indicated face value. A cashout receipt may include a plurality of
panels or sheets that may or not be severable from one another.
[0058] In one embodiment, a cashout receipt may further comprise
one or more offer panels (which is described below)
[0059] Redeem: exchange directly or indirectly. For example, a
receipt bearing an offer for a credit at the steakhouse for $20 may
be exchanged directly at the steakhouse for the $20 credit or may
be exchanged at another device (e.g., a kiosk) for a voucher that
may be applied at the steakhouse for a $20 credit.
[0060] Player Tracking Card: Most casinos issue plastic cards
(resembling frequent shopper cards) to players as a way of
identifying the player at a slot machine or table game. As is well
known in the art, such cards typically have encoded thereon (in
machine-readable and/or human readable form) a player identifier
(e.g., a six digit number) that uniquely identifies the player
(e.g., because the number is associated with a record in a player
database that includes corresponding player information). At a slot
machine, the player inserts the card into a reader device and the
player identifier is read from the card, most often magnetically or
optically. From the player identifier, which the reader device
reads, the corresponding player information may in turn be read
from the database, typically via a network connection between the
reader device and a device hosting the database.
[0061] Offer Panel: a substrate that may be output and/or received
by a device such as a gaming device or kiosk (e.g., via a
"ticket-in/ticket-out" slot of a gaming device, kiosk or a
peripheral device associated therewith) and that is associated with
a benefit to be provided upon the offer panel being redeemed.
[0062] An offer panel may be issued by a game or gaming device or
kiosk, or as a result of a communication from a game, gaming device
or kiosk to associated equipment. An offer panel may be provided to
a player substantially at the time it is issued (e.g., a gaming
device or kiosk may print and output an offer panel; upon a player
cashing out a credit meter balance. In one embodiment, an offer
panel may be issued in conjunction with a cashout receipt. In some
embodiments, an offer panel may be a portion of a cashout receipt.
In one embodiment, an offer panel is issued to a specific player
and may even be associated with a particular player identifier
(e.g., a player identifier may be printed on the offer panel and/or
a player identifier may be associated in a record of a database
with an identifier identifying the offer panel). In another
embodiment, an offer panel may not be issued to a specific player
and/or may not be associated with a specific player (e.g., a
particular offer panel may be printed and output to a particular
player but may be a bearer instrument in the sense that another
player may subsequently obtain and redeem the offer panel in
accordance with any redemption conditions associated with the offer
panel).
[0063] In one embodiment, the benefit associated with an offer
panel is an alteration of a value of a parameter (e.g., a parameter
of another ticket, a parameter of a gaming device, etc.). For
example, an offer panel may indicate: "Insert along with any
cashless gaming receipt valued between $25 and $100 to receive five
bonus spins." Such an indication may be in machine and/or human
readable format, such that it may be read by (i) the bearer of the
offer panel (e.g., as per text printed on the offer panel), and/or
(ii) a gaming device into which the offer panel has been inserted
(e.g., as per machine-readable indicia ). Thus, in some
embodiments, an offer panel may be said to have no intrinsic value
- its value may only be realized when used in combination with a
receipt.
[0064] In some embodiments, as will be described below, the benefit
and/or value of the benefit associated with an offer panel may be
based on a value or other parameter of the other ticket along with
which the offer panel is redeemed (e.g., the offer panel may define
a benefit of a 10% increase in the value of a cash-out ticket along
with which it is redeemed).
EXAMPLES OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0065] FIG. 1 depicts a system overview of an embodiment of the
present invention. A system 100 includes a central controller 108
connected to a redemption kiosk 102 and a gaming device 110.
[0066] FIG. 2 depicts a gaming device 200 according to some
embodiments of the present invention. A gaming device 200 comprises
a clock 202, comm. port 204, memory 206, output devices 208,
processor 210, input devices 212, a program 214 and at least one
database 216.
[0067] FIG. 3 depicts a kiosk 300 according to some embodiments of
the present invention. Kiosk 300 comprises a clock 302, comm. port
304, memory 306, output devices 308, processor 230, input devices
312, a program 314 and at least one database 316.
[0068] FIG. 4A depicts a cashout amount offer determination
database 400 according to some embodiments of the present
invention. The database includes data structures indicating a
cashout amount column 402, offer type column 404, and an offer
identifier column 406. FIG. 4B depicts a date/time offer
determination database 450 according to some embodiments of the
present invention. The database includes a date/time column 452,
offer type column 454 and an offer identifier column 456.
[0069] FIG. 5 depicts and exemplary player database 500 containing
data structures indicating a player identifier column 502, name
column 504, address column 506, preferred offers column 508, offers
selected column 510 and offers redeemed column 512.
[0070] FIG. 6 depicts an offer criteria hierarchy database 600
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
database contains data structures indicating rank column 602,
factors column 604 and satisfying condition column 606.
[0071] FIG. 7A depicts an embodiment an offer type database 700
including data structures indicating an offer type column 702,
offer identifier column 704 and an offer description column 706.
FIG. 7B depicts another embodiment of an offer type database 750
including data structures indicating an offer type column 752,
offer identifier column 754 and an offer description column
756.
[0072] FIG. 8 depicts an offer value database 800 according to some
embodiments of the present invention, including data structures
indicating an offer identifier column 802, offer type column 804,
offer value column 806, minimum value column 808 and maximum value
column 810.
[0073] FIG. 9 depicts a number of cashout receipts database 900
according to some embodiments of the present invention, including
data structures indicating a cashout amount column 902, number of
cashout receipts column 904, first receipt value column 906, second
receipt value column 908 and third receipt value column 910.
[0074] FIG. 10 depicts a cashout receipt database 1000 according to
some embodiments of the present invention, including data
structures indicating a receipt identifier column 1002, cash value
column 1004, player identifier column 1006, time/date output column
10008, offer identifier column 1010, redeemed column 1012, and
expired column 1014.
[0075] FIG. 11 depicts a sponsor offer database 1100 according to
some embodiments of the present invention. The database includes
data structures indicating a sponsor identifier column 1102 and a
bounty value column 1104.
[0076] FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary cashout receipt 1200 and an
offer panel 1250. The offer panel 1250 provides a first offer 1252
and a second offer 1254. FIG. 12B depicts an offer panel providing
a third offer 1256 and a fourth offer 1258.
[0077] FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of a cashout receipt 1300 and
indicia indicating a redemption value 1302 and a benefit value
1304.
[0078] FIG. 14 depicts and embodiment of an offer panel. The offer
panel contains a first selection area 1402 and a second selection
area 1404 for player indication, selection or acceptance of an
offer.
[0079] FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of a cashout receipt 1500 and
indicia indicating a redemption value 1502 and an offer 1504. A
first offer 1506 and a second offer 1508 are also provided.
[0080] FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of a cashout receipt meta-game
panel 1600 indicating both a meta-game outcome 1602 and a pay table
1604.
[0081] FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart of one embodiment of the method
1700 of the present invention. The process steps include
determining a cashout amount 1710, determining at least one offer
1720, outputting a cashout receipt and at least one offer 1730,
receiving a cashout receipt 1740, determining at least one accepted
offer 1750 and providing a benefit associated with the offer
1760.
[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, a gaming
device may be configured to receive or accept currency, adjust a
balance associated with a gaming device by an amount of currency
received, receive a game wager, determine or receive an outcome of
a game, adjust a balance associated with a gaming device by a
payout based on an outcome, receive a request for a cashout from a
player, determine at least one benefit, and provide at least one
offer to a patron/player. In some embodiments, an offer may be
provided as indicia corresponding to a plurality of values where
indicia may be provided visually (e.g., on a monitor), aurally
(e.g., presented via a speaker) and/or in a hard copy (e.g., a
receipt, ticket or card). One of ordinary skill will recognize a
player to be one example of a patron. Various embodiments of a
player include casino patrons, customers, recipients, etc.
[0083] It is envisioned that a value of a benefit of an offer may
be greater than a cashout amount at the time a cashout request is
received. Further, it is envisioned that in some embodiments, in
response to a request for a cashout a player may be provided with
indicia corresponding to a plurality of values. In other
embodiments, in response to a request for a cashout, a player may
be provided with an indicium corresponding to one or more values.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a receipt is
one example of an indicium corresponding to a plurality of values.
However, various embodiments of indicia corresponding to a
plurality of values include, but are not limited to, primary
wagering instruments, supplemental wagering instruments, receipts,
records, vouchers, cashout receipts, cashout strips, cashout
tickets, cashout offers, cashout panels, offer panels, alternate
payment offers, tickets, strips, panels, computer-readable indicia
(e.g., barcodes, smartcards, etc.), codes (e.g., personal
identification numbers, database identifiers, etc.), magnetic
stripes (e.g., credit cards, player tracking cards, etc.) and
optical media (e.g., compact discs, digital video discs, wavelength
encoded information. etc.).
General System Overview
[0084] The present invention may be configured to work in a network
environment including a computer (e.g., a casino server) that is in
communication, via a communications network, with one or more
devices, such as gaming devices (e.g., slot machines, video poker
machines), kiosks, casino personnel devices, merchant point-of-sale
(POS) terminals, component devices (e.g., display screens),
peripheral devices (e.g., card readers) and so on. The computer may
communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via a wired or
wireless medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token
Ring, or via any appropriate communications means or combination of
communications means. Each of the devices may comprise computers,
such as those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processor, that
are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any number and type
of devices may be in communication with the computer. Communication
between the devices and the computer, and among the devices, may be
direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a Web site
maintained by computer on a remote server or over an online data
network including commercial online service providers, bulletin
board systems and the like. In yet other embodiments, the devices
may communicate with one another and/or the computer over RF, cable
TV, satellite links and the like.
[0085] Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may
comprise the network or be otherwise part of the system include: a
local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet,
a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical
communications line, and a satellite communications link. A variety
of communications protocols may be part of the system, including
but not limited to: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, SAS.TM., ATP,
Bluetooth.TM., and TCP/IP. Further, in some embodiments, various
communications protocols endorsed by the Gaming Standards
Association of Fremont, Calif., may be utilized, such as (i) the
Gaming Device Standard (GDS), which may facilitate communication
between a gaming device and various component devices and/or
peripheral devices (e.g., printers, bill acceptors, etc.), (ii) the
Best of Breed (BOB) standard, which may facilitate communication
between a gaming device and various servers related to play of one
or more gaming devices (e.g., servers that assist in providing
accounting, player tracking, ticket-in/ticket-out and progressive
jackpot functionality), and/or (iii) the System-to-System (S2S)
standard, which may facilitate communication between game-related
servers and/or casino property management servers (e.g., a hotel
server comprising one or more databases that store information
about booking and reservations). Communication may be encrypted to
ensure privacy and prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well
known in the art.
[0086] 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 may not transmit data to the other
device for weeks at a time. In one embodiment, a server computer
may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present
invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a
stand-alone gaming device and/or a gaming device in communication
only with one or more other gaming devices. In such an embodiment,
any functions described as performed by the computer or data
described as stored on the computer may instead be performed by or
stored on one or more gaming devices.
Gaming Device
[0087] The gaming device may be implemented as a system controller,
a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed
general-purpose computer, or any other equivalent electronic,
mechanical or electromechanical device. The gaming device may
comprise, for example, a slot machine, a video poker machine, a
video blackjack machine, a video keno machine, a video lottery
machine, a pachinko machine or a table-top game. In various
embodiments, a gaming device may comprise, for example, a personal
computer (e.g., which communicates with an online casino Web site),
a telephone (e.g., to communicate with an automated sports book
that provides gaming services), or a portable handheld gaming
device (e.g., a PDA). The gaming device may comprise any or all of
the gaming devices of the aforementioned systems. In some
embodiments, a user device such as a PDA or cell phone may be used
in place of, or in addition to, some or all of the gaming device
components. Further, a gaming device may comprise a personal
computer or other device operable to communicate with an online
casino and facilitate game play at the online casino. In one or
more embodiments, the gaming device may comprise a computing device
operable to execute software that simulates play of a reeled slot
machine game, video poker game, video blackjack game, video keno
game, video roulette game, or lottery game.
[0088] The gaming device comprises a processor, such as one or more
Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. The processor is operable to
communicate with a random number generator, which may be a
component of the gaming device. The random number generator, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention,
may generate data representing random or pseudo-random values
(referred to as "random numbers" herein). The random number
generator may generate a random number, for example, every
predetermined unit of time (e.g., every thousandth of a second) or
in response to an initiation of a game on the gaming device. In the
former embodiment, the generated random numbers may be used as they
are generated (e.g., the random number generated at substantially
the time of game initiation is used for that game) and/or stored
for future use. A random number generated by the random number
generator may be used by the processor to determine, for example,
at least one of an outcome and payout. A random number generator,
as used herein, may be embodied as a processor separate from but
working in cooperation with the processor. Alternatively, the
random number generator may be embodied as an algorithm, program
component, or software stored in the memory of the gaming device
and used to generate a random number. Note that, although the
generation or obtainment of a random number is described herein as
involving a random number generator of a gaming device, other
methods of determining a random number may be employed. For
example, a gaming device owner or operator may obtain sets of
random numbers that have been generated by another entity.
HotBits.TM., for example, is a service that provides random numbers
that have been generated by timing successive pairs of radioactive
decays detected by a Geiger-Muller tube interfaced to a computer. A
blower mechanism that uses physical balls with numbers thereon may
be used to determine a random number by randomly selecting one of
the balls and determining the number thereof.
[0089] Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art, a random number generator may be stored in a device
other than a gaming device. For example, in some embodiments, a
gaming device may receive random numbers and/or any other data
related to the random or pseudo-random determination of an outcome
from a separate device, such as a server. It should be noted that
such embodiments may be advantageous in environments or
jurisdictions wherein the "central determination" of outcomes is
required by regulation or otherwise preferred.
[0090] The processor may also be operable to communicate (e.g., via
a protocol such as GDS) with various component devices associated
with the gaming device, including but not limited to currency
output devices, output devices, input devices and/or input/output
devices.
[0091] In some embodiments, a currency output device may be a
component of the gaming device. The currency output device may
comprise one or more devices for outputting currency to a player of
the gaming device. For example, in one embodiment the gaming device
may provide coins and/or tokens as currency. In such an embodiment
the currency output device may comprise a hopper and hopper
controller, for dispensing coins and/or tokens into a coin tray of
the gaming device. In another example, the gaming device may
provide a receipt or other document on which there is printed an
indication of one or more indicium (e.g., a cashless gaming ticket
as is known in the art). In such an embodiment, the currency output
device may comprise a printing and document dispensing mechanism.
In yet another example, the gaming device may provide electronic
credits as currency (which, e.g., may be subsequently converted to
coins and/or tokens and dispensed from a hopper into a coin tray).
In such an embodiment, the currency output device may comprise a
credit meter balance and/or a processor that manages the amount of
electronic credits that is indicated on a display of a credit meter
balance. In yet another example, the gaming device may credit a
monetary amount to a financial account associated with a player.
The financial account may be, for example, a credit card account, a
debit account, a charge account, a checking account, or a casino
account (e.g., an account from which the player may access cashable
and/or non-cashable funds using a player tracking card or smart
card). Further, the gaming device may credit a benefit to an
account, such as a frequent player account, associated with a
player. In such an embodiment the currency output device may
comprise a device for communicating with a server on which the
account is maintained. Note that, in one or more embodiments, the
gaming device may include more than one currency output device. For
example, the gaming device may include both a hopper and hopper
controller combination and a credit meter balance. Such a gaming
device may be operable to provide more than one type of currency to
a player of the gaming device. A single currency output device may
be operable to output more than one type of currency. For example,
a currency output device may be operable to increase the balance of
credits in a credit meter and communicate with a remote device in
order to increase the balance of a financial account associated
with a player.
[0092] The processor may also be operable to communicate with
various output devices. In some embodiments, an output device
comprises a display device. The display device may comprise, for
example, one or more display screens or areas for outputting
information related to game play on the gaming device, such as a
cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD)
screen, or light emitting diode (LED) screen. In one or more
embodiments, a gaming device may comprise more than one display
device. For example, a gaming device may comprise an LCD display
for displaying electronic reels and a display area that displays
rotating mechanical reels. The display device may comprise, for
example, one or more display areas. For example, one of the display
areas (e.g., a primary game screen) may display outcomes of games
played on the gaming device (e.g., electronic reels of a gaming
device). Another of the display areas (e.g., a secondary game
screen) may display rules for playing a game of the gaming device.
Yet another of the display areas may display the currency and/or
benefits obtainable by playing a game of the gaming device (e.g.,
in the form of a payout table).
[0093] The processor may also be in communication with one or more
other output devices besides the display device, for outputting
information (e.g., to a person or another device). Such other one
or more output devices may also be components of a gaming device.
Such other one or more output devices may comprise, for example, an
audio speaker (e.g., for outputting an outcome or information
related thereto, in addition to or in lieu of such information
being output via a display device); headphones; an infra-red
transmitter; a radio transmitter; an electric motor; a printer
(e.g., such as for printing cashless gaming tickets); a dispenser
for outputting pre-printed coupons, tickets or vouchers; an
infra-red port (e.g., for communicating with a second gaming device
or a portable device of a player); one or more universal serial bus
(USB) ports; a Braille computer monitor; and a coin or bill
dispenser. For gaming devices, common output devices include a
cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor on a video poker machine, a bell on
a gaming device (e.g., rings when a player wins), an LED display of
a player's credit balance on a gaming device, an LCD display of a
personal digital assistant (PDA) for displaying keno numbers.
[0094] The processor may also be in communication with one or more
input devices, which may be capable of receiving an input (e.g.,
from a player or another device) and which may be a component of
gaming device. Alternately or additionally, an input device may
communicate with or be part of another device (e.g., a server, a
gaming device, etc.). Some examples of input devices include: a
bar-code scanner, an optical scanner configured to read other
indicia of a voucher or cashless gaming ticket, a CCD camera, a
magnetic stripe reader (e.g., for reading data encoded upon a
player tracking card), a smart card reader (e.g., for reading data
stored upon a smart card), a computer keyboard or keypad, a button,
a handle, a lever, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, an
infrared sensor, a voice recognition module, a coin or bill
acceptor, a sonic ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a motion
detector, a digital camera, a network card, a universal serial bus
(USB) port, a GPS receiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID)
receiver, an RF receiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, an
infrared port (e.g., for receiving communications from a second
gaming device or from a another device such as a smart card or PDA
of a player), and a weight scale. For gaming devices, common input
devices include a button or touch screen on a video poker machine,
a lever or handle connected to the gaming device, a magnetic stripe
reader to read a player tracking card inserted into a gaming
device, a touch screen for input of player selections during game
play, and a coin and bill acceptor.
[0095] The processor may also be in communication with a payment
system, which may be a component of the gaming device. The payment
system is a device capable of accepting currency from a player
(e.g., a wager or initiation of a balance) and/or providing payment
to a player (e.g., a payout). Payment is not limited to money, but
may also include other types of consideration, including products,
services, and alternate currencies. Exemplary methods of accepting
payment by the payment system include (i) receiving hard currency
(i.e. coins or bills), and accordingly the payment system may
comprise a coin or bill acceptor; (ii) receiving an alternate
currency (e.g., a paper cashless gaming ticket, a coupon, a
non-negotiable token), and accordingly the payment system may
comprise a bar code reader or other sensing means; (iii) receiving
a payment identifier (e.g., a credit card number, a debit card
number, a player tracking card number) and debiting the account
identified by the payment identifier; and (iv) determining that a
player has performed a value-added activity (e.g., participating in
surveys, monitoring remote images for security purposes, referring
friends to the casino).
[0096] In some embodiments, a gaming device may comprise components
capable of facilitating both input and output functions (i.e.,
input/output devices). In one example, a touch-sensitive display
screen comprises an input/output device (e.g., the device outputs
graphics and receives selections from players). In another example,
a processor may communicate with a "ticket-in/ticket-out" device
configured to dispense and receive cashless gaming tickets as is
known in the art. Such a device may also assist in (e.g., provide
data so as to facilitate) various accounting functions (e.g.,
ticket validation and redemption). For example, any or all of a
gaming device, kiosk and casino personnel device maintained at a
cashier cage may (i) comprise such a benefit input/output device,
and/or (ii) communicate with a central server that manages the
accounting associated with such ticket-in/ticket-out transactions
(e.g., so as to track the issuance, redemption and expiration of
such vouchers). One example of such ticket-in/ticket-out
technology, the EZ Pay.TM. system, is manufactured by International
Gaming Technology, headquartered in Reno, Nev.
[0097] Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art, a gaming device may comprise various combinations of
such component devices. For example, in one or more embodiments,
the gaming device may include more than one display device, one or
more other output devices, several input devices, and so on (e.g.,
two display screens, two audio speakers, a ticket-in/ticket-out
device and several buttons).
[0098] The processor may also communicate with a memory and a
communications port (e.g., so as to communicate with one or more
other devices). The memory may comprise an appropriate combination
of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include,
for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a
compact disc and/or a hard disk. The memory may comprise or include
any type of computer-readable medium. The processor and the memory
may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within a single
computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by a
remote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone
line or radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the gaming
device may comprise one or more devices that are connected to a
remote server computer for maintaining databases.
[0099] The memory stores a program for controlling the processor.
The processor performs instructions of the program, and thereby
operates in accordance with the present invention, and particularly
in accordance with the methods described in detail herein. The
program may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted
format. The program furthermore includes program elements that may
be necessary, such as an operating system, a database management
system and "device drivers" for allowing the processor to interface
with computer peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are
known to those skilled in the art, and need not be described in
detail herein.
[0100] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing instructions to the
processor of the gaming device (or any other processor of a device
described herein) for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,
including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,
and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,
optical or magnetic disks, such as memory. Volatile media include
dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes
the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper
wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system
bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media may carry acoustic
or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF)
and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of
computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium,
a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape,
any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an
EPROM or EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only
memory), a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a
carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from
which a computer can read.
[0101] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the
processor (or any other processor of a device described herein) for
execution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne on
a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load
the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions
over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to a gaming
device (or, e.g., a server) can receive the data on the telephone
line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an
infrared signal. An infrared detector can receive the data carried
in the infrared signal and place the data on a system bus for the
processor. The system bus carries the data to main memory, from
which the processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The
instructions received by main memory may optionally be stored in
memory either before or after execution by the processor. In
addition, instructions may be received via a communication port as
electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, which are exemplary
forms of carrier waves that carry data streams representing various
types of information. Thus, the gaming device may obtain
instructions in the form of a carrier wave.
[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
instructions of the program may be read into a main memory from
another computer-readable medium, such from a ROM. Execution of
sequences of the instructions in program causes a processor perform
the process steps described herein. In alternate embodiments,
hard-wired circuitry 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 and
software. As discussed with respect to aforementioned systems,
execution of sequences of the instructions in a program of a
peripheral device in communication with the gaming device may also
cause the processor to perform some of the process steps described
herein.
[0103] The memory may store one or more databases described herein.
Some or all of the data stored in each database is also described.
The described entries of the databases represent exemplary
information only; those skilled in the art will understand that the
number and content of the entries can be different from those
illustrated herein. Further, despite any description 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 can be used to implement the
processes of the present invention.
[0104] Where appropriate, a prior art probability database may be
utilized in the performance of the inventive processes described
herein. A probability database may be stored in the data storage
device in tabular form, or any other appropriate database form, as
is well known in the art. The data stored therein may include a
number of exemplary records or entries, each defining a random
number. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
probability database may include any number of entries. The tabular
representation may also define fields for each of the entries or
records. The fields may specify: (i) a random number (or range of
random numbers) that may be generated by the random number
generator; and (ii) an outcome that indicates the one or more
indicia comprising the outcome that corresponds to the random
number of a particular record. A gaming device may utilize a
probability database to determine, for example, what outcome
corresponds to a random number generated by a random number
generator and to display the determined outcome. The outcomes may
comprise the three symbols to be displayed along a payline of a
three-reel slot machine. Other arrangements of probability
databases are possible. For example, the book "Winning At Slot
Machines" by Jim Regan (Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1997)
illustrates examples of payout and probability tables and how they
may be derived. The entirety of this book is incorporated by
reference herein for all purposes.
[0105] Further, where appropriate, a prior art payout database may
be utilized in the performance of the inventive processes described
herein. A payout database may be stored in the data storage device
in tabular form, or any other appropriate database form, as is well
known in the art. The data stored therein includes a number of
example records or entries, each defining an outcome that may be
obtained on a gaming device that corresponds to a payout. Those
skilled in the art will understand that the payout database may
include any number of entries. The tabular representation also
defines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields
specify: (i) an outcome, which indicates the one or more indicia
comprising a given outcome; and (ii) a payout that corresponds to
each respective outcome. The outcomes may be those obtained on a
three-reel slot machine.
[0106] A gaming device may utilize the payout database to determine
whether a payout should be output to a player as a result of an
outcome obtained for a game. For example, after determining the
outcome to output on the gaming device, the gaming device may
access the payout database to determine whether the outcome for
output is one of the outcomes stored as corresponding to a payout.
If it is, the gaming device may provide the corresponding payout to
the player.
[0107] Other arrangements of payout databases are possible. For
example, the book "Winning At Slot Machines" by Jim Regan (Carol
Publishing Group Edition, 1997) illustrates many examples of payout
and probability tables and how they may be derived.
[0108] Additionally, where appropriate, a player database may be
utilized to store historical data associated with specific players.
A player database may be used, for example, to store wager data and
player wager data so that players wagering over a given threshold
in a given amount of time may be rewarded for their patronage. The
player database may also contain other information that may be
useful in, for example, promoting and managing player behaviors
(e.g., information about the player's gaming preferences, gaming
sessions, outstanding debts, lodging arrangements, and the like).
Further, the player database may store data regarding a given
player's standing in a game session or bonus game, so that the
player can continue the game session or bonus game at a plurality
of game machines that have common access to the player database.
Such player data may be stored in a relational database and
retrieved or otherwise accessed by the processor after receiving a
"key" data point from the player, such as a unique identifier read
from the player's player tracking card or cashless gaming
ticket.
[0109] Note that, although these databases may be described as
being stored in a gaming device, in other embodiments of the
present invention some or all of these databases may be partially
or wholly stored in another device, such as one or more of the
peripheral devices, the peripheral device server, central server,
kiosks, casino personnel devices, merchant POS terminals, and so
on. Further, some or all of the data described as being stored in
the databases may be partially or wholly stored (in addition to or
in lieu of being stored in the memory of the gaming device) in a
memory of one or more other devices, such as one or more of the
peripheral devices, another gaming device, the peripheral device
server and/or the server.
Gaming Device as Slot Machine
[0110] As discussed herein, in one or more embodiments the game
device may take the form of a slot machine configured to operate in
conjunction with the present invention. A more specific description
of a slot machine suitable for use with the present invention
follows.
[0111] A slot machine for use in the present invention may
comprise, for example, a three-reel or five-reel slot machine. The
slot machine comprises a display area in which an outcome for a
game of the slot machine is displayed to the player. The display
area may, for example, be a video display that displays graphical
representations of reels. The display area may, in another example,
be glass behind which are located mechanical reels. Within the
display area is at least one payline. In accordance with one or
more embodiments of the present invention, an outcome of a game is
a set of symbols displayed along a payline of a reeled slot
machine. The slot machine may further comprise a handle. A player
may initiate the movement of the reels in the display area by
pulling on the handle. Alternatively, a player may initiate the
movement of the reels in the display area by actuating a start
button or "spin" button. Either or both of the handle and start
button are exemplary embodiments of an input device, described
herein.
[0112] Where appropriate, the slot machine may also include an
alternate, secondary game screen, for outputting information (e.g.,
payout information, outcome information, etc.) to a player. The
secondary game screen may be utilized, for example, to inform a
player of the player's standing in a game. The slot machine may be
capable of altering display and audio content as described herein
(e.g., superimposing graphics over digital displays; a mask layer
between physical reels and a player that shades or otherwise alters
their appearance).
[0113] The slot machine may also include a payment system, which is
comprised of a bill acceptor, a credit card reader, a coin
acceptor, and/or a ticket-in/ticket-out device. A player may
utilize the payment system to provide a wager for playing a game
and/or for providing payment for provision of an outcome.
[0114] The slot machine may further comprise a credit meter
balance, which is an exemplary embodiment of a currency output
device described herein. The credit meter balance reflects the
amount of electronic credits currently available to a player. The
electronic credits may be used by a player, for example, as wagers
for games played on the gaming device. The electronic credits may
also be "cashed out" as coins, bills, tokens, a cashout ticket, a
cashout strip, and/or credits to another financial account
associated with the player.
[0115] Finally, the slot machine may comprise a coin tray. Payment
to the player may be rendered by dispensing coins into the coin
tray. Such coins may be dispensed based on, for example, receiving
a player's indication that the player would like to cash out his
credit meter balance and/or a payout obtained by a player as a
result of playing a game on the slot machine. The coin tray is an
exemplary embodiment of the currency output device, described
herein. Note that, where appropriate, the slot machine may include
different and/or additional components besides those discussed in
this section.
Player Tracking and Accounting
[0116] As described, in some embodiments, a gaming device may
comprise a reader device for reading data from player tracking
cards and/or smart cards, such that (i) players may be identified,
and (ii) various data associated with players may then be
determined (e.g., a number of cashable credits; a number of
promotional credits that may not be redeemed for cash; a number of
accumulated loyalty points; a number of accumulated game elements
such as symbols, cards or hands; offers, benefits, benefits of
offers, etc.). In one example, a card reader device may determine
an identifier associated with a player (e.g., by reading a player
tracking card comprising an encoded version of the identifier),
such that the gaming device may then access data (e.g., of a player
database, as described) associated with the player. In another
example, a smart card reader device may determine data associated
with a player directly by accessing a memory of an inserted smart
card.
[0117] Thus, as known in the art, "smart cards" may incorporate (i)
a memory, and (ii) means for accessing such a memory. For example,
in one embodiment, the memory may store data related to aspects of
the present invention. In one embodiment, data may be written to
the smart card as a player plays one or more gaming devices (e.g.,
such that various data may be updated on a continuous, periodic or
event-triggered basis). Accordingly, in one or more embodiments one
or more devices operable to carry out various processes of the
present invention (e.g., a gaming device or kiosk) may have
associated therewith a smart card reader device, such that data may
be read from the smart card pursuant to the execution of such
processes. An example of a smart card system that may be used to
implement one or more embodiments of the present invention is the
s-Choice.TM. Smart Card Casino Management System from Smart Card
Integrators.TM., Inc.
[0118] Further, as known in the art, a gaming device may comprise a
player tracking module comprising (i) a card reader (e.g., a port
into which player tracking cards may be inserted), (ii) various
input devices (e.g., a keypad, a touch-screen), (iii) various
output devices (e.g., a small, full-color display screen), and/or
(iv) combinations thereof (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen
that accommodates both input and output functions). Various
commercially available devices may be suitable for such an
application, such as the NextGen.TM. interactive player tracking
panel manufactured by IGT or the iVIEW display screen manufactured
by Bally.RTM. Gaming and Systems.
[0119] Of course, other non-card-based methods of identifying
players are contemplated. For example, a unique identification code
may be associated with the player. The player may then be
identified upon entering the code. For example, the code may be
stored (e.g., within a database maintained within the gaming device
and/or a server) such that the player may enter the code using an
input device of a gaming device, and accordingly be identified. In
other embodiments, player biometrics may serve as identification
means (e.g., a player is identified via a thumbprint or retinal
scan). In further embodiments, a barcode of a cashout receipt may
encode a player identifier.
[0120] Thus, as described, various data associated with a player
may be tracked and stored (e.g., in an appropriate record of a
centrally-maintained database), such that it may be accessed as
desired (e.g., when determining promotional offers or rewards to be
provided to players, when determining the status of player with
respect to a particular game or period of gambling activity, and so
on). Further, various statistics may be measured in association
with a player (e.g., coin-in statistics, win/loss statistics) and
similarly accessed.
[0121] Various systems for facilitating such monitoring are
contemplated. For example, a two-wire system such as one offered by
International Gaming Systems (IGT) may be used. Similarly, a
protocol such as the IGT SAS.TM. protocol may be used. The SAS.TM.
protocol allows for communication between gaming machines and slot
accounting systems and provides a secure method of communicating
all necessary data supplied by the gaming device to the online
monitoring system. One aspect of the SAS.TM. protocol that may be
beneficial in implementing aspects of the present invention is the
authentication function which allows operators and regulators to
remotely interrogate gaming devices for important memory
verification information, for both game programs, and peripheral
devices. In another example, a one-wire system such as the
OASIS.TM. System offered by Aristocrat Technologies.TM. or the SDS
slot-floor monitoring system offered by Bally Gaming and
Systems.TM. may be used. Each of the systems described above is an
integrated information system that continually monitors slot
machines and customer gaming activity. Thus, for example, any one
of these systems may be used to monitor a player's gaming activity
in order to determine player outcomes, coin-in statistics, win/loss
statistics and/or any other data deemed relevant.
Other Devices
[0122] In some embodiments, a kiosk may be configured to execute or
assist in the execution of various processes of the present
invention. In some embodiments, a kiosk may comprise a processor
and a memory as described. A kiosk may also comprise various input
devices (e.g., a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, buttons, a port that
receives player tracking cards, an optical scanner for reading
barcodes or other indicia, a CCD camera, etc.), output devices
(e.g., a display screen, audio speakers, etc.), currency output
devices (e.g., a coin tray or printer for printing cashless gaming
tickets), offer output devices (e.g., a printer for printing
benefit receipts, coupons, certificates, etc.) combinations thereof
(e.g., a "ticket-in/ticket-out" device, a touch-sensitive display
screen, etc.), communications ports, and so on. Thus, a kiosk may
comprise many of the features and components of a gaming device,
though the kiosk itself may not necessarily be configured to enable
gambling activity as a primary function. A kiosk may communicate
with any or all of (i) a central controller, (ii) a gaming device,
(iii) an inventory/reservation system of a casino-maintained
property (e.g., a hotel), (iv) casino personnel devices, (v)
merchant POS terminals, and so on. A number of kiosks may be
stationed within casino premises (e.g., at various locations on a
slot floor). In various embodiments, kiosks may execute or assist
in the execution of (i) determining and outputting a player status
or other types of data described herein (e.g., a kiosk receives a
player tracking card, and outputs a number of accumulated rewards,
offers or benefits which a player may be entitled to redeem), (ii)
outputting payments to players (e.g., upon receipt of cashless
gaming tickets, player tracking cards, smart cards, etc.), and/or
(iii) any other process described herein. Thus, such a device may
be configured to read from and/or write to one or more databases of
the present invention. The memory of such a device may store a
program for executing such processes.
[0123] In some embodiments, various casino employees may be
equipped with or otherwise utilize one or more casino personnel
devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other
computing devices (e.g., personal computer terminals). A casino
personnel device may comprise various input devices (e.g., a
keypad, a touch-sensitive display screen, a card reader, an
infrared bar code scanner, etc.), various output devices (e.g., an
LCD screen, printer, etc.), a processor, a memory and/or a
communications port, as described herein with respect to other
devices. In some embodiments, a casino personnel device may
communicate with a gaming device, server, kiosk, peripheral device,
and/or an inventory/reservation system of a casino-maintained
property (e.g., a hotel). Thus, a casino personnel device may be
configurable to, among other things, (i) read from and/or write to
one or more databases of the present invention, (ii) assist in
payments made to players (e.g., a representative "scans" a cashout
receipt and determines a value associated with the receipt, and if
the receipt is valid, provides a payment or benefit equal to the
value), and/or (iii) execute or assist in the execution of various
other processes described herein. The memory of such a device may
store a program for executing such processes.
[0124] In some embodiments, various merchants (e.g., shops,
restaurants, etc.) may utilize point-of-sale (POS) computer
terminals to facilitate various processes of the present invention.
For example, in some embodiments, a player may receive a cashless
gaming ticket redeemable for an amount of currency. However, the
ticket may alternately or additionally be redeemable for a benefit
such as an amount of credit at a particular merchant location.
Thus, in some embodiments, merchants may utilize POS terminals to
redeem such vouchers or receipts. In some embodiments, such devices
may be configured to read from and/or write to one or more
databases of the present invention. Such POS terminals may thus
comprise various hardware and software described herein with
respect to other devices, and may communicate with (i) a central
slot server, (ii) a gaming device, (iii) an inventory/reservation
system (e.g., a computer terminal at a theatre communicates with an
inventory database to determine a number of unsold seats for a
certain event), (iv) a kiosk, and so on.
[0125] In some embodiments of the present invention, various
component devices (e.g., any or all of the benefit output devices,
output devices, input devices and/or input output devices described
herein) may be embodied as peripheral devices. For example, such
devices may not necessarily be components of a gaming device,
though they may be configured in such a manner so as to communicate
with one or more gaming device processors or any other devices
described herein. For example, a peripheral device such as a large
display device may be associated with a plurality of gaming
devices, and thus may not necessarily be considered a component of
any one gaming device. Further, in some embodiments, certain
peripheral devices such as card readers may be interchangeable
between gaming devices, and thus may be considered a component of a
first gaming device while connected thereto, removed from the first
gaming device, connected to a second gaming device, and so on. In
other embodiments, various peripheral devices may never be
considered a component of a particular gaming device. For example,
in some embodiments, a peripheral device such as a USB-based
portable memory device may store (i) one or more databases
described herein, and/or (ii) a program for executing one or more
process steps described herein. Such a peripheral device may then
be utilized by casino personnel for upgrading/retrofitting existing
gaming devices as described herein.
Process Steps
[0126] Following is a description of process steps to be performed
by (i) a gaming device, (ii) a controller, (iii) devices
operatively connected to gaming devices and/or controllers (e.g.,
retrofitted hardware devices), (iv) alternate payment redemption
kiosks, (v) casino personnel or merchants (e.g., operating remote
devices and/or POS terminals), and (vi) any combination thereof.
Thus, although the following description discusses the steps as
performed by a gaming device, it is contemplated that the steps may
be performed by any combination of the devices and computers
described herein. Additionally, it should be understood that the
steps of the invention may be performed in any order, and thus are
not limited to the order in which they are described.
[0127] According to an embodiment, a gaming device may (directly or
indirectly) provide players with cashout receipts that are
redeemable for a benefit, rather than for merely the credit balance
in effect when a cash out is requested.
[0128] Generally, according to at some embodiments, a gaming device
receives a wager for play of a gaming device, determines an outcome
for play of the gaming device, and determines a payout amount based
on the outcome and the wager, all in a known manner. The credit
balance is adjusted by the payout amount. The gaming device also
determines at least one benefit based on the balance, as described
in detail herein. After receiving a request to cash out (e.g., from
a player by the player pressing a "cash out" button), the gaming
device outputs a cashout receipt that represents the cashout
balance in addition to the one or more offers (that may be accepted
rather than the players credit balance). In other embodiments, the
player may be presented with a menu after requesting a cash out,
the menu providing the player with several options, including but
not limited to: receiving currency based on a cashout amount, an
offer for a benefit to be accepted in lieu of a cashout amount, an
offer for a benefit to be accepted in lieu of a portion of a
cashout amount and an offer for a benefit to be accepted in
addition to a cashout amount.
[0129] One of ordinary skill will recognize that such an embodiment
is particularly advantageous when the amount of credit (i) is
greater than the initial cashout value (typically the credit
balance), and/or (ii) is redeemable towards a benefit having
significant "margin" (difference between cost to the seller and
price sold for by the seller).
[0130] Thus, for example, where the credit balance is $45, an offer
may be a $50 credit towards a particular hotel bill in lieu of
receiving $45. If the player were going to purchase, or had already
purchased, the particular hotel room, then the $50 credit would
typically be more appealing to the player. Simultaneously, the
prospect of providing a $50 discount to a player who was owed only
$45 may be acceptable to a casino, especially if (i) the casino
owned or operated the hotel, (ii) the hotel was reimbursed wholly
or partially by the casino for the $50 discount, and/or (iii) the
hotel was generally more inclined to sell rooms than it otherwise
would be (e.g., the hotel was largely under-booked and had excess
capacity).
[0131] According to some embodiments, a player may be required to
accept or reject the offer before a cashout receipt is printed. In
other embodiments, the cashout receipt may include indicia of both
a currency value for which the receipt may be redeemed and one or
more offers that may be accepted by redemption of the receipt in
lieu of the cashout amount. In some embodiments, a cashout receipt
may itself be redeemed for one of a plurality of values. For
example, a particular cashout receipt may, at the players option,
be redeemed for one of (i) the player's credit balance, and (ii) a
benefit (or a selected one of several offered benefits). Thus, the
player need not (but may) choose which option is more desirable
until such time as he redeems the ticket. In such an embodiment,
the ticket may bear indicia indicating the values for which the
ticket may be redeemed. FIGS. 12A, 12B and 13 illustrates tickets
that bears indicia indicating that the ticket may be redeemed for
(i) $9.75, or (ii) a $15 Buffet Credit, or (iii) a $20 Spa Credit,
or (iv) $25 Hotel Credit, or (v) $40 Show Credit.
[0132] It is contemplated that an offer may be output in many known
manners, such as output via a graphical user interface on a (touch)
screen of the gaming device. The player may then respond to the
offer by choosing (e.g., with a key press) one of the options
presented in the offer.
[0133] In some embodiments, an offer may (but need not) be
triggered by the player choosing to cash out (e.g., by pressing a
"cash out" button). Such an offer may alternatively or additionally
be presented to a player at other times, such as when the player
begins a gaming session, or when the player registers for a player
tracking card or similar account.
Determination of a Cashout Amount--Step 1710
[0134] Referring to FIG. 17, in some embodiments, a gaming device
player may indicate a desire to cash out a balance associated with
a gaming device or otherwise terminate a game session. For example,
after establishing an initial balance of 80 credits at a 25
denomination slot machine, a player may gamble for a period of
time, losing 23 credits, and press a "Cash Out" button located on
the machine's control panel. In such an example, a gaming device
may determine a cashout amount to be 57 credits, or $14.25 (i.e., a
determined cashout amount is equal to a gaming device credit
balance at the time the cashout is requested).
[0135] In other embodiments, a player may not actively request a
cashout. For example, a prepaid game session may terminate, leaving
a player with a particular credit balance (i.e., a determined
cashout amount is equal to a gaming device credit balance at the
time the session ends). Apparatus and methods which, among other
things, permit and enable various ways of providing contract play
and game sessions such as prepaid or flat-rate play sessions, and
which are appropriate for use in accordance with the present
invention are disclosed in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/001,089, filed Nov. 2, 2001, entitled "GAME MACHINE FOR A FLAT
RATE PLAY SESSION AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME," the entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
[0136] In further embodiments, a player may elect to cash out a
number of credits (i.e., exchange credits for currency) that is
less than an accumulated credit balance (e.g., a player wishes to
cash out a few credits to tip a cocktail waitress, etc.). Apparatus
and methods which, among other things, permit and enable gaming
device players to cash out a portion of an accumulated credit
balance, and which are appropriate for use in accordance with the
present invention are disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No.
6,168,522, filed Mar. 31, 1998, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
OPERATING A GAMING DEVICE TO DISPENSE A SPECIFIED AMOUNT," the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
Determination of an Offer--Step 1720
[0137] Referring to FIG. 17, after determining a cashout amount
(discussed above with respect to step 1710), a gaming device may
determine at least one benefit of an offer to be provided to a
player based on one or more stored criteria/rules. For example, an
offer type may be a "hotel offer" (e.g., an offer for a service
available at a casino hotel property). An offer identifier or
indicium (e.g., an alphanumeric code) may be associated with each
offer (e.g., a particular hotel offer is "OF-000159"). Such
criteria/rules may be stored in one or more databases accessible to
a processor of a gaming device and/or central controller and may
indicate whether an offer for a benefit should be made, a number of
offers to be made, a value of a benefit of an offer, and the
benefit or benefits of the offers.
[0138] An offer may be provided to the player to be accepted in
lieu of currency based on the cashout amount, in lieu of a portion
of currency based on the cashout amount or in addition to currency
based on the cashout amount. For example, after determining a
cashout amount to be 57 credits, or $14.25, the gaming device may
provide an offer to be accepted or rejected by the player to
receive a credit at a casino restaurant with a value of $20 in lieu
of the $14.25 in currency.
Number of Offers to be Provided
[0139] As stated above, some embodiments may additionally comprise
determining a number of offers to be included as part of a receipt
or cashout strip. A variety of factors may be considered when
determining a number of offers.
[0140] In some embodiments, the number of offers determined during
step 1720 may be fixed. For example, a fixed amount of offers or
alternate payout offers may be associated with every cashout (e.g.,
each cashout receipt must provide four offers). In another example,
a receipt must comprise a specific number of offers, each of a
particular type. For example, each cashout receipt must provide a
hotel offer, a steakhouse offer, a Blackjack offer and two buffet
offers. In further examples, a player may indicate a number of
offers to be included as part of a receipt (e.g., when signing up
for a player tracking card, using a touch-screen menu during a
cashout process, etc.).
[0141] In other embodiments, the number of offers determined in
step 1720 may be variable (i.e., at each request for a cashout, a
variable number of alternate payout offers may be determined). In
such an embodiment, the number of offers determined may be based on
one or more of the factors, alone or in combination, including but
not limited to: (i) cashout amount or balance associated with the
gaming device (e.g., the higher the balance, the more offers
presented on a cashout receipt, offer panel or portion of thereof),
(ii) inventory/capacity considerations (e.g., if more casino
properties are operating with excess capacity/inventory, more
offers are output), (iii) player history/status (e.g., the more
offers a player has accepted/redeemed historically, the more offers
the player is shown), (iv) date/time (e.g., more offers are output
on weekends than on weekdays), (v) win/loss amount (e.g., the more
a player has won, the more offers provided to the player), (vi)
buy-in amount (e.g., the more currency the player has inserted into
a gaming device, the more offers a receipt or cashout strip
comprises), (vii) speed of play (e.g., the faster a player plays,
the more offers the player receives), and so on. Further, it is
contemplated that the number of offers to be provided to the player
may be based upon a hierarchy of any of the above factors (e.g., a
cashout amount may be considered before a win/loss amount in
determining the number of offers to be provided).
[0142] In further embodiments, a random number of offers is
determined in step 1720 and provided to the player.
[0143] In some embodiments, the number of offers determined may be
variable, but the number of offers determined for a particular
cashout request may be restricted by a maximum. For example, in one
embodiment, a maximum of 12 offers may be determined for a
particular cashout request. In another embodiment, a minimum of
three offers and a maximum of 12 must be determined. In such an
embodiment, a gaming device may determine a number of offers
according to a stored hierarchy as described herein. For example, a
gaming device may consider a first preferred offer of twelve
available offers. If the preferred offer is satisfactory (e.g., if
the offer is a hotel room upgrade, the player must be a registered
guest), the offer may be included. This process may continue such
that all satisfactory offers are included (or, e.g., the first 12
satisfactory offers are included), leaving out any unsatisfactory
or non-preferable offers.
Type of Offers to be Provided
[0144] Some embodiments may additionally comprise determining a
type of offer or benefit of an offer to be included as part of a
receipt. A variety of factors may be considered when determining a
type of offer.
[0145] In one embodiment, a program stored in the memory of a
gaming device (or, e.g., a central controller or kiosk) may
instruct a processor to determine the same offer(s) in accordance
with each cashout request. For example, a gaming device may
determine to output a receipt comprising a "hotel offer" in
accordance with each request for a cashout.
[0146] In some embodiments, an offer or offer type may be
determined based on a cashout amount (which may be determined in
step 1720). For example, if a cashout amount falls within a first
predetermined range (e.g., $0.25 to $10), a first offer may be
determined (e.g., "buffet offer"); if a cashout amount falls within
a second predetermined range (e.g., $10.25 to $30), a second offer
may be determined (e.g., "steakhouse offer"). Such conditions may
be indicated in an offer determination database (an example of
which is depicted in FIG. 4A).
[0147] In some embodiments, an offer may be determined based on an
analysis of the inventory/capacity available at, e.g., one or more
casino properties (e.g., shops, theatres, etc.). For example, a
gaming device may communicate with one or more
inventory/reservation systems maintained by a casino property. If
it is determined that the property has sufficient, excess and/or
under-utilized inventory/space, a rule may indicate to output an
offer associated with the property. For instance, if only 50% of
the seats have been sold for a comedy show scheduled to begin in
the next 30 minutes, a "comedy show" offer may be determined (thus,
the date/time associated with a particular event may also be
considered).
[0148] Further, an offer may be determined in some embodiments by
executing one or more profit management calculations, which may
consider (i) retail prices and/or costs associated with the product
or service, (ii) sales and inventory data associated with the
product or service, (iii) a player's gambling activity or
preferences, etc. Such methods for determining a product or service
to offer to a casino player are described in Applicant's co-pending
application Ser. No. 09/570,335, entitled SYSTEM TO DETERMINE
CASINO OFFERS, filed May 15, 2000, the entirety of which is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0149] In some embodiments, before a gaming session begins, a
player may indicate one or more preferences for offer type. For
example, in one embodiment, when signing up for a player tracking
card (or otherwise registering for a casino loyalty program), a
player may indicate which types of offers the player would be
interested in receiving (e.g., when filling out a registration
form, a player "checks off" a number of offer types, such that a
casino representative may see that the preferences are recorded,
e.g., in a player database, an example data structure of which is
shown by FIG. 5). For example, a player who has indicated he does
not like seafood (such data may be stored in a player database
linked to a player tracking card) may not be presented to a seafood
voucher as a payment option. A player vacationing at a Las Vegas
casino may be presented with a payment option comprising an offer
to switch his flight home to a different carrier.
[0150] In another embodiment, the first time an identified player
(e.g., a player who has inserted a newly-acquired player tracking
card) elects to cash out, a gaming device may provide the player
with a preference menu (e.g., a touch-sensitive display device
depicts several offer types that the player may choose), and the
player's offer type preferences may then be received and considered
during subsequent cashouts.
[0151] In further embodiments, each time a player indicates a
desire to cash out, a gaming device may present the player with a
menu of offers (e.g., "Which Bonus Offers would you like to see?").
The player may then select which offer he would like to be included
as part of a particular receipt. In some embodiments, the player
may view the value associated with a particular offer at this point
(e.g., "$20 Steakhouse Credit!"). In other embodiments, the player
may select an offer (e.g., "Steakhouse Credit"), the value of which
may not be known to the player until a receipt prints.
[0152] In some embodiments, an offer type may be determined based a
player's history. In one embodiment, an offer may be determined
based on a previous offer the player has indicated interest in
(e.g., the player previously selected a type of offer from a
touch-screen menu). In another embodiment, an offer may be
determined based on a previous offer the player has redeemed. In
this manner, a system of the present invention may "learn" which
offers a particular player (i) has an affinity toward, and/or (ii)
is likely to redeem, such that these offers may then be provided to
the player during subsequent cashout requests. Data regarding
players' offer selections and redemptions may be stored in a player
database described herein (e.g., see FIG. 5).
[0153] In another embodiment, an offer may be determined based on a
player's status. For example, a player who has recently wagered a
large sum of money playing Blackjack may be presented with a
"Blackjack offer" next time he cashes out of a slot machine. In
another example, a player who is a registered guest of a
casino-maintained hotel may be presented with a hotel offer (e.g.,
an offer for a free room upgrade).
[0154] In one or more embodiments, an offer may be determined based
on the offer's overall popularity offer with respect to other
offers, as reflected by the redemptions of all casino players
(e.g., offer are ranked in accordance with their acceptance rate,
as described further herein).
[0155] In some embodiments, an offer may be determined based on the
current date and/or time of day. For example, an offer
determination database may indicate to output a "hotel offer" on
Friday-Sunday, but a "buffet offer" on all other days (e.g., see
FIG. 4B). Similarly, a "seafood lunch" offer may be output at a
first time of day (e.g., before noon), whereas a "steakhouse
dinner" offer may be output when a cashout occurs during a second
time of day (e.g., after 1 p.m.).
[0156] In some embodiments, an offer may be determined based on the
gaming device at which a cashout request is initiated. For example,
a slot machine may be characterized by a particular theme (e.g.,
"Wild West Cash"). Offer types associated with such a machine may
be thematically related (e.g., steakhouse offers).
[0157] In some embodiments, a "rules hierarchy" may function to
determine an offer type when more than one rule/factor is in place.
For example, a hierarchy may be established such that a first
factor is considered when determining an offer type before a second
factor. In one example, a casino may determine that steering a
patron toward an under-utilized property (i.e., an
inventory/capacity consideration) may be more valuable from a
business standpoint than promoting a good or service a patron has
shown an affinity toward in the past (i.e., player history/status).
Thus, a gaming device (or, e.g., central controller) may first
communicate with one or more inventory/reservation systems to
determine a level of utilization/inventory. If a determined level
is unsatisfactory (e.g., a theatre is less than 50% full, a shop
has greater than 1,000 units of a particular product, etc.), the
device may determine to output a "theatre offer" or the like. If a
determined level is satisfactory, a device may then determine to
output an offer based on player history/status (e.g., according to
a criteria hierarchy stored in a database, an example of which is
depicted in FIG. 6, "inventory/capacity" outranks "player
history/status").
[0158] Additionally, in some embodiments, more than one offer may
be of the same type. For example, turning to FIG. 7A, offer
OF-000153 and offer OF-000154 may both be "hotel offers." It should
be noted that, in some embodiments, step 1720 may comprise
determining a particular offer (e.g., identified by a unique offer
identifier). Thus, in some embodiments, step 1720 may comprise, (i)
determining an offer type (e.g., a "standard offer" rule indicates
that each receipt must comprise at least one "hotel offer"), and
(ii) determining a particular offer (e.g., selecting a particular
offer from an available list of hotel offers, e.g., depicted in
FIG. 7A).
[0159] It should be noted that various criteria may be employed for
selecting a particular offer when more than one offer of a
particular type are available. For example, turning again to FIG.
7A, it may be preferable to offer a free room upgrade as a benefit
of an offer. Thus, as a hierarchy may be established for selecting
an offer, a hierarchy may also be established for selecting one of
many particular offers of a certain type (e.g., when selecting a
hotel offer, OF-000154 is preferable over OF-000153).
[0160] Continuing with the example, a gaming device may first
consider offer OF-000154, but if such an offer is somehow
unsatisfactory (e.g., the player requesting the cashout is not a
registered hotel guest), an alternate offer may be selected (e.g.,
OF-000153). In other embodiments, a system of the present invention
may employ only one offer of a particular type or category (e.g.,
one hotel offer, one steakhouse offer), as is demonstrated by an
exemplary offer type database shown in FIG. 7B.
Value of Offers to be Provided
[0161] In addition to determining the number of offers to be
provided, step 1720 may also comprise determining an offer value or
a value of a benefit associated with an offer. A variety of
rules/criteria for determining an offer value are imagined. It is
contemplated that in some embodiments the value of a benefit of an
offer should be greater than a balance associated with a gaming
device at the time a request for a cashout is received. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that determining a
greater value of a benefit to be provided in contrast to cashout
may induce a player to accept the offer.
[0162] In some embodiments, a standard value may be associated with
an offer. For example, a fixed value associated with a "spa offer"
may be a "Free Deluxe Facial Treatment--Retail Value of $20."In
another example, a fixed value associated with a "buffet offer" may
be $15. In another example, if a requested cashout amount is $40, a
database may indicate to output the following four payment options:
(i) a $60 dinner voucher, (ii) a $50 gift shop credit, (iii) a cash
ticket for $42 redeemable at a later time (e.g., the following
day), and (iv) $40 in cash/coins/ticket/tokens.
[0163] In some embodiments, a value associated with an offer may be
based on a balance amount at the time of a request for a cashout.
For example, a value associated with a "steakhouse offer" may
always be 1.5 multiplied by a cashout amount (e.g., if a cashout
amount is $15, the value of a steakhouse offer is $22.50). In some
embodiments, a maximum and/or minimum value level may be associated
with an offer. For example, a gaming device may multiply a $15
cashout amount by 1.5 to attain a steakhouse offer value of $22.50.
If, however, a $20 maximum is associated with the steakhouse offer
(e.g., as indicated by an offer value database, an example of which
is shown by FIG. 8), the determined offer value may only be $20. In
other words, when determining the value of a particular offer, a
"ceiling" or "floor" may be considered.
[0164] In another embodiment, an offer value is calculating by
adding a base dollar amount to a cashout amount (e.g., if a base
amount is $5, and a cashout amount is $10, a determined value is
$15).
[0165] In some embodiments, a value associated with an offer may be
associated with an amount of winnings or losses incurred by a
player, e.g., during a particular gaming session. For example, a
player may play a 25 slot machine for a period of time and lose 125
credits (i.e., $31.25). An offer value may then be calculated as a
function of the determined loss amount (e.g., the value of a "hotel
offer" is "$62.50 in credit toward a stay in one of our guest
suites!" or twice the loss amount).
[0166] In some embodiments, a value associated with an offer may be
based on a buy-in amount (i.e., an amount of currency deposited by
a player into a gaming device). For example, if a player approaches
a slot machine and inserts an amount of currency (e.g., a $20
bill), a determined offer value may be a function of that amount
(e.g., a "gift shop" offer has a value of "$30 in gift shop
credit!", or 1.5 times the buy-in amount). It is contemplated that
a value with an offer may be based on either an initial buy-in
amount or a total amount of currency deposited by a player into a
gaming device during the gaming session.
[0167] In some embodiments, a value associated with an offer may be
based on a player's history or status. For example, if a player is
a "gold level" slot club member, or has otherwise demonstrated a
propensity to gamble large sums of money at a particular casino, a
value associated with an offer provided to the player may be
relatively high, compared to that of a player who, on average,
generates less revenue for the casino. For example, a "steakhouse
offer" may have a value of $30 for a "bronze level" player, whereas
a "platinum level" player may receive a $50 steakhouse offer. In
another example. A value associated with an offer may be based on a
theoretical win metric associated with a player (e.g., the total
amount a player has wagered at a casino multiplied by a house hold
percentage associated with each wager). For example, a player who
has generated a larger theoretical win metric (e.g., Player A has
generated $1,350 in theoretical win, as opposed to Player B, who
has generated only $357) may receive an offer characterized by a
higher value.
[0168] In some embodiments, a value of a benefit associated with an
offer may be based on the speed at which a player has played a
particular gaming device. For example, a player who has recently
completed a slot machine game session wherein he averaged 19 handle
pulls per minute may receive an offer with a higher value (e.g.,
$20 in non-cashable Blackjack chips) than a player who averaged 12
pulls per minute (e.g., $15 in non-negotiable Blackjack chips).
Apparatus and methods which, among other things, permit and enable
gaming device players to achieve higher payout amounts based on a
determined speed of play, and which are appropriate for use in
accordance with the present invention are disclosed in Applicant's
U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,288, filed Dec. 31, 1997, entitled "METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING A GAME IN ACCORDANCE WITH SPEED OF PLAY,"
the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
[0169] As explained above in reference to determining a number of
offers to provide to a player, a hierarchy of criteria may be
established for determining an offer value, such that one
particular factor (e.g., cashout amount), may be considered before
another (e.g., speed of play). Also, in some embodiments, a
plurality of factors may be considered when determining an offer
value. For example, an offer value may be determined by (i)
determining a cashout amount (e.g., $12.75), (ii) determining a
rate of play, (iii) determining a multiplier associated with the
rate of play (e.g., 25 spins per minute earns a multiplier of 2),
and (iv) multiplying the cashout amount by the multiplier (e.g.,
the offer value is $25.50).
[0170] It should be noted that in some embodiments, during step
1720, a gaming device may (i) determine a required offer value
(e.g., if a cashout amount is $15, at least one $20 alternate
payment offer must be included as part of a receipt), and
subsequently (ii) select a particular offer based on the value
(e.g., a $20 fixed-value hotel offer is selected).
[0171] In some embodiments, offers may be presented to a player so
as to encourage a player to select an offer in lieu of a cashout.
For example, if a player requests to cashout a $40 balance a gaming
device may present a pair of offers designed to steer the player
away from selecting a currency payout: (i) "$40 in cash," or (ii)
"Two show tickets with a retail value of $60". Thus, a casino may
promote an offer comprising a product or service with a retail
value greater than a requested cashout amount, though the actual
cost to the casino of providing the product or service may be less
than the requested cashout amount, increasing the casino's profits
if the option is selected. Meanwhile, players may perceive great
value in acquiring goods and services at a discount relative to
their cost through traditional sales channels. For purposes of
example, groups of such payment options may comprise (i) A $9 cash
payout or a magazine subscription, valued at $20; (ii) $100 in cash
or a $150 American Airlines.RTM. voucher; and (iii) $43 in cash or
dinner for two at the steakhouse (a $60 value).
[0172] In another embodiment, a player may be provided with a list
of payment options, a monetary payout option appearing last in the
list. For example, after requesting a $30 cashout, a player may see
the following touch-screen menu (from top to bottom): "PICK YOUR
PAYMENT FROM ONE OF: 1) $75 Gift Shop Voucher .cndot.2) Two Show
Tickets (a $70 retail value) .cndot.3) Two Steakhouse Dinners (a
$60 retail value) .cndot.4) $55 Cash Ticket."
[0173] It is further contemplated that after receiving a request
for a cashout, a player may be provided with an offer in addition
to some or all of a requested cashout amount. For example, after
requesting a $100 cashout, a player may see the following touch
screen menu (from top to bottom): "PICK YOUR PAYMENT FROM ONE OF:
1) $75 Gift Shop Voucher plus a $55 Cash Ticket .cndot.2) Two Show
Tickets (a $100 retail value) plus a $40 Cash Ticket .cndot.3) Two
Steakhouse Dinners (a $60 retail value) plus a $60 Cash Ticket
.cndot.4) $100 Cash Ticket."
[0174] It is also contemplated that the value of an offer may be
variable relative to an associated cashout amount. It can be
advantageous if the value of the offer generally increases over
time, since that would generally encourage continued play. For
example, should a player request a cashout with a value of $20 and
offer may be provided to the player for a $30 credit at the casino
steakhouse in exchange for continuing play for an additional 5
minutes. Continuing, as the additional 5 minutes is about to
elapse, the player may be made an additional offer with a value
great than that of the initial offer in exchange for further
continued play.
[0175] More specifically, the value of the offer can be based on a
monotonically non-decreasing function of the time since the event.
If the monotonically non-decreasing function is also not a constant
with respect to the time since the event (i.e. if the value changes
over time), then the function would render values of the value
which (i) do not decrease with time, and also which (ii) increase
over at least one predetermined period of time. In other words,
during certain periods of time the value might not change, but when
it does eventually change it can only increase. For example, the
value of the offer may increase by $1 every hour of play since the
start of the session.
[0176] In an embodiment where the benefit of an offer has a value
that is based on a time since an event, it can be advantageous to
display to the player, or otherwise inform the player, of the value
and/or changes in the value. For example, a video display of the
gaming device may display the current balance (e.g., $5) and values
of offers (e.g., $7.80 redeemable towards food at participating
casino restaurants, $15 redeemable toward casino property
entertainment events such as shows and concerts).
[0177] When the player requests a cash out, the gaming device may
output a confirmation prompt, such as "Are you sure you want to
cash out?." It can be particularly beneficial to also indicate to
the player an advantage to delaying cash out, such as with a
message "Are you sure you want to cash out?Only ten more spins and
you get double food points." Such confirmation may delay the cash
out and/or encourage longer play by the player.
[0178] In an analogous manner, the value of a cashout receipt can
increase over time, thereby encouraging players to delay redeeming
their tickets. For example, a receipt may be redeemable immediately
(e.g., for $16) or for more (e.g., for $17) if redeemed in one
month. Moreover, the increase in value may continue (e.g., increase
in value by $1, or by 0.5% each month). Such cashout receipts may
indicate not only their value, but may also indicate the basis from
which increases in value are calculated. For example, the receipt
could indicate the starting date for calculating increases in
value.
[0179] Receiving or redeeming a cashout receipt for an offer may be
contingent on the player performing one or more specified
activities, such as participating in a survey, or participating in
a focus group.
[0180] In one embodiment, the player may receive the value of an
offer provided he persuades a friend to buy a product, perform a
task, or the like. For example, the player may be required to
persuade a customer to sign up for a player tracking card. In such
embodiments, the printed receipt may be accompanied by a player
tracking card sign-up form that the player can provide to his
friend. The sign-up card can have a code printed thereon that
identifies the cashout receipt. Thus, when the card is turned in by
the player's friend, the code can be recognized and then the offer
may be activated for the player.
[0181] Similarly, a player can give a cashout receipt (or other
indicator) to a friend, who may in turn redeem the receipt for its
face value (e.g., $50). This redemption by the friend can provide
an offer to the player (e.g., the value of the player's cashout
receipt is increased). This added cost to the casino (of providing
extra value to the player and value to the friend) may be an
acceptable cost of acquiring a new customer (the friend). In such
embodiments, cashout receipts could have (i) postage prepaid
indicia on the reverse side, and/or (ii) a blank address field for
the gift recipient's address. Cashout receipts may be provided in
two parts (1) the player's ticket and (2) a gift portion to be
given to a friend. Both portions may have a common code or indicia,
associated codes, or other ways to link the two portions (e.g., in
a database) enabling the player to be credited upon redemption by
the friend.
[0182] In one embodiment, cashout receipts can expire (and thus be
forfeited) if not redeemed by an expiration date (preferably
printed on the ticket). This can encourage a return visit to a
casino, hotel, etc. in order to redeem the ticket before it
expires.
Determining Whether Offers Should be Provided
[0183] As stated above, it is also contemplated that a game device
or kiosk may determine whether to provide an offer for a benefit to
a player or whether a cashout request qualifies for an offer. For
example, the gaming device may determine whether to output the
offer based on at least one of, but not limited to, (i) at least
one prior outcome (e.g., whether the player received a
cherry-cherry-cherry outcome on a slot machine); (ii) a number of
plays or outcomes generated; (iii) a buy-in amount (i.e., an amount
of currency deposited by a player into a gaming device); (iv) one
or more wager amounts (e.g., whether the player is wagering
significant amounts); (v) a credit balance (e.g., whether the
balance exceeds $500); (vi) a rate of play (e.g., whether the
player has played at a rate of more than 100 hands of video poker
per hour); (vii) an amount of losses (e.g., whether the player has
wagered and lost more than $100 since the start of the gaming
session); (viii) a number losing outcomes (e.g., whether more than
half of the previous 50 outcomes were losing outcomes; whether
there have been more than ten consecutive losing outcomes); (ix) a
number pay lines selected (e.g., more than three pay lines
selected), and (x) a time of a previous offer (e.g., whether there
has been no offer in the last fifteen minutes of game play).
[0184] Similarly, the provision or receipt of offers may be
restricted according to various criteria, such as those defined by
stored rules. For example, in some embodiments cash out rules may
provide that provision of alternate offers (or even just cashing
out) may be permitted only (i) a limited number of times per
predetermined time period, (ii) a limited number of times per
predetermined amount won, (iii) a limited number of times per
predetermined amount wagered, and/or (iv) a limited number of times
per only gaming session. Such restrictions can promote longer play,
or play with desired attributes (e.g., play with high wager
amounts).
[0185] In some embodiments, rules for determining whether a cashout
request is a qualifying request may be stored in a database in
communication with a gaming device processor. A cashout request may
qualify, for example, if (i) the requested cashout amount is
greater than or equal to a certain threshold; (ii) the requested
cashout amount is less than or equal to a certain threshold; (iii)
the requested cashout amount falls within a certain range (e.g.,
between 50 and 400 credits); (iv) the requested cashout amount is a
specific amount (e.g., 100 credits); (v) the length of a preceding
gaming session exceeds a threshold (e.g., 15 minutes); (vi) the
cashout request occurs at a particular time (e.g., between 5 and 11
p.m.) or (vii) the cashout request is made by a qualifying player.
A gaming device may access player data to determine if a player is
a qualifying player (e.g., a player tracking card points to a
record in a player database stored on a central server).
[0186] A player may qualify based on certain criteria, for example,
if the player is a registered hotel guest, the player's sex, the
player is has visited the casino more than three times, etc.
[0187] Further, it is contemplated that a determination of whether
to provide an offer may be based on a request for a cashout being
received by a particular gaming device.
[0188] In some embodiments, if a cashout request is not a
qualifying cashout request, a player may be presented with one
payout option (e.g., a cashless gaming receipt with a face value
equal to a gaming device credit balance, a number of coins,
etc.).
[0189] Thus, upon receiving a request to initiate a cashout
process, a gaming device may determine (i) whether an offer should
be provided, (ii) a number of offers to be included as part of a
receipt, (iii) at least one offer type, and (iv) at least one offer
value. A variety of offer types are imagined.
Examples of Offers
[0190] For example, an offer may provide a player with either (i)
credit toward food/drinks at a casino-maintained establishment
(e.g., $20 in credit toward dinner at a steakhouse), or (ii) one or
more free items at a casino-maintained establishment, such that the
items have a retail value substantially similar to the value
determined in step 1720 (e.g., a receipt recipient may claim for
free a "Surf & Turf" entree normally priced at $19.99). A
variety of establishments are contemplated, including but not
limited to restaurants, buffets, bars, food courts, etc. Exemplary
"food & drinks" offers include, but are not limited to: "One
free entree at Seafood Sam's," "$15 in buffet credit," "2 free
drinks with purchase of an appetizer," "Dinner for two at The
Longhorn Steakhouse--up to $100 value!" and so on.
[0191] It is further contemplated that an offer may provide a
player with either (i) credit toward a service provided by a
casino-maintained hotel (e.g., $50 in credit toward any room), or
(ii) one or more free hotel services, such that the services have a
retail value substantially similar to the value determined in step
1720 (e.g., a cashout strip recipient may claim for free a "room
upgrade" normally priced at $50/night). Exemplary hotel offers
include, "$50 toward any room," "Free suite upgrade - $30 value!,"
"2 free on-demand movies at your room," "$15 mini-bar credit,"
"Breakfast in bed for two," etc.
[0192] It is also contemplated that an offer may provide a player
with either (i) credit that may be applied to the purchase of one
or more tickets for one or more live casino events (e.g., $50 in
credit toward any comedy show), or (ii) free access to one or more
events, such that the events have a retail value substantially
similar to the value determined in step 1720 (e.g., a receipt
recipient may redeem or exchange a receipt for free two cabaret
tickets normally priced at $25 each). Exemplary live events include
stand-up comedy, improvisational comedy, live musical performances,
plays, Cirque de Soleil, magic acts, and the like.
[0193] In some embodiments, an offer may comprise credit toward a
gambling activity provided by a casino. Exemplary gambling
activities include the play of gaming devices (e.g., slot machines
and video poker machines), table games (e.g., Blackjack, Texas Hold
'Em poker), keno, and so on. Exemplary "casino credit" offers
include, but are not limited to: "15 free Keno plays," "Instant
Slot Machine Bonus Round," "$20 in Poker chips," etc. It should be
noted that, in this manner, a casino may encourage players to try
new games, encourage repeated play, visit new areas of the casino,
and so on. In some embodiments, the number of credits in such offer
may be restricted to use at only certain types or categories of
gaming devices or games. For example, the number of credits may be
wagered only at gaming devices made by a particular manufacturer,
only in particular games (e.g., video poker), or only at gaming
devices which are branded a particular way (e.g.,
Monopoly.RTM.-branded gaming devices). Further, the designation of
which categories of games/gaming devices and the number of credits
available to be wagered may be variable (e.g., any gaming device
bearing a red sign, any gaming device having a siren light which is
illuminated).
[0194] In some embodiments, a player may exchange a current cashout
(e.g., $14.50) for an offer comprising a larger amount of casino
credit toward a gambling activity provided by a casino, so long as
the gambling activity occurs at a later time/date (e.g., an offer
is, "$20 in slot credit tomorrow"). In some embodiments, a player
must play during a plurality of time periods in the future (e.g.,
instead of a $14.50 receipt, the player gets $5 in slot credit
every day for the next four days). In some embodiments, an offer
may comprise a stored value ("prepaid") card (e.g., slot card,
phone card, gift card redeemable at a retail store). Such prepaid
cards may expire, or have a balance that declines with time.
[0195] A player's agreement to visit a casino the following day may
be very valuable to a casino, as they player may then gamble for an
extended period of time, generating revenue for the casino.
Apparatus and methods which, among other things, permit and enable
gaming device players to attain benefits in such a manner, and
which are appropriate for use in accordance with the present
invention are disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,608,
filed Dec. 31, 1996, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOTIVATING
PLAYERS TO RETURN TO A CASINO USING PREMIUMS," the entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
[0196] In some embodiments, a player may be provided a plurality of
payment options. For example, two payment offers may be provided
from which the player may select: (i) a $50 cashless gaming
receipt, or (ii) a $75 cashless gaming receipt, should the player
agree to a purchase commitment (e.g., a future purchase at a
particular retailer, a magazine subscription, etc.). Such methods
are described in Applicant's co-pending application Ser. No.
10/120,529, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OFFERING FORWARD
COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS, filed Apr. 10, 2002, the entirety of which
is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0197] In some embodiments, an offer may provide a play with a
receipt redeemable for (e.g., for free, at a reduced price, etc.) a
gambling loss insurance policy. For example, a casino patron may
redeem a $10 receipt for a policy normally priced at $15, such as
"100% refund on all losses between $100 and $300 incurred today."
Apparatus and methods which, among other things, permit and enable
gaming device players to attain gambling loss insurance, and which
are appropriate for use in accordance with the present invention
are disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,493, filed Feb.
21, 1997, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AND EXECUTING
INSURANCE POLICIES FOR GAMBLING LOSSES," the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
[0198] It is also contemplated that offers may also provide
complementary goods and/or credit redeemable at a variety of other
establishments. Such establishments may include gift shops, spas,
clothiers, jewelers, catalogs, etc. Exemplary offers include: "One
set of Nike.RTM. golf clubs," or "$40 off one set of Nike.RTM. golf
clubs," "Free leather jacket," "$50 in credit at P.W. Michaels'
Jewelers," "One free deluxe facial treatment and massage," "One
free comedy DVD," etc.
[0199] It some embodiments, a receipt or offer panel containing
offer(s) for products and services may be redeemable at third-party
merchants (merchants not affiliated with a casino property, e.g.,
Best Buy.RTM. or McDonald's.RTM.). For example, airline services
(e.g., one domestic, round-trip flight), retail products (e.g.,
golf clubs), subscription services (e.g., a receipt or offer panel
may comprise a prepaid magazine subscription card that may be
filled out and mailed to the publisher or subscription fulfillment
agent). Thus, a voucher may be redeemable for credit at a
particular retailer or service provider, as opposed to a specific
product or service. For example, a payment option may comprise a
voucher for "$20 at Best Buy.RTM." or "$40 Steakhouse Gift
Voucher."
[0200] In some embodiments, the offer may comprise a chance to
receive something. For example, the player may elect to receive a
lottery ticket, such as a scratch-off lottery card. The scratch off
lottery card may accompany, or be a part of, the cashout receipt.
In an embodiment where the cashout receipt is part of the lottery
ticket, the cash out value (e.g. the initial receipt value) may be
printed above an opaque, removable (e.g., scratch off) portion, so
that if the player chooses to accept the lottery ticket, the player
is deemed to have forfeited the cash out value. In another
embodiment, the receipt may provide an entitlement to enter a
drawing (e.g., "Lotto" or "Powerball"). Ideally, once the drawing
begins then the ticket may no longer be redeemed for the initial
cash out amount. In one embodiment, the number of lottery entries
(or the wager value of those entries) could be based on the "face
value" of the ticket (the cash out amount).
[0201] In some embodiments providing offers may also comprise
outputting one or more messages to a player. A message may be
output via any output device described herein (e.g., display
devices, audio speakers, etc.). Messages may be used to encourage
the selection of a particular offer. For purposes of example,
messages that may be output include: "Our steakhouse was rated #1
by Las Vegas Magazine!," "The gift shop features everything from
poker books to cigars to t-shirts for family and friends!," "Fly
Delta.RTM. and see the difference!," "Going to be here tomorrow?
Get paid more to play!"
[0202] Thus, in this manner, offers may be constructed to
accomplish a number of business goals, including: (i) reducing the
number of cashless gaming tickets redeemed for their cash value,
(ii) utilizing excess casino capacity (e.g., providing instead
concert tickets that would not have sold anyway), (iii) keeping
casino patrons on premises, or assuring they return at a later
time/date, (iv) encouraging patrons to try new games (e.g.,
promoting new slot machines), (v) encouraging patrons to utilize
other casino facilities such as restaurants, and so on.
[0203] It should be noted that various restrictions may apply to an
offer. For example, a restriction may specify that an offer may
only be redeemed (i) during a certain time period, (ii) by a
certain number of patrons, (iii) by a customer bearing certain
identification (e.g., slot club member, a person over the age of
21, a person bearing an out-of-state driver's license), (iv) upon a
qualifying purchase (e.g., an appetizer must be purchased to get
two free drinks), etc. Such restrictions may, e.g., be described by
text on any portion of a receipt.
[0204] In some embodiments, where the offer comprises an amount of
credit towards a bill or account, the amount of credit may be
subject to a ceiling (e.g., $50 towards a hotel room, not to exceed
80% of the hotel room's retail price). The amount of credit may be
subject to usage restrictions (e.g., $5 off a restaurant bill, only
for meals between 2:00 PM and 4 PM weekdays). Such usage
restrictions may serve to increase revenues during certain times
that would otherwise (or typically) have generated lower
revenue.
[0205] Accordingly, it can be advantageous if the terms of offer,
and/or restriction on their usage, are generated by or with a
revenue management system and/or a hotel or airline reservation
system, which manage prices towards particular goals (e.g., maximum
profitability per time period). In particular, hotels, airlines,
etc. can employ such offers to sell distressed (under-selling)
goods/services, especially those which are perishable (cannot be
sold well or at all as time passes), at a substantial discount
without undermining their fare structures. For example, if certain
players (e.g. players who have won more than a threshold amount,
randomly selected players) are provided with offers, players will
not be capable of accurately predicting discounts in prices of
corresponding products or benefits.
[0206] Likewise, the terms of offers, and/or restriction on their
usage, may be received by a third party (e.g., a server operating
on behalf of a third-party merchant). In such embodiments, offers
may be requested and/or received (in substantially real time) from
one or more remote devices, such as computers operated by or on
behalf of a third party.
Tracking Offers
[0207] In various embodiments, as stated above, providing a benefit
associated with an offer may additionally comprise recording,
logging or otherwise indicating that an offer has been redeemed or
accepted. Such embodiments may ensure, e.g., that particular offers
are not redeemed more than once. In some embodiments, this may be
done electronically (e.g., when a kiosk scans a bar code, a field
of a receipt database exemplified by FIG. 10 is updated to reflect
that a particular offer has been redeemed). In another example, a
merchant accepting offers may receive and store cashout receipts
(or components thereof), such that redemptions may be logged at a
later time. In other embodiments, a receipt or portion thereof may
be altered during a redemption process, such that, e.g., all offers
associated with the strip may then be considered invalid or
void.
[0208] For example, a cashout receipt may comprise more than one
portion (exemplified in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, depicting an offer
receipt detachably connected to offer panels). For purposes of
example, at a time when a players redeems a steakhouse offer, an
employee of the steakhouse may (i) detach an offer panel from a
cashout receipt (e.g., all offers on a panel may be considered void
unless attached to a cashout receipt), (ii) punch a hole through a
cashout receipt, offer panel or section thereof (exemplified in
FIG. 14), (iii) tear off a portion of a cashout receipt or offer
panel, and so on. Thus, no benefits may be provided if the offer
panel is presented at a later time (e.g., a cashier recognizes that
an offer panel is torn, etc.).
[0209] In another embodiment, a system of the present invention may
(i) determine a number of times an offer or offer type has been
presented (e.g., to date, 2,329 receipts have each presented one
"hotel offer"), (ii) determine a number of times the offer or offer
type has been redeemed (e.g., 107 patrons have redeemed a hotel
offer), and (iii) determine an acceptance rate associated with the
offer or offer type (e.g., 4.5% of all patrons shown the offer
accepted the offer).
[0210] In further embodiments, and as will be discussed in further
detail, an analysis may be done, e.g., to determine how popular a
$10-$15 hotel offer is in relation to a $25-30 hotel offer. Offers
may then be ranked in accordance with their acceptance rate. In
this manner, a casino may test which offers are popular, such that
those offers may be presented with greater frequency.
[0211] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, a player may
have redeemed only one of several offers to which the player may
have been entitled. For example, in one embodiment, a player may
have only redeemed the first of "4 Free Buffet Dinners."
Accordingly, the patron may be provided with an indication of the
number of remaining goods/services the player may be entitled to
receive (e.g., a buffet clerk checks off a box indicating that one
dinner has been redeemed, though three unchecked boxes remain).
Output of Offers--Step 1730
Upon Bonus Round
[0212] In some embodiments, a player may be presented with a number
of offers as the result of a bonus round. For example, a player may
enter a bonus round after receiving a triggering outcome while
playing a primary game of a slot machine. After a bonus round
animation sequence is depicted on a display screen, the gaming
device may then output to a player and offer such as: "Winner!
Choose your Bonus Payment!--Option A: Buffet Dinner for Two (a $40
value), or Option B: 35 credits."
[0213] In some embodiments, a player may also choose to forego
playing a bonus round in lieu of an offer.
[0214] It is also contemplated that in some embodiments a player
may be presented with an offer at the conclusion of a bonus round;
the offer to be accepted (i) in lieu of the payout based upon the
outcome of the bonus round, (ii) in lieu of a portion of the payout
based upon the outcome of the bonus round, or (iii) in addition to
the payout based upon the outcome of the bonus round.
Determine Number of Cashout Receipts to Output
[0215] In some embodiments, after determining an offer to provide,
offer value, and/or number of offers to be included as part of a
cashout receipt, a gaming device may then determine a number of
cashout receipts to be output. The number of receipts output during
a cashout request may be based on a variety of factors. In some
embodiments, the number is fixed. For example, only one cashout
receipt may be output in accordance with every cashout, the receipt
bearing indicia of both currency for which the receipt may be
redeemed and at least one offer for which the receipt may be
redeemed. In other embodiments, the number of cashout receipts
output during step 1730 may vary based on one or more factors.
[0216] In one or more embodiments, a higher number of cashout
receipts may be output if a cashout amount is larger. For example,
a gaming device may divide a large cashout amount among several
small-value receipts. Continuing with the example, a player may
elect to cash out a balance ($37.25) from a gaming device. A gaming
device may then output, for example, three cashout receipts,
dividing the balance into three parts (e.g., a first cashout
receipt comprising a receipt worth $20, a second cashout receipt
comprising a receipt worth $10, and a third cashout receipt
comprising a receipt worth $7.25). Thus, turning to FIG. 9, a
database may indicate, dependent on a cashout amount, a number of
cashout receipts to be output, as well as the value(s) of any
associated receipt.
[0217] It should be noted that this may be beneficial for a variety
of reasons. Specifically, as cashout requests will lead to the
output of several fixed-value receipts (e.g., most cashouts will
involve outputting a $10 receipt), fixed-value offers may be
associated with such receipts (e.g., each $10 receipt provides a
"$15 in buffet credit" offer). This may be beneficial as casinos
can payment offers in a substantially predictable manner.
[0218] In some embodiments, the number of cashout receipts output
may be based on the number of offers determined in step 1720. For
example, in one embodiment, each cashout receipt may comprise no
more than four offers. Accordingly, if more than four offers are
determined in step 1720 (e.g., six offers are determined), any
excess offers may be output as part of further receipts.
[0219] In some embodiments, a player may indicate the number of
cashout receipts he/she would prefer to receive in accordance with
a cashout request, as described herein.
[0220] As stated, in some embodiments, a cashout receipt may
comprise at least two components, each of which will now be
described in detail: (i) a cashout receipt, and (ii) an offer
panel. In at least one embodiment, a cashout receipt and offer
panel are part of the same strip of paper or substrate.
[0221] In one such embodiment, a cashout receipt and offer panel
may be two contiguous sections of a long roll of paper, which may
be output by a benefit output device as described herein, such as a
printer. For example, a gaming device may store a roll of paper in
conjunction with an ink-based or thermal printer (e.g., similar to
those used by many merchants issuing point-of-sale receipts).
During step 1730, a gaming device may actuate a printer mechanism
to mark various text/indicia upon a portion of the roll. The roll
of paper may be scrolled forward as the printing occurs, and in
some embodiments, cut when the printing is finished, as is known in
the art. For example, a gaming device may actuate a printer, such
that (i) a cashout receipt and (ii) an offer panel are printed on
the same roll of paper, which may then be cut or torn from a
printing device by a recipient. Such an embodiment may be
beneficial, as it would permit the output of cashout receipts
having variable lengths.
[0222] In another such embodiment, a cashout receipt and offer
panel may be detachable or separable from one another. For example,
a gaming device may store a stack of fan-folded, 2.5''.times.6''
sheets, attached to one another by perforation.
Slot-Tickets.com.TM. of Memphis, Tenn. markets a variety of such
paper sheets, which may be employed for purposes of the present
invention. A cashout receipt may then comprise a number of
2.5''.times.6'' sheets attached to one another. For example, as
depicted by FIGS. 12A-12B, a cashout receipt may comprise a
receipt, printed upon a first 2.5''.times.6'' sheet, receipt being
attached to several other 2.5''.times.6'' sheets, which comprise
offer panels. Each 2.5''.times.6'' section of an offer panel may be
thought of as an offer strip panel. Thus, as shown by FIGS.
12A-12B, a cashout receipt may comprise a number of panels (e.g.,
panels "A" and "B"), each offer panel comprising a number of offers
(e.g., each panel comprises two offers).
[0223] In some embodiments, the number of offers per offer panel
may be variable (e.g., based on the number of offers determined
during step 1720). In other embodiments, the number of offers per
offer panel may be fixed. Embodiments using perforated
2.5''.times.6'' sheets may be preferable, as many existing slot
machines feature technology (e.g., International Gaming
Technology's EZ Pay.TM. system) utilizing such sheets.
[0224] In further embodiments, the sections of a cashout receipt
may be combined. For example, a cashout receipt and offer panel (or
portions thereof) may occupy the same section or panel. Thus, in
some embodiments, a cashout receipt may itself comprise a number of
offers (e.g., see FIG. 13).
[0225] Thus, several variations of cashout receipt layouts are
contemplated. Various embodiments of (i) cashout receipts and (ii)
offer panels will now be discussed in more detail, in accordance
with the use of perforated 2.5''.times.6'' sheets (as stated, such
embodiments may be preferable as they utilize existing
technology).
[0226] A cashout receipt may in some embodiments closely resemble a
"cashless gaming ticket" or "cashless gaming receipt" as known in
the art. Thus, as stated, a cashout receipt may comprise a physical
instrument (e.g., a small piece of paper) that may be output and/or
received by a gaming device (e.g., via a "ticket-in/ticket-out"
device), comprising (i) machine-readable indicia (e.g., a bar
code), (ii) a unique receipt identifier (e.g., a series of numeric
digits), and (iii) an indicated value (e.g., $32.75).
[0227] As stated above, a cashout receipt may entitle its bearer to
a monetary amount or number of casino credits equal to the
indicated value. For example, a player may have a balance of 70
credits after playing a 25 denomination slot machine for some time.
Upon requesting to cash out, the player may be provided with a
cashout receipt indicating a value of $17.50. The ticket may then
be used to (i) establish a balance of 70 credits at a gaming device
(e.g., the player inserts a cashout receipt output from a first
machine into a second machine), or (ii) receive an equivalent
amount of currency (e.g., the player visits a casino cage and is
paid $17.50 in cash).
[0228] As stated, a cashout receipt may comprise machine-readable
indicia, such as a barcode, and a receipt identifier that uniquely
identifies the receipt. In some embodiments, machine-readable
indicia may identify at least one of: (i) a player, (ii) the gaming
device from which the cashout receipt was output, (iii) a value of
currency for which the cashout receipt may be redeemed, (iv) at
least one offer for which the cashout receipt may be redeemed, (v)
the date/time at which the cashout receipt was output, (vi) terms
or conditions upon which the receipt may be redeemed (e.g.,
expiration data or time windows). It is contemplated that a receipt
identifier may comprise a numeric or alphanumeric code, such as
"109583," alone or in combination with other machine-readable
indicia.
[0229] In some embodiments of the present invention, a receipt
identifier may be used to identify a cashout receipt, or may
otherwise be thought of as a "cashout receipt identifier." For
example, turning to FIG. 10, various data may then be associated
with such an identifier, such as (i) a cash value a recipient may
be entitled to, (ii) a player identifier associated with the
recipient (e.g., identifying the player to whom the receipt was
output), (iii), a time and/or date when the cashout strip was
output, (iv) a number of offer identifiers associated with the
cashout receipt, (v) an indication of whether or not any offers or
cashout receipts have been redeemed, and/or (vi) an indication of
whether or not any alternate payment offers or cashout tickets have
expired.
[0230] As stated, in one or more embodiments, a cashout receipt may
be attached by perforation to an offer panel (i.e., the offer panel
and cashout receipt together comprise a receipt). Turning again to
FIGS. 12A-12B, a cashout receipt may comprise four 2.5''.times.6''
sheets output by a printer (although, a variety of such others are
contemplated), each sheet being attached to the other by
perforation. The final three sheets may comprise offer panels.
Thus, players may detach and use a cashout receipt to obtain cash
(e.g., by presenting the receipt at a change booth), credits (e.g.,
by inserting the receipt into a gaming device), benefits of offers
(e.g., by presenting the receipt or offer pane; at a merchant
location), etc., as the cashout receipt may be used to detail one
or more offers.
[0231] In various embodiments, text and graphics appearing on an
offer panel may be used to describe and/or promote an offer. For
example, turning again to FIGS. 12A-12B, a "$15 Buffet Credit"
alternate payment offer may be promoted on an offer panel. Text may
describe the benefits associated with an offer as well as, e.g.,
redemption instructions. One or more graphics or icons may also be
used (e.g., a "buffet" offer may comprise a picture of a buffet
platter, an icon of a plate, etc.). An offer identifier may also be
printed on an offer panel, e.g., in association with each offer
(turning to FIG. 12A, a "$15 Buffet Credit" offer is identified by
code OF-000598). Such an offer identifier may later be used, e.g.,
by a merchant, when redeeming an offer.
[0232] In another embodiment, a separate barcode may be printed in
association with each offer, such that the barcode may be scanned
during a redemption process (described further herein). Any number
of offers may be described on an offer panel. Also, as stated, in
some embodiments, a cashout receipt itself may comprise one or more
offers (e.g., see FIG. 13). It should be appreciated that such text
and graphics may be oriented in any manner.
[0233] Further, text printed upon a cashout receipt may also be
used to describe (i) various redemption instructions associated
with one or more offers, (ii) various redemption instructions
associated with one or more meta-games detailed further herein,
(iii) an expiration date associated with one or more offers, (iv) a
date/time window during which one or more offers may be redeemed
(e.g., Sunday, 1-4 p.m.), (v) other redemption restrictions, and so
on. Such text may be printed upon the front and/or back of a
cashout receipt.
[0234] Thus, as an offer and associated value/benefit may have been
determined previously in step 1720, step 1730 may comprise
determining various text or indicia to print upon a cashout
receipt.
[0235] For example, turning again to FIG. 7A, once a gaming device
has determined to include offer OF-000153, and determined a value
associated with the offer (e.g., $15), a database (e.g., see FIG.
7A) may indicate text to be printed on a cashout receipt (e.g., the
"offer description" associated with the offer is "Get $15 in Hotel
Credit instead of your Cashout!"). As is known in the art, a
printer may be calibrated such that text/indicia register
correctly.
[0236] A cashout receipt may then be output by a benefit output
device described herein (e.g., a "ticket-in/ticket-out" device). In
this manner, a player requesting a cashout may be provided with a
cashout receipt comprising a number of offers.
[0237] Receipt Redeemable by Third Parties P In some embodiments,
an offer may enable a player to attain a benefit provided by an
establishment that is not maintained, controlled, owned by or
affiliated with the gaming device operator. For example, an offer
may enable a player to receive credit at a major national retailer
(e.g., Best Buy.TM., Wal-Mart.TM., etc.) or online merchant (e.g.,
Amazon.com). In such embodiments, additional accounting steps
subsequent to the redemption of offers may be necessary.
[0238] For example, a player may gain $15 in credit for a purchase
at Best Buy.TM. by redeeming an offer (e.g., a Best Buy.TM.
employee processes the redemption request in a similar manner as
described herein, providing the $15 in credit to the
player/customer). Thus, as Best Buy.TM. may not be a
casino-maintained property, the retailer may need to be compensated
for providing such credit. Compensation may be provided in a manner
that is well known in the art (e.g., Best Buy.TM. provides an
audited list of redeemed offers and their associated values to a
gaming device operator, which refunds the retailer
accordingly).
[0239] In some embodiments, such compensation may not be necessary
between casino-maintained establishments (i.e., whether a player is
provided with credit at a slot floor or a casino-run restaurant may
be immaterial, as revenues from both establishments contribute to
the same bottom line). In other embodiments, further
accounting/compensation interaction between such entities may be
beneficial.
Offer may be Subsequently Changed
[0240] In some embodiments, a player may utilize a kiosk or gaming
device to upgrade, exchange or add a number offers to those already
indicated by a cashout receipt. For example, a player may approach
a kiosk, insert a cashout receipt and view on a touch-screen
display a menu of all the offers associated with the ticket. A
player may then (i) upgrade offers (e.g., increase the value of a
benefit associated with one or more offers), by accepting a sponsor
offer, redeeming comp points, adding currency (e.g., currency and
comp points may be traded at a specified rate of exchange to
increase an offer value) or performing a value-added activity; (ii)
add offers (e.g., the player selects a "Browse more offers"
option), and/or (iii) exchange offers (e.g., the player identifies
a spa offer he doesn't like and instead selects a hotel offer).
[0241] Additional offers a player may view and select (i.e., offers
not originally included on a cashout receipt) may be determined
based on a variety of factors as previously stated (e.g., cashout
amount, etc.). For example, if a receipt comprises four offers, the
player may later view at a kiosk the fifth- and sixth-ranked offers
as indicated by a hierarchy, and so on.
[0242] In other embodiments, a player may use a kiosk and/or gaming
device simply to browse details regarding one or more offers.
[0243] In some embodiments, a player may utilize a kiosk or gaming
device to trade or upgrade elements (e.g., cards, game pieces) of a
meta-game.
Formats of Cashout Receipts
[0244] In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, cashout
receipts may include structure that permits various information to
be conveyed, and/or permits various functionality to be
realized.
[0245] For example, a receipt may be alterable (e.g., physically
alterable). Such a receipt may include circles, ovals or check
boxes which, when filled in, checked or otherwise registered (e.g.,
with a number 2 pencil) create machine-readable indicia.
[0246] A receipt may include perforated portions allowing the
ticket to be separated easily into different pieces or panels. The
ticket may include an area which is altered by applying a sticker
thereto, or by removing a sticker or scratch off material
therefrom.
[0247] In some embodiments, in response to a request for a cashout,
a gaming device may separately provide a cashout receipt and an
offer panel (e.g., a receipt and offer panel are not attached by
perforation to one another as described in some embodiments). For
example, a gaming device may (i) print a cashout receipt from a
benefit output device, and subsequently (ii) print an offer panel
from the same benefit output device. In another example, a standard
ticket-in/ticket-out device may be used to output receipts, but a
gaming device may be configured to output offer panel via a
separate (e.g., external) benefit output device (e.g., a gaming
device communicates with a peripheral device, such as a small
printer mounted on the side or top of a gaming device). In some
such embodiments, when a player wishes to redeem an offer
associated with an offer panel, the player may be required to
present both the offer panel and associated cashout receipt.
[0248] As stated, in various embodiments, a gaming device may
output (i) more than one cashout receipt, and/or (ii) a cashout
receipt and separate offer panel (e.g., a separate receipt and
panel are printed in sequence). Accordingly, in some embodiments, a
gaming device may be configured to output a message to a player
(e.g., via a display screen and/or audio speakers) indicating,
e.g., that a player should wait to receive a number of additional
printed items. For example, if a gaming device has determined to
output two cashout receipt panels, while the first panel is
printing, a display screen may be configured to read: "Please wait
for your second receipt." In another example, if a gaming device
has determined to output a cashout receipt followed by a separate,
unattached offer panel, a similar message may be output while the
cashout receipt is printing (e.g., "Please wait to receive another
receipt with special bonus offers!").
[0249] In some embodiments, such a message described above may be
output using a printer. For example, before a cashout receipt (or
component thereof) is printed, a printer may be actuated to output
a "message ticket." Text and graphics printed on such a ticket may
indicate, e.g., "STOP! Three cashout receipts printing!" In another
embodiment, a cashout receipt or component thereof may comprise
such an indication (e.g., a first panel comprises text indicating
that a second panel is about to print).
[0250] In other embodiments, various output devices (e.g., a
display screen, speakers) may output a variety of other content
during a cashout process. In some embodiments, such content may
promote one or more alternate payment offers. For example, in one
embodiment, while printing a cashout receipt providing a hotel
offer, a gaming device may present a "virtual tour" of the hotel
property using stored audio/video content (e.g., a display screen
shows video footage taken inside a hotel suite, as audio speakers
output a prerecorded narrative describing various amenities). In
another example, if a cashout receipt comprises a restaurant offer,
a display screen may show a picture of the restaurant's chef, and
so on. In another embodiment, the video reels of a slot machine may
depict an image of one or more cashout receipts or sections
thereof.
[0251] In some embodiments, a cashout receipt may comprise a number
of inactive offers. For example, an offer panel may comprise an
inactive "$15 Steakhouse credit" offer, meaning that a player may
not redeem such an offer without performing some specified
"activating" action. A player may activate an inactive offer in a
variety of manners, such as (i) signing up for a player tracking
card, (ii) answering survey questions or performing some other
value-added activity, (iii) booking a hotel room, (iv) trying new
slot machines, and so on.
[0252] For example, a player may receive a cashout receipt
indicating, "To activate a bonus offer, sign up for a Player's Club
card." The player may then visit a slot club booth or other
location to sign up for the card. A casino representative assisting
the player may then also provide a benefit associated with an offer
as described herein. Inactive offers may be indicated to players in
a variety of manners (e.g., text reading "NOT ACTIVE" is
superimposed over an offer, an offer is grayed out, etc.).
[0253] In some embodiments, an offer panel providing a number of
inactive alternate payment offers may comprise an area for a player
to fill in various information (e.g., name, address, etc.), such
that the information may be used, e.g., when registering the player
for a player tracking card. For example, a player may be able to
fill out a separate 2.5''.times.6'' sheet or panel, tear off the
panel and provide it to a casino representative.
Meta-Games
[0254] A cashout receipt, offer panel, or component thereof may in
some embodiments comprise a meta-game. A meta-game may enable a
player to attain a benefit without wagering any additional credits
or currency. Thus, in some embodiments, a player may attain a
benefit associated with a meta-game in addition to attaining (i) a
cash value associated with a cashout receipt, and/or (ii) a benefit
associated with an offer. For example, a player may (i) attain a
cash payout from winning a meta-game, and (ii) exchange a cashout
receipt for currency at a casino cage. In other embodiments, a
player must forfeit a cashout receipt and/or offer panel to play a
meta-game (i.e., a meta-game entry is an offer). Instructions
printed on a cashout receipt (e.g., on any side or component
thereof) may indicate how to play a meta-game.
[0255] In some embodiments, a meta-game comprises a unique
meta-game identifier (e.g., a series of numeric digits that
uniquely identify a particular game entry), which may be indicated
by a cashout receipt or component thereof (e.g., a bar code and/or
numeric code are associated with a meta-game). In other
embodiments, a cashout receipt identifier may be used to identify a
meta-game entry. Benefits from playing meta-games may be provided
by any or all of (i) a kiosk or gaming device (e.g., a player
inserts a receipt, the kiosk scans a bar code to determine a
meta-game identifier, the identifier points to a record in a
database identifying a meta-game payout amount associated with the
strip, and the amount is paid out via a benefit output device),
(ii) casino personnel (e.g., who may determine payouts manually or
electronically), and so on. A variety of meta-games are
imagined.
[0256] In some embodiments, a meta-game comprises a poker theme.
For example, a five-card poker hand may be printed on a cashout
receipt. In one embodiment, a 2.5''.times.6'' ticket attached to a
cashout receipt comprises a poker-themed meta-game (e.g., a cashout
receipt further comprises a separate "meta-game panel," as depicted
by FIG. 16). In one such embodiment, a player requesting to cash
out may be "dealt" five cards, which together comprise a poker hand
(e.g., five cards are printed on a panel). The player may compare
his hand to a pay table printed on the cashout receipt. The pay
table may indicate any benefits (e.g., cash payouts) the player is
entitled to if he possesses a certain hand (e.g., a "Royal Flush"
pays $2,500).
[0257] In one embodiment, a player may combine a plurality of
cashout receipts (or, e.g., meta-game panels) to create a hand in a
poker-themed meta-game. For example, a player may be provided with
a hand of A -8 --10.diamond-solid.-2 on a first receipt and a hand
of 6 -5 -J -K.diamond-solid.-3 on a second receipt. The player may
then combine both receipts to create, e.g., a five-card hand of A
-8 -6 -5 -J . The player may then receive a payout for the flush.
In some embodiments, a different pay schedule may be used for hands
achieved using more than one cashout strip (e.g., a flush achieved
using only one cashout receipt pays more than a flush achieved
using two cashout receipts).
[0258] In some embodiments, a meta-game may comprise a game piece
collection game. A player collecting a certain number or
combination of game pieces may then be entitled to receive a
benefit. For example, each cashout receipt may comprise a
Monopoly.RTM. game piece (e.g., a "railroad property"). A player
collecting four different railroad properties, e.g., may then be
provided with a cash payout or other benefit. A variety of such
game pieces are imagined. Embodiment providing meta-games may
encourage players to retain cashout receipts rather than
immediately redeeming them. In an embodiment, different game pieces
or types of game pieces may be obtainable from different gaming
devices or different games, thereby encouraging trial of, e.g., new
gaming devices, new games. In some embodiments, a game piece may be
uniquely identified (e.g., by a bar code and/or numeric code).
[0259] In other embodiments, a meta-game may comprise a lottery,
sweepstakes, keno or bingo entry (e.g., a cashout receipt comprises
a "scratch-off" element, numbers for a keno drawing, squares for a
round of bingo, and so on).
[0260] In some embodiments, a player may use a kiosk or gaming
device to save or store meta-game elements (e.g., cards, game
pieces, etc.) in an electronic manner (e.g., a game piece
identifier or meta-game identifier are stored in association with a
player identifier). In this manner, a player may aggregate value
over a period of time, motivating the player to continue game play
within the casino.
[0261] In some embodiments, receipts may also represent a balance
of "equity" points earned by the player that count toward a "meta
game" or bonus game. For example, the player may have received 20
lemon symbols throughout the course of a gaming session. The lemon
symbols may be provided on the receipt, so that the player can
continue collecting the symbols as he tries to qualify for a
special prize, collectible by redeeming the receipt.
Player Interaction with a Gaming Device
[0262] In the embodiments described herein, the player may interact
with the gaming device (or another system) via one or more user
interfaces (such as a graphical user interface) that are operable
to receive at least one command from a player of the gaming device.
For example, such a user interface may be provided before a cashout
receipt is output, and the offer provided with or in lieu of a
cashout amount may be based on one or more commands received via
the user interface. Graphical user interfaces, including graphical
buttons provided via touch screens, menus, etc., are well known in
the art.
[0263] Such a user interface can allow a player to direct or modify
attributes of a receipt. For example, in an embodiment in which the
offer includes payment towards a bill (e.g., a hotel bill), the
player may employ the user interface to apply the payment towards
the bill, and the gaming device would then direct a computing
device responsible for the bill payment to credit the bill in the
specified amount. In such an embodiment, the receipt need not be
redeemable for anything, but could merely be an indicium that
evidences payment. Reconciliation of accounts may subsequently be
applied (e.g., the casino might have to render the specified
amount, or a portion thereof, to another entity).
[0264] A user interface may also be structured to allow a player to
enter a code, such as the player's name, a PIN (personal
identification number), password, thumbprint, retinal scan or the
like, at a certain time (e.g., when the player requests to cash
out, or requests an offer). Such a PIN, etc. could be registered
with any receipt subsequently provided to the player. For example,
the PIN may be recorded in a database record corresponding to the
unique identifier that is printed on the cashout receipt. Thus,
redemption of the receipt might require subsequent entry of the
registered PIN, etc., or verification of the players name, in order
to verify the identity of the player.
[0265] Similarly, gaming devices may include or be connected to a
camera or other image capture device. Ideally, the image capture
device is positioned to capture images that are proximal to the
gaming device (e.g., an image of a player playing the gaming
device). The gaming device may thus record an image of the player.
The recorded image may be printed on the receipt and/or recorded in
a database record corresponding to the cashless gaming ticket. In
embodiments where the cashout receipt includes a printed image of
the player, casino personnel (e.g. at the casino cage or coin
booth) would be able to visually confirm the identity of player
before accepting the receipt.
[0266] A user interface may also be structured to allow a player to
select lottery numbers through the gaming device, and the lottery
numbers can be printed on the cashout receipt as a form of offer,
or in addition to other (conventional) payouts. The receipt thus
can serve as a lottery ticket, and can entitle the bearer to
winnings in a known manner.
[0267] A user interface may also be structured to allow a player to
alter the value of a cashout receipt. For example, the user
interface may allow the player to select an option to add money to
increase the value of the receipt or offer. The player may add
money by adding currency through the machine's bill validator or
coin acceptor, swiping a credit card in a card reader, and the
like. The user interface may allow a player to indicate when he has
finished adding money and would like a receipt printed.
[0268] In one embodiment, a user interface may be structured to
allow a player to generate a cashout receipt that represents only a
portion of the player's credit balance (leaving the remainder of
the credit balance available for play). For example, a player may
choose to "round down" his credit balance to an even bill
denomination, and generate a cashout receipt that represents the
difference (e.g., to tip a waitress).
[0269] In some embodiments, a player may increase the value
associated with (i) a cashout receipt (i.e., a cash value), and/or
(ii) an offer. In various embodiments, a player may increase either
value by accepting a sponsor offer or performing some other
value-added activity (e.g., participating in a survey, etc.).
Turning to FIG. 15, a sponsor offer may be explained and/or
promoted on a cashout receipt and/or offer panel. A variety of
parties, including but not limited to credit card issuers, phone
service providers, membership clubs and magazine publishers may
supply such offers, as many such parties would be willing to pay a
cash bounty to acquire a new customer (i.e., to such a party, the
long-term value of acquiring a customer may be greater than a small
bounty paid). For example, in one embodiment, a player may double a
cash value associated with a cashout receipt by signing up for a
credit card (i.e., accepting a sponsor offer). In another example,
a player entitled to $15 in buffet credit (i.e., an offer for $15
in buffet credit) may instead receive $30 by agreeing to switch
his/her phone service provider. A player may accept a sponsor offer
in a variety of manners. In one embodiment, the player may call a
phone number printed on a cashout receipt and provide a code (also,
e.g., indicated by a cashout receipt), which may be associated with
a particular offer. A casino representative may then be dispatched
to assist the recipient in accepting the offer.
[0270] In another embodiment, the player may take the cashout
receipt to a booth or other location where casino representatives
may be stationed. Accordingly, a representative may then (i)
process a sponsor offer indicated by the recipient (e.g., "I'd like
to sign up for AT&T and get $30 in buffet credit"), and (ii)
provide the indicated benefit to the player once the transaction is
successfully processed (e.g., the representative provides a $30
buffet credit voucher). Processing a sponsor offer may comprise,
but is not limited to: (i) identifying an offer (e.g., a player
indicates an offer), (ii) receiving data from the player (e.g.,
name, address, credit card, etc.), (iii) transmitting data to a
sponsor (e.g., a name and address are sent to a magazine publisher
such that a magazine may then be sent to a player), (iv) providing
a benefit, and so on. A representative may provide a benefit in a
variety of manners, including: (i) issuing a voucher, (ii)
crediting an electronic account associated with a player, (iii)
directly providing a product, service and/or payout, and so on.
[0271] In some embodiments, a player accepting a sponsor offer may
increase a value associated with a cashout receipt or offer by a
standard or predetermined amount. For example, accepting a sponsor
offer may (i) multiply a value associated with a cashout receipt or
offer by a predetermined factor or multiplier (e.g., "Sign up for
Sprint.TM. and get double hotel credit!"), and/or (ii) increase a
value associated with a receipt or offer by a predetermined amount
(e.g., "Apply for a Discover.RTM. card and get an extra $10
cash!"). In other embodiments, accepting a sponsor offer may
multiply or increase a value by a variable amount, factor or
multiplier (e.g., a monetary amount within a certain range,
etc.).
[0272] In some embodiments, a sponsor may agree in advance to pay a
casino a bounty value for each customer attained. A bounty value
may be a specific monetary amount (e.g., Columbia House will pay
$15), or any monetary amount within a certain range (e.g., AT&T
will pay a minimum of $0 and a maximum of $30 per customer). Such
information may be stored in a database accessible to a gaming
device (e.g., see FIG. 11). Accordingly, in response to a cashout
request, a gaming device may (i) determine a cash value (e.g., $4)
and/or offer value (e.g., "$15 in buffet credit"), and (ii)
determine at least one sponsor offer based on the value. For
example, a sponsor offer rule (e.g., stored in a database in
communication with a gaming device) may indicate to provide a
"2.times. Multiplier Offer" in association with (i) a cashout
receipt, and (ii) every offer of a cashout receipt or panel. Thus,
a gaming device may access a sponsor offer database (e.g., FIG. 11)
to determine an acceptable sponsor offer to be associated with,
e.g., a cashout receipt (e.g., an $8 "Sports Illustrated" sponsor
offer is associated with a $4 receipt) and an offer (e.g., a $15
"Columbia House" sponsor offer may be used to double the value of a
"$15 in buffet credit" offer), in accordance with the rule. A
variety of such rules are imagined. Several exemplary sponsor offer
rules include: Associate both a "2.times. Multiplier" and a
"3.times. Multiplier" sponsor offer with a cashout receipt;
Associate a "2.times. Multiplier" sponsor offer with a first offer
and a "3.times. Multiplier" sponsor offer with a second offer;
Associate a "2.times. Multiplier" sponsor offer with a first offer
and an "Add $5" sponsor offer with a second offer.
[0273] In some embodiments, a value associated with a sponsor offer
may be based on a loss amount. For example, a slot machine player
may play for a period of time, and lose $16.75. A cashout receipt
may then offer the player: "Get your money back! Choose a sponsor
offer to get $16.75 cash!"
[0274] It should be noted that similar methods for determining
sponsor offer types, a number of sponsor offers to be output, the
value of one or more sponsor offers, etc., have been described
previously with respect to offers; such methods may also be
applicable to sponsor offers. For example, a hierarchy may indicate
that a particular sponsor offer is preferable. However, a fixed
bounty value associated with the sponsor offer (e.g., $5) may
prevent the sponsor offer from being output based on (i) a
determined cash value and/or offer value, and (ii) a sponsor offer
rule (e.g., if a cash value is $10 and a sponsor offer rule
indicates to associate a "2.times. Multiplier" sponsor offer with a
cashout receipt, the $5 bounty associated with the preferred
sponsor offer may be too small). Accordingly, a gaming device may
then consider a second sponsor offer in the hierarchy, and so
on.
[0275] In some embodiments, sponsor offers may be based on player
history and/or preferences. For example, in one embodiment, a
player may indicate which sponsor offers the player may be
interested in seeing using a touch-screen menu of a kiosk. In
another embodiment, a system of the present invention may ascertain
which sponsor offers a player is likely to accept based on the
player's previous redemption behavior, and may output sponsor
offers accordingly.
[0276] Apparatus and methods which, among other things, permit and
enable players to attain benefits by performing value-added
activities and accepting sponsor offers, and which are appropriate
for use in accordance with the present invention, are disclosed in
Applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/120,529,
filed Apr. 10, 2002, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OFFERING
FORWARD COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS," as well as U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/121,243, filed Apr. 11, 2002, entitled "METHODS AND
SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING GAME PLAY AT A GAMING DEVICE BY MEANS OF
SPONSOR OFFERS"; the entirety of both are incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
Alternate Value for Offers
[0277] As stated, in some embodiments, a player may attempt to
redeem an invalid alternate payment offer. For example, player may
visit a steakhouse only to realize that a "$15 Steakhouse credit"
offer may only be redeemed during a later time of day (e.g., the
player arrives at 2 p.m., but the offer may not be redeemed until
after 7 p.m.). In such embodiments, the player may be offered a
substitute offer, such that the player does not leave disappointed.
In one example, a merchant may access a predetermined list of such
substitute offers using a merchant computer terminal. In another
example, a kiosk may be programmed to present such substitute
offers (e.g., "Sorry, that offer has expired. Would you like $5 in
buffet credit instead?").
[0278] In one or more embodiments, a cashout receipt recipient may
be able to gamble the value associated with one or more offers. For
example, before a cashout receipt prints from a gaming device, the
device may prompt a player: "Want double or nothing on your buffet
credits? Press `Yes` to play." An outcome may then be determined in
a random manner and presented to the player (e.g., an animated
wheel spins and lands on "Double!"). Should the player succeed in
increasing the value associated with one or more offers, the player
may then be provided with a cashout receipt or offer panel
indicating the increased value.
[0279] In some embodiments, an offer may comprise a generic casino
credit that may be used by a player at a number of specified casino
locations. For example, a player may, instead of $23.75 cash,
accept a "Casino Gift Card" with a balance of $30. The card (e.g.,
a plastic debit card similar to a "gift card," as known in the art)
may then be used at a variety of locations within the casino
property (e.g., food court, gift shop, etc.) to purchase
goods/services. In this manner, players may enjoy experiencing a
variety of benefits, rather than, e.g., selecting an offer
redeemable at only one location. In further embodiments, a player
may use a player tracking card as a "casino gift card."
[0280] In one or more embodiments, during a request for a cashout,
a player may only be provided with a cashout receipt. A display
screen may then instruct the player: "Trade your cashout ticket for
more credit at one of our establishments! Visit a `Trade-Up` kiosk
or the Player's Club booth for details!"
[0281] The display screen may also depict a variety of sample
offers. Thus, the player may then provide the cashout receipt to,
e.g., a kiosk or casino employee, such that the player may be
provided with a number of offers some time after cashing out from a
gaming device.
[0282] In another embodiment, a cashout receipt or offer panel may
provide a "mystery offer," which may not be revealed to a player
until a later time (e.g., until the player inserts the cashout
ticket into a kiosk).
[0283] In one embodiment, a player may combine a plurality of
similar offers culled from a number of cashout receipts. For
example, a player may use a "$10 buffet credit" offer from a first
receipt or offer panel and a "$15 buffet credit" offer from a
second receipt or offer panel to receive $25 in buffet credit. In
some embodiments, a casino may even motivate such behavior by
providing a greater value to such a player (e.g., the player
receives the $25 in credit, plus $5 in bonus credits). In other
embodiments, offers may not be combined.
[0284] In one or more embodiments, the value associated with an
offer may increase or decrease over time. Such embodiments may be
used to encourage players to redeem certain offers or visit various
properties during certain times.
[0285] In some embodiments, a player may redeem an offer using a
home computer. For example, a player may access a Web site
indicated by a receipt, enter a code associated with an offer and
receive a good or service (e.g., a product is shipped to the
player).
Redeeming a Cashout Receipt--Step 1740
Generally
[0286] Referring to FIG. 17, a cashout receipt, offer panel (or a
component thereof) may be received from a player as part of a
redemption process (e.g., a customer wishes to accept an offer, and
thus provides a cashout ticket to a merchant). One of ordinary
skill will recognize receiving to include, but not be limited to,
receiving or obtaining a physical cashout receipt (or portion
thereof), and receiving an indication of indicia or information
printed on a cashout receipt (or stored thereon).
[0287] Thus, in some embodiments, redeeming a cashout receipt
comprises receiving a physical substrate. In other embodiments,
receiving a cashout strip may comprise (i) receiving the entire
cashout receipt (i.e., a cashout ticket as well as any offer
panels, or (ii) receiving an offer panel (e.g., a player tears an
offer strip from a cashout ticket) (iii) receiving a code or
computer-readable indicia (e.g., a bar code or cashout receipt
identifier).
[0288] In one example, a player bearing a cashout receipt may tear
off a cashout receipt that was once attached by perforation to an
offer panel (e.g., the first of four 2.5''.times.6'' sheets is
torn). The receipt may then be received by (i), a redemption kiosk,
(ii) a casino representative (e.g., a clerk at a slot club booth),
(iii) a merchant (e.g., a restaurant host), and/or (iv) a gaming
device.
At a Redemption Kiosk
[0289] In some embodiments, a cashout receipt (or, as described, a
component thereof) may be received by a redemption kiosk. As
stated, a kiosk may be a device configured to, among other things,
(i) accept cashout receipts, (ii) provide benefits, (iii) book
reservations as requested by players (e.g., at a restaurant or
hotel), (iv) enable the purchase of a good and/or service (e.g., a
patron accesses a merchant Web site), (v) view, exchange, select or
upgrade offers, and so on. Accordingly, a casino patron may insert
a cashout strip (or, e.g., cashout ticket), such that it is
received by a kiosk (e.g., a player tears a 2.5''.times.6'' cashout
ticket, and inserts the ticket into a ticket-in/ticket-out device
of a kiosk).
[0290] In some embodiments, a cashout receipt may be received by a
casino representative. Representatives may be stationed at a
variety of locations throughout a casino. Exemplary representatives
include, but are not limited to: (i) a change person making rounds
on the slot floor, (ii) a clerk at a cash cage, (iii) an attendant
at a "player's club" booth or, e.g., a registration center for
player tracking cards, (iv) a casino employee directed to approach
one or more players, and so on.
By a Merchant
[0291] In some embodiments, a merchant may receive a receipt and/or
offer panel. For example, a player may posses a cashout receipt
providing an offer reading, "$20 Steakhouse Credit instead of your
Cashout amount." The player may then visit the steakhouse
establishment, and present the cashout receipt to a host or clerk.
Alternately, the player may present the cashout receipt when a
purchase is finalized (e.g., the player tenders the cashout receipt
much like a gift certificate once a bill is received).
By a Gaming Device
[0292] In some embodiments, a cashout receipt, or component
thereof, may be received by a gaming device. For example, a player
may posses a cashout receipt providing an offer reading, "$15.00
slot credit tomorrow instead of $12.50 today." The player may then
detach the cashout receipt the following day, inserting it into a
ticket-in/ticket-out device of a slot machine.
Determining Offer at Redemption
[0293] Once a cashout receipt (or component thereof) has been
received, at least one accepted offer may be determined. A player
may identify, select or otherwise accept an alternate payment offer
in a variety of manners.
[0294] In various embodiments wherein a cashout receipt has been
received by a redemption kiosk or gaming device, an offer may be
identified in a variety of manners. In one or more embodiments,
before inserting a cashout receipt (or, e.g., a component thereof),
a player may mark, tear, punch out, fill in, or otherwise alter a
selection area (e.g., a box) associated with one or more offers
(e.g., as depicted by FIG. 14). Instructional text may appear on
the cashout receipt describing that a player may indicate a
particular offer by, e.g., filling in a box with a writing
instrument. Thus, when the cashout receipt or offer panel is
received, an optical scanner and/or camera within the kiosk or
gaming device may determine that a particular offer has been
selected (i.e., a particular selection area has been altered) as is
known in the art. In other embodiments, a player may (i) insert a
cashout receipt into a kiosk, and (ii) identify one or more offers
using an input device, such as a touch-sensitive display screen.
For example, a player may insert a cashout receipt into a kiosk,
and the kiosk may then (i) determine a cashout receipt identifier
(e.g., by scanning a bar code), (ii) determine any offers
associated with the cashout receipt (e.g., by accessing a cashout
receipt database as depicted by FIG. 10), and (iii) output the
associated offers on a display screen.
[0295] For example, a player inserting a cashout receipt into a
kiosk or gaming device may be presented with a menu of associated
offers. The device may additionally output a message, such as text
reading, "Please choose the offer you would like to redeem," or,
e.g., an audio prompt indicating similar instructions. The player
may then select an offer by, e.g., touching a portion of a display
screen, pressing a particular button, and so on.
[0296] In various embodiments wherein a cashout receipt has been
received by a casino representative or merchant, an offer may be
identified in a variety of manners. For example, before handing the
receipt to the representative or merchant, a player may identify an
offer by altering a selection area as described above. In another
embodiment, a patron may tear off a section of a receipt comprising
an offer or offer panel; and hand the offer to a representative or
merchant. For example, each 2.5''.times.6'' sheet of an offer panel
may comprise one offer. Thus, a recipient may tear off one sheet
and hand it to a representative or merchant. In another embodiment,
a recipient may indicate verbally to a representative or merchant a
desired offer.
[0297] It should be noted that, in various embodiments, receiving a
selection of an alternate payment offer may comprise receiving a
PIN code, initials or other player identifier. Such embodiments may
be beneficial in alleviating any regulatory concerns associated
with players exchanging monetary value for an alternate type of
value (e.g., the player has personally verified a desire to
exchange cash for an alternate payment offer).
Offer Validity Determined at Redemption
[0298] Once an accepted offer has been received (e.g., a player
provides a cashout receipt or panel and indicates an offer he/she
would like to redeem), a gaming device, kiosk, casino
representative and/or merchant may determine whether or not the
offer is valid. A redemption request for an offer may be considered
invalid if, e.g., (i) the offer has expired, (ii) the offer has
been previously redeemed, and/or (iii) a cashout receipt associated
with the offer has been used (e.g., the player reinserted the
cashout ticket into a slot machine and initiated a game play).
Thus, to determine whether or not an offer has expired, a casino
representative and/or merchant may either, (i) check an expiration
date printed on the receipt that is associated with at least one
offer, and/or (ii) use a cashout receipt identifier to determine an
expiration date electronically (e.g., turning to FIG. 10, a
merchant scans a bar code associated with a cashout receipt
identifier 110782, and a cashout receipt database is queried to
reveal, e.g., via a display screen of a merchant computer, that the
cashout strip has expired). A gaming device or kiosk may also
determine expiration data by, e.g., scanning a bar code and
accessing a database. It should be noted that expiration data may
describe (i) whether or not a cashout receipt expired, thus
invalidating any associated offers, and/or (ii) whether or not a
particular offer has expired (e.g., turning to FIG. 10, offer
OF-000220 of ticket 109583 may have expired, but other offers may
still be valid).
[0299] A casino representative and/or merchant may determine
whether an offer and/or cashout receipt have been previously used
or redeemed in a variety of manners, including but not limited to
(i) determining whether the cashout receipt or offer panel has been
altered in a particular manner (e.g., a cashout receipt has been
separated from an offer panel, a hole has been punched through a
cashout receipt or the receipt has been torn or ripped, thus
voiding one or more offers), (ii) using a bar code and/or cashout
receipt identifier to electronically determine whether or not the
cashout receipt or offer in question has been redeemed (e.g., a
merchant enters a cashout receipt identifier using a computer
keyboard, and a computer screen displays redemption data, such as
"INVALID: Credit already used").
[0300] Similarly, a gaming device or kiosk may scan the bar code of
an inserted cashout receipt (or, e.g., offer panel), determine a
cashout receipt identifier and determine redemption data. It should
be noted that redemption data may describe (i) whether or not a
cashout receipt has been used or redeemed for cash, thus
invalidating any associated offers, and/or (ii) whether or not a
particular offer has been redeemed.
Providing a Benefit Associated with an Offer--Step 1760
[0301] Referring to FIG. 17, once it has been determined that a
selected offer is valid, a benefit associated with the offer may be
provided. A variety of benefits may be provided in a variety of
manners, depending, e.g., on the manner in which a cashout strip is
received during step 1740.
Via Casino Representative
[0302] For example, a casino representative (e.g., a casino
employee stationed on a casino slot floor) may provide a benefit in
a variety of manners. In some embodiments, a representative may
indirectly provide a benefit. For example, a representative may be
equipped to (i) process an offer redemption request (e.g., receive
a cashout receipt and determine whether or not an accepted offer is
valid), and (ii) provide a voucher for a product/service indicated
by the offer. For example, a patron bearing a cashout receipt may
flag down a casino representative on a slot floor, hand the
representative a receipt and say, "I'd like to get these steakhouse
credits instead of my cashout receipt." In some embodiments, the
representative may be equipped with a remote device, such as a
personal digital assistant (PDA). As described, a remote device may
be equipped with software to facilitate the redemption of alternate
payment offers, as well as a communications link (e.g., via a
wireless network) to a central controller, inventory/reservation
system, or the like.
[0303] Continuing with the example, the representative may then (i)
determine if the steakhouse offer in question is valid as
described, and if so (ii) issue a voucher redeemable for the
steakhouse credit (e.g., the representative provides a comp slip
similar in appearance to a gift certificate). In another
embodiment, a casino representative may be located at a particular
booth, desk, room or location on casino grounds (e.g., several
representatives located at a "Player's Club Booth" use computers to
process offer redemption requests, and provide vouchers or
benefits).
[0304] In other embodiments, a casino representative may directly
provide a benefit. For example, if a player desires to redeem a
valid "Two free drinks" offer, a representative may accept a
cashout receipt (or portion thereof) and either (i) retrieve the
drinks, or (ii) using a remote device, transmit a signal (e.g., to
a central "food & drink" server) indicating that the drinks
should be delivered to a particular location (e.g., to a particular
slot machine identified by code or number). In another example, if
a player desires to redeem a valid "Free set of Nike.TM. golf
clubs" offer, a representative may accept a cashout receipt (or
portion thereof), and process the order (e.g., using a remote
device), such that the clubs may be delivered to the patron's home
(e.g., the representative enters the patron's name and address,
etc.).
Via Kiosk
[0305] In some embodiments, a redemption kiosk may provide a
benefit. In some embodiments, a kiosk may provide a voucher
redeemable for a benefit. For example, a player may insert a
cashout receipt and use a touch-sensitive display screen to select
a desired offer (e.g. "$20 Buffet credit"). Once it has been
determined that the selection is valid, the kiosk may provide a
voucher for the selected good/service/establishment. For example,
the kiosk may then actuate a ticket printer to print a voucher that
may be used to gain $20 in credit at the buffet (or, e.g., a
"Buffet Pass for One"); the patron may then present the voucher
when paying for a bill, and up to $20 may be deducted from the bill
by a buffet cashier, who accepts and stores the voucher
accordingly.
[0306] In some embodiments, a voucher may comprise a plastic card
(e.g., a "gift card" comprising a magnetic stripe, etc.). In
another embodiment, a kiosk may enable a player to attain a benefit
directly. For example, a player may insert a cashout receipt, and
using a mouse and/or keyboard coupled to the kiosk, browse an
Internet site to claim an offer. In another example, a kiosk may
provide currency to a player via a benefit output device. In yet
another example, a player may insert a cashout receipt and redeem a
"$30 hotel credit" offer, such that a kiosk may send a signal to a
hotel server, authorizing a $30 deduction from the player's hotel
bill. In yet another example, a player may use a kiosk to order one
or more menu items associated with an offer (e.g., "One steak
dinner," "Breakfast in bed," etc.), such that the menu items may be
prepared, available and/or reserved when the player arrives at a
corresponding establishment. Further still, when redeeming an offer
(e.g., a "Free deluxe massage"), a player may use a kiosk to make
an electronic reservation at a casino establishment (e.g., a spa,
hotel, etc.), such that all the player need do when claiming a
benefit at the establishment is present proper identification
(e.g., the player arrives at the spa at the reserved time, shows a
valid driver's license, and receives a free massage).
Via Gaming Device
[0307] In some embodiments, an offer may comprise a benefit
redeemable at a gaming device (e.g., free slot machine spins, free
loss insurance, a free bonus round entry, a free fixed-price gaming
session, additional credits when playing at a later date, etc.).
Thus, a gaming device receiving a valid offer selected by a player
may enable a benefit associated with the offer.
[0308] For example, a player may receive on a first day a cashout
receipt providing (i) a $9.50 cashout ticket, and (ii) an offer
strip providing a "$12 slot credit tomorrow" offer. The player may
then insert the receipt on the following day, and receive a gaming
device credit balance of $12 (i.e., the gaming device scans a
barcode printed on the cashout receipt, determines a cashout
receipt identifier, determines an offer, determines if the offer is
valid, and if so, provides a benefit).
[0309] It should be noted that as a cashout receipt may be
associated with a plurality of offers, a gaming device receiving a
cashout receipt may, e.g., access a cashout receipt database to
determine if there are any such offers that a player may redeem via
the gaming device. For example, offer "OF-000474" is flagged as a
"slot machine" offer type. In some embodiments, if more than one
offer is a "slot machine" offer, a gaming device may output a
message asking a player to choose a particular offer (e.g., "Would
you like $12 in credits or an Instant Bonus Round Entry?"). In some
embodiments, a gaming device may output a message asking a player
to confirm that the patron desires to redeem a particular offer
(e.g., "Would you like to receive $12 in credits? Pressing `Yes`
will void all other offers").
[0310] In other embodiments, a player may use a gaming device to
redeem a benefit that is not related to the gaming device (e.g.,
the player uses a gaming device to print a voucher or place an
order, much like redemption at a kiosk).
[0311] Various merchants or casino employees (e.g., gift shop
clerks, restaurant wait staff, table-game dealers, etc.) may
provide benefits associated with a received cashout receipt or
offer panel in a variety of manners.
Via a Merchant
[0312] Generally, a merchant may accept a cashout receipt (or
component thereof) or a voucher before a transaction is finalized,
such that any credit owed to a cashout receipt recipient may be
considered before a final amount due is calculated. For example, a
casino patron may present a cashout receipt comprising a "Free
appetizer" offer when paying for a bill. A clerk may then determine
if the offer is valid, and if so, deduct the cost of an appetizer
from the bill (as is known in the art). In another example, a
patron may present a "$20 steakhouse credit" offer when paying for
a bill. If the offer is valid, $20 may be deducted from the bill
(as is known in the art). In other embodiments, players may present
offers and claim free goods and/or services without paying a bill
(e.g., a player arrives at a gift shop, presents a "Free casino
hat" offer, and a clerk provides a hat to a player after
determining that the offer is valid.
[0313] In some embodiments, a kiosk, gaming device, casino
representative and/or merchant may provide a credit to a casino
patron by crediting an account associated with the patron. A
variety of such accounts may be credited in a variety of manners
(e.g., comp points are added to a slot club account, money is added
to a financial account, etc.).
Via Player Tracking Card
[0314] In some embodiments, upon receiving a selection of an offer,
a player account associated with a player tracking card may be
updated to reflect the offer selection. The same player tracking
card may then be used by a player to receive the benefit of the
selected offer (e.g., the player arrives at a casino restaurant,
provides his player tracking card, and is given his free meal).
[0315] Similarly, rather than output a paper sheet, a gaming device
or casino may provide a plastic card to be used by a player when
receiving cashout receipts. For example, a player may be provided
with a $40 Best Buy.RTM. gift card, which the player may then take
to any Best Buy.RTM. location. Alternately, a code or other indicia
may be presented to a player via an output device (e.g., display
screen, printer), which may then be used to receive the benefit of
an offer or an associated cashout amount (e.g., the player later
enters the code into an appropriate Web site field).
Unpopular Offers Removed from Pool
[0316] In some embodiments, a gaming device or controller may track
the acceptance rate of various types of offers (i.e. the number of
times the offer is presented divided by the number of times the
offer is accepted), such that unpopular offers may be removed from
system, and that popular offers may be presented to players with
increased frequency.
[0317] For example, information stored in a player database (see
for example, FIG. 5), including information indicating offers
selected by players and offers redeemed by players may be used to
determine whether selected offers have been redeemed. Offers
accepted in a ratio below a certain threshold may be removed or
identified such that the offers may be modified and offered again
in the future.
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS
Session or Player Information on Cashout Receipts
[0318] In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, cashout
receipts may bear indicia representing various information and
providing various functionality. Further, any such information can
be associated with the receipt in a cashout receipt database,
allowing the information to be determined, e.g., by the casino. Any
such information may additionally or alternatively be encoded,
allowing it to be determined only, e.g., by the casino.
[0319] For example, a receipt may represent information generated
or stored during the player's gaming session (e.g., outcomes
generated). Similarly, receipts may represent information such as
an amount won by the player, an amount lost by the player, wager
amounts of the player, starting balance, ending balance, difference
between starting and ending balances, number of outcomes, time
played, time that play started, time that play stopped, the name of
the game played, and the like. Such information may be desirable,
e.g., for the players tax purposes, to encourage the player.
[0320] In some embodiments, a receipt may include (blank or
alterable) fields that are to be completed by a player. Such fields
may promote the entry and acquisition of desirable information,
such as player names, addresses, etc.
* * * * *