U.S. patent application number 11/585025 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for security devices for implementing hand-held wagering.
Invention is credited to Tautalatasi Autele, Andrew V. Brandt, Zbigniew Czyzewski, David B. Lopez, Peter J. Shoebridge.
Application Number | 20080096628 11/585025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39318590 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080096628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Czyzewski; Zbigniew ; et
al. |
April 24, 2008 |
Security devices for implementing hand-held wagering
Abstract
A player authentication security system for wireless wagering
system is disclosed. The system comprises a wireless data
transmission device capable of transmitting wagering instructions.
A data receiving device receives wireless data transmissions
relating to wagering instructions. The system comprises a security
enabling device that interacts with the wireless data transmission
device to enable wagers from authentic users to be placed from the
wireless transmission device to the data receiving device by the
wireless transmission of wagering instructions.
Inventors: |
Czyzewski; Zbigniew;
(Henderson, NV) ; Autele; Tautalatasi; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Lopez; David B.; (Henderson, NV) ;
Brandt; Andrew V.; (Boulder, CO) ; Shoebridge; Peter
J.; (Boulder, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dickstein Shapiro LLP
1825 Eye Street NW
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
39318590 |
Appl. No.: |
11/585025 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/3255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A wagering system carried by a player comprising: a wireless
data transmission device capable of transmitting wagering
instructions to a data receiving device; a data receiving device
receiving wireless data transmissions relating to wagering
instructions; and a security enabling device that interacts with
the wireless data transmission device to authorize wagers to be
placed from the wireless transmission device to the data receiving
device by the wireless transmission of wagering instructions.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the security device must remain
actively engaged in communication with the wireless transmitting
device for the wireless data transmission device to continue
wireless transmission.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the security device must be
periodically engaged in communication with the wireless data
transmission device for the wireless data transmission device to
continue wireless transmission.
4. The wagering system of claim 1 wherein the security enabling
device automatically initiates and sends signals to the wireless
data transmission device to assist in authenticating that an
appropriate user is in possession of the wireless data transmission
device.
5. The wagering system of claim 1 wherein the security enabling
device is physically attached to the wireless data transmission
device and data must be entered into the security device before the
security device can assist in authenticating that an appropriate
user is in possession of the wireless data transmission device.
6. The wagering system of claim 5 wherein the data must be entered
by at least one format selected from the group consisting of card
swipe, RFID, 1-D or 2-D bar code, alphanumeric imager, biometric
recognition solutions and transmission of stored data from hardware
to the security device.
7. The wagering system of claim 1 wherein authenticating that an
appropriate user is in possession of the wireless data transmission
device and subsequent allowance of entry of wagers from the
wireless data transmission device to the data receiving device
receiving wireless data transmissions relating to wagering
instructions must be approved by the data receiving device.
8. The wagering device of claim 7 wherein the data receiving device
receiving wireless data transmissions relating to wagering
instructions comprises a game server.
9. The wagering device of claim 8 wherein the game server will
close access to wagers from the wireless data transmission device
if authentication signals are not received by the game server from
the wireless transmission device after a predefined time
interval.
10. The wagering device of claim 9 wherein the game server will
close access to wagers only after, and not during, play of a game
on which a wager has been accepted.
11. A method of wagering from a wireless, hand-held wagering device
comprising: establishing a wireless communication link from the
wireless, hand-held wagering device to a data receiving device; the
data receiving device operating a wagering game by steps including
a) receiving wagers on random or pseudo-random outcomes, b)
determining a random outcome or pseudo-random outcome, c) and
determining winning outcomes based on placement of the received
wagers and the determined random outcome or pseudo-random outcome;
a player providing unique player identification information to the
wireless, hand-held wagering device; the wireless, hand-held
wagering device transmitting information to the data receiving
device based upon receipt of the player identification information
by the hand-held wagering device; the data receiving device
allowing or refusing to allow placement of wagers from the
wireless, hand-held wagering device dependent upon transmitted
information based upon receipt of the player identification
information.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein after the data receiving device
has allowed wagers to be placed, the data receiving device
requiring, after a predefined period of time, further transmittal
of player identification information from the wireless, hand-held
wagering device to continue allowing wagers to be placed.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein player identification is input
to the wireless, hand-held wagering device by a card swipe,
biometric solution or wireless transmission.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein player identification is input
to the wireless, hand-held wagering device by wireless transmission
from a distinct component from the wireless, hand-held wagering
device, the distinct component having a subcomponent for securing
the distinct component to the player.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein player identification is input
to the wireless, hand-held wagering device by wireless transmission
from a distinct component from the wireless, hand-held wagering
device, the distinct component having a subcomponent for securing
the distinct component to the player.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein player identification is input
to a security component integrated into the wireless, hand-held
wagering device by data entry from a card containing player
identification information.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein player identification is input
to a security component integrated into the wireless, hand-held
wagering device by data entry from a card containing player
identification information.
18. A method of a distal player wagering on a physical casino
wagering system having electronic game play data collected and
reported to a data receiving device processor, and having at least
one unique local player position on the physical wagering system
comprising: a distal player transmitting wagering information with
a wireless data transmission device; the data receiving device
receiving data transmissions including wagering instructions from
the wireless device receiving collected play data; wherein the
player uses a distinct security enabling device in combination with
the wireless data transmission device prior to placing a wager on
the local player's position to authenticate identity of the player
in possession of the wireless data transmission device.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the distinct security device is
worn by the player.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the distinct security device is
a wristband having a security circuit embedded therein.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to co-pending application Ser.
No. ______, filed on the same date as the present application, and
assigned attorney docket No. PA1653.ap.US. The content of this
application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of wagering,
casino wagering, and wagering by individuals not seated at a gaming
machine. The present invention also relates to the provision of
security controls on hand-held devices used to enable players to
place wagers on games and equipment at different locations within a
wagering facility.
[0004] 2. Background of the Art
[0005] Gaming facilities can have widely varying degrees of use by
players over the course of time. Weekends tend to be heavily
played, and casinos tend to have reduced patronage between 4 a.m.
and noon on most days. It is necessary to build the casino
structures so that there will be space for players at peak hours,
yet it is wasteful to have casinos at less than 10% capacity for
most of the time. This sizing of casino capacity is particularly
critical for smaller venue wagering establishments that cannot
afford to maintain staffing the entire day or whose patronage
fluctuates greatly because of trade shows, and other special events
that can fill the casino to capacity and keep players away from
tables because of overcrowding.
[0006] Certain games lend themselves to small space/player
utilization, such as keno and bingo, in which a large display board
can be viewed by many players carrying individual or multiple
playing cards with the selected numbers thereon. Other games
require more floor space, such as poker rooms, card pits and dice
games, requiring gaming tables and areas designated for pit
personnel, etc. Slot machines also require floor space.
[0007] Efforts have been made to enable players to wager on typical
casino wagering games and machines while not physically seated at
the table or machine. Some early efforts had cameras on wagering
activities and data entry devices in hotel rooms that displayed the
games in real time, so that players could electronically place
wagers on the games or machines from a hotel room. This can add
some incremental revenue to the casinos' bottom line, but most
players enjoy the physical ambiance and the presence of other
players in the casino as part of the enjoyment of wagering. Hotel
room wagering does not approach that desirable environment for play
at casinos.
[0008] Other efforts have been made to provide wagering through
hand-held devices such as cell phones, Blackberry.TM. transmitters,
PDAs, radio transmitting devices and the like. These suffer from a
high degree of security risk, at least for the reason that once the
device has been activated, anyone in possession of the device can
wager, collect winnings, and even transfer funds on casino
accounts.
[0009] Published U.S. Patent Application 2002/0198052 (Soltys)
describes a process and hardware enabling remote and local
wagering. Remote wagers may be placed on hand-held devices
(paragraph [026]). A primary wager is placed by a primary player
regarding an outcome of a gaming event, and a secondary wager is
placed by a secondary player regarding an outcome of the primary
wager. The outcome of the gaming event is determined. The outcome
of the primary wager is determined based on the determined outcome
of the gaming event. The outcome of the secondary wager is
determined based on the determined outcome of the primary wager.
Winnings and losses are paid and collected, respectively.
Statistics and/or odds can be generated and displayed. The system
may use standard PDA, pager or BLUETOOTH configured devices. These
devices may include player applications such as instructions for
handling security such as password or other access protection and
communications encryption.
[0010] Published U.S. Patent Application 2004/0142750 (Glisson et
al.) describes a system through which a casino receives wagering
activity from a player, both in-house and on-line.
[0011] Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0111369 (Lane et
al.) describes a method to associate the geographic location of a
participant in a communications session, such as a phone call or an
email transmission, with the identity of the participant. The
method may enable shopping on a virtual retail store or virtual
point of sale, and may further comprise a virtual repository of
information relating to transmitted messages, transactions and/or
transaction requests. The participant is provided with a
communications device, e.g., a cell phone, a personal digital
assistant, or a personal computer, the device being optionally
coupled with a GPS receiving circuit. The participant may use a
password, an account number, a voice tag and/or an electronic
signature as a record to confirm the participant's identity and
co-location with the communications device substantially
simultaneous with the communications session. The record may be
stored for later review in the virtual repository. Alternatively,
the location of a wireless communications device may be determined
by radio signal direction finding equipment. There is disclosure of
wagering through a mobile device.
[0012] Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0059485 (Paulsen
et al.) describes a method of operating a gaming system comprising
a plurality of gaming apparatuses. The method may include the step
of receiving position data relating to a position of a player from
a wireless device carried by the player. The method may include
retrieving stored player data that relates to the player. The
method may also include displaying a first video image relating to
a video game and determining a payout based on an outcome of the
video game, the first video image and the payout not being based on
the player data. Additionally, the method may include providing
according to the player position data a personalized operation
based on the player data. The personalized operation may be
selected from the group of personalized operations consisting of
displaying a second video images relating to a video game,
displaying a third video image unrelated to a video game, and
providing a payout independent of the outcome of a video game. A
system including a gaming apparatus and a computer is programmed to
operate the gaming apparatus according to the method. The system
may also have a gaming apparatus having a controller that is
programmed to operate the gaming apparatus according to the
method.
[0013] Published U.S. Application No. 2005/0130728 (Nguyen et al.)
describes a mobile game device for selective display of one or more
pre-purchased games of chance thereon. The game device includes a
removable communication interface adapted to communicate with a
central gaming system to selectively receive gaming data
controlling the play and outcome of the pre-purchased game of
chance, generated at a first time. The game device further includes
a display screen, and one or more input mechanisms. A game device
microprocessor device is provided which is configured to: commence
play, selectively activated by operation of the one or more input
mechanisms, using the gaming data at a selected second time after
the first time; and selectively display on the display screen the
generated outcome of the game of chance. The personal gaming device
may also include a fingerprint scanner. A player's scanned
fingerprint information may be used for authentication purposes.
The personal gaming device may include a card reader located in a
side of the body of the device, such as a magnetic stripe reader
for reading information from a magnetic strip of a card.
[0014] Published U.S. Application No. 20040192422 and U.S. Pat. No.
6,846,238 (Wells et al.) describes a system wherein in a method of
facilitating the playing of a game via a gaming apparatus, a wager
may be received via a value input device. Biometric data associated
with a game play selection of a game may be received, and
permission to play the game may be granted based on the received
biometric data. A video image relating to the game may be displayed
on a display unit, and a value payout associated with an outcome of
the game may be determined. The technology relates to accessing
games in a network.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,614 (Wiltshire) describes an off-line
remote lottery system which enables players to purchase
instant-type lottery game outcomes from a randomized prize data
stream in a central computer, and view the outcomes on remotely
disposed gaming computers which do not require an on-line
connection during play. The method operates by transmitting a
financial account identifier and a request for at least one lottery
game outcome on a numeric keypad of a telephone to a remote
computer; receiving an encoded message containing at least one
lottery game outcome from said remote computer; inputting (by a
user) said encoded message to a gaming computer, said gaming
computer being off-line with respect to said remote computer; and
receiving said at least one lottery outcome from said off-line
gaming computer.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,410 (De Mar) describes a portable
controller comprising a remote control to remotely play a game on a
slot machine. The portable controller can be a battery-operated
remote control, a cable-connected hand-held remote control, or a
movable laptop keyboard, which is hard wired to the slot machine.
The portable controller can simultaneously operate two or three
slot machines to enhance the entertainment of customers. The slot
machine may have a display to view the game and a coin-input slot
to receive one or more coins to activate the game. The slot machine
can also have at least one button and/or a manual pull arm to play
the game.
[0017] It would be desirable to provide a wireless security system
that is capable of verifying the identity of a player on request or
periodically to confirm the hand-held device has not fallen into
the hands of a person not associated with the financial accounts
funding play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A security effecting device (SED) is provided to individual
players that enables secure wagering through a wireless
communication device. The SED may itself communicate with the
hand-held wagering device as opposed to having to physically engage
the hand-held wagering device and the wirelessly SED. Codes may be
provided on the SEDs that may be entered into the hand-held
wagering device to assure authorization between distinct SED and a
distinct hand-held wagering device. Waters are placed through the
hand-held wagering device in communication with a server using a
thin client technology, with the game being generated on the server
and visual observation of the game progression and wager entry
being performed on the hand-held wagering device. The security
system of the present technology authorizes and enables the
hand-held device user to enter wagers on a game played on the
server. The game on the server may be an independent game played
uniquely by the user of the hand-held security device, or may be a
game reported to the server from a live physical wagering system
and in which the user selects a position on the live game and the
results on the server are reported to the user as the game
results.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a secured
wager-communication system according to the technology disclosed
herein.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Conventional hand-held devices (PDA's, Blackberries, etc.)
lack sufficient security to be used to place wagers electronically
within casinos. Mere possession of the device enables any user,
authorized or not, to use the device. Where wagering is enabled on
the device, anyone possessing the device may be able to place a
wager, particularly where the device has been activated and
associated with an existing account.
[0022] The present technology includes at least a distinct security
effecting device (SED) that is provided to individual players that
enables the individual player to use a hand-held remote wagering
device that can place wagers through a wireless communication
transmission. The SED may itself have a wireless communication to
the hand-held wagering device as opposed to having to physically
engage the hand-held wagering device. Codes may be provided on the
SEDs that may be entered into the hand-held wagering device to
assure authorization between distinct SED and a distinct hand-held
wagering device. The SED is preferably attachable or securely
attached to a player or a separate device controlled by the player
(other than the hand-held wagering device). For example, the SED
may be worn on the wrist (in the manner of a watch), worn on a
necklace or neck chain, clipped into a pocket, carried in a pocket,
carried in a wallet in a pocket, worn as a ring or other jewelry
item, and the like. The SED may have a limited range of broadcast,
e.g., less than 25 meters, to reduce environment chatter by such
devices, needing only to communicate with the hand-held device,
also held by the player.
[0023] The hand-held security device may interact with the gaming
systems in a relatively normal or common manner once the hand-held
device has been enabled or otherwise cleared for communication with
the electronic gaming system. For example, the game play hand-held
wagering device or player interface may be portable devices, such
as electronic tokens, cell phones, smart cards, tablet PC's and
PDA's. The network hardware architecture is enabled to support
communications between wireless mobile devices and other gaming
devices in gaming system.
[0024] The gaming system may use a number of trusted information
sources, such as one or more servers, that provide information used
to authenticate/activate other pieces of information. Values used
to authenticate software, license tokens used to allow the use of
software or product activation codes used to activate software are
examples of trusted information that might be provided from a
trusted information source. Trusted information sources may be a
memory device, such as an EPROM, that includes trusted information
used to authenticate other information.
[0025] For example, a game play interface may store a private
encryption key in a trusted memory device that is used in a private
key-public key encryption scheme to authenticate information from
another gaming device. When a trusted information source is in
communication with a remote device via a network, the remote device
will employ a verification scheme to verify the identity of the
trusted information source, even if the SED device has established
an approved wagering connection to the gaming system. For example,
the trusted information source and the remote device may exchange
information using public and private encryption keys to verify each
other's identities. In another embodiment of the present invention,
the remote device and the trusted information source may engage in
methods using zero knowledge proofs to authenticate each of their
respective identities. Details of zero knowledge proofs that may be
used with the present invention are described in U.S. Patent
Application No. 2003/0203756, by Jackson, filed on Apr. 25, 2002
and entitled, "Authentication in a Secure Computerized Gaming
System," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
and for all purposes.
[0026] Gaming devices storing trusted information might utilize
apparatus or methods to detect and prevent tampering. For instance,
trusted information stored in a trusted memory device may be
encrypted to prevent its misuse. In addition, the trusted memory
device may be secured behind a locked door. Further, one or more
sensors may be coupled to the memory device to detect tampering
with the memory device and provide some record of the tampering. In
yet another example, the memory device storing trusted information
might be designed to detect tampering attempts and clear or erase
itself when an attempt at tampering has been detected. The gaming
system of the present invention may include devices that provide
authorization to download software from a first device to a second
device and devices that provide activation codes or information
that allow downloaded software to be activated. The devices may be
remote servers and may also be trusted information sources. One
example of a method of providing product activation codes is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,561.
[0027] A method, apparatus and system for verifying the identity of
a person (or an anonymous account controlled by an unnamed person)
who has been authorized to play a wagering game in wireless
communication with a server using a hand-held wagering device to
wager and exercise controls in a game is disclosed. The system,
apparatus and method provides an item personally controlled by a
patron (such as a wristband, belt, necklace, pendant, bar code,
etc.) that either communicates via wireless communication to the
hand-held device, is connected via wired or insertable connection
to the hand-held device, or is read by a reader incorporated into
the wireless device.
[0028] One of the obstacles in using hand-held portable gaming
devices (such as a PDA or Blackberry, for example) is that such
devices must be made secure (especially from a casino accounting
consideration as well as a user/purchaser's desire to protect funds
that can be wagered through the device) so that only authorized
people may use the device, and there must be a way of verifying
that the device is in the possession of a person authorized to
gamble through the device. Although gaming agencies may require one
or more levels of security in a gaming apparatus, the existing
security that has been proposed for wireless devices and game
servers does not offer as great a level of protection for the
players and the casinos as it does for the game content. Even
though the communication between the hand-held wagering device
(HWD) may be in full compliance with gaming regulations, the device
may be stolen and funds may be wagered without authorization by the
actual account owner.
[0029] In addition, to avoid the risk of having to void losses
generated by minors, the system should periodically authenticate
the actual user/holder of the HWD. Authorization information of the
holder/user is given to the HWD, and the HWD transmits the
authorization and/or authorization information to the game server.
The HWD is then authorized to accept wagers placed from the
authenticated user on the particular HWD. The authorization
technique must be periodic, rather than a one-time authorization
for the continued use of the HWD. The required verification
supplied may be approximately continuous, with a verification
signal entered into the HWD on a repeating basis, or the
verification signal may need to be entered at specific and
reasonable intervals, such as between 10 minutes and 60 minutes.
The verification may be entered by biometric identification systems
(e.g., fingerprints, retinal scan, facial recognition, etc.),
manual entry of data, card swiping, card reading using ID or 2D bar
codes, optical image recognition, near IR scanning, card insertion,
BUS data key insertion, electronic connection data entry (e.g.,
through pins or plugs), wireless communication data or signal entry
such as RFID or Bluetooth, combinations or equivalents of these
technologies.
[0030] The wireless entry of signals or communication may be
accomplished through a separate article that is easily controlled
and separately maintained by the user. Such a wireless
communication may automatically send out signals to the HWD, may
automatically respond to a wireless request from the HWD, may
periodically send out a signal to the HWD, or may send out a signal
when initiated by the user. This separate wireless communication
may be a distinct and easily controlled article such as a bracelet,
wristband, necklace, belt, pocket-insertable device, brooch, or any
other article that can be separated from the HWD so that theft or
loss of the HWD will not automatically cause loss of the security
device. In one preferred form of the invention, a wristband
equipped with an RFID circuit is affixed to the user such that only
destructive methods can be used for its removal. These individually
controllable security devices are herein generally referred to as
"Wristbands" that are provided to individuals who wish to play
wagering games on hand-held personal wagering devices, whether or
not the device is worn exclusively on the wrist. The wagering
device or HWD must communicate with an electronic component or
physical "key" in the Wristband to verify the authority of the
person to play the game.
[0031] Alternatively, the hand-held device could be equipped with a
biometric key system, such as a finger print reader or retina
scanner. This would eliminate the need for an additional wristband
device.
[0032] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
checking and verifying for the authorized usage of a hand-held
gaming device. Preferably, the systems and methods of the present
invention incorporate a series of redundant authorization checks
using similar or dissimilar authentication methods, or double
checks, so that the integrity of the verification is increased.
Preferably, one or more of the authorization checks described
herein are automatically activated or required by the gaming device
at the time the hand-held device is checked out, on an intermittent
basis while the device remains in use by a player or both. The
authorization checks are intended to provide initial, periodic
and/or continuous verification of authorized usage, but are
preferably executed without being overly intrusive or disruptive to
the player. In one embodiment, players are provided with a
verification device that can be secured or even locked onto the
player. One such exemplary device is a wristband or watchband that
may be worn by the authorized individual. The wristband may be
secured onto the individual by casino personnel, with a lock or
other secure attachment so that it may not be easily (and without
authorization) be removed from the player. The exemplary wristband
can be implanted with an electronic signaling capability, RFID tag,
wireless device capable of either being read or emitting a signal
that can be used for verifying that the player is authorized to
make wagers on the hand-held device, or any other signaling format
(e.g., optically piped signal, chirping, responsive encryption
communication and the like). The wristband can also be configured
so that cutting the wristband to remove it deactivates the player
verification circuit.
[0033] The hand-held device preferably additionally includes a
sensor for detecting the close proximity of the wristband, as well
as additional sensors for receiving content
communication/signaling. In the event of any or a specific time
interval in which the security device has not been sensed by the
sensor, (especially where the time interval may be shorter than or
much shorter than the required repeating authorization interval,
such as a few seconds or a few minutes, e.g., at least 5 second, at
least 0 seconds, at last 30 seconds, at least one minute, at least
2 minutes, at least 5 minutes or at least 10 minutes, as compared
to the at least 15 minutes,) the hand-held device becomes locked
down. The form of data authentication can be read only or
read/write transmitted via any transmission link, with wireless
transmission examples including, but not limited to Bluetooth,
RFID, WIFI or other wireless communication, or the wristband can
include features that allow it to be connected directly into the
hand-held device, via a pin connection, plug connection, cable
connection, uniquely designed physical connection and the like. A
code is read off of or sent by the wristband to verify that the
original recipient of the security key device is in control of the
security key device and/or has loaned possession of the security
key device to another authorized player that (a) is not a minor,
(b) has been cleared to play using other criteria besides age, such
as financial information, and the like.
[0034] The above embodiments of a wristband may be used by
themselves or in conjunction with other verification methods, such
as those provided herein below. Similarly, the embodiments below
may be used by themselves or in conjunction with other verification
methods.
[0035] Another verification embodiment within the generic method
described herein includes a readable or information containing
physical card, preferably very much like a credit card or smart
card that contains a two-dimensional (2D) magnetic bar code, chip,
optical markings or other machine readable information content. It
should be noted that the bar code is preferably in such a magnetic
form because this form has proven to be difficult to forge.
However, other forms of data storage for identification purposes
may be used, so long as it is in a form which would be difficult to
replicate by unauthorized means, such as holographic optically
readable data or sophisticated (non-electrophotographically
copyable) printed formats, such as those used on secure currencies
throughout the world. In these embodiments, it would be desirable
to have a code reader integrated with the hand-held wagering device
for reading the code on the card. The reader component then
preferably includes a card swiping or plug-in receptor for
receiving and reading the card as it is swiped or inserted by the
device user.
[0036] Alternatively, the device may include camera technology for
performing the code reading function. The hand-held device is
preferably programmed to seek verification using the card and/or
other authorization checking methods such as those discussed
herein, before allowing game play and possibly at intermittent
intervals during game play. For example, the display of the
hand-held device provides a request in the form of an alphanumeric
message to re-scan a coded card. If the one or more authorization
checks are not passed, the device either remains in an inactive
(non-wagering capability) state, or is rendered inoperable so that
the device cannot be used for further game play without returning
the device to the cage for reprogramming. This format of
verification/authentication information is highly desirable because
of the speed of data entry, as compared to manual entry of data and
codes. The card may also be provided in a secure device that may be
worn by the user and which may not be easily removed For example, a
pendant card on a necklace or a bracelet would be convenient.
[0037] It is envisioned that the Wristband and/or card with the bar
code and/or other security device may be given to the player upon
receipt of the hand-held gaming device, which hand-held wagering
device is specific to one or more wagering accounts with the casino
or the casino organization (with wagering capability in multiple
casinos). The accounts must usually be actually funded to the
satisfaction of the casinos, as by cash, accepted check, credit
card, debit card, or access to a bank account for withdrawal or
debiting.
[0038] An alternative security format within the scope of this
generically herein disclosed solution could be embedded entirely in
the hand-held device. The hand-held device can be equipped with any
biometric identification system, such as a secure finger print
solution either with or without a dedicated scanner. Alternatively
the device could have built-in a retina scanner. In either case,
the casino personnel would perform the initial scan for either of a
finger or retina and lock the image or processed data inside the
hand-device or on the game server, accessible by the hand-held
device. The player would activate the hand-held device by
performing a verification scan.
[0039] The handheld wagering device (HWD) can also come with a
password protection and/or a player activation switch incorporated
into the hand-held device or the wristband (also reducing the time
required for data entry), or other embodiments described above, to
ensure the player to whom the wristband was issued, is in fact the
individual placing the wager. One preferred authentication method
includes player input of a user name and assigned pin number. This
information is inputted on a keyboard of the HWD.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, in any of the embodiments described
above, it is preferred to integrate the data
acquisition/transmitting security device controller 1 with the
hand-held gaming device microprocessor 2 (even if additional
information, device or signals need to be sent to the security
device, as through a card or distal Wristband), whether the data
acquisition device is a bar code swipe, a bar code scanner, a
camera, a Blue Tooth data receiver or a biometric (e.g., retinal or
finger print) reader. The data read by acquisition device 1 may be
sent to the hand-held device without any encryption since the
hand-held device includes a microprocessor 2 which can be hard
wired to the data acquisition device controller. Alternatively, the
data may be encrypted. The read data is also sent (by wireless
transmission) to the game server 3 which is connected to the
finance server 4. Preferably, the data exchange between the
hand-held gaming device and server(s) involves data which is
securely encrypted using a rigorous encryption technology, such as
elliptic encryption based on public and private key exchange
method. It should be readily apparent that other components, such
as memory, user interfaces or communication connections may also be
employed in the hand-held device of the present invention.
[0041] One way of assuring that hand-held games are played only by
pre-approved players is to require the players to pass one or more
authorization checks. The authorization checks thus verify
authorized usage. After a hand, device may shut down and require
retransmission of security code authorization. Card swipe benefit
is that it is much easier. Wireless transmission must include
transmission with encryption if it is desired to prevent
interception. Any format of public key or private key encryption,
including even Zero Knowledge Proofs may be used for encryption.
One embodiment involves providing authorized players with
Wristbands bearing a code. The Wristband may be provided in a
format (as with locks) that may be removed only by the casino. The
wristband could also be constructed so that destruction is the only
method of removal.
[0042] The signal or composite of signals sent from the HWD to the
gaming server is the basis on which all game determinations, rules
and functions are authorized. The server then sends gaming images,
results and information to the HWD. This format may be referred to
as server based wagering accessed by wireless transmission from
personal wagering devices.
[0043] Although the various security methods described in this
specification are discussed individually, more secure forms of the
invention utilize more than one security device in a single
wireless device.
[0044] For example, a hand-held device may be equipped to accept
user name and a pin, as well as either an ID barcode or a wired or
wireless wristband player authentication device. The redundant
security devices assure the identity and legitimacy of the
player.
[0045] Operation from a thin-client format is often required by
some gaming jurisdictions. This type of server communicator
interaction is understood in the art, as disclosed by Published US
Patent Application No. 20060084502 filed October 2004, which
application is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
[0046] A wagering game or wagering table that has electronic
reporting capability is used as an object of wagering by distal
players, that is players who are not seated directly at a table,
specific seat at a table, or wagering device (e.g., video slot
game). The underlying game itself may be any casino wagering game
that has electronic reportage, such as gaming tables with
electronic data collection configured to monitor live or electronic
games such as blackjack, poker, poker variants (e.g., Let It
Ride.RTM. poker, Three-Card Poker.RTM. games), baccarat, Pai Gow
poker, roulette, Casino War.TM. games, craps, and the like). Data
may be provided electronically in a wide variety of ways. A
simplest format is as an entirely electronic system, with no
physical dealer, cards, chips, balls, dice or the like, so that the
distal player is in wireless communication through a hand-held
wagering device to the physical gaming apparatus, such as the game
controller (processor or computer), main controller (processor or
computer). The simplest example of this would be video slot
machines, video poker games, and other automated wagering devices,
including video roulette systems, video craps systems, etc. Other
formats of game systems may include a combination of electronic
events and live and physical activity. For example, there may be a
dealer delivering physical cards to each player at a table and the
players are making only electronic wagers on the underlying game.
The dealer may input winning results with respect to the individual
player positions, or there may be electronic reading and computing
systems that read playing cards, roulette ball positions, dice
results, and the like. In some manner, however, electronic
information regarding event outcomes in the games must be
provided.
[0047] Electronic information on the play of a physical game, even
where all elements are live and physical may also be used as the
game data for the play of wireless games. Technologies that support
such data acquisition are described in whole or in part in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 7,114,718; 7,073,791; 7,029,009; 7,011,309; 6,588,751;
6,460,848; 6,685,568; 6,409,595; 6,403,908; 6,346,044; 6,313,871;
and 6,039,650, and Published U.S. Patent Applications 20050242500;
2005288083; 20060063577; 20060084502 and 20060183540. Each of these
references, as well as each and every reference cited in this
Patent are incorporated herein by reference for their technical
disclosure.
[0048] In the play of these systems, the amounts of wagers, the
location of the wagers, the nature of the wagers (e.g., ante, play
wager, side bet wager, jackpot wager, segment wager, raise wager,
and the like), player position of the wager, general outcomes for a
round of play (e.g., a dealer blackjack, a seven-out at craps,
etc.), specific outcomes at individual player positions (player
blackjacks, ranked hand for player, player surrender of a wager,
player raise, etc.), and all other events and activities that are
useful, if not essential, for the determination of events and
outcomes at every player position and every wager position are
determined in a manner such that they can be communicated in
electronic form to a processor. Playing cards can be read in
shufflers, before insertion into dealer shoes, within dealer shoes,
as cards are removed from dealer shoes, as cards are slid to player
positions after removal of cards from shoes, when cards are turned
up on the table when the cards are delivered to player and/or
dealer positions or when cards are placed in a discard tray. This
can be accomplished by cameras, optical scanners, magnetic
scanners, bar code scanners, and a variety of other devices known
in the art.
[0049] The amounts, locations, types and sizes of wagers may or
must also be determined. This can be done by various techniques
including video cameras, scanners, RFID (radio frequency
identification) systems, and the like, each of which can provide
electronic data and information to a processor for evaluation of
the game events and results of wagers.
[0050] There is a wide range of detection that occurs in patent
literature for elements on a casino table card game, and especially
for blackjack. Chips, placement of chips, cards, card values,
player movements, dealer actions, and the like are observed,
recorded and evaluated in casinos. These observations may be direct
personal observations (e.g., with video cameras), mechanical video
observations (e.g., cameras recording the visual data and making
interpretations, reader-scanners, card sensors, bar code readers,
etc.), or other sensory observations without video or image reading
functionality (e.g., proximity detectors, optical sensors, metal
detectors and the like). There are known systems that read cards
before dealing, read cards after dealing, track chip movement,
evaluate player activities, and count the numbers of hands and the
numbers of rounds of play at casino gaming tables, especially
blackjack tables.
[0051] The processor that receives game data must be in a data
communication pathway that enables ultimate access from the
hand-held wagering device. It is preferred that the hand-held
wagering device is unique or uniquely authorized for play by a
single casino or casino management group. In one example, where
multiple casinos are run by one controlling organization (e.g.,
Stations Casino, MGM Entertainment Group, Trump, Inc., and the
like), a single hand-held-device, when authorized by one casino
within the group may be used in any of the casinos, rather than
only the casino where the hand-held device was assigned to a
player.
[0052] The hand-held wagering device may also comprise a cell
phone, PDA notebook computer or Blackberry.RTM. messaging system,
although association with the security system of the present
technology can be more complex. For example, the security system
may have to be configured to receive call information from the PDA,
phone or Blackberry.RTM. messaging system as opposed to the
hand-held device being able to communicate directly with the casino
system.
[0053] In one form of the invention, the hand-held device
communicates locally to a receiver on an individual machine or
table, rather than to a central receiving system. In other forms of
the invention, all wireless devices communicate authorization data
to a central system. Thus, individual tables should have receivers
thereon. The individual hand-held devices may wager on specific
player positions at multiplayer position tables, may wager on
specific wagers at multi-wager tables, and/or may wager on specific
apparatus, with wager event outcomes being dependent upon wager
event outcomes at the table or machine.
Other Security Features of a Wireless System
[0054] A device that monitors a plurality of gaming devices to
determine adherence of the devices to gaming jurisdictional rules
may be included as part of the system. In one embodiment, a gaming
jurisdictional rule server may scan game software on a number of
gaming devices and/or wireless game servers in communication with
the gaming rule server to determine whether the game software is
valid for use in the gaming jurisdiction where the gaming device is
located. For example, the gaming rule server may request a digital
signature, such as a CRC, of particular software components and
compare them with an approved digital signature value stored on the
gaming jurisdictional rule server. Further, the gaming
jurisdictional rule server may scan the hand-held gaming device to
determine whether the software is configured in a manner that is
acceptable to the gaming jurisdiction where the gaming device is
located. For example, a maximum bet limit may vary from
jurisdiction to jurisdiction and the rule enforcement server may
scan a gaming device to determine its current software
configuration and its location and then compare the configuration
on the gaming device with approved parameters for its location.
[0055] A gaming jurisdiction may include rules that describe how
game software may be downloaded and licensed. The gaming
jurisdictional rule server may scan download transaction records
and licensing records on a gaming device to determine whether the
download and licensing was carried out in a manner that is
acceptable to the gaming jurisdiction in which the gaming device is
located. In general, the game jurisdictional rule server may be
utilized to confirm compliance to any gaming rules passed by a
gaming jurisdiction when the information needed to determine rule
compliance is remotely accessible to the server. Game software,
firmware or hardware residing on a particular gaming device may
also be used to check for compliance with local gaming
jurisdictional rules. In one embodiment, when a gaming device is
installed in a particular gaming jurisdiction, a software program
including jurisdiction rule information may be downloaded to a
secure memory location on a gaming machine or the jurisdiction rule
information may be downloaded as data and utilized by a program on
the gaming machine. The software program and/or jurisdiction rule
information may be used to check the gaming device software and
software configurations for compliance with local gaming
jurisdictional rules. In another embodiment, the software program
for ensuring compliance and jurisdictional information may be
installed in the gaming machine prior to its shipping, such as at
the factory where the gaming machine is manufactured.
[0056] The gaming devices in a game system may utilize trusted
software and/or trusted firmware. Trusted firmware/software is
trusted in the sense that it is used with the assumption that it
has not been tampered with. For instance, trusted software/firmware
may be used to authenticate other game software or processes
executing on a gaming device. As an example, trusted encryption
programs and authentication programs may be stored on an EPROM on
the gaming machine or encoded into a specialized encryption chip.
As another example, trusted game software, i.e., game software
approved for use on gaming devices by a local gaming jurisdiction
may be required on gaming devices on the gaming machine. The
devices may be connected by a network with different types of
hardware using different hardware architectures. Game software can
be quite large and frequent downloads can place a significant
burden on a network, which may slow information transfer speeds on
the network. For game-on-demand services that require frequent
downloads of game software in a network, efficient downloading is
essential for the service to viable. Thus, network efficient
devices may be used to actively monitor and maintain network
efficiency. For instance, software locators may be used to locate
nearby locations of game software for peer-to-peer transfers of
game software. In another example, network traffic may be monitored
and downloads may be actively rerouted to maintain network
efficiency.
Player Tracking
[0057] Wireless communications capabilities to the electronic
gaming table can be integrated with player tracking services, such
as the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,387. For instance, a
gaming system may have a plurality of gaming machines with tracking
units with wireless interfaces. Each gaming machine in the system
may include a wireless interface, enabling wireless communication
with that gaming machine. The wireless interface can be coupled to
and controlled by master gaming controller. In one embodiment, the
wireless interface may be constructed as a component of a player
tracking unit. The wireless interface may be used to allow the
player tracking unit and possibly the master gaming controller to
communicate with portable wireless devices or stationary devices
using a wireless communication standard. In some embodiments, the
wireless interface may be incorporated into a communication board.
The wireless interface may also be connected to an antenna.
[0058] Through wireless interfaces, a gaming machine can
communicate with a player wireless interface, a host wireless
interface, and a server wireless interface. The host and server
interfaces can be implemented on gaming servers of the gaming
network to enable communications with those devices. The player
wireless interface may be implemented in a mobile device. The
wireless interface may be used to communicate with the mobile
device carried by a player, a casino service representative or
maintenance technician. In one embodiment, when the player is near
the machine, the wireless interface device and the wireless device
carried by the player automatically detect each other and establish
communications, allowing gaming information to be transferred
between the wireless devices. As another example, the wireless
interface may be accessed by the mobile device for a point of play
registration of a game player at the gaming machine.
Wireless Communication Methods
[0059] In one example, the wireless interface device uses a
wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth.TM. to
communicate with portable wireless devices, although other wireless
communication protocols such as IrDA (Infrared Direct Access), IEEE
802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11x(e.g. other IEE802.11
standards), hiperlan/2, and HomeRF may also be used. Bluetooth
devices communicate on a frequency of 2.45 Gigahertz. Typically,
Bluetooth devices send out signals in the range of 1 milliwatt. The
signal strength limits the range of the devices to about 10 meters
and also limits potential interference sources. Interference is
also limited by using spread-spectrum frequency hopping. For
instance, a device may use 79 or more randomly chosen frequencies
within a designated range that change on a regular basis up to
1,600 times a second. Thus, even if interference occurs, it is
likely only to occur for a short period of time. When
Bluetooth-capable devices come within range of one another, an
electronic conversation takes place to determine whether they have
data to share or whether one needs to control the other. The
connection process is performed automatically. Once a conversation
between the devices has occurred, the devices form a network.
Bluetooth systems create Personal-Area Networks (PAN) or
"piconets". While the two or more devices in a piconet remain in
range of one another, the distances between the communications
devices may vary as the wireless devices are moved about. Once a
piconet is established, such as between the wireless interface
device and a portable wireless device, the members of the piconet
randomly hop frequencies in unison so they remain in touch with
another and avoid other piconets that may be operating in proximity
to the established piconet. When Bluetooth is applied in a casino
environment, many such piconets may be operating simultaneously.
Details of the Bluetooth.TM. standard and the Bluetooth.TM. special
interest group may be found at www.Bluetooth.com.
Initiating Play After User Authorization
[0060] After clearing the hand-held device through enablement with
the SED, through a user interface on the mobile device or gaming
machine, a player sends a request message to initiate remote game
play. A process of identifying and approving the player for game
play then follows. The approval process generally includes at least
one of: a) player approval, including checking player ID
information and authentication information, b) location approval,
for instance, approving the geographic location of the mobile
device or particular location within a gaming environment, and c)
device approval, for instance, identifying and authenticating the
mobile device to prevent unauthorized devices from accessing a
private network including the gaming machines. When the player is
identified and approved for remote game play, a gaming session is
established between the mobile device and the gaming machine.
[0061] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,846,238 in greater detail,
an exemplary method of wireless play may include one or more of the
following: a) reserving a gaming machine for wireless game play, b)
receiving a request from the wireless game player to select a game
of chance to be played on the wireless game player, c) prior to
establishing communications with the wireless game player,
selecting a game of chance on the gaming machine, d) receiving a
message containing a wager amount for the game of chance, e)
receiving a message containing information from input signals
generated on one or more input mechanisms located on the wireless
game player, e) generating an encrypted message and sending the
encrypted message to the wireless game player, f) receiving an
encrypted message from the wireless game player and decrypting the
encrypted message, g) initiating a player tracking session, h)
adding credits to the gaming machine, i) storing a game history of
games played on the wireless game player during the wireless game
play session, j) generating a bonus game outcome and sending
operating instructions to wireless game player used to present the
bonus game outcome on the wireless game player, k) sending metering
information generated during the wireless game play session to a
player tracking server, l) authenticating the identity of a player
using the wireless game player where the identity of the player is
authenticated using biometric information received from the player
and k) terminating the wireless game play session.
[0062] In addition, the method may comprise sending entertainment
content to the wireless game player where the entertainment content
is selected from the group consisting of an advertisement, news,
stock quotes, electronic mail, a web page, a message service, a
locator service or a hotel/casino service, a movie, a musical
selection, a casino promotion, a broadcast event, a player tracking
service, a drink menu and a snack menu.
[0063] From the perspective of the mobile device, the method may be
characterized as comprising: 1) establishing communications with
the gaming machine; 2) receiving an input signal to initiate a game
of chance from an input mechanism located on the wireless game
player; 3) sending a message to the gaming machine indicating a
game of chance has been initiated on the wireless game player; and
4) displaying a game outcome for the game of chance. The method may
also comprise displaying entertainment content on the wireless game
player wherein the entertainment content is selected from the group
consisting of an advertisement, news, stock quotes, electronic
mail, a web page, a message service, a locator service or a
hotel/casino service, a movie, a musical selection, a casino
promotion, a broadcast event, a player tracking service, a drink
menu and a snack menu.
[0064] The method also may include one or more of the following: a)
receiving a message containing the game outcome generated on the
gaming machine, b) generating a graphical representation of the
game outcome for the game of chance, c) booting the wireless game
player, d) enabling game play on the wireless game player, d)
receiving a game selection and sending the game selection to the
gaming machine, e) receiving a wager amount for the game of chance
and sending the wager amount to the gaming machine, f) receiving
input signals from one or more input mechanisms located on the
wireless game player and sending information from the input signals
to the gaming machine, g) generating an encrypted message and
sending the encrypted message to the gaming machine, h) receiving
an encrypted message from the gaming machine and decrypting the
encrypted message, i) receiving authentication information for a
player using the wireless game player such as biometric
information, a PIN number and a password, j) sending the
authentication information to the gaming machine, k) receiving a
message containing a bonus game outcome generated on the gaming
machine and l) generating a graphical presentation of the bonus
game outcome and displaying the graphical presentation of the bonus
game outcome.
Examples of Security Features to Authorize Play
[0065] The security enablement between the SED and the hand-held
player interface can now be described in greater detail. There are
a number of formats by which the security effecting device may
operate to enable the hand-held device to engage in wireless
wagering with the gaming systems in the casino. The SED may operate
in a single step that enables the hand-held device for a continuous
play session, for a timed play session, or for a fixed limit on an
amount that can be wagered or lost. This may be done by swiping an
authorization card into the hand-held device, inserting a key,
inserting a BUSS memory key, or using some other physical object to
communicate with the hand-held device to authorize it to
communicate with the gaming system or provide authorization through
the hand-held device for enabling communication with the gaming
system. There does not have to be a physical connection between the
SED and the hand-held wagering device (as with a key or card), but
purely wireless communication may effect this full mode, one-step
wagering authorization.
[0066] The SED may also operate in a periodic mode of clearance or
enablement of the communication with the gaming systems. In this
mode, the SED may communicate with the hand-held device on a
regular or periodic basis to enable the hand-held device to wager
on the gaming system. The SED repeats its identification, code or
other message required to the hand-held device at intervals
sufficient to maintain the activity of the hand-held device. In
this way, if the hand-held device were purloined and separated from
the SED, its wagering capability would terminate when the next
reauthorization message needed to be sent to the hand-held
device.
[0067] The SED may also operate in an essentially continuous mode,
either by chirping with the hand-held device (sending innocuous
signals to identifying a continuing presence) after initial
authorization has occurred, or by continuously and repeatedly
communicating a clearance or enablement message to the hand-held
device. The SED system may also continually or repeatedly poll the
hand-held device or vice versa to enable the communication-wagering
between the hand-held device and the gaming tables or
apparatus.
[0068] A preferred method of operation is for a wireless SED to be
retained in a separate (non-contacting) relationship to the
hand-held wagering interface, with wireless security interaction
between the SED and the hand-held device, in either of the three
modes. Within this generic preferred mode of the separate SED, the
periodic and continuous (second and third modes) are themselves
preferred. The separate SED may be provided in a form that can be
securely stored by the user of the hand-held device. Such forms
could be as a watch, necklace, pin, ring, brooch, clip-on, bracelet
and the like.
[0069] A schematic view of an exemplary system is shown in FIG. 2.
This figure will help assist in an understanding of additional
aspects of the presently described technology. A secure wagering
system 5 enabling wireless play on a live casino card game table 10
with electronic data collection is shown. The card table 10 is
equipped with an automatic card-reading shuffler 12, dealer card
presence identifier 14 and a table processor 16 with wireless
communication capability, both within the table and outside of the
table. Active sensing capabilities (here, RFID wager sensing areas
are shown) are provided at each player position 18, 20, 22, 24, 26
and 28 for reading wager presence/amounts placed within each
players wagering area. A hand-held player interface wagering device
6 is shown to be in two-way communication 30 with the wireless
processor 16 at the individual table 10. As noted earlier, this
communication may be directly to the individual table or to a
networked wireless communication system. The security effecting
device (SED) 8 is shown as a watch-like element that is worn by the
wireless player and is in two-way communication 32 with the
hand-held player interface wagering device 6. The communication may
be at least one of: a) at the beginning of a wagering session, b)
periodically or, c) continuously. After the SED 8 authenticates,
clears, enables or activates the communication capability 30
between the hand-held device 6 and the processor 16, the player may
use the player input buttons 36 and the view screen 34 on the
hand-held device 6 to engage in wagering at one of the desired
player positions 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 on the gaming table 10
that the player (not shown) wishes to enter. The player may enter
wager amounts, position locations, specific bets and the like on
the hand-held device to play any casino game in the casino that has
wireless communication capability to a processor therein (such as
16) that allows for and enables wagers to be placed by an
authenticated hand-held device. Information from an individual
table processor 16 may be sent by wireless or hardwired
communication path 34 to an external processor or computer for
storage and/or evaluation. All communication links are shown as
two-way links, which has been found to be desirable in a security
system so that all elements can be in communication with connected
elements.
[0070] In the displayed system 5, the SED 8 is preferably in
regular, periodic, repeated or nearly continual communication with
the hand-held device 6 to provide authentication and establish a
security enabling link for use of the hand-held device 6 with the
processor on the gaming table. All two way arrows shown in FIG. 1
imply two-way communication between components on the ends of the
two-way arrow lines. By nearly continuous communication it is meant
that information will repeat itself or new information sent in a
relatively short time frame after a first piece or packet or stream
of information has been sent to authenticate or enable the
hand-held device to the processor or otherwise prove that the
system is being securely used. The interval between
messages/information in the nearly continuous form extends up to
the form of messaging/communication that would be considered
periodic, so that all forms of communication are encompassed by the
practice of this technology.
[0071] The degree of control provided to the players by the present
system will vary to some significant degree depending upon the
nature of the gaming system with which the hand-held device
communicates. For example, if the gaming system were a video slot
machine with a wireless interface, the player may be able to enter
only wager amounts on each play, and those wager amounts must be
entered before a specific time frame on each play of a wagering
game, such as before the SPIN button is pushed by a player at the
physical machine, or before a first frame/reel stops and a symbol
displayed. Even in video poker games, the distal player on the
hand-held device may enter only wager amounts (and possibly side
bet wagers for large hand ranks), but will not be able to control
play decisions in discarding and replacing cards. The distal player
will also have little control in the exercise of judgment in
blackjack of casino table poker games. A main objective of the
technology is to enable distal players to select seated players and
their wagering positions with whom the feel comfortable with a
displayed level of expertise or with whom they are friends. It is
also possible for seated players to engage a lock-out system that
would prevent distal players from wagering on their position if
that is their desire. The distal player would then likely receive a
message on the visual display 34 of the hand-held device 6 that the
seated player has locked out distal participants.
[0072] The individual hand-held devices may be issued by the
casinos in combination with specific or generic SEDs. With respect
to a specific combination, each SED would be coded or otherwise
authorized for activating communication with only the single
hand-held device provided with the SED. This can be done by
preceding a set, or by coding a set (of SED and hand-held player
interface device) as it is issued by the casino. Account
information or authorization to access an account via thin client
may be downloaded into the hand-held device or associated with the
device to authorize a limit of the amount of wagers that may be
placed or charge/credit wagers and winning results to a specific
account in the casino or accessed through the main computer in
communication with either or both the hand-held device and the
table computer 16.
[0073] In other embodiments, the wireless device communicates with
a wireless game server enabling virtual play, meaning play of games
with no corresponding physical gaming device on the gaming floor
providing game outcomes.
[0074] One perspective of the generic concepts disclosed herein can
be presented as a wagering system carried by a player comprising: a
wireless data transmission device capable of transmitting wagering
instructions; a data receiving device receiving wireless data
transmissions relating to wagering instructions; and a security
enabling device that interacts with the wireless data transmission
device to enable wagers to be placed from the wireless transmission
device to a wager accepting processor by the wireless transmission
of wagering instructions. The security device may have to remain
actively engaged in communication with the wireless transmitting
device for the wireless data transmission device to continue
wireless transmission or otherwise be periodically engaged in
communication with the wireless data transmission device for the
wireless data transmission device to continue wireless
transmission. The security enabling device may automatically
initiate and send signals to the wireless data transmission device
to assist in verifying that an appropriate user is in possession of
the wireless data transmission device at the time the wager is
made. The security enabling device may be physically attached to
the wireless data transmission device and data must be entered into
the security device before the security device can assist in
authenticating that an appropriate user is in possession of the
wireless data transmission device. The data may be entered by at
least one format selected from the group consisting of card swipe,
optical reader/information-containing card or other data storage
device, biometric recognition solutions and transmission of stored
data from hardware to the security device. Authenticating that an
appropriate user is in possession of the wireless data transmission
device and subsequent allowance of entry of wagers from the
wireless data transmission device to the data receiving device
receiving wireless data transmissions relating to wagering
instructions should or must be approved by the data receiving
device. The data receiving device receives wireless data
transmissions relating to wagering instructions and may comprises a
game server. The game server can or will close access to wagers
from the wireless data transmission device if authentication
signals are not received by the game server from the wireless
transmission device after a predefined time interval. The game
server should close access to wagers only after, and not during,
play of a game on which a wager has been accepted.
[0075] A further description of the generic technology would
include a method of wagering from a wireless, hand-held wagering
device comprising: establishing a wireless communication link from
the wireless, hand-held wagering device to a data receiving device;
the data receiving device operating a wagering game by steps
including [0076] a) receiving wagers on random or pseudo-random
outcomes, [0077] b) determining a random outcome or pseudo-random
outcome, [0078] c) and determining winning outcomes based on
placement of the received wagers and the determined random outcome
or pseudo-random outcome; a player providing unique player
identification information to the wireless, hand-held wagering
device; the wireless, hand-held wagering device transmitting
information to the data receiving device based upon receipt of the
player identification information by the hand-held wagering device;
the data receiving device allowing or refusing to allow placement
of wagers from the wireless, hand-held wagering device dependent
upon transmitted information based upon receipt of the player
identification information.
[0079] After the data receiving device has allowed wagers to be
placed, the data receiving device may require, after a predefined
period of time (or variably determined periods), further
transmittal of player identification information from the wireless,
hand-held wagering device to continue allowing wagers to be placed.
Player identification is input to the wireless, hand-held wagering
device as by a user name/pin number, card swipe, biometric
solution, optical or magnetic scanner or wireless transmission. The
player identification may be input to the wireless, hand-held
wagering device by wireless transmission from a distinct component
from the wireless, hand-held wagering device, the distinct
component having a subcomponent for securing the distinct component
to the player. The player identification may be input to a security
component integrated into the wireless, hand-held wagering device
by data entry from a card containing player identification
information, for example.
[0080] Although specific examples are provided, the technology is
to be viewed in terms of the generic concepts expressed and
provided and not to be limited by the examples.
* * * * *
References