U.S. patent application number 11/938248 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for responsible gaming devices and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to BALLY GAMING, INC.. Invention is credited to Carmen DiMichele, James W. Morrow.
Application Number | 20080108433 11/938248 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39360341 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080108433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DiMichele; Carmen ; et
al. |
May 8, 2008 |
RESPONSIBLE GAMING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Various methods of promoting responsible gaming are disclosed
herein. According to one method, the gaming device receives player
input initiating a gaming session. A timer is then initiated in
response to the start of a gaming session, and a responsible gaming
message is presented to a player at predetermined time intervals.
According to another method, a gaming device receives a player's
wager, and a charitable donation pool is funded with a portion of
the player wager. During the gaming session, a running total of the
monies contributed to the charitable pool is presented on a display
to a player.
Inventors: |
DiMichele; Carmen; (Sparks,
NV) ; Morrow; James W.; (Sparks, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPTOE & JOHNSON, LLP
2121 AVENUE OF THE STARS
SUITE 2800
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
BALLY GAMING, INC.
6601 South Bermuda Road
Las Vegas
NV
89119-7990
|
Family ID: |
39360341 |
Appl. No.: |
11/938248 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11470606 |
Sep 6, 2006 |
|
|
|
11938248 |
Nov 9, 2007 |
|
|
|
60714754 |
Sep 7, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3227 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/040 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving player input initiating a gaming
session; initiating a timer when the gaming session is initiated;
and presenting a responsible gaming message to a player at
predetermined time intervals.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving player input
to continue the gaming session.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting the
responsible gaming message with increasing frequency during the
gaming session.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising notifying casino
personnel that a responsible gaming message is being presented to
the player.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising contacting one or more
personal contacts of the player, wherein the personal contacts are
put on notice that a responsible gaming message was sent to the
player.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining player
information from a player tracking system, wherein the responsible
gaming message is tailored to the player wagering on the gaming
device.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting wins and
losses to the player when the responsible gaming message is
presented to the player.
8. A method, comprising: receiving player input initiating a gaming
session; and presenting a responsible gaming message to a player in
response to a predetermined trigger event, wherein the trigger
event is a predefined period of time, cumulative win amount,
cumulative loss amount, or a combination thereof.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving player input
to continue the gaming session.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising presenting the
responsible gaming message with increasing frequency during the
gaming session.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising notifying casino
personnel that a responsible gaming message was presented to the
player.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising contacting one or
more personal contacts of the player, wherein the personal contacts
are put on notice that a responsible gaming message was presented
to the player.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising obtaining player
information from a player tracking system, wherein the responsible
gaming message is tailored to the player's profile stored on the
player tracking system.
14. The method of claim 8, further comprising presenting wins and
losses to the player when the responsible gaming message is
presented to the player.
15. A method, comprising: receiving a player wager; funding a
charitable donation pool with a portion of the player's wager; and
presenting a running total of all monies allocated to charitable
donation pool on a display.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving player
input electing to contribute a portion of the player's wager to a
charity.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising presenting a
charitable donation receipt to the player.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising contributing a
matching donation on behalf of the gaming establishment in response
to the player's wager.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising initiating a bonus
game in response to a trigger event, wherein a gaming establishment
contributes a charitable donation in response to a winning event on
the bonus game.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/470,606 filed Sep. 6, 2006, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/714,754, filed
Sep. 7, 2005, entitled SYSTEM GAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD, all of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0002] This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, concurrently filed on ______, 2007,
entitled RESPONSIBLE GAMING DEVICES.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Gaming devices have been developed that have various
features designed to capture and maintain player interest. For
example, the mechanical reels of traditional gaming devices have
been replaced with video depictions of spinning reels. These video
gaming devices provide a richer gaming experience for players by
including graphics or animation as part of the game. Moreover,
gaming machines have been developed to provide a greater gaming
experience with sound effects, animation, and the like.
[0005] In addition to providing a greater gaming experience, gaming
devices provide added convenience to allow for longer gaming
sessions. For example, multi-denomination gaming machines allow a
player to select the wager denomination used in game play.
Accordingly, a player does not need to change machines to play
different wager denominations. Additionally, most gaming devices
include bill and voucher acceptors that allow a player to easily
initiate a game. That is, a player does not need to get or to make
change to play a particular gaming machine. While these gaming
device features both enhance the gaming experience and simplify the
gaming experience, what is needed are gaming machines that also
promote responsible gaming.
SUMMARY
[0006] Briefly, and in general terms, various methods of promoting
responsible gaming are disclosed herein. According to one method,
the gaming device receives player input initiating a gaming
session. A timer is then initiated in response to the start of a
gaming session, and a responsible gaming message is presented to a
player at predetermined time intervals.
[0007] According to another method, the gaming device receives
player input to initiate a gaming session. A responsible gaming
message is presented to a player in response to a predetermined
trigger event, wherein the trigger event is a predefined period of
time, cumulative win amount, cumulative loss amount, or any
combination thereof.
[0008] In yet another method, a gaming device receives a player
wager, and contributes a portion of the player wager to a
charitable donation pool. During the gaming session, a running
total of the charitable donation pool is presented on a display to
a player.
[0009] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the
features of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
responsible gaming device;
[0011] FIG. 2 is one embodiment of a screen shot of a responsible
gaming message;
[0012] FIG. 3 is another embodiment of a screen shot of a
responsible gaming message;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of
a responsible gaming module;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of one method of promoting
responsible gaming on a gaming machine;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
responsible gaming machine; and
[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of a gaming system
including one or more responsible gaming machines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Various embodiments are directed to responsible gaming
machines. According to one embodiment, the responsible gaming
machine presents a message asking if the player would like to pause
and/or end a gaming session. In alternate embodiments, the gaming
machine may also send a message to a casino employee to visit a
player to inquire if the player would like to terminate the gaming
session. In yet another embodiment, the gaming machine notifies one
or more of the player's contacts that the player has been presented
a message to pause and/or end a gaming session. Accordingly, the
player's contact then may visit the player and encourage the player
to pause and/or end the gaming session. In another embodiment, the
gaming machine includes a display that presents the player's
performance (number of wins and losses, percentage of wins, or the
like) in addition to a message to end a gaming session.
Accordingly, the player is able to know his performance in order to
decide whether to pause and/or end a gaming session.
[0018] In another embodiment, a responsible gaming device
contributes a portion of a player's wager to a charity. At the end
of the gaming session, the player is given a tax deduction receipt
in the amount of the player's contribution to the charity. In one
embodiment, the player is given the option to contribute to the
charity or alter the percentage of the wager donated to the
charity. In one embodiment, the responsible gaming machine matches
the player's donation to the charity.
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings
and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown various
embodiments of a responsible gaming machine. More specifically, as
shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a main cabinet 12
and a top box 14. The gaming machine also includes various player
input devices 13, 15 to play one or more games presented on a main
display 17.
[0020] Referring back to FIG. 1, the main cabinet 12 of the gaming
machine 10 is a self-standing unit that is generally rectangular in
shape. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the gaming cabinet may
be a slant-top gaming cabinet or any shaped cabinet known or
developed in the art. Additionally, the cabinet may be manufactured
with reinforced steel or other rigid materials that are resistant
to tampering and vandalism. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment,
the gaming machine 10 may instead be a cinema-style gaming machine
(not shown) having a widescreen display, as disclosed in U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/225,827, entitled "Ergonomic Gaming
Cabinet," filed on Sep. 12, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming device 10 includes a main
display 17. According to one embodiment, the main display 17 is a
plurality of mechanical reels for presenting a slot-style game.
Alternatively, the main display 17 is a video display for
presenting one or more games such as, but not limited to,
mechanical slots, video slots, video keno, video poker, video
blackjack, video roulette, Class II bingo, games of skill, games of
chance involving some player skill, or any combination thereof.
[0022] According to yet another embodiment, the main display 17 is
a widescreen display (e.g., 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio display). In
one embodiment, the display 17 is a flat panel display including by
way of example only, and not by way of limitation, liquid crystal,
plasma, electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent, field emission,
LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon), and SXRD (Silicon Xtal Reflective
display), or any other type of panel display known or developed in
the art. These flat panel displays may use panel technologies to
provide digital quality images including by way of example only,
and not by way of limitation, EDTV, HDTV, or DLP (Digital Light
Processing). The widescreen display 17 may be mounted in the gaming
cabinet 12 in a portrait or landscape orientation. In another
embodiment, the game display 17 may also include a touch screen or
touch glass system (not shown). The touch screen system allows a
player to input choices without using any electromechanical buttons
13. Alternatively, the touch screen system may be a supplement to
the electromechanical buttons 13.
[0023] According to one embodiment, the top box 14 is a separate
and distinct component that is affixed to the main cabinet 12. In
another embodiment, the top box 14 is an area that is partitioned
from the main cabinet 12. Alternatively, the top box 14 and the
main cabinet 12 may be contiguous areas with the outward appearance
of two distinct components. According to one embodiment, the top
box 14 includes a display glass. The display glass may include the
name of the game, artwork, game instructions, pay table, or other
information relating to the game.
[0024] According to another embodiment, the top box 14 includes a
secondary display for displaying game information (e.g., name of
the game, game marquee, animation, one or more pay tables, game
information, one or more help menus, one or more secondary games,
progressive jackpot information or tournament game information) or
non-game related information (e.g., news, advertisements, messages
or promotions). The secondary display 16 may be a flat panel
display, dot matrix display, cathode ray tube display, display
glass, backlit display glass, diorama, three-dimensional relief,
pachinko-style secondary game, one or more wheels, one or more
mechanical reels, or a combination thereof. The display 16 may have
a wide screen aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9, 16:10 or the like) and the
display may or may not include a touch screen or other touch device
associated therewith. Optionally, the secondary display is movable
(e.g., tilted a few degrees downward or upward) so that the display
is more easily viewed by a casino patron. The movement of the
display may be done manually or automatically (e.g., motor or
linear actuator).
[0025] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the top box 14 includes a
candle 21 having three tiers. As those skilled in the art will
appreciate, other embodiments of the candle 21 may include one or
more tiers. The tiers may be jointly or individually illuminated
with one or more incandescent light bulbs or light emitting diodes
(LEDs). In one embodiment, the bottom tier 23 of the candle 21
includes a plurality of multi-colored LEDs. Additionally, a
plurality of LED reflectors (not shown) are provided within the
bottom tier 23 of the candle 21. For example, in one embodiment,
eight reflectors are provided within the bottom tier in an
octagonal configuration (when viewed from above). Accordingly, the
LEDs in the bottom tier 23 of the candle 21 may be alternately
illuminated (in the same or different colors) around the
circumference of the bottom tier to simulate a rotating light.
Alternatively, the LEDs may flash in one or more colors.
Accordingly, the LEDs in the bottom tier 23 of the candle 21 may be
programmed to illuminate when a responsible gaming message is
presented to the player or a jackpot is triggered. The lights in
the top tiers of the candle 21 may be illuminated to signal that a
player needs assistance from a casino floor employee, a jackpot has
been won, or that a responsible gaming message has been presented
to a player.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming device 10 includes a
plurality of player-activated buttons 13. These buttons 13 may be
used for various functions such as, but not limited to, selecting a
wager denomination, selecting a number of games to be played,
selecting the wager amount per game, initiating a game, or cashing
out money from the gaming machine 10. The buttons 13 function as
input mechanisms and may include mechanical buttons,
electromechanical buttons or touch screen buttons. In another
embodiment, one input mechanism is a universal button module that
provides a dynamic button system adaptable for use with various
games, as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/106,212,
entitled "Universal Button Module", filed Apr. 14, 2005 and U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/223,364, entitled "Universal Button
Module", filed Sep. 9, 2005, which are both hereby incorporated by
reference. Additionally, other input devices, such as but not
limited to, touch pad, track ball, mouse, switches, toggle
switches, are included with the gaming machine to also accept
player input. Optionally, a handle 15 may be "pulled" by a player
to initiate a slots-based game.
[0027] In an alternate embodiment, a cellular phone or other input
device (e.g., PDA), separate and apart, from the gaming machine 10
may also be used to input various player choices and information to
enhance the player's interactive experience with the gaming
machine. Furthermore, inputting information via these devices
provides an added level of security as any key presses may be
hidden from view. In yet another embodiment, a player may call or
send a text message or a short message service (SMS) to the gaming
machine.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming device 10 includes a ticket
reader/ticket printer slot 25 that is associated with a cashless
gaming system (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, a single slot 25 is
used for the ticket reader and ticket printer. Accordingly, the
same slot 25 may be used to insert and/or issue a ticket. However,
in alternate embodiments, separate slots (not shown) may be
provided for the ticket acceptor and the ticket printer. In one
embodiment, the ticket reader (not shown) of the cashless gaming
system is capable of accepting previously printed vouchers, paper
currency, promotional coupons, or the like. The ticket printer (not
shown) of the cashless gaming system generates vouchers having
printed information that includes, but is not limited to, the value
of the voucher (i.e., cash-out amount) and a barcode that
identifies the voucher. In yet another embodiment, the ticket
printer generates tax receipts for charitable donations made on the
responsible gaming machine.
[0029] Additionally, the gaming device includes a player tracking
system (not shown). The player tracking system allows a casino to
monitor the gaming activities of various players. Additionally, the
player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player's
gaming habits. That is, a player can accrue player points that
depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can
use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of
players. For example, casinos may award or "comp" a player free
meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to
casino events and promotional affairs.
[0030] Typically, the player tracking system is operatively
connected to one or more input components on the gaming machine 10.
These input components include, but are not limited to, a slot 27
for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an
electronic button receptor, a touch screen and the like. The player
tracking system may also include a database of all qualified
players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating
or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player
tracking system is separate from the gaming devices.
[0031] In another embodiment, the gaming device 10 includes an
internet connection or other known network connections to link one
or more gaming devices together. According to one embodiment, the
internet connection is used for web browsing, prize redemption, or
access to other gaming or non-gaming information. Additionally,
with the various gaming devices in communication with one another
(or a system host), the gaming device 10 may participate in a
gaming tournament. In one embodiment, the gaming tournament is a
competitive gaming tournament having one (or a few) winners.
Alternatively, the gaming tournament is a cooperative gaming
tournament where all eligible gaming devices win a particular
award.
[0032] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not
all gaming devices have all these components and that the gaming
devices may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of,
those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these
components are viewed and described separately, various components
may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 7, a casino gaming system 100 is
illustrated. The casino gaming system 100 comprises one or more
gaming devices 10. In various embodiments, any of the gaming
devices 10 may be any type of electronic or mechanical gaming
devices, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical reel spinning
slot machine, video slot machine, video poker machine, keno
machine, video blackjack machine, or a gaming machine offering one
or more of the above-described games. Examples include, but are not
limited to, the S6000 mechanical reel spinner and the Alpha video
slot machine from Bally Technologies, Inc. The gaming devices 10,
illustrated in FIG. 7 act as terminals for interacting with a
player playing a casino game. Networking components facilitate
communications between the system server 112 and game management
units 126 that control displays for carousels of gaming devices 10
across a network 740. Game management units (GMU's) 126 connect
gaming devices to networking components and may be installed in the
gaming machine cabinet or external to the gaming machine 10. The
function of the GMU 126 is similar to the function of a network
interface card connected to a desktop personal computer (PC). Some
GMU's 126 have much greater capability and can perform such tasks
as presenting and playing a game using a display (not shown)
operatively connected to the GMU 126. In one embodiment, the GMU
126 is a separate component located outside the gaming machine 10.
Alternatively, in another embodiment, the GMU 126 is located within
the gaming machine 10. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment,
one or more gaming devices 10 connect directly to a network and are
not connected to a GMU 126.
[0034] Furthermore, one or more of the gaming devices 10 includes
one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of
information stored by the gaming devices 10 include, but are not
limited to, accounting data, maintenance history information, short
and/or long-term play data, real-time play data, and sound data.
The sound data may include, but is not limited to, audio files,
sound clips, wav files, mp3 files and sound files saved in various
other formats. Furthermore, each gaming machine 10 comprises an
audio system (not shown) for outputting sound.
[0035] The gaming devices 10 are connected via a network to a
network bridge 120, which is used for networking, routing and
polling gaming devices, including slot machines. The network bridge
120 connects to a back end system 112. Optionally, the gaming
devices 10 may connect to the network via a network rack 122, which
provides for a few number of connections to the back end system
112. Both network bridge 120 and network rack 122 may be classified
as middleware, and facilitate communications between the back end
system 112 and the game management units 126. The network bridges
120 and network rack 122 may comprise data repositories for storing
network performance data. Such performance data may be based on
network traffic and other network related information. Optionally,
the network bridge 120 and the network rack 122 may be
interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a
casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no
network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino
gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network
bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino
gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network
bridges and one or more network racks.
[0036] The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or
more servers. The type of server employed is generally determined
by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. In
one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the back end system 112
is configured to include three servers: a slot floor controller
114, a casino management server 116 and a casino database 118. The
slot floor controller 114 is a part of the player tracking system
for gathering accounting, security and player specific information.
The casino management server 116 and casino database 118 work
together to store and process information specific to both
employees and players. Player specific information includes, but is
not limited to, passwords, biometric identification, player card
identification, and biographic data. Additionally, employee
specification information may include biographic data, biometric
information, job level and rank, passwords, authorization codes and
security clearance levels.
[0037] Overall, the back end system 112 performs several
fundamental functions. For example, the back end system 112 can
collect data from the slot floor as communicated to it from other
network components, and maintain the collected data in its
database. The back end system 112 may use slot floor data to
generate a report used in casino operation functions. Examples of
such reports include, but are not limited to, accounting reports,
security reports, and usage reports. The back end system 112 may
also pass data to another server for other functions.
Alternatively, the back end system 112 may pass data stored on its
database to floor hardware for interaction with a game or game
player. For example, data such as a game player's name or the
amount of a ticket being redeemed at a game may be passed to the
floor hardware. Additionally, the back end system 112 may comprise
one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of types
of data stored in the system server data repositories include, but
are not limited to, information relating to individual player play
data, individual game accounting data, gaming machine accounting
data, cashable ticket data, and sound data including optimum audio
outputs for various casino settings.
[0038] Of course, one will appreciate that a gaming system 100 may
also comprise other types of components, and the above
illustrations are meant only as examples and not as limitations to
the types of components or games used in a casino gaming system
capable of presenting a responsible gaming message.
[0039] The main cabinet 14 of the gaming machine houses a game
monitoring unit (not shown) that includes a CPU, circuitry, and
software for receiving signals from the player-activated buttons 13
and/or a handle 15, operating the games, and transmitting signals
to the respective game display 17 and speakers 19. The game
monitoring unit is a device that is connected to the circuitry of
the gaming machine that monitors the game, coin status, player
winnings, and other functions of the gaming machine. The game
monitoring unit also sends the monitored information to a backend
server for processing.
[0040] In various embodiments, the game program may be stored in a
memory (not shown) comprising a read only memory (ROM), volatile or
non-volatile random access memory (RAM), a hard drive or flash
memory device or any of several alternative types of single or
multiple memory devices or structures.
[0041] According to one embodiment, the gaming monitoring unit (not
shown) includes a responsible gaming module 30. In one embodiment,
the responsible gaming module is a software program that presents a
message to the player in response to a trigger event such as, but
not limited to, a predetermined duration of a gaming session,
number of games, amount wagered, or any combination thereof.
Generally, the responsible gaming module presents a message to a
player on the main display, secondary display, or any combination
thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the message is a friendly
reminder such as "You've been playing for a while--maybe you should
take a break." As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any
message that suggests that the player take a break or end a gaming
session is contemplated. In other embodiments, the message may
include animation, graphics, movie clips, sound effects, music, or
any combination thereof.
[0042] As a part of the game monitoring unit, the responsible
gaming module 30 is able to access information from the game
monitoring unit (e.g., coin in and coin out). The responsible
gaming module 30 is then able to present a responsible gaming
message based upon a particular coin in or coin out value. For
example, the responsible gaming module 30 will present a
responsible message to the player if the player has won or lost
$500 or any other amount of money predetermined by a gaming
establishment or the player. That is, the player's win or loss
limits may be associated with the player's account or the gaming
machine will prompt the player for their win or loss limits prior
to initiating the gaming session.
[0043] Alternatively, the responsible gaming module 30 accesses the
game monitoring unit and presents a "win meter" as shown in FIG. 3.
The win meter is tied to the performance of the gaming machine and
is a graphical representation of the payout of the gaming machine.
If the gaming machine has not recently paid out, the win meter is
low. If the gaming machine has been paying out multiple wins, the
win meter may reflect a higher level. Accordingly, the win meter
may be used to provide more information to the player and allow the
player to make an informed decision regarding his/her wager.
Accordingly, in this embodiment, the responsible gaming module 30
may present a responsible gaming message in response to one or more
levels on the win meter.
[0044] In another embodiment, the responsible gaming module 30 is a
combination of hardware and software as shown in FIG. 4. The
responsible gaming module 30 may include a timer 32 (or other time
keeping device or methodology), a communication means 34 (e.g.,
Ethernet, Internet, phone (landline or cellular), a dedicated
display 36, connections and access to one or more backend systems
38 (e.g., player tracking system), or any combination thereof.
[0045] Generally, the timer 32 is initiated once the gaming session
has begun, and the responsible gaming message presents a message to
a player after a predetermined period(s) of time. For example, a
message is presented to a player every sixty minutes.
Alternatively, the responsible gaming module 30 increases the
frequency (and optionally the urgency) of the messages over time.
The responsible gaming module 30 includes programming to stop the
timer 32 after periods of inactivity and/or resume once gaming
continues. Furthermore, the timer 32 resets after a gaming session
has terminated and/or after a predetermined length of time of
inactivity. In another embodiment, the timer 32 also is used to
countdown the time during a player-initiated break (e.g., a
countdown from one minute).
[0046] Optionally, the responsible gaming module 30 includes an
Ethernet and/or Internet connection 34. According to one
embodiment, when a trigger event has occurred, the responsible
gaming module 30 sends a message (e.g., text, electronic mail,
short message service (SMS), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP))
to a central casino computer or server (not shown) in addition to
presenting a responsible gaming message on the gaming machine 10.
As a result, the casino employee may visit the player and check on
the player. This personal touch may be beneficial to forging a
relationship with a casino patron, especially a high roller.
Furthermore, the casino employee may also be able to market a
promotion or present the player with an award. In another
embodiment, one or more contacts on the player's profile are sent a
message (e.g., text or SMS). Optionally, the responsible gaming
module 30 initiates a call (e.g., VoIP) to one or more of the
player's contacts. An automatic voice (message) system or a "live"
person may initiate the call to the player's contacts. In yet
another embodiment, a casino employee or player contact may
initiate a "call" (VoIP) to the gaming machine 10. In this
embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes a microphone (not shown)
to facilitate the call.
[0047] In another embodiment, the responsible gaming module 30 is
in communication with one or more of the displays 16, 17 of the
gaming machine 10. The responsible gaming message may be presented
on the main video display 17, a secondary display 16 in the main
cabinet 12 or top box 14, a display (not shown) associated with a
player tracking system, or any combination thereof. According to
one embodiment, the responsible gaming module is a component of a
user interface display as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/943,771 entitled "User Interface System and Method for a
Gaming Machine" filed on Sep. 16, 2004, which is hereby
incorporated by reference. In this embodiment, the responsible
gaming module uses the processor associated with the user interface
display to manage the presentation of a responsible gaming message
on a gaming machine. Additionally, the processor of the user
interface display manages the presentation of responsible gaming
message on one or more may be in communication with other user
interface displays or other displays on other gaming machines.
[0048] In yet another embodiment, the responsible gaming module is
a component of a backend system or server such as, but not limited
to, a player tracking system or a slot management system. In
another embodiment, the responsible gaming module is a separate
system that is in communication with one or more backend systems as
well as the game monitoring units of one or more gaming
machines.
[0049] In those embodiments having the responsible gaming module in
communication with the player tracking system, the responsible
gaming module is able to customize the messages presented to the
player by obtaining player information from the player tracking
system. For example, the responsible gaming message is customized
with the player's name. Alternatively, the trigger event(s) for the
presentation of a responsible gaming message to a player is
tailored to the player's profile (e.g., high roller or beginning
player). For example, a responsible gaming message is presented to
the player after one hour of game play whereas the default time for
a responsible gaming message is thirty minutes. Alternatively, for
example, a responsible gaming message is presented to the player
based upon the player's set criteria such as, but not limited to, a
win limit of $600 or a loss limit of $200. Accordingly, the
responsible gaming message presents messages to the player when the
player approaches and/or achieves either win or loss limit.
[0050] In addition to various embodiments of a responsible gaming
machine, various methods for promoting responsible gaming are
disclosed herein. According to one method, as shown in FIG. 5, a
gaming machine receives a player wager at step 50, and a gaming
session is then initiated at step 52. Optionally, at step 54, the
responsible gaming module 30 starts a timer 32 once the player
initiates the gaming session. At step 56, the responsible gaming
module 30 determines whether a trigger event has been established.
The trigger event may be a predefined duration of time (set by a
gaming establishment operator or the player), win amount, or loss
amount. If a triggering event has not been established, the gaming
session continues (step 58) so long as the player has sufficient
credits to wager on a game If a triggering event is detected, a
responsible gaming message is presented to the player at step
60.
[0051] Optionally, once the responsible gaming message has been
presented to the player at step 60, the responsible gaming module
30 provides the player with a choice to pause or to end the gaming
session. For example, a message such as "Are you ready for a break?
Press the pause button to temporarily stop the game" is presented
to the player. At step 64, if the gaming machine does not receive
any player input within a specified period of time or declines to
take a break, the gaming session continues at step 58. Otherwise,
the gaming machine pauses the gaming session at step 66.
[0052] The gaming session is then paused for a predefined period of
time. Alternatively, the gaming machine 10 provides the player with
the option to activate (e.g., push) a pause button or to activate
another input means to set the duration of the break (e.g., each
time the pause button is activated adds a 30 second break).
Furthermore, the responsible gaming module 30 may allow the player
to terminate the player-selected break and resume gaming by
depressing one or more buttons on the gaming machine.
Alternatively, the player ends the gaming session or the break
session by cashing out any remaining credits on the gaming
machine.
[0053] Optionally, at step 62, the responsible gaming module 30
contacts a casino employee and/or a player contact. The casino
employee and/or the player contact are notified that a responsible
gaming message has been presented to the player.
[0054] Additionally, the responsible gaming module 30 may include
programming to lock-up or otherwise suspend game play after a
predetermined number of responsible gaming messages. The player is
then forced to take a break for a predefined period of time as set
by a gaming establishment or, alternatively, the player may select
the duration of the forced break. Once the break is completed, the
gaming session resumes. Alternatively, a gaming establishment
employee is required to unlock the gaming machine 10. In yet
another embodiment, the responsible gaming module 30 locks-up the
gaming machine 10 and cashes out any credits remaining on the
gaming machine to the player.
[0055] In a different embodiment of a responsible gaming machine
10', the gaming machine includes a program module (not shown) that
manages a charitable donation pool, as shown in FIG. 6. The program
module provides the player with the option to donate a portion of
the player's wager to one or more charities. Optionally, the player
is allowed to determine the percentage of his/her wager that is
donated to charity. Alternatively, the percentage of the player's
wager contributed to a charity is preset by the gaming
establishment or gaming manufacturer. In yet another embodiment, a
portion of any winning outcome in a primary game or a bonus game
may be contributed to one or more charities. The portion of the
winning outcome may be preset by the gaming establishment or
selected by the player before or after the winning outcome.
[0056] The total contribution amount may be presented on a display
26 of the gaming machine 10', as shown in FIG. 6, or as a running
total of the gaming session. Optionally, a display sign (not shown)
that is associated with a bank of gaming machines may present the
total of contributions to a charity from a plurality of gaming
machines. Alternatively, the total contributions to a particular
charity may also be presented on a display of the gaming machine
10'. According to one embodiment, the contributions to the charity
is presented in real-time on a gaming machine display 26 and/or a
shared game display.
[0057] Additionally, the responsible gaming machine 10', as shown
in FIG. 6, is associated with a printer (not shown). The printer
may be located on the gaming machine 10', a kiosk associated with a
bank of gaming machines, or a printer at a remote location from the
gaming machines. The printer is configured to print out tax
receipts for the player's gaming session. Optionally, the player
may request that any tax receipts be mailed (either electronically
or via paper) to the player. The player may use a keypad, touch
screen, virtual keyboard as disclosed in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/620,363, filed Jan. 5, 2007, entitled "Gaming Machine
with a Virtual Interface," which is hereby incorporated by
reference, or other input devices to input address information.
[0058] In another embodiment, a responsible gaming system (not
shown) is adapted to communicate with one or more gaming machines.
The responsible gaming system funds and manages the charity pool.
For example, the charity pool may be funded with seed money from
the casino, bonus points, and/or marketing dollars. Alternatively,
the charity pool is funded with a portion of the player's wagers
and/or winnings. According to one embodiment, the responsible
gaming system is configured so that any contribution by the player
is matched by the gaming establishment. The matching amount or
matching period of time may be set by the casino temporarily or as
a permanent feature of the gaming machines. Alternatively, the
matching contributions of the gaming establishment is initiated in
response to a triggering event established by the responsible
gaming system. In another embodiment, a winning event of a bonus
game is the casino operator contributing to the charity.
[0059] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize
various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed
invention without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein, and without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention,
which is set forth in the following claims.
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