U.S. patent application number 11/719119 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for method and apparatus for facilitating usage of a supplemental ticket at a gaming device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Walker Digital, LLC. Invention is credited to James A. Jorasch, Robert C Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley.
Application Number | 20080248865 11/719119 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35150436 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080248865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tedesco; Robert C ; et
al. |
October 9, 2008 |
Method And Apparatus For Facilitating Usage Of A Supplemental
Ticket At A Gaming Device
Abstract
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method may provide
for receiving a first indicia associated with play of a gaming
device, receiving a second indicia associated with play of the
gaming device, and modifying, based upon the receipt of both the
first and second indicia, a parameter of play of the gaming device.
The parameter is only modified if both the first indicia and the
second indicia are received. For example, upon receiving both a
cash-out ticket and a supplemental ticket, a gaming device may
activate a feature or increase a credit balance by more than the
face value of the cash-out ticket.
Inventors: |
Tedesco; Robert C;
(Fairfield, CT) ; Jorasch; James A.; (New York,
NY) ; Tulley; Stephen C.; (Monroe, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Assignee: |
Walker Digital, LLC
Stamford
CT
|
Family ID: |
35150436 |
Appl. No.: |
11/719119 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
April 7, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2005/011725 |
371 Date: |
May 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60560312 |
Apr 7, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3248 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving a first indicia associated with
play of a gaming device; receiving a second indicia associated with
play of the gaming device; and modifying, based upon the receipt of
both the first and second indicia, a parameter of play of the
gaming device, wherein the parameter is only modified if both the
first indicia and the second indicia are received.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first indicia is associated
with a first value, the second indicia is associated with a second
value, and the modified parameter is associated with a third value,
the third value being greater than the sum of the first value and
the second value.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first indicia is a cash-out
ticket that indicates an amount of credit available for use in
playing the gaming device.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the second indicia is a
supplemental ticket that indicates a modification of the amount of
credit indicated by the first indicia.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second indicia is associated
with at least one condition to be satisfied in order for the second
indicia to be redeemable.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one condition
defines a characteristic of the first indicia, such that the second
indicia is only redeemable along with a first indicia having the
characteristic.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one characteristic
is at least one of a minimum value of the first indicia and a
maximum value of the first indicia.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one condition
identifies the first indicia, such that the second indicia is only
redeemable along with the first indicia.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one condition
identifies a player identifier, such that the second indicia is
only redeemable along with the player identifier.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the first indicia
comprises receiving a paper via a paper handling mechanism of the
gaming device and wherein receiving the second indicia comprises
receiving a second paper via the paper handling mechanism.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: outputting a prompt,
the prompt indicating an inquiry regarding the second indicia.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first indicia is a first
code readable by the gaming device.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the second indicia is a second
code readable by the gaming device.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the parameter
comprises activating a feature of the gaming device that would not
otherwise be active during game play.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the parameter
comprises at least one of: accessing a payout table that would not
otherwise be accessed; accessing a probability table that would not
otherwise be accessed; modifying at least one payout of a payout
table; modifying a probability of obtaining at least one outcome;
modifying at least one rule of game play; modifying a credit meter
balance from an amount that would otherwise be available to a
player; providing a resource that would not otherwise be available
to a player.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the parameter
comprises: determining a value of the first indicia; and
determining a modified value based on the second indicia; and
adjusting a credit meter balance of the gaming device based on the
modified value.
17. A method, comprising: receiving, via a first component
associated with a gaming device, a primary wagering instrument;
determining a validity and value of the primary wagering
instrument; receiving, via a second component associated with the
gaming device, a supplemental wagering instrument, the supplemental
wagering instrument indicating an instruction for modifying a value
of the primary wagering instrument; determining a modified value of
the primary wagering instrument based on the instruction; and
setting a credit meter balance of the gaming device to an amount
based on the modified value.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: determining a
condition associated with the supplemental wagering instrument; and
determining, before determining the modified value, whether the
condition is satisfied, wherein the credit meter balance is set to
an amount based on the modified value only if the condition is
satisfied.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the primary wagering instrument
is at least one of a cash-out ticket, a supplemental ticket, a
player tracking card, a financial account identifier and a smart
card.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the supplemental wagering
instrument is at least one of a paper ticket, a player tracking
card, a financial account identifier and a smart card.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the first component is the
second component.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein determining a modified value
comprises: storing the value of the primary wagering instrument in
memory; determining, based on the instruction, an amount by which
the value is to be increased; and determining the modified value by
adding the amount to the stored value.
23. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining an
identifier of the supplemental wagering instrument; transmitting
the identifier to another device; and receiving the instruction
from the other device, the instruction having been determined based
on the identifier.
24. A method, comprising: receiving, at a first gaming device, a
request to cash out a credit meter balance of the gaming device;
outputting, in response to the request, a primary wagering
instrument having a value based on a current value of the credit
meter balance; outputting, at the gaming device, a supplemental
wagering instrument, the supplemental wagering instrument including
an instruction for modifying a parameter of at least one of a
second gaming device and the primary wagering instrument, wherein
the supplemental wagering instrument is redeemable only along with
the primary wagering instrument.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first gaming device is the
second gaming device.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the primary wagering instrument
is a cash-out ticket printed via a printer device associated with
the gaming device, the cash out ticket being exchangeable for cash
and credits on at least the first gaming device and the second
gaming device.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the supplemental wagering
instrument is a supplemental ticket printed via a printer device
associated with the gaming device, the ticket indicating a benefit
to be provided upon redemption of the ticket at the time of
redemption of the cash-out ticket.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the supplemental ticket does
not have any intrinsic value, such that the supplemental ticket has
value only if redeemed along with the cash-out ticket.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the supplemental ticket has a
first value if redeemed without the cash-out ticket and a second
value if redeemed along with the cash-out ticket, the first value
being less than the second value.
30. A system, comprising: a controller operable to communicate with
a plurality of devices, at least one of the plurality of devices
comprising a gaming device; and the plurality of devices, wherein
at least one of the plurality of devices is operable to output a
supplemental ticket, the supplemental ticket defining a benefit to
be provided upon the redemption of the ticket along with at least
one other ticket, and wherein the benefit comprises a modification
of a parameter associated with at least one of the gaming device,
the supplemental ticket and a player.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein redemption of the supplemental
ticket along with at least one other ticket comprises insertion of
the supplemental ticket into a gaming device and insertion of the
at least one other ticket into the gaming device.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the at least one other ticket
comprises one of a cash-out ticket redeemable for at least one of
cash and credits at a gaming device; and another supplemental
ticket.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/560,312, filed Apr. 07, 2004
and entitled APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY
CASHLESS GAMING. The entirety of this application is incorported by
reference herein for all purpose S.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0002] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate some
embodiments of the invention, and together with the description
serve to explain the principles of some embodiments of the
invention:
[0003] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example system, in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0004] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of another example system, in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming device, in accordance
with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controller, in accordance
with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0007] FIG. 4 is an example tabular representation of an
outstanding cash-out tickets database, in accordance with one or
more embodiments described herein;
[0008] FIG. 5 is an example tabular representation of a
supplemental ticket output rules database, in accordance with one
or more embodiments described herein;
[0009] FIGS. 6A and 6B together are an example tabular
representation of a supplemental ticket type database, in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0010] FIG. 7 is an example tabular representation of an
outstanding supplemental tickets database, in accordance with one
or more embodiments described herein;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example process, in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0012] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example prior art cash-out
ticket that may be output and/or received by a gaming device;
and
[0013] FIG. 10 is an illustration of various exemplary supplemental
tickets that may be output and/or received by a gaming device, in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Described herein are various methods and systems for
facilitating modification of a value of a parameter associated with
play of a gaming device. For example, in accordance with some
embodiments a supplemental ticket may be inserted into a gaming
device along with a cash-out ticket in order to modify a value
associated with the cash-out ticket. In a more specific example, a
number of credits associated with a credit meter balance may be
modified to a second and greater number of credits from a first and
smaller number of credits that would have been added to the credit
meter balance based on the cash-out ticket alone. In another
example, a feature of the gaming device may be activated based on
the receipt of both the cash-out ticket and the supplemental
ticket, wherein the feature would not have been activated based on
the receipt of the cash-out ticket alone. As a preliminary matter,
various terms and concepts used herein are described.
[0015] Numerous embodiments are described in this patent
application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The
described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting
in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely
applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the
disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various modifications
and alterations. Although particular features of the disclosed
invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more
particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood
that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more
particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are
described, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0016] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first
page of this patent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the
end of this patent application) is to be taken as limiting in any
way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s).
[0017] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the
embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some
embodiments", "one embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but
not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0018] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0019] The enumerated listing of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually
exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, the
enumerated listing of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that the items are comprehensive of any category, unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0020] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0021] The terms "plurality" mean "two or more", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0022] Devices that are in communication with each other need not
be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly
specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication
with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one
or more intermediaries.
[0023] A description of an embodiment with several components in
communication with each other does not imply that all such
components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional
components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible
embodiments of the present invention(s).
[0024] Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or
the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes,
methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate
orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be
described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the
steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described
herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps
may be performed simultaneously.
[0025] Each process/method includes one or more steps, and
therefore a reference to a "step" of a method has an inherent
antecedent basis.
[0026] It will be readily apparent that the various methods and
algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,
appropriately programmed general purpose computers and computing
devices. Typically a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) will
receive instructions from a memory or like device, and execute
those instructions, thereby performing a process defined by those
instructions. Further, programs that implement such methods
and-algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety of
known media in a number of well-known manners. In some embodiments,
hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or
in combination with, software instructions for implementation of
the processes of the present invention. Thus, embodiments are not
limited to any specific combination of hardware and software
[0027] When a single device or article is described herein, it will
be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or
not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single
device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is
described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it-will be
readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place
of the more than one device or article.
[0028] The functionality and/or the features of a device may be
alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not
explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus,
other embodiments need not include the device itself.
[0029] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions)
which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such
a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to,
non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.
Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks
and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random
access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory.
Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber
optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to
the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic
waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those
generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data
communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,
for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic
tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical
medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with
patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any
other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0030] Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in
carrying sequences of instructions to a processor. For example,
sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a
processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium,
and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats,
standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, TDMA, CDMA, 3G. In
another example, instructions may initially be borne on a magnetic
disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the
instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over
a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to another device to
which the instructions are being sent can receive the data on the
telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data
to an infrared signal. An infrared detector can receive the data
carried in the infrared signal and place the data on a system bus
for a processor of the device receiving the data. The system bus
carries the data to main memory, from which the processor retrieves
and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main
memory may optionally be stored in a memory either before or after
execution by the processor. In addition, instructions may be
received via a communication port as electrical, electromagnetic or
optical signals, which are exemplary forms of carrier waves that
carry date streams representing various types of information. Thus,
a device may obtain instructions in the form of a carrier wave.
[0031] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily
employed.
[0032] The terms "cash out" and "cashout" are used interchangeable
herein and may refer to a process by which a player of a gaming
device is provided with payment. Such payment is typically provided
by the gaming device, e.g., in the form of coins, tokens, transfer
of funds to an account associated with a player or a cashless
gaming ticket.
[0033] The terms "controller", "central controller", "slot server",
"computer server", "computer server device" and "server device" are
used interchangeable herein and may refer, unless specified
otherwise, to one or more electronic devices (e.g., a computer, two
distinct servers) that are operable to communicate with one or more
gaming devices. A controller may manage, direct or otherwise affect
the gaming devices, such as by providing a random number to a
gaming device, by receiving and/or providing data associated with a
player, and/or receiving and/or providing data associated with game
play of the gaming device. A controller may also contain or
otherwise be configured to read data from and/or write data to one
or more (local or remote) databases regarding, among other things,
data associated with (i) a cash-out ticket, (i) a supplemental
ticket, (ii) a player, (iii) a payout, (iv) a probability of
obtaining an outcome, etc.
[0034] The terms "credit balance", as used herein unless specified
otherwise, may refer to an indication of an amount of currency (or
other value) that is due to a player and/or that is available for
wagering (e.g., a wager may be drawn from a credit balance). In
some embodiments, a balance may be associated with a gaming device
being operated by a player. Such an indication may be output via a
gaming device display, such as an LED "credit meter." In some
embodiments, a player wishing to cash out is provided with payment
(e.g., a cashless gaming ticket) equal to his credit balance, or
otherwise based on his credit balance (e.g., the integer amount of
a credit balance, such as $5.00 for a balance of $5.50). In another
embodiment, a credit balance may be stored on a smart card and/or a
casino server (e.g., and available for transfer to a gaming
device).
[0035] The term "game", as used herein unless specified otherwise,
may refer to a wagering activity whereby a player posts
consideration, usually monetary in form, in exchange for a chance
at winning a payout (which is typically a monetary payout). The
definition is intended to include basic games and bonus games. The
definition is further intended to include both primary games and
secondary games.
[0036] The terms "game device", "gaming device", "game machine",
"gaming machine" are used interchangeable herein and may refer,
unless specified otherwise, to any electrical, electromechanical
and/or mechanical device that (in a manner well known in the art)
accepts wagers, determines an outcome and determines winnings (if
any) based on the outcome. The outcome may be randomly generated
(as with a slot machine); may be generated through a combination of
randomness and player skill (as with video poker); or may be
generated entirely through player skill. Gaming devices may include
slot machines (both video and mechanical reel slot machines), video
poker machines, video blackjack machines, video roulette machines,
video keno machines, video bingo machines, pachinko machines, video
lottery terminals, handheld gaming devices, vending machines and
the like.
[0037] The term "game play" may refer, unless specified otherwise,
to a single play of a game at a gaming device that generates a
singular, corresponding outcome (e.g., a player pulls the handle of
a slot machine and the reels resolve to "Bar-Bar-Bar"). In one
embodiment, a player wagers a number of credits in accordance with
each game play. In some embodiments, one or more game plays may be
associated with a particular cashless gaming receipt. For example,
(i) the wagered credits of a game play may be derived from a
balance credits generated by an inserted receipt, or (ii) a game
play may occur during a session initiated by a receipt.
[0038] The terms "game session", "gaming session", "session" and
"play session" are used interchangeably and may refer, unless
specified otherwise, to a gambling event with a beginning and end
that may encompass a number of game plays. The end of the session
may be determined voluntarily (in which the player elects to stop
play) or involuntarily (in which the gaming device terminates
play). In some embodiments, a game session may be associated with a
particular cashless gaming receipt and/or a particular supplemental
ticket. For example, an associated session may begin when a player
inserts a particular cashless gaming receipt, and end when the
player cashes out. In another example, a benefit associated with a
supplemental ticket provided to a player at the end of a play
session may be determined based on a player's gambling activity
during the play session.
[0039] The term "indicium associated with play of a gaming device"
may refer, unless expressly specified otherwise, to one or more
indicia that may be input to a gaming device in order to instruct
the gaming device to perform a function. The indicia may be in
tangible form, such as a plastic card having a player tracking
identifier stored thereon, a smart card or a paper cashless gaming
receipt. The indicium may also be intangible in form, such as a
code that may be typed into a keypad or touchscreen of a gaming
device. For example, an indicium comprising a cash-out ticket may
be input to a ticket reader component of a gaming device in order
to instruct the gaming device to perform functions such as (i)
confirming the validity of the ticket (e.g., based on an identifier
printed on the ticket), (ii) determining a value associated with
the ticket, and/or (iii) setting a credit meter balance of the
gaming device to reflect an amount of credits, the amount being
based on the value of the ticket. Examples of indicia associated
with play of a gaming device include, but are not limited to, a
primary wagering instrument, a supplemental wagering instrument, a
primary cash-out ticket and a supplemental cash-out ticket (each of
which is described in detail below).
[0040] The term "parameter" may refer, unless specified otherwise,
to an attribute associated with a gaming device, cash-out ticket,
game play, play session or period of time. A parameter may have a
range of available values associated therewith, a particular one of
the values from the range of values being selected in response to
one or more events. In one embodiment, an event that may cause a
selection of a value from the range of values my be the receipt of
at least two tickets (e.g., a cash-out ticket and a supplemental
cash-out ticket). The following are exemplary categories of
parameters that may be altered in accordance with embodiments
described herein.
[0041] One category of parameters is parameters associated with a
balance of credits usable for wagering at a gaming device (referred
to as balance parameters herein). For example, an initial credit
balance generated from the insertion of a cash-out ticket into a
gaming device may be referred to as a balance parameter of the
gaming device at which the balance is established, a balance
parameter of a cash-out ticket that may be used to establish the
credit balance, and/or a balance parameter associated with the
player who establishes the credit balance. A balance of credits
may, in one or more embodiments, comprise a balance of game
symbols, balance of outcomes and/or balance of game plays.
[0042] Another category of parameters is parameters associated with
a resource that may be available or made available to a player
(referred to as resource parameters herein). For example, a gaming
device may have available or be able to access or activate a
feature, character, bonus, or other resource during game play. For
example, a number of "outcome alteration resources" may be made
available to a player (e.g., a "Guardian Angel" character that
changes non-winning outcomes into winning outcomes). For example, a
value of a resource parameter may be "1" if the resource is
available to the player or activated on behalf of the player and
"0" otherwise.
[0043] Another category of parameters is parameters associated with
an amount of money lost by a player (referred to as loss parameters
herein). For example, a loss parameter may define a number of
wagered credits lost by a player as the result of one or more game
plays. In one embodiment, a benefit comprising an instruction to
alter a loss parameter may comprise an instruction to modify a
number of credits lost by a player. Such a modification may be
executed, for example, by returning some of the lost credits to the
player. For example, assume a benefit defined by a supplemental
ticket includes an instruction to reduce by 50% the number of
credits lost by a player during a play session. Execution of the
instruction may comprise, for example, (i) determining an end of
the play session, (ii) determining the number of credits lost by
the player during the play session, and (iii) providing to the
player 50% of the lost credits (e.g., in the form of a cash-out
receipt with a face value equal to the 50% of the lost
credits).
[0044] Yet another category of parameters is parameters associated
with one or more payouts (referred to as payout parameters herein).
A payout parameter may comprise, for example, one or more payouts
associated with one or more outcomes that may be obtained via a
gaming device. Alteration of the payout parameter may comprise, for
example, modifying one or more of the payouts. For example,
modifying a payout parameter may comprise accessing or downloading
a different payout table than would otherwise be accessed or used,
altering one or more payouts of a payout table, adding an amount to
a payout obtained using a payout table, etc.
[0045] Still another category of parameters is parameters
associated with a probability of obtaining one or more outcomes via
a gaming device (referred to as probability payouts herein).
Altering a probability parameter may comprise, for example,
accessing or downloading a different probability table than would
otherwise be accessed or used to determine an outcome. Altering a
probability parameter may also comprise altering a probability of
obtaining at least one outcome using a particular probability table
(e.g., by adjusting the ranges of random numbers in the probability
table and/or adjusting the number of symbols on a reel of a slot
machine).
[0046] The term "primary wagering instrument" may refer, unless
expressly specified otherwise, to an instrument associated with an
amount of currency that may be available or that may be made
available for wagering, wherein the amount of currency is
recognizable by a device such as a gaming device upon the primary
wagering instrument being input into the device. Examples of a
primary wagering instrument include, but are not limited to, a
cash-out ticket, a player tracking card or other account identifier
(e.g., a credit or debit card), a smart card, a casino token, and
currency in the form of coins and bills.
[0047] The term "supplemental wagering instrument" may refer,
unless expressly specified otherwise, to an instrument associated
with an instruction to (i) modify the amount of currency associated
with a primary wagering instrument and/or (ii) make an amount of
currency available for wagering, the amount of currency to be made
available being based on at least one other wagering instrument
along with which the supplemental wagering instrument is redeemed.
One example of a supplemental wagering instrument is a supplemental
ticket, which is defined below. Such a supplemental ticket may have
printed or otherwise stored thereon, for example, an indication of
an instruction to double, up to a $10 value, an amount of credits
associated with a supplemental wagering instrument (e.g., a
cash-out ticket) along with which the supplemental ticket is
redeemed.
[0048] The terms "primary cash-out ticket", "cash-out ticket",
"primary cashless gaming ticket", "cashless gaming ticket",
"primary ticket", "primary cashless gaming receipt" and "cashless
gaming receipt" are used interchangeably herein and may refer,
unless specified otherwise, to a substrate (e.g., a small piece of
paper) that may be output and/or received by a device such as a
gaming device (e.g., via a "ticket-in/ticket-out" slot of a gaming
device or its peripheral) and that is redeemable for cash or
another benefit and/or may be used for wagering purposes. A
cash-out ticket may be issued by a game or gaming device, or as a
result of a communication from a game or gaming device to
associated equipment. A cash-out ticket may be associated with a
value that is based on a credit meter balance of a gaming device at
the time a player requests to cash out the balance and is issued
the cash-out ticket. A cash-out ticket may comprise (i)
machine-readable indicia (e.g., a bar code) or other
machine-readable substance (e.g., magnetically encoded material)
and/or (ii) an identifier (e.g., a unique series of numeric digits
or alphanumeric characters). In one or more embodiments,
machine-readable indicia may indicate an identifier (e.g., a
printed barcode encodes a ticket identifier). In one embodiment, a
database stored at a central location (e.g., a server operable to
communicate with one or more gaming device, one or more casino
attendant terminals and/or other devices) may store records of
issued cash-out tickets, each record correlating an identifier of a
cash-out ticket to a value. A cash-out ticket may entitle its
bearer (or a specified person) to an amount of credits or currency
equal to an indicated face value or to an amount based on an
indicated face value.
[0049] The terms "supplemental ticket" and "bonus ticket" are used
interchangeably herein and may refer, unless specified otherwise,
to a substrate that may be output and/or received by a device such
as a gaming device (e.g., via a "ticket-in/ticket-out" slot of a
gaming device or a peripheral device associated therewith) and that
is associated with a benefit to be provided upon the supplemental
ticket being redeemed along with at least one other ticket and in
accordance with any other redemption conditions that may be
associated with the supplemental ticket. The other ticket may
comprise, for example, another supplemental ticket or a cash-out
ticket. Being redeemed "along with" another ticket means being
redeemed in accompaniment or association with the other ticket. For
example, a supplemental ticket being redeemed along with at least
one other ticket may mean that the supplemental ticket is inserted
into a gaming device shortly before or shortly after the other
ticket is inserted. In another example, a supplemental ticket being
redeemed along with at least one other ticket may mean that the
supplemental ticket is inserted into a gaming device during the
same play session as the other ticket. In yet another example, a
supplemental ticket being redeemed along with at least one other
ticket may mean that a player indicates an association or desire to
associate the supplemental ticket with the other ticket, at the
time of redemption of the tickets. In a specific illustration of
the former example, a player, upon inserting a cash-out ticket into
a gaming device, may be prompted to insert a supplemental ticket if
desired and the player may insert a particular supplemental ticket
in response to the prompt, thereby indicating a desire to associate
the supplemental ticket with the cash-out ticket.
[0050] A supplemental ticket may be issued by a game or gaming
device, or as a result of a communication from a game or gaming
device to associated equipment. A supplemental ticket may also be
issued by a device unassociated with any particular gaming device
(e.g., a stack of supplemental tickets may be printed via a
computing device and mailed, included in compilations of
supplemental tickets or handed out to casino players). A
supplemental ticket may be provided to a player substantially at
the time it is issued (e.g., a gaming device may print and output a
supplemental ticket upon a player cashing out a credit meter
balance). In another embodiment, a supplemental ticket may be
provided to a player a significant time after it is printed (e.g.,
a batch of supplemental tickets may be printed at a first location,
transported to a second location such as a casino, and provided to
players days or even months after being printed). In one
embodiment, a supplemental ticket is issued to a specific player
and may even be associated with a particular player identifier
(e.g., a player identifier may be printed on the supplemental
ticket and/or a player identifier may be associated in a record of
a database with an identifier identifying the supplemental ticket).
In another embodiment, a supplemental ticket may not be issued to a
specific player and/or may not be associated with a specific player
(e.g., a particular supplemental ticket may be printed and output
to a particular player but may be a bearer instrument in the sense
that another player may subsequently obtain and redeem the
supplemental ticket in accordance with any redemption conditions
associated with the supplemental ticket).
[0051] In one embodiment, the benefit associated with a
supplemental ticket is an alteration of a value of a parameter
(e.g., a parameter of another ticket, a parameter of a gaming
device, etc.). For example, a supplemental ticket may indicate:
"Insert along with any cashless gaming receipt valued between $25
and $100 to receive five bonus spins." Such an indication may be in
machine and/or human-readable format, such that it may be read by
(i) the bearer of the supplemental ticket (e.g., as per text
printed on the supplemental ticket), and/or (ii) a gaming device
into which the supplemental ticket has been inserted (e.g., as per
machine-readable indicia ). Thus, in some embodiments, a
supplemental ticket may be said to have no intrinsic value--its
value may only be realized when used in combination with a
receipt.
[0052] In some embodiments, as will be described below, the benefit
and/or value of the benefit associated with a supplemental ticket
may be based on a value or other parameter of the other ticket
along with which the supplemental ticket is redeemed (e.g., the
supplemental ticket may define a benefit of a 10% increase in the
value of a cash-out ticket along with which it is redeemed).
[0053] Regarding player tracking cards and player tracking Systems,
most casinos issue plastic cards (typically resembling frequent
shopper cards) to players as a way of identifying the player at a
slot machine or table game. As is well known in the art, such cards
typically have encoded thereon (e.g., in machine-readable and/or
human readable form) a player identifier (e.g., a six digit number)
which uniquely identifies the player (e.g., because the number is
associated with a record in a player database that includes
corresponding player information). At a slot machine or other
device, the player inserts the card into a corresponding reader
device and the player identifier is read (e.g., magnetically or
optically) from the card. From the player identifier which the
reader device reads, the corresponding player information may in
turn be determined (e.g., read from the database, typically via a
network connection between the reader device and a device hosting
the database).
[0054] Applicants have recognized that technologies have recently
been developed that allow gaming devices to receive and provide
payment via cashless gaming receipts. Cashless gaming has resulted
in convenience for casino patrons, as they are no longer required
to fumble with coins and tokens and no longer have to wait for
casino attendants to provide change or refill hoppers.
[0055] Applicants have further recognized, however, that an ongoing
need exists for methods that encourage prolonged and repeated plays
of casino games, including methods that encourage players to redeem
such cashless gaining receipts for credits at a gaming device,
rather than take them to a redemption kiosk or slot cage and redeem
them for cash, without further play of gaming devices.
[0056] Accordingly, Applicants disclose herein various methods and
systems that encourage a bearer of a cash-out ticket (or, in some
embodiments, a specific player associated with the cash-out ticket)
to reinsert the cash-out ticket into a gaming device to fund
further game play, rather than redeeming the cash-out ticket for
cash.
[0057] In accordance with one embodiment, a supplemental ticket is
output to a player, the supplemental ticket causing, when it is
redeemed along with a primary cash-out ticket, a modification of a
parameter. The parameter may comprise, for example, one or more of
the following: (i) a parameter of the primary cash-out ticket
(e.g., the value of the cash-out ticket and/or an expiration date
of the cash-out ticket), (ii) a parameter of a gaming device (e.g.,
a payout table, a probability table, a variable in an algorithm
used by the gaming device, an availability of a feature) and/or a
parameter associated with a player (e.g., a rate at which the
player earns comp points during game play). Modification of a
parameter may, in some embodiments, comprise modification of a
value associated with the parameter. Further, modification of a
parameter includes alteration of the parameter, alteration of a
feature associated with the parameter, activation of a feature
associated with the parameter, and/or downloading, accessing and/or
rendering available a feature, value or characteristic associated
with the parameter
[0058] In some embodiments, a player of a gaming device may insert
(i) a supplemental ticket and (ii) a cashless gaming receipt. A
parameter may be modified based on the receipt of both the
supplemental ticket and the cashless gaming receipt. The parameter
may be modified, for example, by the gaming device into which the
supplemental ticket and the cashless gaming receipt were input or
by another device, such as a controller operable to communicate
with the gaming device. For example, if a cashless gaming receipt
entitles a player to twenty (20) credits at a gaming device, the
player may receive a balance of twenty-two (22) credits for
inserting both the cashless gaming receipt and a supplemental
ticket (e.g., "Insert this Supplemental Ticket along with any
Cash-Out Ticket to get two extra credits!"). In this manner,
players may be motivated to redeem cashless gaming receipts for
credits at a gaming device, rather than redeem them for
currency.
[0059] In accordance with one embodiment, a method may provide for
receiving a first indicia associated with play of a gaming device,
receiving a second indicia associated with play of the gaming
device, and modifying, based upon the receipt of both the first and
second indicia, a parameter of play of the gaming device, wherein
the parameter is only modified if both the first indicia and the
second indicia are received.
[0060] In one embodiment, the first indicia is associated with a
first value, the second indicia is associated with a second value,
and the modified parameter is associated with a third value, the
third value being greater than the sum of the first value and the
second value. For example, assuming the first indicia comprises a
first code that is associated with fifteen (15) credits and the
second indicia comprises a second code that is associated with five
(5) credits, modification of a parameter that is a balance
parameter may comprise establishing a credit balance of twenty-two
(22) credits at a gaming device upon receiving both the first code
and the second code, rather than a credit balance of only the
twenty (20) credits that is the sum of values of the two
indicia.
[0061] In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for
receiving, via a first component associated with a gaming device, a
primary wagering instrument and determining a validity and value of
the primary wagering instrument. The method further provides for
receiving, via a second component associated with the gaming
device, a supplemental wagering instrument, the supplemental
wagering instrument indicating an instruction for modifying a value
of the primary wagering instrument. The method further provides for
determining a modified value of the primary wagering instrument
based on the instruction and setting a credit meter balance of the
gaming device to an amount based on the modified value. It should
be noted that the first component may be the second component.
[0062] In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for
receiving, at a first gaming device, a request to cash out a credit
meter balance of the gaming device and outputting, in response to
the request, a primary wagering instrument having a value based on
a current value of the credit meter balance. The method further
provides for outputting, at the gaming device, a supplemental
wagering instrument, the supplemental wagering instrument including
an instruction for modifying a parameter of at least one of a
second gaming device and the primary wagering instrument, wherein
the supplemental wagering instrument is redeemable only along with
the primary wagering instrument.
[0063] In accordance with one embodiment, a system comprises a
controller operable to communicate with a plurality of devices, at
least one of the plurality of devices comprising a gaming device;
and the plurality of devices. At least one of the plurality of
devices is operable to output a supplemental ticket, the
supplemental ticket defining a benefit to be provided upon the
redemption of the ticket along with at least one other ticket,
wherein the benefit comprises a modification of a parameter
associated with at least one of the gaming device, the supplemental
ticket and a player.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 1A, illustrated therein is a block
diagram of an example system 100A that may be utilized to implement
some embodiments of the present invention. The system 100A includes
a computer 110A (e.g., a slot server of a casino, a controller of a
plurality of gaming devices) that is operable to communicate, via a
communications network 120A, with one or more gaming devices 130A
(e.g., slot machines, video poker machines). The computer 110A may
communicate with the devices 130A directly or indirectly, via a
wired or wireless medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or
Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any appropriate communications means
or combination of communications means. Each of the devices 130A
may comprise computers, such as those based on the Intel.RTM.
Pentium.RTM. processor, that are adapted to communicate with the
computer 110A. Any number and type of devices 130A may be in
communication with the computer 110A.
[0065] Communication between the devices 130A and the computer
110A, and among the devices 130A, may be direct or indirect, such
as over the Internet through a Web site maintained by computer 110A
on a remote server or over an on-line data network including
commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems and
the like. In yet other embodiments, the devices 130A may
communicate with one another and/or computer 110A over RF, cable
TV, satellite links and the like.
[0066] Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may
comprise the network 120A or be otherwise part of the system 100A
include: a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the
Internet, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an
optical communications line, and a satellite communications link. A
variety of communications protocols may be part of the system,
including but not limited to: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP,
SAS.TM., ATP, Bluetooth.TM., and TCP/IP. Further, in some
embodiments, various communications protocols endorsed by the
Gaming Standards Association of Fremont, Calif., may be utilized,
such as (i) the Gaming Device Standard (GDS), which may facilitate
communication between a gaming device and various component devices
and/or peripheral devices (e.g., printers, bill acceptors, etc.);
(ii) the Best of Breed (BOB) standard, which may facilitate
communication between a gaming device and various servers related
to play of one or more gaming devices (e.g., servers that assist in
providing accounting, player tracking, ticket-in/ticket-out and
progressive jackpot functionality); and/or (iii) the
System-to-System (S2S) standard, which may facilitate communication
between game-related servers and/or casino property management
servers (e.g., a hotel server comprising one or more databases that
store information about booking and reservations).
[0067] Communication among devices may be encrypted to ensure
privacy and prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in
the art.
[0068] In an embodiment, the computer 110A may not be necessary
and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or
more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device 130A
and/or a gaming device 130A in communication only with one or more
other gaming devices 130A. In such an embodiment, any functions
described as performed by the computer 110A or data described as
stored on the computer 110A may instead be performed by or stored
on one or more gaming devices 130A.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 1B, a block diagram of another system
100B according to at least one embodiment described herein includes
a computer 110B (e.g., a slot server of a casino, a controller of a
plurality of gaming devices) that is in communication, via a
communications network 120B, with one or more gaming devices 130B
(e.g., slot machines, video poker machines). A difference between
system 100A (FIG. 1A) and system 100B (FIG. 1B) is that in system
100B at least one gaming device 130B is also in communication with
one or more peripheral devices 140B. A peripheral device 140B may,
in turn, be in communication with a peripheral device server 145B
and, in some embodiments, with computer 110B. In one or more
embodiments the peripheral device server 145B may be in
communication with one or more gaming devices 130B and/or computer
110B.
[0070] The computer 110B may communicate with the devices 130B
and/or devices 140B directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless
medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or
via any appropriate communications means or combination of
communications means. For example, the computer 110B may
communicate directly with one of the gaming devices 130B (e.g., via
a LAN) and indirectly (e.g., via a gaming device 130B) with a
peripheral device 140B. In another example, the computer 110B may
communicate with one of the gaming devices 130B via a LAN and with
another of the gaming devices 130B via the Internet (e.g., if the
particular gaming device comprises a personal computer in
communication with an online casino).
[0071] Each of the devices 130B and the devices 140B may comprise
computers, such as those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM.
processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer 110B.
Further, each of the devices 130B may comprise a gaming device such
as a mechanical or electronic slot machine, a video poker machine,
a video blackjack machine, a video keno machine, a pachinko
machine, a video roulette machine, and/or a lottery terminal.
Further yet, each of the devices 140B may comprise an external or
internal module associated with one or more of the gaming devices
130B that is capable of communicating with one or more of the
gaming devices 130B and of directing the one or more gaming devices
130B to perform one or more functions.
[0072] Any number and type of devices 130B may be in communication
with the computer 110B. Any number and type of peripheral devices
140B may be in communication with a gaming device 130B, peripheral
device server 145B and/or computer 110B.
[0073] Communication between the devices 130B and the computer
110B, between the devices 130B and devices 140B, between peripheral
device server 145B and the devices 140B and/or the devices 130B,
between the peripheral device server 145B and computer 110B, among
the devices 130B, and among the devices 140B may be direct or
indirect, such as over the Internet through a Web site maintained
by computer 110B on a remote server or over an on-line data network
including commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board
systems and the like. In yet other embodiments, any and all of the
devices of system 150B (i.e., the devices 130B, the devices 140B,
the computer 110B, and the peripheral device server 145B) may
communicate with one another over RF, cable TV, satellite links and
the like.
[0074] Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may
comprise network 120B or otherwise be part of system 100B include:
a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the
Internet, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an
optical communications line, and a satellite communications link. A
variety of communications protocols may be part of the system,
including but not limited to: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP,
SAS.TM., ATP, Bluetooth.TM., and TCP/IP. Further, in some
embodiments, various communications protocols endorsed by the
Gaming Standards Association of Fremont, Calif., may be utilized,
such as (i) the Gaming Device Standard (GDS), which may facilitate
communication between a gaming device and various component devices
and/or peripheral devices (e.g., printers, bill acceptors, etc.);
(ii) the Best of Breed (BOB) standard, which may facilitate
communication between a gaming device and various servers related
to play of one or more gaming devices (e.g., servers that assist in
providing accounting, player tracking, ticket-in/ticket-out and
progressive jackpot functionality); and/or (iii) the
System-to-System (S2S) standard, which may facilitate communication
between game-related servers and/or casino property management
servers (e.g., a hotel server comprising one or more databases that
store information about booking and reservations).
[0075] In an embodiment, the computer 110B may not be necessary
and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or
more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device 130B,
one or more gaming devices in communication with one or more
peripheral devices 140B, one or more gaming devices in
communication with peripheral device server 145B, one or more
peripheral devices 140B in communication with peripheral device
server 145B, and/or a gaming device 130B in communication only with
one or more other gaming devices 130B. In such an embodiment, any
functions described as performed by the computer 110B or data
described as stored in a memory of the computer 110B may instead be
performed by or stored on one or more gaming devices 130B, one or
more peripheral devices 140B, and/or peripheral device server
145B.
[0076] Similarly, peripheral device server 145B may not be desired
and/or needed in some embodiments of the present invention. In
embodiments that do not involve peripheral device server 145B, any
or all of the functions described herein as being performed by
peripheral device server 145B may instead be performed by computer
110B, one or more gaming devices 130B, one or more peripheral
devices 140B, or a combination thereof. Similarly, in embodiments
that do not involve peripheral device server 145B any data
described herein as being stored in a memory of peripheral device
server 145B may instead be stored in a memory of computer 110B, one
or more gaming devices 130B, one or more peripheral devices 140B,
or a combination thereof.
[0077] Any or all of the gaming devices 130B may,
respectively,.include or be in communication with a peripheral
device 140B. A peripheral device 140B may be a device that receives
information from (and/or transmits information to) one or more
gaming devices 130B and/or a processor of one or more gaming
devices 130B. For example, a peripheral device 140B may be operable
to receive information about games being played on a gaming device
130B, such as the initiation of a game and/or a random number that
has been generated for a game.
[0078] In one embodiment, a peripheral device 140B is associated or
includes a processor that is distinct from a processor of a gaming
device 130B with which the peripheral device 140B is
associated.
[0079] In one or more embodiments, one or more such peripheral
devices 140B may be in communication with a peripheral device
server 145B. This allows the peripheral device server 145B to
receive information regarding a plurality of games being played on
a plurality of gaming devices 130B. The peripheral device server
145B, in turn, may be in communication with the computer 110B. It
should be understood that any functions described herein as
performed by a peripheral device 140B may also or instead be
performed by the peripheral device server 145B. Similarly, any data
described herein as being stored on or accessed by a peripheral
device 140B may also or instead be stored on or accessed by the
peripheral device server 145B.
[0080] A peripheral device 140B may be operable to access a
database (e.g., of peripheral device server 145B) to provide
benefits (e.g., cashless gaming receipts) based on, for example, an
actual outcome of a game. A peripheral device 140B may also be
operable to access a database (e.g., a character database, as
described in more detail below) to determine which animated
character to use when outputting an apparent and/or actual outcome
of a game on a gaming device.
[0081] The peripheral device server 145B may also be operable to
monitor player gambling history over time by associating gambling
behavior with player identifiers, such as player tracking card
numbers. For example, in embodiments wherein a player selects which
character is to be displayed, the peripheral device server 145B may
track which character the player previously selects and
subsequently use that information to present other offers to the
player and/or to output other outcomes to the player. Further,
information about the player obtained or accessed by peripheral
device server 145B may be analyzed, e.g., to identify those players
that a particular gaming machine owner, operator, or manufacturer
finds most desirable. Based upon desired objectives, the peripheral
device server 145B may direct the appropriate peripheral device
140B to issue customized messages to specific players that are
relevant to their gambling behaviors.
[0082] Information received by a peripheral device 140B from a
gaming device 130B may include gambling data such as number of
games initiated per unit of time, outcomes displayed for games
initiated, payouts corresponding to outcomes displayed, a credit
meter balance of the gaming device, and/or data associated with the
player currently playing the gaming device 130B.
[0083] The functions described herein as being performed by a
peripheral device server 145B and/or a peripheral device 140B may,
in one or more embodiments, be performed by the computer 110B (in
lieu of or in conjunction with being performed by a peripheral
device server 145B and/or a peripheral device 140B). Such functions
may be performed by computer 110B in either system 100A (FIG. 1A)
or system 100B (FIG. 1B).
[0084] In one or more embodiments, a peripheral device 140B may be
useful for implementing the embodiments of the present invention
into the operation of a conventional gaming device. For example, an
external or internal module that comprises a peripheral device 140B
may be inserted in, attached to or otherwise associated with a
gaming device 130B in order to receive data associated with a
supplemental ticket, direct the associated gaming device 130B to
perform one or more functions associated with a supplemental
ticket, output a supplemental ticket and/or output information
associated with a supplemental ticket to a player.
[0085] Thus, for example, a peripheral device 140B may be utilized
to receive a supplemental ticket (e.g., via a ticket reader
component), determine the benefit defined by the supplemental
ticket and cause the benefit to be provided (e.g., to a player
associated with the supplemental ticket). One manner of causing the
benefit defined by a supplemental ticket to be provided may
comprise directing the associated gaming device 130 (e.g., by
directing a processor thereof) to perform a function (e.g.,
increase a credit meter balance, initiate a game play, activate a
feature). Another manner of causing the benefit defined by the
supplemental ticket to be provided may comprise directly providing
the benefit to the player (e.g., based on a receipt of both a
cash-out ticket and a supplemental ticket, the peripheral device
140 may output a number of tokens or a second cash-out ticket that
has a value greater than the first cash-out ticket). In this latter
embodiment, a gaming device 130B with which a peripheral device
140B is in communication with may continue to operate
conventionally and the novel features described herein may be
implemented via a peripheral device 140B.
[0086] Accordingly, a peripheral device 140B may include (i) a
communications port (e.g., for communicating with one or more
gaming devices 130B, peripheral device server 145B, another
peripheral device 140B, and/or computer 110B); (ii) a display
(e.g., for displaying messages and/or benefits made available to a
player as a result of as supplemental ticket), (iii) another output
means (e.g., a speaker, light, or motion device to communicate with
a player), and or (iv) a benefit providing means (e.g., a printer
and paper dispensing means, a credit meter, and/or a hopper and
hopper controller).
[0087] In one or more embodiments, the peripheral device 140B may
not messages or other information to a player but may instead
direct a processor of a gaming device 130B to perform such
functions. For example, a program stored in a memory of peripheral
device 140B may cause a processor of a gaming device 130B to
perform certain functions. For example, a program stored in a
memory of peripheral device 140B may cause a processor of a gaming
device 130B to add credits to a credit meter balance beyond a
number of credits associated with a cash-out receipt, activate a
feature of the gaming device 130 that would not otherwise be
activated, initiate a game play of the gaming device 130 (e.g., in
embodiments in which a benefit of a supplemental ticket defines a
number of free game plays to be provided to a player), output a
supplemental ticket, and/or communicate with another device (e.g.,
computer 110B).
[0088] In one or more embodiments, devices in addition to those
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1b may be included in a system utilized
to implement embodiments described herein. For example, a kiosk may
be included as part of either system 100A or system 100B, the kiosk
operable to output and/or receive supplemental tickets and/or
cash-out tickets. In some embodiments, a kiosk may comprise a
processor and a memory as described. A kiosk may also comprise
various input devices (e.g., a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse,
buttons, a port that receives player tracking cards, an optical
scanner for reading barcodes or other indicia, a CCD camera, etc.),
output devices (e.g., a display screen, audio speakers, etc.),
benefit output devices (e.g., a coin tray or printer for printing
cashless gaming tickets), combinations thereof (e.g., a
"ticket-in/ticket-out" device, a touch-sensitive display screen,
etc.), communications ports, and so on. Thus, a kiosk may comprise
many of the features and components of a gaming device, though the
kiosk itself may not necessarily be configured to enable gambling
activity as a primary function. A kiosk may communicate with any or
all of (i) a controller, (ii) a gaming device, (iii) an
inventory/reservation system of a casino-maintained property (e.g.,
a hotel), (iv) casino personnel devices, (v) merchant POS
terminals, and so on. A number of kiosks may be stationed within
casino premises (e.g., at various locations on a slot floor). In
various embodiments, kiosks may execute or assist in the execution
of (i) determining and outputting a player status or other types of
data described herein (e.g., a kiosk receives a player tracking
card, and outputs a number of accumulated reward which a player may
be entitled to redeem), (ii) outputting payments to players (e.g.,
upon receipt of cash-out tickets, supplemental tickets, player
tracking cards, smart cards, etc.), and/or (iii) any other process
described herein. Thus, such a device may be configured to read
from and/or write to one or more databases of the present
invention. The memory of such a device may store a program for
executing such processes.
[0089] In some embodiments, various casino employees may be
equipped with or otherwise utilize one or more casino personnel
devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other
computing devices (e.g., personal computer terminals). A casino
personnel device may comprise various input devices (e.g., a
keypad, a touch-sensitive display screen, a card reader, an
infrared bar code scanner, etc.), various output devices (e.g., an
LCD screen), a processor, a memory and/or a communications port, as
described herein with respect to other devices. In some
embodiments, a casino personnel device may communicate with a
gaming device, controller, kiosk, peripheral device, and/or an
inventory/reservation system of a casino-maintained property (e.g.,
a hotel). Thus, a casino personnel device may be configurable to,
among other things, (i) read from and/or write to one or more
databases described herein, (ii) assist in payments made to players
(e.g., a representative "scans" a cashless gaming receipt and
determines a value associated with the receipt, and if the receipt
is valid, provides payment equal to the value), and/or (iii)
execute or assist in the execution of various other processes
described herein. The memory of such a device may store a program
for executing such processes.
[0090] In one embodiment, a casino personnel device may be operable
to output, receive, validate and/or redeem a supplemental ticket.
For example, a casino attendant equipped with a casino personnel
device may be capable of having a supplemental ticket printed for a
player.
[0091] In some embodiments, various merchants (e.g., shops,
restaurants, etc.) may utilize point-of-sale (POS) computer
terminals to facilitate various processes of the present invention.
For example, in some embodiments, a player may receive a cashless
gaming ticket redeemable for an amount of currency. However, the
ticket may alternately or additionally be redeemable for an amount
of credit at a particular merchant location. Thus, in some
embodiments, merchants may utilize POS terminals to redeem such
vouchers. In some embodiments, such devices may be configured to
read from and/or write to one or more databases of the present
invention. Such POS terminals may thus comprise various hardware
and software described herein with respect to other devices, and
may communicate with (i) a central slot server, (ii) a gaming
device, (iii) an inventory/reservation system (e.g., a computer
terminal at a theatre communicates with an inventory database to
determine a number of unsold seats for a certain event), (iv) a
kiosk, and so on.
[0092] In some embodiments of the present invention, various
component devices (e.g., any or all of the benefit output devices,
output devices, input devices and/or input output devices described
herein) may be embodied as peripheral devices. For example, such
devices may not necessarily be components of a gaming device,
though they may be configured in such a manner so as to communicate
with one or more gaming device processors or any other devices
described herein. For example, a peripheral device such as a large
display device may be associated with a plurality of gaming
devices, and thus may not necessarily be considered a component of
any one gaming device. Further, in some embodiments, certain
peripheral devices such as card readers may be interchangeable
between gaming devices, and thus may be considered a component of a
first gaming device while connected thereto, removed from the first
gaming device, connected to a second gaming device, and so on. In
other embodiments, various peripheral devices may never be
considered a component of a particular gaming device. For example,
in some embodiments, a peripheral device such as a USB-based
portable memory device may store (i) one or more databases
described herein, and/or (ii) a program for executing one or more
process steps described herein. Such a peripheral device may then
be utilized by casino personnel for upgrading/retrofitting existing
gaming devices as described herein.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein in block
diagram form is an example embodiment 200 of a gaming device that
may be a gaming device 130A or a gaming device 130B. Embodiment 200
is referred to as gaming device 200 herein.
[0094] The gaming device 200 may be implemented as a system
controller, a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately
programmed general-purpose computer, or any other equivalent
electronic, mechanical or electromechanical device. The gaming
device 200 may comprise, for example, a slot machine, a video poker
terminal, a video blackjack terminal, a video keno terminal, a
video lottery terminal, a pachinko machine or a table-top game
(e.g., a mechanical or electromechanical device may be associated
with a table game and be operable to output and/or redeem
supplemental tickets). In various embodiments, a gaming device may
comprise, for example, a personal computer (e.g., which
communicates with an online casino Web site), a telephone (e.g., to
communicate with an automated sports book that provides gaming
services), or a portable handheld gaming device (e.g., a personal
digital assistant or Nintendo GameBoy). In some embodiments, a user
device such as a PDA or cell phone may be used in place of, or in
addition to, some or all of the gaming device 200 components
depicted in FIG. 2. Further, a gaming device may comprise a
personal computer or other device operable to communicate with an
online casino and facilitate game play at the online casino. In one
or more embodiments, the gaming device 200 may comprise a computing
device operable to execute software that simulates play of a reeled
slot machine game, video poker game, video blackjack game, video
keno game, video roulette game, or lottery game.
[0095] The gaming device 200 comprises a processor 205, such as one
or more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. The processor 205 is in
communication with a memory 210 and a communications port 270
(e.g., for communicating with one or more other devices): The
memory 210 may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic,
optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example,
Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compact disc
and/or a hard disk. The memory 210 may comprise or include any type
of computer-readable medium. The processor 205 and the memory 210
may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within a single
computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by a
remote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone
line or radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the gaming
device 200 may comprise one or more devices that are connected to a
remote server computer for maintaining databases.
[0096] The memory 210 stores a program 215 for controlling the
processor 205. The processor 205 performs instructions of the
program 215, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention, and particularly in accordance with the methods
described in detail herein. The program 215 may be stored in a
compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The program 215
furthermore includes pro gram elements that maybe necessary, such
as an operating system, a database management system and "device
drivers" for allowing the processor 205 to interface with computer
peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to those
skilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.
[0097] According to an embodiment described herein, the
instructions of the program 215 may be read into a main memory from
another computer-readable medium, such as from a ROM to RAM.
Execution of sequences of the instructions in program 215 causes
processor 205 to perform the process steps described herein. In
alternate embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place
of, or in combination with, software instructions for
implementation of the processes of the present invention. Thus,
embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific
combination of hardware and software. As discussed with respect to
system 100B of FIG. 1B, execution of sequences of the instructions
in a program of a peripheral device 140B in communication with
gaming device 200 may also cause processor 205 to perform some of
the process steps described herein.
[0098] The memory 210 also stores a plurality of databases,
including a supplemental ticket output rules database 220, and a
supplemental ticket type database 225. Each of these databases is
described in detail below.
[0099] As appropriate, memory 210 may also store one or more payout
databases and/or one or more probability databases. A payout
database (not shown) may be stored in tabular form, or any other
appropriate database form, as is well known in the art. The data
stored therein may include a number of example records or entries,
each defining an outcome that may be obtained on a gaming device
that corresponds to a payout. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the payout database may include any number of
entries. The tabular representation may define fields for each of
the entries or records. The fields may specify: (i) an outcome,
which indicates the one or more indicia comprising a given outcome;
and (ii) a payout that corresponds to each respective outcome.
[0100] A gaming device may utilize a payout database to determine
whether a payout should be output to a player as a result of an
outcome obtained for a game play. For example, after determining
the outcome to output on the gaming device, the gaming device may
access the payout database to determine whether the outcome for
output is one of the outcomes stored as corresponding to a payout
greater than zero. If it is, the gaming device may provide the
corresponding payout that is greater than zero to the player.
[0101] A probability database (also not shown) may be stored in
memory 210 in tabular form, or any other appropriate database form,
as is well known in the art. The data stored therein may include a
number of exemplary records or entries, each defining a random
number. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
probability database may include any number of entries. The tabular
representation may also define fields for each of the entries or
records. The fields may specify: (i) a random number (or range of
random numbers) that may be generated by the random number
generator; and (ii) an outcome that indicates the one or more
indicia comprising the outcome that corresponds to the random
number of a particular record. A gaming device may utilize a
probability database to determine, for example, what outcome
corresponds to a random number generated by a random number
generator and to display the determined outcome. The outcomes may
comprise the three symbols to be displayed along the payline of a
three-reel slot machine.
[0102] Other arrangements of payout databases and probability
databases are possible. For example, the book "Winning At Slot
Machines" by Jim Regan (Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1997)
illustrates examples of payout and probability tables and how they
may be derived. The entirety of this book is incorporated by
reference herein for all purposes.
[0103] In one embodiment, a benefit defined by a supplemental
ticket comprises access to a payout table and/or a probability
table that might not otherwise be utilized to determine outcomes
and/or payouts. In such an embodiment, a gaming device or another
device (e.g., controller 110A or controller 110B) may store a
plurality of payout tables and/or a plurality of probability
tables. An instruction associated with the supplemental ticket may
direct a gaming device to select or otherwise utilize one of the
probability tables and/or one of the payout tables based on (i)
whether a supplemental ticket is redeemed and/or (ii) information
associated with a supplemental ticket being redeemed (e.g., a
supplemental ticket may include an indication of a particular
payout table and/or a particular probability table to be
accessed).
[0104] In another embodiment, a benefit defined by a supplemental
ticket may comprise an adjustment of one or more payouts of a
payout table and/or an adjustment of a probability of obtaining one
or more respective outcomes. In such an embodiment, an instruction
associated with the supplemental ticket may direct the gaming
device to adjust the one or more payouts and/or the one or more
probabilities.
[0105] Note that, although databases 220 and 225 are described as
being stored in a gaming device, in other embodiments of the
present invention some or all of these databases may be partially
or wholly stored in another device, such as one or more of the
peripheral devices 140B, the peripheral device server 145B and/or
the computer 110A or 110B. Further, some or all of the data
described as being stored in the databases 220-235 may be partially
or wholly stored (in addition to or in lieu of being stored in the
memory 210 of the gaming device 200) in a memory of one or more
other devices, such as one or more of the peripheral devices 140B,
another gaming device 130A or 130B, the peripheral device server
145B and/or the computer 110A or 110B.
[0106] The databases 220, 225, 230, 235, and 240 are described in
detail below and example structures are depicted with sample
entries in the accompanying figures. As will be understood by those
skilled in the art, the schematic illustrations and accompanying
descriptions of the sample databases presented herein are exemplary
arrangements for stored representations of information. Any number
of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by
the tables shown. For example, even though two separate databases
are illustrated, the invention could be practiced effectively using
one, three, four, five, or more functionally equivalent databases.
Similarly, the illustrated entries of the databases represent
exemplary information only; those skilled in the art will
understand that the number and content of the entries can be
different from those illustrated herein. Further, despite the
depiction of the databases as tables, an object-based model could
be used to store and manipulate the data types of the present
invention and likewise, object methods or behaviors can be used to
implement the processes of the present invention.
[0107] The processor 205 is also operable to communicate with a
random number generator 245, which may be a component of gaming
device 200. The random number generator, in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present invention, may generate data
representing random or pseudo-random values (referred to as "random
numbers" herein). The random number generator may generate a random
number every predetermined unit of time (e.g., every second) and/or
in response to an initiation of a game play on the gaming device.
In the former embodiment, the generated random numbers may be used
as they are generated (e.g., the random number generated at
substantially the time of game play initiation is used for that
game play) and/or stored for future use. A random number generated
by the random number generator may be used by the processor 205 to
determine, for example, an outcome for a game play, a benefit
associated or to be associated with a supplemental ticket, and/or a
value of a benefit associated or to be associated with a ticket.
For example, in one embodiment a supplemental ticket may define a
benefit as a multiplier of a magnitude to be determined at a time
of redemption, the multiplier to be applied to a cash-out ticket
having at least a value equal to $25.00. The magnitude of the
multiplier may be determined, for example, at the time of
redemption of the supplemental ticket along with a qualifying
cash-out ticket. Thus, a random number of random number generator
245 (or of another random number generator) may be utilized to
determine the magnitude of the multiplier to be applied.
[0108] A random number generator, as used herein, may be embodied
as a processor separate from but working in cooperation with
processor 205. Alternatively, random number generator may be
embodied as an algorithm, program component, or software stored in
the memory of gaming device 200 and used to generate a random
number.
[0109] Note that, although the generation or obtainment of a random
number is described herein as involving a random number generator
of a gaming device, other methods of determining a random number
may be employed. For example, a gaming device owner or operator may
obtain sets of random numbers that have been generated by another
entity. HotBits.TM., for example, is a service that provides random
numbers that have been generated by timing successive pairs of
radioactive decays detected by a Geiger-Muller tube interfaced to a
computer. In another example, a blower mechanism that uses physical
balls with numbers thereon may be used to determine a random number
by randomly selecting one of the balls and determining the number
thereof
[0110] In yet another example, another device remote-from the
gaming device 200 (e.g., a controller 110A) may include a random
number generator that generates random numbers to be provided to
the gaming device 200. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming
device may receive random numbers and/or any other data related to
the random or pseudo-random determination of an outcome from a
separate device, such as a server. It should be noted that such
embodiments may be advantageous in environments or jurisdictions
wherein the "central determination" of outcomes is required by
regulation or otherwise preferred.
[0111] The processor 205 is also operable to communicate with a
benefit output device 250, which may be a component of gaming
device 200. The benefit output device 250 may comprise one or more
devices for outputting a benefit to a player of the gaming device
200.
[0112] For example, in one embodiment the gaming device 200 may
provide coins and/or tokens as a benefit. In such an embodiment the
benefit output device 250 may comprise a hopper and hopper
controller, for dispensing coins and/or tokens into a coin tray of
the gaming device 300.
[0113] In another example, the gaming device 200 may provide a
receipt or other document on which there is printed an indication
of a benefit. For example, the gaming device may be operable to
output one or more cash-out tickets and/or and/or one or more
supplemental tickets. In such an embodiment the benefit output
device 250 may comprise a printing mechanism and a document
dispensing mechanism.
[0114] In yet another example, the gaming device 200 may provide
electronic credits as a benefit (which, e.g., may be subsequently
converted to coins and/or tokens and dispensed from a hopper into a
coin tray). In such an embodiment the benefit output device 250 may
comprise a credit meter balance and/or a processor that manages the
amount of electronic credits that is indicated on a display of a
credit meter balance. The processor may be the processor 205 or
another processor.
[0115] In yet another example, the gaming device 200 may credit a
monetary amount to a financial account associated with a player as
a benefit provided to a player. The financial account may be, for
example, a credit card account, a debit account, a charge account,
a checking account, or a casino account. In such an embodiment the
benefit output device 250 may comprise a device for communicating
with a server on which the financial account is maintained.
[0116] Note that, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device 200
may include more than one benefit output device 250 even though
only one benefit output device is illustrated in FIG. 2. For
example, the gaming device 200 may include each of (i) a hopper and
hopper controller combination, (ii) a credit meter balance, and
(iii) a document printing and dispensing combination. Such a gaming
device may be operable to provide more than one type of benefit to
a player of the gaming device.
[0117] A single benefit output device 250 may be operable to output
more than one type of benefit. For example, a benefit output device
250 may be operable to increase the balance of credits in a credit
meter and communicate with a remote device in order to increase the
balance of a financial account associated with a player.
[0118] The processor 205 is also operable to communicate with a
display device 255, which may be a component of gaming device 200.
The display device 255 may comprise, for example, one or more
display screens or areas for outputting information related to game
play on the gaming device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT)
monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or light emitting
diode (LED) screen.
[0119] In one or more embodiments, gaming device 200 may comprise
more than one display device. For example, gaming device 200 may
comprise an 1CD display for displaying electronic reels, a display
area that displays rotating mechanical reels, and an LED display of
a player tracking device (e.g., such as player tracking device 260,
described below) that outputs information to a player.
[0120] The processor 205 may also be in communication with one or
more other devices besides the display device 255, for outputting
information (e.g., to a player or another device). Such other one
or more output devices may also be components of gaming device 200.
Such other one or more output devices may comprise, for example, an
audio speaker (e.g., for outputting an actual and/or apparent
outcome or information related thereto, in addition to or in lieu
of such information being output via a display device 255), an
infra-red transmitter, a radio transmitter, an electric motor, a
printer (e.g., such as for printing cashless gaming vouchers), a
ticket or product dispenser, an infra-red port (e.g., for
communicating with a second gaming device or a portable device of a
player), a Braille computer monitor, and a coin or bill dispenser.
For gaming devices, common output devices include a cathode ray
tube (CRT) monitor on a video poker machine, a bell on a gaming
device (e.g., rings when a player wins), an LED display of a
player's credit balance on a gaming device, an LCD display of a
personal digital assistant (PDA) for displaying keno numbers.
[0121] The display device 255 may comprise, for example, one or
more display areas. For example, one of the display areas may
display outcomes of games played on the gaming device (e.g.,
electronic reels of a gaming device). Another of the display areas
may display rules for playing a game of the gaming device. Yet
another of the display areas may display the benefits obtainable by
playing a game of the gaming device (e.g., in the form of a payout
table). Yet another of the display area may display information
describing a benefit associated with a supplemental ticket to be
provided, being provided, having been provided or being redeemed by
a player. For example, a display area may output a message that
indicates an extra number of credits that is being provided to the
player as a result of the player redeeming a supplemental ticket
along with a cash-out ticket. In one or more embodiments, the
gaming device 200 may include more than one display device, one or
more other output devices, or a combination thereof (e.g., two
display devices and two audio speakers).
[0122] The processor 205 is also in communication with an input
device 265, which is a device that is capable of receiving an input
(e.g., from a player or another device, such as an indicium
associated with play of a gaming device) and which may be a
component of gaming device 200. An input device may communicate
with or be part of another device (e.g. a server, a gaming device,
etc.). Some examples of input devices include: a bar-code scanner,
an optical scanner configured to read other indicia of a voucher or
cashless gaming ticket, a CCD camera, a magnetic stripe reader
(e.g., for reading data encoded upon a player tracking card), a
smart card reader (e.g., for reading data stored upon a smart
card), a computer keyboard or keypad, a button, a handle, a lever,
a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a voice
recognition module, a coin or bill acceptor, a sonic ranger, a
computer port, a video camera, a motion detector, a digital camera,
a network card, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a GPS receiver,
a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, an RF receiver, a
thermometer, a pressure sensor, an infrared port (e.g., for
receiving communications from a second gaming device or from a
another device such as a smart card or PDA of a player), and a
weight scale. For gaming devices, common input devices include a
button or touch screen on a video poker machine, a lever or handle
connected to the gaming device, a magnetic stripe reader to read a
player tracking card inserted into a gaming device, a touch screen
for input of player selections during game play, a paper ticket
acceptor for accepting paper tickets such as cash-out tickets and a
coin and bill acceptor.
[0123] In some embodiments, a gaming device may comprise components
capable of facilitating both input and output functions (i.e.,
input/output devices). In one example, a touch-sensitive display
screen comprises an input/output device (e.g., the device outputs
graphics and receives selections from players). In another example,
a processor may communicate with a "ticket-in/ticket-out" device
configured to dispense and receive cash-out tickets and/or
supplemental tickets. Such a device may also assist in (e.g.,
provide data so as to facilitate) various accounting functions
(e.g., ticket validation and redemption). For example, any or all
of a gaming device, kiosk and casino personnel device maintained at
a cashier cage may (i) comprise such a benefit input/output device,
and/or (ii) communicate with a central server that manages the
accounting associated with such ticket-in/ticket-out transactions
(e.g., so as to track the issuance, redemption and expiration of
such tickets). One example of ticket-in/ticket-out technology that
may be adapted or utilized to implement embodiments described
herein is the EZ Pay.TM. system, is manufactured by International
Gaming Technology, headquartered in Reno, Nev.
[0124] Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art, a gaming device may comprise various combinations of
such component devices. For example, in one or more embodiments,
the gaming device may include more than one display device, one or
more other output devices, several input devices, and so on (e.g.,
two display screens, two audio speakers, a ticket-in/ticket-out
device and several buttons).
[0125] The processor 205 is also in communication with a payment
system 275, which may be a component of gaming device 200. The
payment system 275 is a device capable of accepting payment from a
player (e.g., a bet or initiation of a balance) and/or providing
payment to a player (e.g., a payout). Payment is not limited to
money, but may also include other types of consideration, including
products, services, and alternate currencies.
[0126] Exemplary methods of accepting payment by the payment system
275 include (i) receiving hard currency (i.e., coins or bills), and
accordingly the payment system 275 may comprise a coin or bill
acceptor; (ii) receiving an alternate currency (e.g., a cash-out
ticket, a supplemental ticket, a coupon, a non-negotiable token),
and accordingly the payment system 275 may comprise a bar code
reader or other sensing means; (iii) receiving a payment identifier
(e.g., a credit card number, a debit card number, a player tracking
card number, a code via a keypad or touch-screen); and (iv)
determining that a player has performed a value-added activity
(e.g., participating in surveys, monitoring remote images for
security purposes, referring friends to the casino).
[0127] The processor 205 is further operable to communicate with a
player tracking device 260, which may be a component of gaming
device 200. Player tracking device 260 may, in one or more
embodiments, comprise a reader device operable to read information
from and/or write information to a card such as a smart card and/or
a player tracking card, such that (i) players may be identified,
and (ii) various data associated with players may then be
determined (e.g., a number of cashable credits; a number of
promotional credits that may not be redeemed for cash; a code or
other indication of a benefit to be provided to the player, a
number of accumulated loyalty points; a number of accumulated game
elements such as symbols, cards or hands; etc.). In one example, a
card reader device may determine an identifier associated with a
player (e.g., by reading a player tracking card comprising an
encoded version of the identifier), such that the gaming device may
then access data (e.g., of a player database, an outstanding
supplemental tickets database, an outstanding cash-out tickets
database) associated with the player. In another example, a smart
card reader device may determine data associated with a player
directly by accessing a memory of an inserted smart card.
[0128] Thus, as known in the art, "smart cards" may incorporate (i)
a memory, and (ii) means for accessing such a memory. For example,
in one embodiment, the memory may store data related to aspects of
the present invention. In one embodiment, data may be written to
the smart card as a player plays one or more gaming devices (e.g.,
such that various data may be updated on a continuous, periodic or
event-triggered bases). Accordingly, in one or more embodiments one
or more devices operable to carry out various processes of the
present invention (e.g., a gaming device or kiosk) may have
associated therewith a smart card reader device, such that data may
be read from the smart card pursuant to the execution of such
processes. An example of a smart card system that may be used to
implement one or more embodiments of the present invention is the
s-Choice.TM. Smart Card Casino Management System from Smart Card
Integrators, Inc..TM..
[0129] Further, as known in the art, a gaming device may comprise a
player tracking module comprising (i) a card reader (e.g., a port
into which player tracking cards may be inserted), (ii) various
input devices (e.g., a keypad, a touch-screen), (iii) various
output devices (e.g., a small, full-color display screen), and/or
(iv) combinations thereof (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen
that accommodates both input and output functions). Various
commercially available devices may be suitable for such an
application, such as the NextGen.TM. interactive player tracking
panel manufactured by IGT or the iVIEW display screen manufactured
by Bally.RTM. Gaming and Systems.
[0130] Of course, other non-card-based methods of identifying
players are contemplated. For example, a unique identification code
may be associated with the player. The player may then be
identified upon entering the code. For example, the code may be
stored (e.g., within a database maintained within the gaming device
and/or a server) such that the player may enter the code using an
input device of a gaming device, and accordingly be identified. In
other embodiments, player biometrics may serve as identification
means (e.g., a player is identified via a thumbprint or retinal
scan). In further embodiments, a barcode of a cashless gaming
ticket may encode a player identifier.
[0131] Thus, as described, various data associated with a player
may be tracked and stored (e.g., in an appropriate record of a
centrally-maintained database), such that it may be accessed as
desired (e.g., when determining promotional offers or rewards to be
provided to players, when determining the status of player with
respect to a particular game or period of gambling activity, and so
on). Further, various statistics may be measured in association
with a player (e.g., coin-in statistics, win/loss statistics) and
similarly accessed.
[0132] Various systems for facilitating such monitoring are
contemplated. For example, a two-wire system such as one offered by
International Gaming Systems (IGT) may be used. Similarly, a
protocol such as the IGT SAS.TM. protocol may be used. The SAS.TM.
protocol allows for communication between gaming machines and slot
accounting systems and provides a secure method of communicating
all necessary data supplied by the gaming device to the online
monitoring system. One aspect of the SAS.TM. protocol that may be
beneficial in implementing aspects of the present invention is the
authentication function which allows operators and regulators to
remotely interrogate gaming devices for important memory
verification information, for both game programs, and peripheral
devices. In another example, a one-wire system such as the
OASIS.TM. System offered by Aristocrat Technologies.TM. or the SDS
slot-floor monitoring system offered by Bally Gaming and
Systems.TM. may be used. Each of the systems described above is an
integrated information system that continually monitors slot
machines and customer gaming activity. Thus, for example, any one
of these systems may be used to monitor a player's gaming activity
in order to determine player outcomes, coin-in statistics, win/loss
statistics and/or any other data deemed relevant.
[0133] In one embodiment, a player may operate a plurality of
gaming devices. For example, a player may simultaneously play two
side-by-side gaming devices, a player may play one gaming device
(e.g. a gaming device) and then continue his gaming session at
another gaming device (e.g. a video poker machine), and a player
may remotely operate a gaming device, possibly by using a
telephone, PDA or other device (i) to transmit commands (directly
or indirectly) to the gaming device, such as wager amounts and
commands to select certain cards; and/or (ii) to receive output
(directly or indirectly) from the gaming device.
[0134] In one embodiment, a gaming device may allow a player to
play a game of skill rather than a game of chance. Such an
embodiment may be more appealing to certain players or may be
permitted in areas where it is illegal to gamble on games of
chance.
[0135] In one or more embodiments, aspects of the present
invention, such as output of supplemental tickets and/or an
modifying a parameter of a gaming device based on a receipt of a
first indicium associated with play of the gaming device and a
second indicium associated with play of the gaming device, may be
practiced by replacing and/or augmenting one or more components
(e.g., hardware and/or software components) of an existing gaming
device. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the invention may be
applied as a retrofit or upgrade to existing gaming devices
currently available for play within various casinos.
[0136] For example, a memory (e.g., computer chip) of the gaming
device may be replaced or added, the replacement or additional
memory storing a program for instructing the processor of the
gaming device to operate in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the present invention. In another example, data output via the
gaming device (e.g., graphical and/or textual data displayed on the
gaming device) may be replaced or added, the replacement or
additional data indicating to a player information relevant to one
or more aspects of the present invention.
[0137] In a specific example, a gaming device may comprise various
electronic components mounted to one or more printed circuit boards
(PCBs). Such components may include various hardware described
herein, such as a communications port and various controllers of
peripheral devices (e.g., a display controller), as well as a
memory for storing programming instructions (software) and a
processor for carrying out such instructions. Forms of memory that
may be found in a gaming device include electronically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM), erasable programmable
read-only memory (EPROM) and flash memory. Thus, in one or more
embodiments of the present invention, an EEPROM storing software
with instructions for carrying out aspects of the present invention
(as well as instructions for carrying out other functions
traditionally performed by the gaming device) may replace an EEPROM
previously installed in a gaming device or may be reprogrammed in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, such that
the gaming device may be configured to operate in accordance with
various processes described herein.
[0138] For example, "supplemental ticket module" may be made
available for purchase to various casino operators. The module,
which may comprise various hardware and software (e.g., an EEPROM
storing software instructions), may be installed in an existing
gaming device (e.g., a video-reel slot machine, a video poker
machine, etc.), such that when the module is installed, players of
the device may elect (i) to play the gaming device in a manner that
does not incorporate embodiments described herein (e.g., establish
a credit balance utilizing cash or a cash-out ticket only), or (ii)
to play the gaming device in a manner that incorporates embodiments
described herein (e.g., establish a credit balance utilizing both a
cash-out ticket and a supplemental ticket). Thus, players who are
familiar with operating a gaming device may elect to pay for them
in a different or similar manner as they are accustomed to.
[0139] Accordingly, a gaming device may be configured to allow a
player to select one of two "modes" of the gaming device, and to
enable the selected mode. If a player selects a "standard" mode,
the gaming device may be configured to operate in a manner similar
to how it operated before the installation of the module (e.g., the
gaming device operates in a conventional manner, such that
embodiments described herein may not be utilized). If a player
selects "supplemental ticket" mode, the gaming device may then be
operable to execute game play in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0140] In one example of allowing a player to select one or more
modes, a touch-sensitive display screen may be configured to output
a prompt asking a player to select a mode of operation. Such a
prompt may be output in occurrence to various trigger conditions
(e.g., coins, bills or tickets are inserted; a credit balance
increases from zero to some other number; a player presses a "play"
button; a motion, weight, infrared or other sensor detects the
presence of a player; etc.). Accordingly, a player may select a
mode of operation (e.g., by pressing an appropriately labeled icon
of a touch-sensitive display screen), and upon receiving the
player's selection, the gaming, device may be configured to operate
in the selected mode.
[0141] In other embodiments, as described, a peripheral device may
be useful for implementing one or more embodiments of the present
invention into the operation of a conventional gaming device. For
example, in order to avoid or minimize the necessity of modifying
or replacing a program already stored in a memory of a conventional
gaming device, an external or internal module that comprises a
peripheral device may be inserted in, connected to or otherwise
associated with the gaming device.
[0142] In still further embodiments, rather than configure existing
gaming devices to execute embodiments described herein by
installing or connecting new hardware and/or software, software may
be downloaded into an existing memory of one or more gaming
devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,634 to Wells et al. teaches methods
for downloading data to gaming devices in such a manner. The
entirety of U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,634 is incorporated by reference
herein for all purposes. Thus, in some embodiments, an existing
gaming device may be reprogrammed to accommodate new functionality
of the present invention without the need, or by minimizing the
need, to remove and replace hardware within the gaming device.
[0143] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a block
diagram of an embodiment 300, which maybe an embodiment of either
computer 110A of system 100A (FIG. 1A) or computer 110B of system
100B (FIG. 1B). Embodiment 300 is referred to as computer 300
herein. The computer 300 may be implemented as a system controller,
a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed
general-purpose computer, or any other equivalent electronic,
mechanical or electromechanical device. The computer 300 may
comprise, for example, a server computer operable to communicate
with one or more client devices, such as one or more gaming
devices, one or more kiosks, one or more peripheral devices, and/or
one or more casino personnel devices. The computer 300 is operative
to manage the system 100A and/or the system 100B and execute some
or all of the methods described herein.
[0144] In operation, the computer 300 may function under the
control of a casino, a merchant, or other entity that may also
control use of the gaming devices 1 30A and/or gaming devices 130B,
peripheral devices 140B, and/or peripheral device server 145B. For
example, the computer 300 may be a slot server in a casino. In some
embodiments, the computer 300 and slot server may be different
devices. In some embodiments, the computer 300 may comprise more
than one computer operating together. In some embodiments, the
computer 300 and peripheral device server 145B maybe the same
device.
[0145] The computer 300 comprises a processor 305, such as one or
more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. The processor 305 is in
communication with a memory 310 and a communications port 315
(e.g., for communicating with one or more other devices). The
memory 310 may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic,
optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example,
Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compact disc
and/or a hard disk. The processor 305 and the memory 310 may each
be, for example: (i) located entirely within a single computer or
other device; or (ii) connected to each other by a remote
communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone line
or radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the computer 300
may comprise one or more devices that are connected to a remote
server computer for maintaining databases.
[0146] The memory 310 stores a program 320 for controlling the
processor 305. The processor 305 performs instructions of the
program 320, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention, and particularly in accordance with the methods
described in detail herein. The program 320 may be stored in a
compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The program 320
furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary, such
as an operating system, a database management system and "device
drivers" for allowing the processor 305 to interface with computer
peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to those
skilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.
[0147] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
instructions of the program 320 may be read into a main memory from
another computer-readable medium, such from a ROM to RAM. Execution
of sequences of the instructions in program 320 causes processor
305 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternate
embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in
combination with, software instructions for implementation of the
processes of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the
present invention are not limited to any specific combination of
hardware and software.
[0148] The memory 310 also stores a plurality of databases,
including a an outstanding cash-out tickets database 325 and an
outstanding supplemental tickets database 330. Each of these
databases is described in detail below. Note that, although these
databases are described as being stored in computer 300, in other
embodiments of the present invention some or all of these databases
may be partially or wholly stored in another device, such as one or
more of the peripheral devices 140B, the peripheral device server
145B, one or more of the gaming devices 130A and/or one or more
gaming devices 130B, a slot server (if different from the computer
200), another device, or a combination thereof. Further, some or
all of the data described as being stored in the databases 325 and
330 may be partially or wholly stored (in addition to or in lieu of
being stored in the memory 310 of the computer 300) in a memory of
one or more other devices, such as one or more of the peripheral
devices 140B, one or more of the gaming devices 130A or one or more
of the gaming devices 130B, the peripheral device server 145B
and/or a slot server (if different from computer 300).
[0149] In one or more embodiments, memory 310 may store additional
databases. For example, a player database and/or a gaming device
database may be stored.
[0150] A player database (not shown) may be utilized to store
and/or access historical data associated with specific players. A
player database may be used, for example, to store player wager
data so that players wagering over a given threshold in a given
amount of time may be rewarded for their patronage. The player
database may also contain other information that may be useful in,
for example, promoting and managing player behaviors (e.g.,
information about the player's gaming preferences, previous
alternate payment offer selections and/or preferences, outstanding
debts, lodging arrangements, and the like). Further, the player
database may store data regarding a given player's standing in a
game session or bonus game, so that the player can continue the
game session or bonus game at a plurality of game machines that
have common access to the player database. Such player data may be
stored in a relational database and retrieved or otherwise accessed
by the processor after receiving a "key" data point from the
player, such as a unique identifier read from the player's player
tracking card or cashless gaming ticket.
[0151] A gaming device database (also not shown) may be utilized to
store and access information associated with one or more gaming
devices with which computer 300 is operable to communicate.
Examples of such information include information regarding (i) a
manufacturer of a gaming device, (ii) a denomination of a gaming
device, (iii) one or more games available on the gaming device,
(iv) features available on a gaming device, (v) features currently
activated on a gaming device, (vi) a location of a gaming device,
(vii) a status of a gaming device, (viii) outcomes obtained via the
gaming device, (ix) coin-in of a gaming device, (x) coin-out of a
gaming device, etc.
[0152] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is a tabular
representation 400 of an example embodiment of an outstanding
cash-out ticket database 325. Tabular representation 400 is
referred to herein as outstanding cash-out ticket database 400. The
outstanding cash-out ticket database 400 may be utilized by a
device to store and/or access information about cash-out tickets
that have been issued by one or more devices (e.g., one or more
gaming devices 130A of system 100A or one or more gaming devices
130B of system 100B).
[0153] For example, upon outputting a cash-out ticket, the
outputting device may transmit information regarding the ticket to
controller 300, for storage in a record of the outstanding cash-out
ticket database 400. In another example, upon receiving a request
to redeem a cash-out ticket, a device may access (or cause
controller 300 to access) the record of the outstanding cash-out
tickets database that corresponds to the cash-out ticket (e.g.,
based on a unique identifier of the cash-out ticket) to determine
whether the cash-out ticket is valid (e.g., has been previously
properly issued, has not expired, has not been reported stolen,
etc,) and/or the value of the cash-out ticket.
[0154] The outstanding cash-out tickets database 400 includes a
number of example records or entries, each defining a cash-out
ticket that has been issued or may be available for issuance (e.g.,
in one embodiment, a unique identifier may be determined and stored
in a record of the database prior to a cash-out ticket having the
unique identifier being issued). Those skilled in the art will
understand that the outstanding cash-out tickets database 400 may
include any number of entries. The outstanding cash-out ticket
database 400 also defines fields for each of the entries or
records. The fields specify: (i) a cash-out ticket identifier 405
that uniquely identifies a cash-out ticket; (ii) an indication 410
of whether a cash-out ticket corresponding to the unique identifier
of field 405 has been issued (e.g., output to a player of a gaming
device); (iii) a value 415 of the ticket (e.g., a value that
represents an amount of cash that the cash-out ticket may be
exchanged for and/or a number of credits at a gaming device that
the cash-out ticket may be exchanged for); (iv) an indication 420
of whether the cash-out ticket has been redeemed (e.g., exchanged
for either currency or credits); (v) an expiration condition 425
associated with the cash-out ticket; and (vi) an identifier of a
supplemental ticket, if any, that is associated with the cash-out
ticket.
[0155] It should be noted that an expiration condition of a
cash-out ticket may be any condition that needs to be satisfied in
order for a redemption of the cash-out ticket to be approved (e.g.
a date prior to which the cash-out ticket needs to be
redeemed).
[0156] It should further be noted that a supplemental ticket may be
associated with a cash-out ticket at a time of (i) output of the
cash-out ticket, (ii) output of the supplemental ticket, (iii)
redemption of the cash-out ticket, and/or (iv) redemption of the
supplemental ticket. A supplemental ticket may be associated with a
cash-out ticket based on (i) a request of a player, (ii) a request
of a casino attendant, (iii) a signal received from a device (e.g.,
a gaming device or controller 300) and/or (iv) a timing of a
redemption of the cash-out ticket relative to a redemption of the
supplemental ticket.
[0157] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is a tabular
representation 500 of an example embodiment of supplemental ticket
output rules database 220. Tabular representation 500 is referred
to herein as supplemental ticket output rules database 500. The
supplemental ticket output rules database 500 may be utilized by a
device (e.g., a gaming device) to determine whether to output a
supplemental ticket and/or which type of supplemental ticket to
output. For example, a gaming device may utilize the supplemental
ticket output rules database 500 to determine whether a condition
for outputting a supplemental ticket has been satisfied and, if so,
output the type of supplemental ticket that corresponds to the
satisfied condition. In one embodiment, a gaming device may
continuously, substantially continuously, periodical or
non-periodically monitor its functions and/or status to determine
whether a condition for outputting a supplemental ticket has been
satisfied. In one embodiment, a device besides a gaming device
(e.g., controller 300, a peripheral device 140B, peripheral device
server 145B) may store the supplemental ticket output rules
database 500, determine whether a condition for outputting a
supplemental ticket has been satisfied, and output or cause another
device (e.g., a gaming device) to output the type of supplemental
ticket that corresponds to the satisfied condition.
[0158] The supplemental ticket output rules database 500 includes a
number of example records or entries, each defining a condition for
outputting a supplemental ticket. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the supplemental ticket output rules database 500
may include any number of entries. The supplemental ticket output
rules database 500 also defines fields for each of the entries or
records. The fields specify: (i) an output rules identifier 505
that may (e.g., uniquely) identify a rule for outputting a
supplemental ticket, (ii) an output condition 510 the satisfaction
of which may cause an output of a supplemental ticket, and (iii) a
supplemental ticket type identifier 515 that identifies (e.g.,
uniquely) the type of supplemental ticket that is to be output.
[0159] Rules for determining when to output a supplemental ticket
and/or what type of supplemental ticket to output may be
constructed pursuant to a variety of marketing strategies; while
the general goal of outputting a supplemental ticket may be to
encourage players to redeem cash-out tickets for credits at a
gaming device, more specific goals may focus on encouraging play
with respect to particular gaming devices, gaming devices of
particular denominations or ranges of denominations, gaming devices
in particular locations of a casino, tickets, time periods,
players, and the like.
[0160] Rules for outputting a supplemental ticket may be programmed
such that supplemental tickets are output upon the satisfaction of
one or more conditions. For example, a supplemental ticket may be
output when: (i) a cash-out ticket with a particular value is
output (e.g., rule 1 of table 500), (ii) a gaming device has been
in an idle state (e.g., "attract mode") or has otherwise been
under-utilized for a period of time (e.g., rule 2 of table 500),
(iii) a player has ended play on a particular device after a
relatively short period of time (e.g., rule 3 of table 500), (iv) a
player has lost a certain amount of money (e.g., rule 4 of table
500), (v) cashout occurs during a certain period of time (e.g.,
rule 5 of table 500), etc. It should be appreciated that a wide
range of such rules may be employed. It should further be
understood that a particular rule may specify more than one
condition that need by satisfied in order for a particular type of
supplemental ticket to be output.
[0161] In one embodiment, upon determining that a condition
corresponding to a particular type of supplemental ticket has been
satisfied, a supplemental ticket of the corresponding type may be
caused to be output. For example, again referencing table 500,
should rule 2 be satisfied (i.e., a timer indicates that a gaming
device has remained idle for more than five minutes), a processor
(e.g., of a gaming device, of a peripheral device, or of a
controller) may instruct a ticket-in/ticket-out device to output a
supplemental ticket of type "101". The ticket-in/ticket-out device
may then register indicia upon the supplemental ticket as it is
output (e.g., a bar code indicating the supplemental ticket type
identifier, associated marketing text, etc.).
[0162] Accordingly, supplemental tickets of various types may be
output with respect to a variety of marketing strategies. For
example, numerous individual supplemental tickets of the same type
may be made available at once on a casino floor. Each individual
supplemental ticket of a particular type may provide a
substantially similar benefit. It may be desirable to provide
players with access to numerous supplemental tickets (e.g., of the
same type), since possession of such supplemental tickets may
encourage the redemption of cash-out tickets at gaming devices for
credits and thus game plays, in turn generating casino revenues,
greater play and/or increased trials of certain gaming devices.
Alternately, should this not be desired, each supplemental ticket
may comprise a unique identifier, such that the use of individual
supplemental tickets may be restricted in accordance with, for
example, redemption and expiration data stored at a controller.
[0163] As described herein, a supplemental ticket may comprise a
supplemental ticket type identifier and/or a supplemental ticket
identifier. A supplemental ticket identifier and/or a supplemental
ticket type identifier (e.g., determined by scanning a bar code)
may be used, for example, by a gaming device to access data stored
in a memory. Such data may describe information concerning the use
of a supplemental ticket and/or a supplemental ticket of a
particular type (e.g., redemption conditions and/or instructions
for modifying a parameter or otherwise providing a benefit). Such
data may be stored, for example, in a database of a gaming device
or controller (e.g., a supplemental ticket type database 235). For
example, such data may indicate that a supplemental ticket may only
be redeemed (i) along with a qualifying cash-out ticket (e.g., a
specified cash-out ticket or a cash-out ticket having one or more
specified characteristics), (ii) at a qualifying device, (iii)
during a specified time period, etc., as detailed further herein.
Accordingly, a supplemental ticket may comprise text indicating,
for example, (i) which cash-out ticket(s) a player may redeem the
supplemental ticket along with (e.g., "Insert this bonus ticket
along with any cash-out ticket worth $50 or less"), (ii) which
devices accept the supplemental ticket (e.g., "Insert this ticket
into any Volcano Madness machine"), (iii) a time period during
which the supplemental ticket may be used (e.g., "Bonus ticket
valid 5:00-6:00 p.m. only"), etc.
[0164] In one embodiment, supplemental ticket output rules database
may include another field that indicates a current status of each
rule. Such a field may store, for example, an indication of whether
each respective rule is currently "active" (thus being available
for use in determining whether the corresponding supplemental
ticket type is to be output) or "inactive." Inclusion of such a
field may allow, for example, casino personnel and/or a controller
to selectively control which rules for outputting supplemental
ticket types are active at any given time.
[0165] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, illustrated therein is a
tabular representation 600 of an example embodiment of supplemental
ticket type database 225. Tabular representation 600 is referred to
herein as supplemental ticket type database 600. Supplemental
ticket type database may be utilized by a device (e.g., a gaming
device 130A or 130B and/or controller 110A or controller 110B) to
output a supplemental ticket, determine redemption conditions
associated with a supplemental ticket, and/or determine a benefit
defined by a supplemental ticket. For example, upon receiving a
request to redeem a supplemental ticket along with a cash-out
receipt, a gaming device may access (or cause controller 130A or
controller 130B to access) the supplemental ticket type database
600 to verify that the redemption conditions associated with the
supplemental ticket (e.g., based on the type of supplemental
ticket, which may be indicated via an identifier of the
supplemental ticket) have been satisfied. Similarly, the gaming
device may access the supplemental ticket type database 600 to
determine an instruction associated with the supplemental ticket
(e.g., in order to execute the instruction). For example, if the
instruction defines a number of credits by which a value associated
with the cash-out ticket is to be increased, upon determining the
instruction the gaming device may cause a credit meter balance to
be increased by the defined number of credits.
[0166] The supplemental ticket type database 600 includes a number
of example records or entries, each a type of supplemental ticket
that may be output and/or redeemed. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the supplemental ticket type database 600 may
include any number of entries. The supplemental ticket type
database 600 also defines fields for each of the entries or
records. The fields specify: (i) a supplemental ticket type
identifier 605 that identifies (e.g., uniquely) a type of
supplemental ticket that may be output and/or redeemed; (ii)
qualifying cash-out tickets 610 that define cash-out tickets along
with which a supplemental ticket of the corresponding type may be
redeemed; (iii) qualifying devices 615 at which a supplemental
ticket of the corresponding type may be redeemed (e.g., by
specifying a gaming device identifier and/or characteristic of a
gaming device such as a location of the gaming device); (iv)
qualifying time periods 620 during which a supplemental ticket of
the corresponding type may be redeemed; (v) a parameter type 625
that indicates a parameter that may be modified or a parameter a
value of which may be modified upon redemption of a supplemental
ticket of the corresponding type; (vi) one or more instructions
that are to be executed upon redemption of a supplemental ticket of
the corresponding type (e.g., an instruction regarding how the
corresponding parameter or value of the corresponding parameter is
to be modified); (vi) a start event 635 that indicates one or more
events upon the occurrence of which, substantially upon the
occurrence of which and/or after the occurrence of which a
modification of the corresponding parameter is to be performed; and
(viii) an end event 640 that indicates one or more events upon the
occurrence of which, substantially upon the occurrence of which,
and/or after the occurrence of which the modification of the
corresponding parameter is to end.
[0167] The fields 610 through 620 specify various redemption
conditions that may be associated with a supplemental ticket. Of
course, other redemption conditions may be appropriate.
[0168] It should be noted that, in one or more embodiments, some or
all of the information stored in the supplemental ticket type
database 600 may, alternatively or additionally, be stored or
indicated on a supplemental ticket that is output. For example, if
a supplemental ticket of the type "101" is output, the supplemental
ticket may have printed thereon (e.g., in machine and/or human
readable form) an indication that the supplemental ticket is
redeemable with any cash-out receipt, on any device in bank "A" of
devices located in room "Z", at any time. The supplemental ticket
may also indicate that the benefit to be provided upon redemption
of the supplemental ticket is an addition of five non-cashable
credits to a credit meter balance of the device at which the
supplemental ticket is being redeemed.
[0169] Referring now to FIG. 7, illustrated therein is a tabular
representation 700 illustrates an example embodiment of an
outstanding supplemental tickets database 335. Tabular
representation 700 is referred to herein as outstanding
supplemental tickets database 700. Outstanding supplemental tickets
database 700 may be accessed by a device (e.g., a gaming device
and/or a controller), for example, to store and/or access
information about a particular supplemental ticket. The
supplemental ticket may be one that has previously been provided to
a player. For example, upon receiving an input of a supplemental
ticket, a gaming device may communicate with a controller to
determine, based on the information stored in the outstanding
supplemental tickets database 700, whether the redemption can be
authorized.
[0170] The outstanding supplemental ticket database 700 includes a
number of example records or entries, each defining a supplemental
ticket that may be output or has been output. Those skilled in the
art will understand that the outstanding supplemental ticket
database 700 may include any number of entries. The outstanding
supplemental ticket database 700 also defines fields for each of
the entries or records. The fields specify: (i) a supplemental
ticket identifier 705 that identifies (e.g., uniquely) a
supplemental ticket; (ii) a supplemental ticket type 710 that
identifies the type of supplemental ticket; (iii) redemption
condition(s) 715 associated with the corresponding supplemental
ticket; (iv) a status 720 currently associated with the
supplemental ticket (e.g., issued, redeemed); and (v) an associated
cash-out ticket field 725 that stores an indication of any cash-out
tickets associated with the corresponding supplemental ticket.
[0171] It should be noted that a cash-out ticket may be associated
with a supplemental ticket at a time of (i) output of the cash-out
ticket, (ii) output of the supplemental ticket, (iii) redemption of
the cash-out ticket, and/or (iv) redemption of the supplemental
ticket. A cash-out ticket may be associated with a supplemental
ticket based on (i) a request of a player, (ii) a request of a
casino attendant, (iii) a signal received from a device (e.g., a
gaming device or controller 300) and/or (iv) a timing of a
redemption of the cash-out ticket relative to a redemption of the
supplemental ticket.
[0172] It should further be noted that the redemption condition(s)
stored in field 715 may include some or all of the redemption
condition(s) 645 of table 600 (FIG. 6A). In one embodiment, some or
all of the redemption condition(s) 645 associated with the type of
supplemental ticket that corresponds to an outstanding supplemental
ticket may be stored in fold 715, along with additional redemption
condition(s) that may be associated with the particular
supplemental ticket. For example, in one embodiment a supplemental
ticket may be associated with a particular player identifier (e.g.,
a player identifier of a player to whom the supplemental ticket was
issued), such that the supplemental ticket may only be redeemed
along with the player identifier. In another example, a ticket type
may be associated with a period of time redemption condition that
defines a period of time from the time of issuance of a particular
supplemental ticket of the type, during which period the
supplemental ticket may be redeemed. In such an example, the
redemption condition(s) field 715 may store an actual expiration
date (e.g., calculated based on the time of issuance of the
supplemental ticket) rather than an indication of the period of
time as it is stored in field 620 of FIG. 6A.
[0173] In one or more embodiments, some or all of the information
stored in the outstanding supplemental tickets database 700 may
additionally or alternatively be stored or indicated on a
supplemental ticket. For example, a supplemental ticket may have
printed thereon (e.g., in machine and/or human readable form) an
indication of the redemption condition(s) associated with the
supplemental ticket and/or any cash-out tickets associated with the
supplemental ticket.
[0174] Described below, with reference to FIGS. 8 through 10, are
various processes that may be executed in accordance with
embodiments described herein. Any and all of the processes, as well
as any portions thereof, may be performed by (i) a gaming device,
(ii) a controller, (iii) devices operatively connected to gaming
devices and/or controllers (e.g., input and/or output devices),
and/or (iv) any combination thereof. Thus, it is contemplated that
the steps may be performed by any combination of the devices and
computers described herein.
[0175] Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is a flowchart
depicting one process 800 that is consistent with embodiments
described herein. It should be noted that the different steps of
the process 800 may be performed at different times (e.g., step 815
may be performed days, weeks or months after step 810 is performed)
and by different devices (e.g., step 810 may be performed by a
kiosk or first gaming device, while step 815 may be performed by a
second gaming device). However, the process 800 is presented herein
as a single process that may be performed by a combination of
devices (e.g., operable to communicate with one another over a
network of a casino) in order to provide a more comprehensive
overview of the various sub-processes that may be involved in
implementing some of the embodiments described herein, and how
these sub-processes may relate to one another.
[0176] In step 805, a benefit for a supplemental ticket is
determined. It should be noted that step 805 may, in one or more
embodiments, be preceded by a step of determining whether to output
a supplemental ticket or a step of receiving an instruction (e.g.,
an instruction received by a gaming device from a controller) to
output a supplemental ticket. In the latter embodiment, the
instruction may include an indication of the benefit, thus step 805
may comprise determining the benefit indicated by the instruction.
Determining whether to output a supplemental ticket may comprise
monitoring conditions or events (e.g., at one or more gaming
devices) in order to determine whether one or more conditions for
outputting a supplemental ticket has been satisfied (e.g., by
determining whether one or more of the conditions 510 of the
supplemental ticket output rules database 500 has been
satisfied).
[0177] Determining a benefit for a supplemental ticket may
comprise, for example, determining whether a condition associated
with a supplemental ticket type has been satisfied (e.g., by
determining whether one or more of the conditions 510 of the
supplemental ticket output rules database 500 has been satisfied),
and, if so, determining the benefit that corresponds to the
supplemental ticket type. For example, the appropriate record of
supplemental ticket type database may be, accessed based on the
supplemental ticket type identifier associated with the satisfied
condition. Determining the benefit may thus comprise Determining
the parameter type 625 associated with the supplemental ticket type
and the instruction(s) for modifying the parameter. In such an
embodiment, a benefit comprises a modification of a parameter or
modification of a value associated with a parameter.
[0178] It should be noted that determining a benefit for a
supplemental ticket in step 805 may comprise determining the
benefit but not necessarily the value of the benefit. In one
embodiment, the benefit may be determined prior to the supplemental
ticket being output while the value of the benefit may be
determined subsequent to the supplemental ticket being output
(e.g., at the time of redemption). For example, the benefit
determined prior to output of the supplemental ticket may be a
modification of payout parameter, with an associated instruction to
modify all payouts for the first twenty game plays after redemption
of the supplemental ticket by a multiplier of "1.05". However, in
such an embodiment the actual value of the benefit may not be
determined until after the supplemental ticket is redeemed and the
multiplier is applied to the twenty game plays. Thus, not only may
determining the value of the benefit of a supplemental ticket be a
subroutine performed separately from a subroutine of determining
the benefit of the supplemental ticket, the two subroutines may be
performed at different times and/or by different devices. Of
course, in one embodiment, step 805 may comprise determining both
the benefit and the value of the benefit for a supplemental ticket.
For example, in one embodiment the benefit may be determined to be
an addition of a specific number of non-cashable credits to a
credit meter balance when the supplemental ticket is redeemed along
with at least one other ticket and the value may be determined to
be the specific number of the non-cashable credits.
[0179] In one embodiment, step 805 of determining a benefit for a
supplemental ticket may include determining the person to whom the
benefit is to be provided via the supplemental ticket. In one or
more embodiments, a supplemental ticket may be issued or output to
a particular player. In such embodiments, process 800 may further
comprise determining the player. For example, the player currently
playing a gaming device at which the supplemental ticket is to be
output may be the determined player. In another example, a
supplemental ticket may be mailed to a player and the player may be
determined by being selected (e.g., randomly, based on particular
criteria, etc.) from a player database.
[0180] Thus, in one or more embodiments, determining a benefit
and/or a value of a benefit for a supplemental ticket may be
determined based on information associated with a player to whom
the supplemental ticket is to be output or issued. For example, a
player with a first (e.g., more valuable to the casino) status or
rating may be provided with a benefit that is more beneficial (to
the player) than a player with a second (e.g., less favorable to
the casino) status or rating. Determining a more beneficial benefit
may comprise determining a type of benefit that is more beneficial
to a player and/or determining a value of a benefit that is more
beneficial to a player.
[0181] As described above, in one embodiment a value of a benefit
may be determined at a time of redemption of the supplemental
ticket. Thus, in one or more embodiments in which a supplemental
ticket is a bearer instrument that may be redeemed by any player,
the value of the benefit may be determined at the time of
redemption to be a first value if the supplemental ticket is
redeemed by a first player but determined to be a second value if
the supplemental ticket is redeemed by a second player. For
example, a player associated with a status of "frequent player" who
redeems a supplemental ticket associated with a multiplier to be
applied to a top jackpot may be provided with a multiplier of "1.2"
while if the same supplemental ticket had been redeemed by a player
associated with a status of "infrequent player" may be provided
with a lesser multiplier of "1.1".
[0182] It should be noted that a value of a benefit may be
determined via a random number generator (e.g., a magnitude of a
multiplier by which a payout is to be multiplied may be determined
based on a random number). This may be true irrespective of the
time at which the value is determined (e.g., at time of issuance or
redemption of a supplemental ticket).
[0183] In one embodiment, step 805 may be performed by a controller
(e.g., controller 300) that receives or otherwise obtains
information associated with one or more gaming devices in order to
determine whether a supplemental ticket should be output at (e.g.,
via a printing mechanism of the gaming device or a peripheral
device associated with the gaming device) the one or more gaming
devices. In another embodiment, step 805 may be performed by a
kiosk, casino personnel device and/or gaming device.
[0184] In step 810, a supplemental ticket is output. Outputting a
supplemental ticket may comprise, for example, causing the
supplemental ticket to be printed and dispensed from the printing
mechanism. The printing mechanism may be a printing mechanism of a
gaming device, a printing mechanism of a kiosk, a printing
mechanism of a controller, a printing mechanism of a casino
personnel device, etc. In another embodiment, outputting a
supplemental ticket (e.g., particularly in embodiments in which
another indicium associated with game play besides a supplemental
ticket, such as a code, is output), the step of outputting may
comprise outputting information (e.g., the code) via a display
device associated with the gaming device.
[0185] It should be noted that a value of a benefit and/ or the
benefit may or may not be printed on the associated supplemental
ticket and/or may or may not be easily determinable by the player.
For example, a supplemental ticket may have printed thereon that
redemption of the supplementary ticket along with a cash-out ticket
may result in a "mystery" amount of credits to be provided to the
player or a "mystery" multiplier being applied to a payout. In such
embodiments, the mystery value of the benefit may in fact be
predetermined and associated with the supplemental ticket (e.g.,
the value of the benefit may be determined at the time of issuance
of the supplemental ticket and stored in association with the
supplemental ticket identifier in a database). Alternatively, the
mystery value of the benefit may not be predetermined but may
instead be determined at a time subsequent to issuance of the
ticket. For example, the value of the benefit may be determined at
the time of redemption or even after a time of redemption (e.g.,
via a random number generator and/or based on information
associated with the redemption). Information associated with the
redemption may include a time of redemption (e.g., a value may be
higher if the supplemental ticket is redeemed during certain
"bonus" times), a gaming device at which the supplemental ticket is
redeemed (e.g., a benefit may be worth more on some gaming devices
than others), a player who redeems the supplemental ticket, a
cash-out receipt along with which the supplemental ticket is
redeemed. As an example of the last factor that may effect a value
of a benefit, a player may be provided with two extra credits if
the supplemental ticket is redeemed along with a cash-out receipt
having a face value less than $20.00 but may be provided with five
extra credits if the supplemental ticket defining the benefit is
redeemed along with a cash-out receipt having a face value at least
equal to $20.00.
[0186] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, process 800
may further include a step of outputting a cash-out ticket. For
example, in embodiments in which a gaming device outputs a
supplemental ticket, the supplemental ticket may be output in
association with (e.g., shortly before, shortly after, during or at
the end of the same play session, etc.) a cash-out ticket. In some
embodiments, upon receiving an indication that a player of a gaming
device has indicated a request to cash out (e.g., a player actuates
a "Cash Out" button), the gaming device may output a cash-out
ticket. In one embodiment, a cash-out ticket may bear a face value
equal to a gaming device credit balance the player accumulated
before cashing out (i.e., the player automatically receives a
ticket for his/her entire balance). In other embodiments, after
indicating a desire to cash out, a player may be presented with
various options. One option may comprise receiving only a portion
of an accumulated credit balance via a cash-out ticket.
[0187] As described herein, a cash-out ticket may entitle its
bearer to an amount of credits or currency equal to an indicated
face value (e.g., 35 credits or $35). In some embodiments, a
cash-out ticket may comprise a substrate (e.g., a small piece of
paper) that may be output and/or received by a gaming device (e.g.,
via a "ticket-in/ticket-out" slot), comprising machine-readable
indicia (e.g., a bar code) and a unique receipt identifier (e.g., a
series of numeric digits). A cash-out ticket may be output by a
ticket-in/ticket-out device or any other benefit output device
described herein. In some embodiments, the step of outputting a
cash-out ticket via a ticket-in/ticket-out device comprises
printing various indicia upon a substrate. Ink jet, thermal, laser
and other methods for registering indicia are contemplated.
[0188] In some embodiments, each cash-out ticket output from a
gaming device in communication with a controller may comprise a
unique identification code. In this manner, after receiving a
cashout request from a player, a gaming device processor may
actuate a ticket-in/ticket-out device to output a cash-out ticket
comprising, (i) an indication of a face value (e.g., text upon the
cash-out ticket reads "$35"), (ii) a unique cash-out ticket
identifier (e.g., 100901), and (iii) a machine-readable bar code
indicating the particular cash-out ticket (e.g., the cash-out
ticket identifier in the form of a bar code). In one embodiment,
the unique cash-out ticket identifier may be generated or otherwise
determined by the gaming device and communicated to the controller.
In another embodiment, the unique cash-out ticket identifier may be
obtained by the gaming device from the controller.
[0189] A step of outputting a cash-out ticket may comprise
communicating with a device storing the outstanding cash-out
tickets database 330 to reflect the issuance of a cash-out ticket
bearing a unique identification code. Specifically, a gaming device
processor may access an outstanding cash-out tickets database 330
stored by a central controller (or cause the controller to access
the database) in order to update an existing database record
associated with the unique cash-out ticket identifier of the
cash-out ticket that has been issued, or to create such a record.
For example, both an indication of issuance field 410 and the value
field 415 of table 400 that embodies an example of the outstanding
cash-out ticket database 235 may be updated upon the output of a
cash-out ticket. In this manner, should the player re-insert the
cash-out ticket into a gaming device, the device may execute a
validation process, which may comprise (i) determining a cash-out
ticket identifier (e.g., by scanning a machine-readable bar code),
(ii) determining a status of the cash-out ticket (e.g., by
accessing a database to determine if the cash-out ticket has been
issued, but not yet redeemed), and (iii) providing an associated
value (e.g., adding the appropriate number of credits to an
electronic credit meter).
[0190] Referring again to step 810, outputting a supplemental
ticket may comprise outputting, via a gaming device, a supplemental
ticket. For example, in some embodiments, a supplemental ticket and
a cash-out ticket may be output by the same benefit output device
(e.g., ticket dispenser, ticket-in/ticket-out device, etc.).
Further, a supplemental ticket may appear similar in nature to a
cash-out ticket. For example, both a supplemental ticket and a
cash-out ticket may comprise a piece of paper of substantially the
same size, and a bar code may appear in approximately the same
location on each ticket. However, marketing text and other indicia
may appear differently; for example, a cash-out ticket may read
"Cash-Out Ticket--$45.00," whereas a supplemental ticket may read
"Bonus Ticket--10% Higher Payouts." A supplemental ticket may
comprise instructions indicating to a player any rules and
processes associated with redeeming the supplemental ticket.
Additionally, a supplemental ticket may comprise a supplemental
ticket type identifier (e.g., a series of numeric digits), and
machine-readable indicia indicating a supplemental ticket type
identifier.
[0191] It should be noted that in one embodiment, a gaming device
may be programmed to output a supplemental ticket along with each
cash-out ticket (or along with each qualifying cash-out ticket,
such as any cash-out ticket with a face value of at least $10.00).
Further, the supplemental tickets maybe pre-printed and stored in
the gaming device for output. Alternatively, the gaming device may
be programmed to only output a particular type of supplemental
ticket or one of a set of types of supplemental tickets in a random
or particular order. In such embodiments, step 805 may simply
comprise determining that a cash-out ticket is being output or
about to be output and therefore outputting a supplemental ticket,
the supplemental ticket being simply the next supplemental ticket
in queue to be output or of a type that is the next type in queue
to be output.
[0192] In one embodiment, a ticket-in/ticket-out device provides a
supplemental ticket and a cash-out ticket sequentially. In another
embodiment, a cash-out ticket has attached thereto a supplemental
ticket and the cash-out ticket may therefore be provided
simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the
supplemental ticket (e.g., two tickets, affixed by perforation to
one another, are output at once).
[0193] In some embodiments, a benefit output device (e.g., a ticket
dispenser) may be loaded with pre-printed supplemental tickets. In
other embodiments, indicia may be printed upon a supplemental
ticket by a printer as the supplemental ticket is output.
[0194] In step 815, a supplemental ticket is received along with at
least one other ticket. For example, a supplemental ticket may be
received by a gaming device (e.g., via a ticket-in/ticket-out
component of the gaming device) when inserted by a player. The
gaming device may then prompt the player for a cash-out receipt and
the player may insert a cash-out receipt that the player intends to
redeem along with the supplemental ticket. In one embodiment,
instructions for inserting a supplemental ticket in order to redeem
the supplemental ticket may be printed or otherwise indicated on
the supplemental ticket. For example, a player may have obtained a
supplemental ticket indicating, "Insert this bonus ticket before
any cash-out ticket worth $50 or less and get double jackpot
payouts as long as you play." Thus, in some embodiments, a player
may be instructed to insert a supplemental ticket into a gaming
device before inserting a qualifying cash-out ticket.
[0195] Accordingly, a gaming device may receive a supplemental
ticket previously output to a player. As described herein, in some
embodiments a supplemental ticket may be received by a
ticket-in/ticket-out device. For example, a customer may approach a
gaming device and partially insert a supplemental ticket into a
ticket-in/ticket-out slot, such that the device detects the
insertion of the supplemental ticket and actuates a motor to accept
the supplemental ticket completely. In other embodiments, an
alternate input device, such as a designated supplemental ticket
acceptor, may receive a supplemental ticket.
[0196] In some embodiments, the step 815 of receiving a
supplemental ticket may comprise outputting a message to a player.
A message may be output via any combination of output devices,
including display devices, audio speakers and the like. For
example, a message may comprise text output to a gaming device
display screen.
[0197] In one or more embodiments, a method may provide for (i)
receiving a first ticket, (ii) determining based on the ticket to
output a message requesting a second ticket, (iii) receiving the
second ticket, and (iv) causing the output of the message to
end.
[0198] In some embodiments, after receiving a supplemental ticket
and determining that the redemption condition(s) associated with
the supplemental ticket (a process described in more detail with
respect to step 820, below), a processor may instruct a display
screen to output one or more messages. For example, should a
redemption condition of the supplemental ticket specify that any
cash-out ticket is a qualifying cash-out ticket, a processor may
instruct, upon receiving a supplemental ticket, a display screen to
output text indicating "Please insert any cash-out ticket now!" In
other examples, after determining various redemption conditions
associated with a received supplemental ticket, a processor may
instruct a display screen to output text indicating: "Please insert
any cash-out ticket with a face value of $50 or less," or "Please
insert any cash-out ticket with a Bonus Star Symbol," etc, as
appropriate based on the associated redemption condition(s).
[0199] As described, step 815 comprises receiving a supplemental
ticket along with at least one other ticket. The at least one other
ticket may comprise another supplemental ticket and/or a cash-out
ticket. Thus, in one embodiment, step 815 may comprise receiving
two or more tickets, one of which may be a cash-out ticket. In one
embodiment, the at least one other ticket may comprise currency in
the form of bills, coins or casino tokens. Thus, in one embodiment
the value of the currency in one of these forms may be increased
(e.g., multiplied or added to) based on a redemption of a
supplemental ticket.
[0200] As described herein, in one embodiment a gaming device may
receive a cash-out ticket via a ticket-in/ticket-out device or any
other input device. In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket and
a cash-out ticket may be sequentially received by the same
ticket-in/ticket-out device. For example, a player may (i) approach
a gaming device, (ii) insert a supplemental ticket, and (iii)
insert a cash-out ticket.
[0201] Upon receiving a cash-out ticket, the device receiving the
cash-out ticket (or another device with which the device receiving
the cash-out ticket is operable to communicate) may determine a
cash-out ticket identifier (e.g., by scanning a bar code). The
device receiving the cash-out ticket may then access (or cause
another device to access) the appropriate record of an outstanding
cash-out tickets database 330 (e.g., based on the determined
cash-out ticket identifier) in order to determine, (i) whether or
not the cash-out ticket has been issued, (ii) whether or not the
cash-out ticket has been previously redeemed, (iii) whether or not
the cash-out ticket has expired, and (iv) a value of the cash-out
ticket (e.g., an amount of credits associated with the cash-out
ticket). In some embodiments, a number of credits indicated by the
cash-out ticket may then be provided to a player by being added to
a credit meter balance of a gaming device (e.g., the gaming device
that received the cash-out ticket).
[0202] In step 820, it is determined whether the redemption
condition(s) associated with the supplemental ticket received in
step 815 have been satisfied. Determining whether the redemption
condition(s) have been satisfied may comprise, for example,
determining the redemption condition(s). Such a determination may
be performed, for example, by accessing a database storing such
redemption condition(s) in association with an identifier of the
supplemental ticket (e.g., a unique supplemental ticket identifier
and/or a supplemental ticket type identifier). In another
embodiment, determining whether the redemption condition(s) have
been satisfied may comprise communicating with another device
(e.g., a gaming device may communicate with a controller that
stores such a database). For example, a gaming device may
communicate the identifier of the supplemental ticket to the other
device and, in return receive an indication of whether the
associated redemption condition(s) have been satisfied and/or an
indication of the redemption condition(s). In one embodiment, the
redemption condition(s) are included on the supplemental ticket in
machine readable form, such that the gaming device need not
communicate with another device to determine the redemption
condition(s) and/or whether the redemption condition(s) have been
satisfied. Even in such embodiments, however, the gaming device may
communicate with another device (e.g., a controller) to indicate
the redemption and/or attempted redemption of the supplemental
ticket.
[0203] Various redemption condition(s) may be associated with a
supplemental ticket (e.g., as described briefly with reference to
table 600 (FIGS. 6A and 6B) and table 700 (FIG. 7). Examples of
such redemption condition(s) will now be described in more
detail.
[0204] One redemption condition that may be associated with a
supplemental ticket may comprise a condition that specifies a
qualifying device. In other words, in one embodiment a supplemental
ticket may only be redeemed (e.g., a parameter defined by the
supplemental ticket may be modified) at a qualifying gaming device.
A qualifying device may comprise a device having one or more
specified characteristics. For example, a qualifying device may
comprise one or more of the following (i) one or more specific
devices as identified by a device number (e.g., #1745; #1800-1899),
(ii) one or more devices manufactured by a specified company, (iii)
one or more devices characterized by the same game or theme (e.g.,
video poker, Volcano Madness, etc.), (iv) one or more devices in a
particular location (e.g., "Room Z" of casino, "Bank A" of
machines, etc.). Thus, in one embodiment, step 820 may comprise
determining whether the received supplemental ticket is being
redeemed at a qualifying device. For example, turning to FIG. 6A,
if supplemental ticket type 103 is received by a gaming device, it
may be determined that the supplemental ticket of the type is only
redeemable at devices having device identifiers #1800-1899. Thus,
if the gaming device at which the supplemental ticket is received
is a device having an identifier that is within the specified range
of acceptable identifiers, it may be determined that this
redemption condition has been satisfied.
[0205] Another redemption condition that may be associated with a
supplemental ticket may comprise a condition that specifies a
qualifying period of time. In other words, in one embodiment a
supplemental ticket may only be redeemed (e.g., a parameter defined
by the supplemental ticket may be modified) during a qualifying
period of time. A qualifying period of time may comprise a period
of time having one or more specified characteristics. For example,
a qualifying period of time may comprise one or more of the
following: (i) a period of hours during which a supplemental ticket
may be redeemed (e.g., "Coupon valid 5:00-6:00 p.m. only"), (ii)
one or more days during which the supplemental ticket may be
redeemed (e.g., "Ticket valid Sundays only"), (iii) within a period
of time of a specified time (e.g., within an hour from issuance of
the ticket), etc. Thus, in one embodiment, step 820 may comprise
determining whether a current time at which the received
supplemental ticket is being redeemed is within a qualifying period
of time. For example, turning to FIG. 6A, if supplemental ticket
type 102 is received by a gaming device, it may be determined that
the supplemental ticket of the type is only redeemable between 5:00
pm and 6:00 pm. Thus, if the gaming device at which the
supplemental ticket is received determines that the current time
(e.g., based on an internal clock accessible to the processor of
the gaming device) is between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, it may be
determined that this redemption condition has been satisfied.
[0206] Another redemption condition that may be associated with a
supplemental ticket may comprise a condition that specifies a
qualifying cash-out ticket. In other words, in one embodiment a
supplemental ticket may only be redeemed (e.g., a parameter defined
by the supplemental ticket may be modified) along with a qualifying
cash-out ticket. A qualifying cash-out ticket may comprise a
cash-out ticket having one or more specified characteristics. For
example, a qualifying cash-out ticket may comprise one or more of
the following: (i) a cash-out ticket having a particular cash-out
ticket identifier (e.g., #20759), (ii) a cash-out ticket having an
identifier that is within a certain range of identifiers (e.g.,
#10001-19999), (iii) a cash-out ticket having a certain indicia
(e.g., a "bonus star" symbol, a particular bar code or portion
thereof, etc.), (iv) a cash-out ticket having a particular face
value or a face value within a particular range (e.g., any cash-out
ticket worth $50 or less), (v) any cash-out ticket issued by one or
more particular gaming devices, (vi) a cash-out ticket associated
with a minimum amount of game play activity performed prior to
issuance of the cash-out ticket (e.g., a player completed at least
ten game plays prior to cashing out a credit balance and obtaining
the cash-out ticket), etc. It should be noted that the last example
of a qualifying cash-out ticket may be helpful in deterring
"gaming" of the embodiments of the present system wherein a player
may establish a credit balance and immediately cash it out in the
form of a cash-out ticket in order to obtain a cash-out ticket to
redeem along with a supplemental ticket.
[0207] Thus, in one embodiment, step 820 may comprise determining
whether a cash-out ticket along with which the received
supplemental ticket is being redeemed is a qualifying cash-out
ticket. For example, turning to FIG. 6A, if supplemental ticket
type 102 is received by a gaming device, it may be determined that
the supplemental ticket of the type is only redeemable along with a
cash-out ticket having a face value of $50.00 or less. Thus, if the
gaming device at which the supplemental ticket is received
determines that the cash-out receipt that has been received along
with the supplemental ticket has a face value of $50.00 or less
(e.g., based on an identifier of the cash-out ticket), it may be
determined that this redemption condition has been satisfied.
[0208] If it is determined that the redemption condition(s)
associated with the supplemental ticket have not been satisfied,
the process 800 continues to step 825, in which a redemption
failure message is output. For example, a gaming device may output
via a display device a message that reads "Unfortunately, we are
unable to authorize redemption of your supplemental ticket for the
following reasons . . . " or "Sorry, this Bonus Ticket only valid
at Volcano Madness machines only." In one embodiment, a partial
redemption of a supplemental ticket may be authorized if not all of
the redemption condition(s) associated with the supplemental ticket
have been satisfied and/or if a redemption condition has not been
completely satisfied. If a partial redemption is authorized, an
associated player may be provided with a different benefit and/or a
benefit of an altered (e.g., reduced) value in lieu of the benefit
the player would have been provided if a full redemption had been
authorized. In such a partial redemption embodiment, the following
message may be output to a player: "Sorry, you do not qualify for
the cash bonus of this bonus ticket. But you do qualify for a food
bonus instead!."
[0209] In one embodiment, one or more instructions for how the
supplemental ticket may be appropriately redeemed may be output to
a player. In one embodiment, such an instruction may be output to a
player upon the player attempting to inappropriately redeem a
supplemental ticket and failing. For example, a casino floor map
may then be output to player (e.g., a drawing is output via a
display screen or ticket-in/ticket-out device), indicating the
location of one or more qualifying devices if the redemption
condition that was not satisfied is a redemption condition
specifying one or more qualifying devices. In another embodiment,
such an instruction may be output at a time a cash-out ticket
and/or a supplemental ticket is output to a player. For example, a
cash-out ticket may comprises a map (e.g., a layout of the casino
floor indicating one or more qualifying devices is printed on the
back of a ticket).
[0210] In one embodiment, step 825 may include a step of returning
the supplemental ticket to the player and/or storing an indication
of the attempted redemption of the supplemental ticket (or causing
another device to store such an indication).
[0211] If it is determined, in step 820, that the redemption
condition(s) associated with the received supplemental ticket have
been satisfied, the process 800 continues to step 830. In step 830
a parameter is modified in accordance with the benefit associated
with the supplemental ticket. This step presupposes an embodiment
in which a benefit associated with a supplemental ticket comprises
altering or modifying a parameter associated with at least one of a
gaming device,. a player, and a cash-out receipt along with which
the supplemental ticket is redeemed. Other methods of providing a
benefit associated with a supplemental ticket are within the scope
of the present invention.
[0212] As described herein, a gaming device receiving a
supplemental ticket along with at least one other ticket may, in
accordance with a benefit associated with the supplemental ticket,
modify a parameter. Modification of a parameter may comprise
alteration, modification, change, initiation, activation and/or
downloading of a parameter and/or value associated with the
parameter. Information regarding the parameter(s) to be modified
may be communicable to (i) a supplemental ticket bearer (e.g., text
indicates "Insert this supplemental ticket to activate Double
Jackpot Mode"), and (ii) a gaming device (e.g., which scans a bar
code to determine a supplemental ticket type identifier, then
accesses supplemental ticket data associated with the identifier).
It should be noted that, in one embodiment, all of the information
necessary to determine which parameter to alter and how to alter it
may be included on the supplemental ticket in machine-readable
form, such that a gaming device may receive all necessary
instructions for altering the parameter directly from the
supplemental ticket, without need to communicate with another
device and/or access a database.
[0213] As described herein, a parameter that may be modified in
accordance with a benefit defined by a supplemental ticket may
comprise a parameter associated with a gaming device, a player,
and/or a cash-out receipt. In one embodiment, a benefit may be
associated with an instruction (e.g., code recognizable by a
processor of a device) for modifying the parameter. In one
embodiment, such an instruction may be programmed into a gaming
device or another device operable to communicate with the gaming
device, such that upon receiving a supplemental ticket and
determining the benefit defined by the supplemental ticket, a
processor may access the instruction associated with the benefit in
memory and execute the instruction. In another embodiment, the
instruction may be included on the supplemental ticket and thus
received upon the receipt of the supplemental ticket. In one
embodiment, a gaming device may receive a supplemental ticket,
determine an identifier of the supplemental ticket and communicate
the identifier to another device (e.g., a controller). Upon
receiving the identifier, the other device may determine the
benefit and/or instruction associated with the identifier. The
other device may then (i) transmit the instruction to the gaming
device, (ii) direct the gaming device to modify the parameter in
accordance with the instruction, and/or (iii) modify directly the
parameter in accordance with the instruction.
[0214] For example, a parameter may comprise a balance of credits
available for wagering. A balance of credits available for wagering
may be associated with a gaming device, player and/or a cash-out
ticket. For example, a cash-out ticket with a face value of $45 may
enable a player to establish a balance of forty-five (45) credits
at a dollar denomination gaming device and may thus be
characterized as a cash-out ticket associated with a balance of
forty-five (45) credits. The initial balance of forty-five (45)
credits associated with the cash-out ticket may be characterized as
a parameter that may be altered. The initial value of the parameter
is the forty-five (45) credits. A supplemental ticket may then
define a benefit and an instruction to alter such a parameter. For
example, a supplemental ticket may be associated with a benefit of
additional credits that may be used to wager at a gaming device,
with a value of the benefit being five (5) credits. The
supplemental ticket may also define an instruction for modifying a
parameter, the instruction instructing a receiving device to add
five (5) credits to a balance of credits available for wagering
(e.g., a balance of credits associated with a cash-out receipt, a
balance of credits associated with a gaming device, and/or a
balance of credits associated with a player). Such a supplemental
ticket may have read, for example, "Insert this supplemental ticket
into a gaming device before inserting any cash-out ticket worth $50
or less, and receive five additional bonus credits."
[0215] In another example, a parameter may comprise a parameter of
game play or a game session (e.g., a payout parameter, resource
parameter, probability parameter, loss parameter). For example, a
player may establish a balance of forty (40) credits at a gaming
device. A game play parameter (e.g., a probability parameter, such
as the likelihood of receiving a particular outcome) may then be
adjusted as described further herein.
[0216] As described above, many different categories of parameters
that may be modified are within the scope of the present invention.
How a parameter is modified may be based on the category of
parameter being modified. Described below are some exemplary
processes for modifying some respective example parameters.
[0217] As described above, one category of parameter is a credit
balance parameter. Modifying a balance parameter may comprise, for
example, one or more of the following: (i) adding x credits to a
credit meter balance of a gaming device (such credits may be
cashable or non-cashable); (ii) increasing a credit amount
indicated by a cash-out ticket by x %; (iii) multiplying a credit
amount indicated by a cash-out ticket by x %; (iv) multiplying a
credit amount indicated by a cash-out ticket by a randomly
determined number; (v) either multiplying or dividing a credit
amount indicated by a cash-out ticket by a specified factor.
[0218] Regarding example (i) of how a balance parameter may be
modified, it should be noted that a supplemental ticket that
indicates this benefit (having x credits added to a credit meter
balance) defines a benefit of a specified value, wherein the value
may be determined and communicated at the time of issuance of the
supplemental ticket.
[0219] Examples (ii) and (iii), on the other hand, are examples of
supplemental tickets that may define a benefit a value of which is
not determined and/or determinable until the supplemental ticket is
redeemed. For example, in both example (ii) and (iii), the value of
the benefit is dependent on the value of the cash-out ticket along
with which the supplemental ticket is redeemed. Of course, in one
embodiment a supplemental ticket may be associated with a specific
cash-out ticket at the time of issuance of the supplemental ticket.
Thus, the value of the specific associated cash-out ticket may be
known at the time of issuance of the supplemental ticket.
Therefore, the value of the benefit defined by the supplemental
ticket may be determined and/or determinable at the time of
issuance of the supplemental ticket.
[0220] Regarding example (iv) of how a balance parameter may be
modified, an example supplemental ticket that may cause such a
modification of a balance parameter may read: "1) Insert this bonus
ticket, 2) Insert any cash ticket, 3) Cash ticket amount is
multiplied by a Mystery Multiplier!"
[0221] Regarding example (v) of how a balance parameter may be
modified, an example supplemental ticket that may cause such a
modification may read: "Double or Whammy Ticket--1) Insert this
bonus ticket, 2) Insert any cash ticket, 3) Get either double or
half of the cash ticket's value!" It should be noted that, as
exemplified by this example, in one or more embodiments a
supplemental ticket may provide an opportunity or chance to obtain
something of value (even if the supplemental ticket is redeemed
successfully), rather than guaranteeing it.
[0222] As described above, one category of parameter is payout
parameters. Modifying a payout parameter may comprise, for example,
one or more of the following: (i) increasing (e.g., by multiplying)
a payout amount associated with one or more particular winning
outcomes by x (wherein the magnitude of x may or may not be known
or communicated at the time of issuance of the supplemental
ticket); (ii) increasing a payout amount associated with one or
more particular losing outcomes (e.g., "Some losers pay like
winners!"); (iii) provide an alternate payout in addition to a
standard credit payout--for example, a winning outcomes pays (i) a
credit amount according to a payable, and (ii) a bonus merchandise
credit (e.g., "Earn buffet credits with every win!"); (iv)
providing an alternate payout in lieu of a standard payout (e g.,
"Earn hotel credits instead of cash!"); (iv) multiply a payout
amount by a random number (e.g., "All payouts qualify for the
Mystery Multiplier!"); and (v) accessing, downloading and/or
otherwise utilizing an alternate payout table that has payouts
different from those of a default payout table.
[0223] As described above, one category of parameter is resource
parameters. Modifying a resource parameter may comprise, for
example, providing, activating, downloading, accessing, utilizing,
increasing and/or multiplying a number of one or more of the
following: (i) outcome alteration resources--for example, an
animated Guardian Angel character that changes losing outcomes into
winning outcomes (e.g., after a player presses a "Guardian Angel"
button, "7-7-Plum" is changed to "7-7-7"); (ii) start-bonus
resources (e.g., a "bonus pass" enabling a player to access a bonus
round at a desired time); (iii) collected reel symbols (e.g., a
player collects cherries that may be substituted for other symbols
on a payline); (iv) free spins and/or game plays; and (v) wild
cards in video poker.
[0224] As described above, one category of parameters is
probability parameters. Modifying a probability parameter may
comprise, for example, one or more of the following: (i) increasing
the likelihood of a bonus event--for example, by adding one or more
start-bonus symbols to the reels; (ii) increasing the likelihood of
achieving one or more particular outcomes; (iii) increase the
likelihood that one or more symbols may appear on a payline (e.g.,
by adding one or more paylines); and (iv) accessing, downloading or
otherwise utilizing an alternate probability table.
[0225] As described above, one category of parameters is loss
parameters. Modifying a loss parameter may comprise, for example,
one or more of the following: (i) reimbursing a player for x % of
an incurred loss, whereiri a loss amount may be determined by
subtracting a cashout amount from a buy-in amount; (ii) reimbursing
a player for x % of an incurred loss, wherein a loss amount may be
determined by subtracting a payout amount from a wager amount;
(iii) reimbursing a player for x % of an incurred loss greater than
y credits, wherein a loss amount may be determined by subtracting a
cashout amount from a buy-in amount; (iv) reimbursing a player for
x % of an incurred loss greater than y credits, wherein a loss
amount may be determined by subtracting a payout amount from a
wager amount; (v) providing a player with a number of free game
plays, the number being determined based on an amount of credits
wagered and lost by the player; and (vi) subtracting, during game
play, less than a full wager amount from a credit meter balance
upon a player obtaining a winning outcome that does not correspond
to a payout greater than zero.
[0226] It should be noted that any and all of the modifications to
parameters described above may be applied to, for example, to game
plays conducted during a defined period of time. The period of time
may be defined to start, for example, (i) upon insertion of a
supplemental ticket, (ii) insertion of a cash-out ticket, (iii)
initiation of a game play after insertion of a supplemental
ticket/and or a cash-out ticket, (iv) insertion of a player
tracking card, and/or (v) another predetermined event. Examples of
another predetermined event include, for example, obtainment by a
player (after insertion of a supplemental ticket and/or a cash-out
ticket), an outcome that corresponds to (i) a payout of zero, (ii)
a payout of an amount other than zero, (iii) a payout greater than
a predetermined amount that is greater than zero, (iv) one or more
particular symbols or other game indicia. The period of time may be
defined to end upon the occurrence of one or more predetermined
events. Examples of such events include, but are not limited to,
(i) an occurrence of a time that is a predefined period of time
after an initiation of a play session; (ii) an occurrence of a
predetermined number of outcomes from an initiation of a play
session; (iii) an occurrence of an outcome having a specified
characteristic (e.g., the outcome corresponds to a payout of at
least a specified magnitude, the outcome enters the player into a
bonus round, etc.); (iv) a removal of a player tracking card; (v)
one or more specified decisions or actions by a player during game
play; and (vi) a request by the player to cash-out a credit meter
balance. Such a period of time during which a parameter may be
modified may be specified on the supplemental ticket that defines a
benefit which causes the modification of the parameter.
[0227] In some embodiments, process 800 may include additional
steps, such as monitoring events associated with game play to
determine whether a modification of a parameter is to be ended. For
example, a gaming device and/or controller may, after step 830,
monitor activity at the gaming device to determine whether the end
event(s) 840 (table 600 of FIG. 6B) corresponding to the
supplemental ticket in accordance with which the parameter was
initially modified has been satisfied.
[0228] It should be understood that although embodiments of the
present invention have been described with respect to FIGS. 4
through 8 as involving wagering instruments such as a supplemental
ticket and a cash-out ticket, the embodiments may be modified to
instead involve other indicia associated with play of a gaming
device, such as codes, smart cards and/or player tracking cards.
For example, in one or more embodiments, tables 600 and 700 may
store information regarding code types and codes, respectively,
that may be output to a player without necessarily being printed on
a ticket or other substrate. For example, in one embodiment a code
may be output to a player by being displayed to a player via a
display area of a gaming device. Such a code may correspond to a
particular benefit to be provided to a player upon the player
entering the code along with a cash-out ticket or along with the
player establishing a credit balance at a gaming device via another
means. In one or more embodiments such a code may be associated
with a player identifier (e.g., of a player tracking account, such
as may be stored on a player tracking card), such that the code may
be retrieved and the benefit associated therewith applied if
appropriate upon the player providing the player identifier to a
gaming device.
[0229] Provided below are two examples of implementations of
embodiments described herein. The examples are described from a
player's perspective, to highlight how embodiments of the present
invention may encourage a player to insert a cash-out ticket into a
gaming device for game play rather than redeeming the cash-out
ticket for cash.
EXAMPLE 1
[0230] Alice is spending the day at Coupon City Casino playing slot
machines and blackjack. Having spent the morning playing slots, she
decides to cash out her balance of 55 credits and head to the
blackjack tables for a change of pace.
[0231] Alice presses the button labeled "Cash Out," and the machine
prints a cash-out ticket with a face value of $55. After the
cash-out ticket is printed, the machine also prints a supplemental
ticket of substantially the same size and shape as the receipt. The
supplemental ticket reads, "Insert this Bonus Ticket before your
Cash-Out Ticket, and get double jackpot payouts for as long as you
play!"
[0232] Alice plays blackjack for most of the afternoon, and will
soon be ready to leave the casino. Remembering her supplemental
ticket, she decides that before she takes her cash-out ticket to
the redemption kiosk, she's going to take some spins toward the
double jackpot. Glancing at the payout table of a particular slot
machine, Alice thinks, This is great. With my coupon, if I hit the
jackpot, I get 10,000 coins instead of 5,000. She approaches the
machine and inserts her supplemental ticket. The slot machine's
display screen then prompts Alice, "Please insert your Cash-Out
Ticket to start spinning for the Double Jackpot!" Alice does as
instructed.
[0233] Alice takes a number of spins, feeling the excitement
brought on by the increased chance of winning a large payout. On
one spin, Alice nearly hits the jackpot. She soon decides to cash
out and head home, having experienced a good share of thrills.
Coupon City Casino benefits from the spins Alice took that she
otherwise wouldn't have.
EXAMPLE 2
[0234] On his way to grab lunch at the casino buffet, Harold's
attention is suddenly drawn to a particular unoccupied slot
machine. On this particular Volcano Madness slot machine, the
display screen and audio speakers declare: "Bonus Ticket Eruption!
Take a free Bonus Ticket now!" As various buzzers sound and lights
flash, the machine prints a supplemental ticket.
[0235] Harold, curiosity piqued, grabs the supplemental ticket for
himself. It reads: "Insert this Bonus Ticket along with any
Cash-Out Ticket marked by a Bonus Star into a Volcano Madness
machine, and get five free bonus spins!" Harold rifles through his
cash-out tickets and notices one particular cash-out ticket bears
the Bonus Star insignia. It is a cash-out ticket worth $107.
[0236] After eating lunch, Harold is eager to seek out a Volcano
Madness machine and does so. He inserts his supplemental ticket,
reads the instructions and then inserts his $107 cash-out ticket.
The credit meter of the machine then displays his 107 cashable
credits. Another credit meter of the machine displays his five
bonus credits, which are non-cashable (they have no cash redemption
value).
[0237] Harold spins though his five bonus credits first. On his
fifth bonus spin, Harold gets a payout of fifteen (15) credits.
Harold is ecstatic. He thinks: This is found money--I'm going to go
for a huge payout now! The more Harold plays the Volcano Madness
game, the more he enjoys it. It quickly becomes his new favorite
slot machine game. He continues to gamble for nearly an hour,
ultimately cashing out at ninety-five (95) credits.
[0238] Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is an example
of a prior art cash-out ticket 900 that may be used in some
embodiments of the present invention. The cash-out ticket 900
includes information 905 that is encoded in bar code form, such
that it may readily be recognized by a gaming device. Such
information may include, for example, a unique identifier of the
cash-out ticket that may be useful in accessing data in a database.
Such data may indicate, for example, (i) a value of the cash-out
ticket (e.g., an amount of currency and/or credits that the
cash-out ticket is redeemable for); (ii) a time at which the
cash-out ticket was output; (iii) a gaming device identifier of a
gaming device at which the cash-out ticket was output; (iv) an
identifier of one or more supplemental tickets and/or supplemental
ticket types along with which the cash-out ticket is redeemable,
(v) one or more redemption conditions associated with the cash-out
ticket (e.g., an expiration date) and/or (vi) a player identifier
of a player associated with the ticket. In some embodiments, some
or all of this data may be encoded in the bar code 905.
[0239] The cash-out ticket 900 further includes a ticket identifier
910 in human-readable form. It should be understood that this
ticket identifier may be a duplicate of at least some of the
information encoded in bar code 905.
[0240] The cash-out ticket further includes an indication 915 of a
face value of the ticket. In other words, the cash-out ticket
includes an indication of an amount of currency that the cash-out
ticket may be exchanged for, which may also be an indication of a
value of credits for wagering at a gaming device that the cash-out
ticket may be exchanged for.
[0241] Referring now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein are four
example supplemental tickets 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D,
consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. Each
supplemental ticket 1000A-1000D includes a respective bar code
1000A-1000D that encodes information in machine-readable form. Such
information may include, for example, (i) a unique identifier of
the supplemental ticket, (ii) an identifier of a type of the
supplemental ticket, (iii) an indication of a benefit defined by
the supplemental ticket, (iv) an indication of an instruction for
modifying a parameter in accordance with the benefit, (v) an
indication of one or more redemption conditions associated with the
supplemental ticket, (vi) an expiration date associated with the
supplemental ticket, (viii) an indication of one or more cash-out
tickets that are associated with the supplemental ticket, and/or
(ix) an indication of one or more players associated with the
supplemental ticket.
[0242] In one embodiment, the bar code simply encodes an identifier
that is a pointer to a record of a database that stores at least
some of the information listed in items (i) through (ix). In
another embodiment, the bar code directly encodes at least some of
the information listed in items (i) through (ix).
[0243] Each supplemental ticket 1000A-1000D further includes a
respective identifier 1015A-1015D, in human-readable form, that may
be a unique identifier of the supplemental ticket or an identifier
of a type of the supplemental ticket.
[0244] Each supplemental ticket 1000A-1000D further includes a
respective indication 1020A-1020D, in human-readable form, of the
benefit associated with the supplemental ticket. In other words,
areas 1020A-1020D respectively describe the benefit a player will
realize upon successfully redeeming the corresponding supplemental
ticket. For example, supplemental ticket 1000A includes an
indication 1020A that describes to a player that the player will
receive a benefit of "5 bonus spins" upon successfully redeeming
the supplemental ticket. Supplemental ticket 1000B, on the other
hand, includes an indication 1020B that describes to a player that
the player will receive a benefit of a 10% increase in payouts upon
successfully redeeming the supplemental ticket. Supplemental ticket
1000C includes an indication 1020C that describes to a player that
the player will receive a benefit of a doubled jackpot (should the
player actually win the jackpot) upon successfully redeeming the
supplemental ticket. Supplemental ticket 1200D includes an
indication 1020D that describes to a player that the player will
receive a benefit of one (1) free guardian angel resource upon
successfully redeeming the supplemental ticket.
[0245] Each supplemental ticket 1000A-1000D further includes a
respective indication 1005A-1005D that describes, in human-readable
form, any redemption conditions associated with the supplemental
ticket and/or further clarifies the bonus to be provided upon
successful redemption of the supplemental ticket. For example,
supplemental ticket 1000A includes an indication 1005A, which
describes to a player that, in order to successfully redeem the
supplemental ticket, the player must insert the supplemental ticket
"before any cash-out ticket." Indication 1005A further indicates
that the benefit is five additional bonus spins. Supplemental
ticket 1000B, on the other hand, includes an indication 1005B,
which describes to a player that, in order to successfully redeem
the supplemental ticket, (i) the player must insert the
supplemental ticket before a cash-out ticket and (ii) that the
cash-out ticket cannot have a value of more than $50.00. Indication
1005B further clarifies that the 10% increase in payouts won by the
player will only be applied to the first twenty (2) game plays
conducted after the insertion of the supplemental ticket.
[0246] It should be understood that the embodiments described above
are not meant to be limiting in any sense, and various
modifications of the described embodiments and additional
embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. Some
example modified and additional embodiments will now be described.
Also provided below is additional description and/or clarification
of already described embodiments.
[0247] In some embodiments, a first cash-out ticket may be received
along with a second cash-out ticket, and a parameter may be altered
based on the receipt of the two cash-out ticket (e.g., rather than
requiring a receipt of a supplemental ticket. In other words, in
one embodiment a cash-out ticket may function as a supplemental
ticket, as that term is described herein. For example, a player may
be provided with a first cash-out ticket having a face value of $4
and a second cash-out ticket having a face value of $150. The first
cash-out ticket may indicate, "Insert this Cash-Out Ticket along
with any other Cash-Out Ticket worth $50 or more, and get a free
Bonus Round Pass every 20 minutes, as long as you play!" A player
inserting both cash-out tickets into a gaming device may then be
provided with (i) a balance of $154 credits, and (ii) an altered
parameter (e.g., a start-bonus parameter as described). Thus, the
first cash-out ticket (which may function as a supplemental ticket
as well as a cash-out ticket) may comprise, for example, (i) a
cash-out ticket identifier such that the face value may be
redeemed, and (ii) a supplemental ticket type identifier such that
a parameter may be altered based on the receipt of the cash-out
ticket along with at least one other ticket. In this manner, a
gaming device may output a first cash-out ticket that encourages a
player to recycle both the first cash-out ticket and a second
cash-out ticket.
[0248] Rules for outputting cash-out tickets and/or supplemental
tickets may consider player data. For example, a rule for
outputting a cash out ticket (e.g., a cash-out ticket that also
functions as a supplemental ticket) may specify the following: if a
player database indicates a player has received a cash-out ticket
worth $50 or more today, provide a supplemental ticket or a
cash-out ticket that also functions as a supplemental ticket the
next time the player cashes out.
[0249] In some embodiments, a first supplemental ticket and second
supplemental ticket may be used in conjunction, such that a player
does not need a cash-out ticket in order to receive a benefit
defined by one of the supplemental tickets. In other words, as
described above, in one embodiment the at least one other ticket
that may be received along with a supplemental ticket may itself
comprise a supplemental ticket. For example, a player may be
provided with two supplemental tickets, each comprising a
supplemental ticket type identifier, such that when both are
inserted into a gaming device, a parameter may be altered (e.g.,
payout parameter). The two supplemental tickets may comprise
similar indicia such that the indicia indicate an association among
the two supplemental tickets.
[0250] For example, in an embodiment evoking a scavenger hunt
theme, gaming devices may be configured to randomly output a
variety of supplemental ticket types throughout the day. Each
supplemental ticket type may comprise an associated indicia (e.g.,
a first supplemental ticket type bears one-half of a star indicia,
a second supplemental ticket type bears one-half of a casino chip
indicia). Players may thus be required to find supplemental tickets
with "matching" indicia--once two or more of these supplemental
tickets are found by a player, the player may insert them into a
gaming device to obtain a benefit defined by one or a combination
of the supplemental tickets (e.g., two half-stars create a "fall
star bonus", which bonus comprises a doubling of a top
jackpot).
[0251] In another embodiment, a parameter associated with a
cash-out ticket may not be altered unless the cash-out ticket is
received in conjunction with both a first and second supplemental
ticket (i.e., two or more supplemental tickets may be required to
be input along with a cash-out ticket in order to obtain a benefit
defined by one or more of the two or more supplemental tickets). In
such an embodiment, one or more of the supplemental tickets may
read, for example: "1) Insert two Half-Star Bonus Tickets, (2)
Insert any Cash-Out Ticket, 3) Get 3 Free Wild Cards!").
[0252] In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may be associated
with two or more benefits (e.g., an alteration of two or more
parameters). For example, a supplemental ticket may read: "Get two
bonus spins and 5% higher payouts!"
[0253] As stated, the process steps described herein may be
performed in a variety of orders. For example, a gaming device may
(i) output a supplemental ticket, (ii) output a cash-out ticket,
(iii) receive a cash-out ticket, (iv) receive a supplemental
ticket, and (v) alter a parameter. In another example, a gaming
device may (i) output a cash-out ticket, (ii) receive a cash-out
ticket, (iii) output a supplemental ticket, (iv) receive the
supplemental ticket, and (v) alter a parameter.
[0254] In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may be output or
provided by a device or entity other than a gaming device. For
example, one or more kiosks of a slot floor may be configured to
output supplemental ticket. In another embodiment, supplemental
ticket may be handed out by casino representatives and/or mailed to
casino patrons.
[0255] In one embodiment wherein a supplemental ticket is output by
a device such as a slot machine or kiosk, one or more additional
output devices may be actuated upon the output of the supplemental
ticket. For example, in accordance with supplemental ticket output
rules data, a slot machine may output a supplemental ticket after
being idle for five minutes. An audio/video sequence may accompany
the output of the supplemental ticket so as to draw the attention
of nearby players. For example, audio speakers may sound an alarm
while a display screen flashes, "Bonus Ticket Time!" Such activity
may increase the excitement experienced by patrons of a casino.
[0256] In another embodiment, a lottery agent provides a lottery
ticket which may also be used as a supplemental ticket. For
example, a lottery ticket may indicate, "Not a winner? Take to
Coupon City Casino to get Double Jackpots with any Cash-Out
Ticket!"
[0257] As described herein, in some embodiments, the step of
altering a parameter may comprise a random component. For example,
a supplemental ticket may indicate, "Insert this Bonus Ticket along
with any Cash Ticket to get a Mystery Credit Bonus"--thus, a player
inserting the supplemental ticket along with a cash-out ticket may
be entitled to a number of bonus spins, the exact number being
determined by a random number generator. An animation or
audio/video sequence may accompany the determination of the random
number (e.g., a "Credit Bonus Wheel" spins and stops on a section
entitling the player to "3 Free Spins").
[0258] In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may alter or
enable an alternate payout value associated with a cash-out ticket.
For example, a supplemental ticket may indicate, "Present this
supplemental ticket along with any Cash-Out Ticket worth $20 or
less at the Skyview Buffet, and get double the Cash-Out Ticket's
value in buffet credit!"
[0259] In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may include an
instruction for modifying a parameter, and a gaming device may
modify the parameter in accordance with the instruction, without
receiving a cash-out ticket. For example, if a supplemental ticket
indicates "Insert this Bonus Ticket to get a free Guardian Angel!",
a player may insert the supplemental ticket into a gaming device
and receive the resource (i.e., no accompanying cash-out ticket or
supplemental ticket is required).
[0260] In some embodiments, activity of a player may be tracked
throughout a specified period of time, such that a value of a
benefit associated with a supplemental ticket may be determined
based on the activity of the player. Such an embodiment would
enable, for example, a "Day-Long Supplemental Ticket" entitling the
bearer to "50% of your losses today rebated as Food Credit!" A food
credit may comprise, for example, credit redeemable for food at a
casino buffet and/or high-end casino restaurant. A wager amount and
payout amount may be tracked for each game play the player
participated in throughout the day, such that, for example, a total
loss amount may be recorded in association with a player identifier
of a player database. For example, a player may be identified by a
player tracking card. In other embodiments, a player may be
identified by inserting a cash-out ticket, entering an
identification code via a slot machine input device, biometric
means, and the like.
[0261] As described, in some embodiments, rules for outputting a
supplemental ticket may consider player data. For example, a
long-time casino patron or a player who engaged in a particular
activity or behavior may be provided with a more valuable
supplemental ticket than a patron who only recently registered for
a player tracking card or a player who did not engage in the
particular activity or behavior. A more valuable supplemental
ticket may be considered to be a supplemental ticket defining a
benefit that is considered to be more beneficial to a player or a
benefit associated with a higher value (e.g., a higher monetary
value).
[0262] In one embodiment, a gaming device comprises (i) a
supplemental ticket input/output device, and (ii) a cash-out ticket
input/output device. Thus, supplemental tickets and cash-out
tickets may be output and received by different devices (i.e., one
"slot" is for supplemental tickets, another for cash-out
tickets).
[0263] In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may be reusable.
For example, a first gaming device may (i) receive a supplemental
ticket, (ii) receive a first cash-out ticket, (iii) alter a
parameter as indicated by an instruction associated with the
supplemental ticket, and (iv) output the same supplemental ticket
or another supplemental ticket that allows the player to again
realize the benefit of the supplemental ticket that had initially
been received by the gaming device. A player may then take the
supplemental ticket output by the first gaming device to second
gaming device, which may (i) receive the supplemental ticket, (ii)
receive a second cash-out ticket, (iii) alter a parameter as
indicated by an instruction associated with the supplemental
ticket, etc.
[0264] In one embodiment, a benefit defined by a supplemental
ticket may comprise an extension of an expiration date associated
with a cash-out ticket. For example, a supplemental ticket may be
used to "unexpire" a cash-out ticket that has not been redeemed
before an indicated expiration date, or used to extend an
expiration date of a not-yet-expired cash-out ticket.
[0265] In one embodiment, a supplemental ticket may be used in lieu
of a player tracking card to provide player data. For example,
after a player completes a game session, a gaming device may output
(i) a cash-out ticket, and (ii) a supplemental ticket indicating a
player identifier (e.g., a bar code that points to information on
wager amounts, payout amounts, and other behavior stored in a
player database). The player may then insert the supplemental
ticket before initiating a game play on a gaming device, such that
the gaming device may determine a player identifier as if the
player has inserted a player tracking card.
[0266] In one embodiment, a supplemental ticket may be inserted
during a play session (as opposed to a beginning of a play session)
and the benefit associated with the supplemental ticket may be
provided at the time of insertion or based on the time of
insertion. For example, a supplemental ticket may indicate, "Insert
this bonus ticket while playing a gaming device for a free bonus
round entry!" In one embodiment, a supplemental ticket may provide
a time extension for a game session associated with another ticket.
For example, if a player inserts a cash-out ticket into a gaming
device and purchases a 30-minute game session for $20, the player
may insert the supplemental ticket at any time to add five free
minutes of playing time.
[0267] In one embodiment, a value of a benefit associated with a
supplemental ticket may decrease over time. For example, when
inserted with a cash-out ticket, a supplemental ticket may provide
a benefit of five bonus spins if redeemed during a first day, four
bonus spins if redeemed during a second day, etc. It should be
noted that in one embodiment the supplemental ticket may only be
redeemable once, such that if the player redeems the supplemental
ticket during the first day and obtains the five bonus spins, the
supplemental ticket may not be redeemed during the second day for
the four bonus spins. In another embodiment, a supplemental ticket
may be redeemable multiple times. Thus, returning to the above
example as an illustration, if the player redeems the supplemental
ticket during the first day for the five bonus spins, the player
may again redeem the supplemental ticket during the second day for
the four bonus spins.
[0268] In some embodiments, a player may receive a "supplemental
ticket card" (e.g., a plastic card resembling a credit card or
player tracking card, comprising data encoded via a magnetic
stripe). The supplemental ticket card may then be used in
conjunction with a cash-out ticket (or another wagering instrument
or manner of establishing a balance of credits at a gaming device)
to alter a parameter. For example, instructions associated with a
supplemental ticket card may read: "1) Insert this supplemental
ticket card, 2) insert any Cash-Out ticket, 3) get 5% higher
payouts between 10 and 11 p.m.!". In some embodiments, a
supplemental ticket card comprises a player tracking card. In one
embodiment, as a player earns, purchases or is otherwise awarded
supplemental tickets (e.g., or codes having associated benefits
therewith), those supplemental ticket identifiers may be associated
with the supplemental ticket card for subsequent redemption by the
player.
[0269] In another example, a player device rather than a
supplemental ticket may be used to indicate that a parameter (e.g.,
a parameter associated with a cash-out ticket) may be altered
(e.g., a PDA sends an infrared signal to a gaming device).
[0270] In some embodiments, a cash-out ticket and/or a supplemental
ticket may comprise a game piece. For example, a cash-out ticket
may indicate: "Monopoly.RTM. Game Piece: Park Place. Collect
Boardwalk to get $25,000! Mail-in instructions on back". Thus,
players may be motivated to collect and save cash-out tickets
and/or supplemental tickets rather than redeem them, resulting in
profits for casinos.
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