U.S. patent application number 12/511656 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-26 for systems and methods for customized gaming limits.
Invention is credited to Patrick W. Nee, JR., Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco, JAY S. WALKER.
Application Number | 20090291755 12/511656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39876669 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090291755 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WALKER; JAY S. ; et
al. |
November 26, 2009 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZED GAMING LIMITS
Abstract
Embodiments are generally directed to facilitating the
establishing and/or managing of gaming rules and/or limits
associated with players. In some embodiments, third parties may
establish and/or manage such rules and/or limits. Some embodiments
implement such rules and/or limits by conducting game plays and/or
gaming sessions in accordance with such rules and/or limits.
Inventors: |
WALKER; JAY S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Tedesco; Daniel E.; (Shelton, CT) ;
Tedesco; Robert C.; (Fairfield, CT) ; Nee, JR.;
Patrick W.; (Old Greenwich, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
39876669 |
Appl. No.: |
12/511656 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11408288 |
Apr 20, 2006 |
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12511656 |
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10174432 |
Jun 17, 2002 |
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11408288 |
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60298482 |
Jun 15, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G06Q 50/34 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G07F 17/3262
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/29 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving an indication of a gaming rule
associated with a player, wherein the gaming rule is defined by a
third party and wherein the gaming rule permits the player to
execute a game play governed by at least one gaming limit;
receiving an indication of a request to execute the game play for
the player; determining that the game play is compliant with the at
least one gaming limit; and executing the game play.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/408,288, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
CUSTOMIZED GAMING LIMITS", filed Apr. 20, 2006, which is a
continuation-in-part that claims priority and benefit under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/174,432
entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLANNING AND CUSTOMIZING A
GAMING EXPERIENCE" filed Jun. 17, 2002, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/298,482 entitled "METHOD
AND APPARATUS FOR PLANNING AND CUSTOMIZING A GAMING EXPERIENCE"
filed on Jun. 15, 2001, each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are currently over five hundred thousand (500,000)
slot machines in operation that generate more than fifteen billion
dollars ($15 billion) in annual revenue for United States casinos.
Most casinos generate more than half of their gaming revenues from
slot machines and some individual casinos offer two or three
thousand (2,000 or 3,000) slot machines at a single location. In
fact, two (2) different casinos in Connecticut each provide over
six thousand (6,000) gaming devices for players.
[0003] For players, finding a machine that they like can be very
difficult. For example, a player looking for a "Full Pay Jacks or
Better" video poker machine might spend half an hour or more
looking for one, only to find that the casino does not have one.
Such a frustrated player might then be tempted to just leave to try
another casino. Even upon finding a preferred game, the player may
discover that there are elements of the game that he does not like
(e.g., the type font is too small, or the cards are dealt too
fast).
[0004] Casinos often contain hundreds of security cameras. Most
footage gathered through the cameras is of a routine nature. The
footage is simply stored on tape and eventually erased without ever
being used. The expense associated with maintaining and operating
so many cameras is significant.
[0005] Many people center entire vacations around casino visits.
Many vacationers must travel significant distances to reach a
casino and thus, casinos frequently offer hotel accommodations,
resort facilities, restaurants, and shopping, in addition to
gaming. Visitors to Las Vegas spend an average of four and three
tenths (4.3) days in Las Vegas and make, on average, only one and
nine tenths (1.9) trips there per year. Thus, vacationers have
limited time to enjoy gaming.
[0006] People may spend weeks planning a vacation, often beginning
far in advance of the vacation. Planning for a vacation builds
excitement and anticipation. Planning also allows people to forego
logistical and other mundane considerations during the limited time
when they would rather be enjoying themselves. In addition,
vacationers frequently go through the trouble of carrying
photography and video equipment to capture images to remember their
vacation.
[0007] It is believed that many people lack self-control over their
gambling behavior. To curtail problem or compulsive gambling, some
states, through legislation and/or regulation, now require casino
operators to manage or consult "self-exclusion" lists of players
who voluntarily wish to be banned from casino premises. However, an
ongoing need exists for additional tools that enable players and
others to limit and/or manage gaming behavior.
[0008] Systems and methods to correct and/or remedy these and other
deficiencies associated with gaming facilities and the use thereof
are therefore provided herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example system
according to some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an alternative
example system according to some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
central controller according to some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
casino server according to some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a user
terminal according to some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
gaming device according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
marketer device according to some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 7A is a drawing illustrating an example of a preference
preparation menu screen for use with some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 7B is a drawing illustrating an example of a gaming
rule preparation menu screen for use with some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an example of a preference
preparation sub-menu screen for use with some embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example user database for use in some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example trip documentation database for use in some
embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example gaming circle database for use in some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example preparation database for use in some embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example product database for use in some embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to
some embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to
some embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to
some embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to
some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
I. Introduction
[0028] Some embodiments described herein overcome various drawbacks
of the prior art by allowing a user and/or third party to remotely
plan and/or define various aspects of a gaming and/or gambling
experience. In some embodiments, a user may customize the look and
feel of a gaming device prior to visiting the casino. He may also
choose a preferred game, a preferred pay table, preferred odds, win
percentages, and so on. According to some embodiments, players,
users, and/or third parties may also or alternatively set, select,
and/or define gaming limits (e.g., to prevent, manage, and/or
combat problem gambling).
[0029] In some embodiments for example, a user and/or a third party
may remotely select a betting system that prevents or limits, in
one or more ways, the user's ability to wager at a casino and/or
pursuant to a lottery game. For example, in some embodiments, a
user may remotely record a preference that limits the total number
of wagers that the user may make at a casino within a given period
of time.
[0030] In some embodiments, the user and/or a third party may
remotely select a betting system that allocates winnings to
predetermined accounts, that increases and decreases the rate of
handle pulls based on gambling results, and so on. Remotely
selecting a betting system may, for example, allow a user to follow
a predetermined gaming strategy, avoiding tempting deviations while
at the slot machine.
[0031] In some embodiments, a user may involve friends, relatives,
and/or other acquaintances in his gambling vacation. In some
embodiments, a user may identify a group of people who are to share
in his winnings. The user may then embark on his vacation with the
good wishes of all those who will benefit from his results. In some
embodiments, a user may remotely submit e-mail addresses of friends
so that the e-mail addresses are readily available for him at his
destination casino. The user may then e-mail his friends as he
wins. In some embodiments, a user may also remotely set up an
account on a casino server or a particular slot machine, receive an
e-mail address for his account, and then let friends and relatives
know where they may contact him.
[0032] In some embodiments, a user and/or a third party may
remotely set up (e.g., arrange for, specify limits associated with)
credit lines so that he need not carry large amounts of cash to a
casino or have to process a credit application while on vacation.
In some embodiments a user may be presented with, and accept, a
marketing offer (and thus agree to fulfill any associated
obligations) in exchange for casino resort discounts, coupons,
complimentary ("comp") program points, free gambling credits,
and/or insurance against gambling losses. In some embodiments a
user may arrange to receive marketing offers at a casino. The user
may then choose whether or not to accept the marketing offers
depending on how much he has won or lost at the casino.
[0033] In some embodiments, a user may remotely configure a user
interface to a gaming device. When the user then appears at a
gaming device, he may benefit from the use of areas on the touch
screen that allow him to make his favorite bet, order his favorite
drink, accept an offer from a marketer, and so on. Moreover, where
a user and/or third party has limited the player's ability to
gamble in one or more ways, certain options (e.g., game options,
game features, wager amounts, paylines, contract play options,
payment processing options) may be disabled or modified. For
example, certain options may be removed from the user interface or
display, or otherwise disabled (e.g., obfuscated, "grayed out",
etc.).
[0034] In some embodiments, a user may remotely designate prizes or
comps he desires. A user may remotely submit his intended travel
plans, including how long he is to stay at a destination, how much
he is to gamble, where he is to eat, and so on. The user may then
receive marketing offers based on his intentions.
[0035] In some embodiments, a user may remotely select a method of
documentation for a trip to a casino. He may ask a casino to use
its security cameras to take pictures of him when he has won large
prizes. He may ask that the casino save the results of particular
spins on the slot machine, for later reenactment. The user may then
be motivated to spend most of his time at that casino if the user
wants his vacation documented in a consistent manner.
[0036] In some embodiments, a central controller communicates with
multiple user devices, multiple casino servers, and multiple
marketer devices. In some embodiments, a central controller may be
operated by an entity other than a casino, such as a governmental
entity (e.g., a regulatory agency; a judicial officer or agent), a
commercial service or a noncommercial service (e.g., a nonprofit
organization, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling).
The casino servers, in turn, are generally in communication with
multiple casino devices, including gaming devices.
[0037] In some embodiments, prior to visiting a casino, a user
and/or third party may log onto a Web site hosted by the central
controller. On the Web site, the user and/or a third party may
prepare for the user's visit to the casino by inputting a gaming
device configuration, choosing a betting system, selecting a group
of friends with which to share winnings, limiting gaming
activities, and/or by performing or using other aspects as
described herein. The central controller may then associate all the
data defining the user's preparations with a preparation code or a
user identifier, such as the user's name, a player tracking card
number, and/or player's biometric data, and store the user's
preparation data in, for example, a preparation database and the
user identifier in a user database. When the user subsequently
visits a casino (and/or other gaming establishment), the user may
submit his user identifier and/or preparation code to any gaming
and/or casino device. The device may then contact the central
controller via the casino server and receive the user's preparation
data. The casino device may then modify its operations in
accordance with the preparation data. For example, the casino
device may execute software for a particular game the user has
chosen, or may spin the reels at a speed the user has chosen.
Further, the casino device may prevent or limit some or all gaming
activity by the user at one or more gaming devices.
[0038] Also, once a user has submitted his user identifier to a
first casino device, other casino devices may act in accordance
with the user's preparation data. For example, if a user has asked
that pictures of him be taken when he wins any prize of one
thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, a security camera may focus on
the user when he wins any such prize. Further, if a user has
previously instructed the central controller that he does not wish
to spend more than one hundred dollars ($100) during a given week,
then a casino server and/or one or more other gaming devices may
track the user's wagers and prevent gaming at one or more gaming
devices once the user has wagered and lost one hundred dollars
($100).
[0039] In some embodiments, the central controller and the casino
server comprise the same device. In such a case, the combined
central controller/server may be in communication with casino
devices at multiple casinos, or, in some embodiments, may be in
communication with casino devices at only a single casino. In some
embodiments, it may be desirable to configure the central
controller/server to communicate with casino devices at multiple
casinos so that a user may be limited or prevented from gambling
(e.g., at the casino devices) according to rules previously
registered by the user and/or a third party. For example, a user
may register, through a Web site hosted by the central
controller/server, his preference to limit his gambling activity in
a given month. As the user visits one or more casinos within the
month, the central controller/server may track the user's gambling
activity at various gaming devices, and may instruct a casino
server and/or gaming device to limit the user's ability to gamble,
as initially requested. Thus, a user with an actual or perceived
propensity to gamble compulsively may be limited in his ability to
gamble at participating casinos (e.g., casinos within a given state
jurisdiction).
[0040] According to some embodiments, a gaming device may be
customized by a player and/or a third party over the Internet. By
logging on to a central controller, the player and/or third party
may be provided with a menu of game types and a series of potential
customization options, such as gaming limits. After providing
customization data, the player may provide or be given a
customization code that can be entered into any slot machine to
reconfigure it with the stored customizations. For example, a user
may log on to the Internet via a personal computer and access a
casino Web site for customizing slot machines. The user may select
from among several game types (e.g., deuces-wild, jacks or better,
video reel, three reel, five reel, video poker, blackjack, etc.)
and proceed to configure the game to his liking. For example, the
user may set a default game denomination, a game starting point,
rules for making automatic play decisions, game rules, a color
scheme, a level of help, a bonus frequency, a bonus duration, a
speed of reel spin, a font size and/or style, a currency type, a
sound type, a sound level, a language, a currency, a payout
structure, a payout amount, a payout option, a team option, a comp
format, a jackpot probability, a total dollar limit for wagering
within a given period, a total time limit for wagering within a
given period, a total number of allowable "visits" to a gaming
establishment within a time period (e.g., a player residing locally
to a casino may only place wagers at the casino three (3) out of
every seven (7) calendar days), etc. After completing the
customization, the user may be provided with a customization code
or he may provide a customization code (e.g., a player tracking
card identifier and/or a biometric identifier). When the user
arrives at a casino and sits down at a slot machine, he enters his
customization code (e.g., inserts a player tracking card and/or
scans a fingerprint) and the game and/or device reconfigures itself
to the user's previously provided customizations.
[0041] In some embodiments, information about a user may be used to
provide targeted advertising and/or targeted marketing offers to
the user. For example, a user may log on to a central controller
(i.e., the customization Web site) and answer a series of questions
about himself. For example, he might identify his age, gender,
whether or not he owns a home, the types of magazines he buys,
whether he has any children, whether he has any stock investments,
his blood pressure and cholesterol levels, his education level, the
identity of his long distance phone carrier, etc. The answers to
these questions may be stored along with an associated
customization code and transmitted to the casino server. When the
player arrives at a casino and sits down at a gaming device to
play, he enters his customization code, which is then transmitted
to the casino server. During the gambling session, if it is
determined that a marketing offer should be provided to the player,
then the marketing answers are retrieved and used to better target
the marketing offer. An offer to switch long distance service from
AT&T.RTM. to MCI.RTM., for example, might be skipped in favor
of another offer if the player is already an MCI.RTM. customer.
[0042] In some embodiments, the casino may store customization
information about the player. For example, if the player is a
frequent gambler, the casino might activate a comp payout
percentage of two percent (2%) instead of the more typical one
percent (1%). In some embodiments, instead of logging on to the
central controller, the player may log directly into a casino
server or a slot machine. The connection might be through the
Internet or via a direct dial/WAN connection. Customization data
may be provided as described herein. In this embodiment, the player
might be able to retrieve information from the casino about his
play. The player may provide his player tracking identifier (and
possibly a PIN code for security) to gain access to his account.
The player may also check to see how much he has won for IRS tax
reporting purposes, for example.
[0043] With these and other advantages and features of the
invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of some
embodiments may be more clearly understood by reference to the
following detailed description, the appended claims, and to the
several figures included and described herein.
[0044] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments that may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice such embodiments, and
it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and
that structural, logical, software, and/or electrical changes may
be made without departing from the scope of these embodiments. The
following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited
sense.
[0045] Applicants have generally recognized that a need exists for
systems and methods that allow users to quickly and easily locate
suitable gaming devices without having to hunt through thousands of
other gaming devices. One particular benefit to users of
embodiments described herein is that users are able to cause a
gaming device to instantly conform to their individual player
preferences upon presentation of a customization or preparation
code. The players do not need to waste time wading through an
elaborate maze of gaming devices on the casino floor instead of
actually using time to play the games. A second benefit to the user
is that marketing offers presented via a gaming device may be much
more targeted and controlled which results in less time wasted by
the user having to reject offers that are not appropriate or
interesting. Further, using the embodiments described herein, a
user can greatly extend the excitement of a gambling vacation. The
user has the opportunity to build anticipation prior to the
vacation by planning numerous aspects before hand. He can test
various gaming device configurations to find the one that's just
right. He can get his friends involved by signing them up to win if
he wins. He can arrange for tokens of good luck or sentimental
value (e.g., pictures of pets) to be with him at the gaming device.
The user can also extend the excitement of the vacation on the
other end by reviewing a scrapbook and other mementos of his trip
when it is documented by the casino. The user has the opportunity
to optimize his playing conditions and other aspects of his
vacation, without wasting precious time during the vacation. For
example, a user can determine a good configuration for a gaming
device in advance, and/or determine where in Las Vegas to find a
gaming device capable of that configuration.
[0046] Applicants have also generally recognized that a need exists
for systems and methods that allow users and other third parties to
flexibly customize rules which prevent or limit some or all the
gaming activity of one or more players at one or more gaming
devices in one or more casinos. Current self-exclusion list regimes
take an "all or nothing" approach by banning outright voluntarily
included individuals from all the casinos in the given
jurisdiction. That is, the self-exclusion list approach assumes
that compulsive or problem gambling is not one of degree. Such
overbroad restriction on gaming serves to prevent entirely the
gaming of players who may be able to safely or without compulsion
gamble at certain games, in certain limits, at certain times, etc.,
and such overbroad restriction thus unduly limits casino revenue
potential. Such self-exclusion mechanisms also do not appear to be
applicable to other gaming environments such as arcades and/or
online gaming of any sort. Accordingly, embodiments described
herein provide players with flexibility in limiting or preventing
their play at one or more games, devices, and/or casinos.
[0047] Applicants have also generally recognized that a need exists
for systems and methods that allow players who have real and/or
perceived (e.g., suspected by a third party) gambling problems to
receive reminders and guidance concerning wagering activity at a
time substantially contemporaneously to the play of a gaming
device. Accordingly, disclosed herein are systems and methods that
allow players who have real and/or perceived gambling problems to
receive reminders and guidance concerning wagering activity at a
time substantially contemporaneously to the play of a gaming
device.
[0048] Applicants have also generally recognized that a need exists
for systems and methods that allow players who have real and/or
perceived gambling problems to communicate with third parties (such
as family, friends, counselors, lenders, creditors, etc.)
concerning wagering activity at a time substantially
contemporaneously to the play of a gaming device. Accordingly,
disclosed herein are systems and methods that allow players who
have real and/or perceived gambling problems to communicate with
third parties (such as family, friends, counselors, etc.)
concerning wagering activity at a time substantially
contemporaneously to the play of a gaming device. Communication
between players who have real and/or perceived gambling problems
and third parties may serve to mitigate problematic wagering
activity (e.g., a problem gambler receives advice to "slow
down").
[0049] Some embodiments may provide many benefits to various
entities. Some benefits to casinos and/or other gaming entities
may, for example, include: (i) players no longer leave the casino
if they do not find their preferred machines; (ii) players play
longer when the machine is configured for their needs; (iii)
players accept more marketing offers when they are better targeted;
(iv) a casino that allows a user to plan and optimize his
experience at that casino is very likely to obtain a large share of
the user's business; (v) when a casino documents a user's vacation,
the user is more likely to remain at that casino so as to have his
vacation documented in a consistent manner; (vi) when marketers
fund portions of a user's gambling activities, the user tends to
gamble more, providing greater profits for the casino; (vii) a user
who documents a vacation may show the documentation to friends,
creating new customers for the casino, and/or (viii) a casino may
benefit from the ability to allow players with real and/or
perceived gambling problems (and/or third parties associated
therewith) to flexibly customize rules for wagering activity (e.g.,
as opposed to banning such players outright).
[0050] Some benefits to gaming device manufacturers and/or other
entities may, for example, include: (i) acquiring player
customization information is valuable and useful in developing new
gaming devices and (ii) manufactures will sell more customization
software for gaming devices. A benefit some embodiments for a
marketer is that when a user submits information about himself, his
intentions, his desires, and his worries, a marketer can better
target offers to the user. For example if the user says he is a
Mercedes.RTM. owner, a marketer can attempt to sell upscale items
to the user. If the user is worried about losing more than forty
dollars ($40), the marketer can offer to offset user losses in
excess of forty dollars ($40) in return for the user's business.
Some embodiments allow a player to select the specific types of
offers he is willing to consider from marketers, making the
marketer's job much easier.
II. Terms and Definitions
[0051] Throughout the description that follows and unless otherwise
specified, the following terms may include the meanings provided in
this section. These terms and illustrative meanings are provided to
clarify the language selected to describe embodiments both in the
specification and in the appended claims.
[0052] The terms "products," "goods," "merchandise," and "services"
shall be synonymous and may refer to anything licensed, leased,
sold, available for sale, available for lease, available for
licensing, and/or offered or presented for sale, lease, or
licensing including packages of products, subscriptions to
products, contracts, information, services, and intangibles.
[0053] The term "merchant" may refer to an entity who may offer to
sell, lease, and/or license one or more products to a consumer (for
the consumer or on behalf of another) or to other merchants. For
example, merchants may include sales channels, individuals,
companies, manufacturers, distributors, direct sellers, re-sellers,
and/or retailers. Merchants may transact out of buildings including
stores, outlets, malls and warehouses, and/or they may transact via
any number of additional methods including mail order catalogs,
vending machines, online Web sites, and/or via telephone marketing.
Note that a producer or manufacturer may choose not to sell to
customers directly and in such a case, a retailer may serve as the
manufacture's or producer's sales channel.
[0054] The terms "player" and "user" shall generally be synonymous
and may refer to any person or entity that operates a user device,
a gaming device (e.g., a gambling device such as a slot machine),
and/or a user terminal.
[0055] The term "gaming device" or "gaming machine" may refer to
any electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical and/or other device
that is associated with providing, facilitating, rendering,
executing, and/or displaying a game. Such devices may, in gambling
contexts for example, facilitate the acceptance of a wager, may
follow a process to generate an outcome, and/or may pay winnings
based on the outcome. The outcome may be randomly generated, as
with a slot machine; may be generated through a combination of
randomness and user skill, as with video poker; or may be generated
entirely through user skill. A gaming device may include any gaming
machine and/or system, including slot machines, video poker
machines, video bingo machines, video roulette machines, video keno
machines, video blackjack machines, arcade games, video games,
video lottery terminals, online gaming systems, sports betting
machines, game consoles, personal computers logged into online
gaming sites, etc. Gaming devices and gaming machines may also
include "smart" table technology, or electronic devices to designed
aid casinos in the administration of table games such as blackjack
and poker..sup.1 Gaming devices may or may not be owned and/or
maintained by a casino and/or may or may not exist within a casino
location. .sup.1 Typically, such "smart table" devices are designed
to ensure secure and fraud-free table game operations by providing
accurate wager, accounting and card tracking data for the dealer.
For example, Shuffle Master.TM. produces the Intelligent Shoe.RTM.
series of card shoes and sorters for deterring fraud by tracking
cards-dealt data. Also, the Tablelink.RTM. system from Progressive
Gaming.TM. uses wireless Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID)
technology to track chip information at table games, primarily for
accurate game accounting. These systems are capable of summarizing
information specific to individual players, including the total
amount wagered within a given period of time, player betting
decisions, and dealer decisions during the player's sessions. In
addition to facilitating fraud-free gaming, such systems are also
used by casinos to administer comp (reward) programs.
[0056] The term "casino device" may refer to any electrical,
mechanical, electro-mechanical and/or other device operable to be
used in and/or interact with people at a casino. These may include
for example, user devices, I/O devices, gaming devices, and/or
personal computers located at hotel registration desks, chip
cashing desks, casino pits, and so on. Casino devices may also
include such things as security cameras, elevators, music systems,
guest room televisions, telephones, beds, mini-bars, door locks,
chairs, point-of-sale terminals, etc.
[0057] The term "casino" may refer to the owner and/or operator of
gaming devices, owners' and/or operator's agents, and/or any entity
who may profit from players' use of the gaming devices. Casinos may
include, for example, casino properties, resort casinos, casino
hotels, arcades, and/or other gaming establishments and/or
entities.
[0058] The term "casino location" may refer to the physical
geographic site, complex, or building where gaming devices owned
and/or operated by a casino are located. In the case of an online
casino, casino location may refer to the address (e.g., the Uniform
Resource Locator (URL)) of the online casino's Web site or
facility.
[0059] The term "handle pull" may refer to a single play at a
gaming device. In some embodiments, a handle pull may refer to a
single complete game (or hand) or in other embodiments, the term
may refer to a play related to a single wager. For example, in
video blackjack, a user might play a single game in which he splits
a pair of sevens, requiring an additional wager. This single game
may be considered to include either one or two handle pulls. A
plurality of handle pulls may generally define a gaming "session",
although a "session" may also or alternatively refer to a single
wager, hand, handle pull, and/or play.
[0060] The terms "central controller" and "controller" shall be
synonymous and may refer to any device that may communicate with
one or more casino servers, one or more casino devices, one or more
gaming devices, one or more third-party service provider servers,
one or more remote controllers, one or more player devices, and/or
other network nodes, and may be capable of relaying communications
to and from each.
[0061] The term "user terminal" and "remote controller" may
generally be synonymous and may refer to any device that may
communicate with one or more central controllers, one or more
casino servers, one or more casino devices, one or more gaming
devices, one or more third-party service provider servers, one or
more player devices, and/or other network nodes. User terminals
may, for example, include pagers, personal digital assistants,
personal computers, laptop computers, handheld computers,
telephones (e.g., cellular telephones), kiosks, automated teller
machines, gaming devices, game consoles, and/or vending machines.
They may be used to access configuration selection programs, to
execute such programs (in whole or part), and/or to configure
gaming devices. They may include facilities to support secure
communications using encryption or the like.
[0062] The terms "player device" and "user device" shall be
synonymous and may refer to any device owned or used by a user or
consumer capable of accessing and/or displaying online and/or
offline content. Player devices may communicate with one or more
central controllers, one or more casino servers, one or more casino
devices, one or more gaming devices, one or more third-party
service provider servers, one or more user terminals, and/or other
network nodes. In some embodiments, player devices may, for
example, include gaming devices, personal computers, pagers,
personal digital assistants, point-of-sale terminals, point of
display terminals, kiosks, telephones, cellular phones, Automated
Teller Machines (ATMs), pagers, and combinations of such devices.
They may be used to access configuration or preference selection
programs, to execute such programs (in whole or part), and/or to
configure gaming devices.
[0063] The term "input device" may refer to a device that is used
to receive an input. An input device may communicate with or be
part of another device (e.g., a point of sale terminal, a point of
display terminal, a user terminal, a server, a player device, a
gaming device, a controller, etc.). Some examples of input devices
include: a bar-code scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, a computer
keyboard, a point-of-sale terminal keypad, a touch-screen, a
microphone, an infrared sensor, 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, an RFID
receiver, an RF receiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, a
biometric device (e.g., a fingerprint reader, an iris reader, a
topical facial pattern recognizer/reader), and/or a weight scale or
mass balance.
[0064] In one embodiment, a suitable fingerprint reader for use
herein includes the Fujitsu.RTM. MBF200 Scanner, which is
manufactured by Tacoma Technology, Inc..TM. of Taipai, Taiwan and
Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc..TM. of Tokyo, Japan. The
Fujitsu.RTM. MBF200 offers a resolution of five hundred dots per
inch (500 dpi), an image capture area of 12.8.times.15 mm
(0.5''.times.0.6''), and a unit size of 60.times.40.times.15 mm
(2.4''.times.1.6''.times.0.6''). The Fujitsu.RTM. MBF200 may
communicate with a gaming machine processor through a USB
interface. The Fujitsu.RTM. MBF200 may be desirable in an
embodiment where the gaming machine processor is instructed through
a Linux-based operating system. In embodiments featuring the
Fujitsu.RTM. MBF200, fingerprint-matching software may be employed.
Exemplary fingerprint matching software includes VeriFinger.TM. 4.2
from Neurotechnologija, Ltd..TM. of Vilnius, Lithuania.
[0065] In another embodiment, a suitable fingerprint reader
includes the AF-S2 FingerLoc.TM. from AuthenTec, Inc..TM. of
Melbourne, Fla. The AF-S2 FingerLoc.TM. offers a resolution of two
hundred and fifty dots per inch (250 dpi), an image capture area of
13.times.13 mm (0.51''.times.0.51''), and a unit size of
24.times.24.times.3.5 mm (0.94''.times.0.94''.times.0.14''). The
AF-S2 FingerLoc.TM. may communicate with a gaming machine processor
through a USB interface. The AF-S2 FingerLoc.TM. may be desirable
in an embodiment where the gaming machine processor is instructed
through a Microsoft.RTM. Windows.RTM.-based operating system. In
embodiments featuring the AF-S2 FingerLoc.TM., fingerprint-matching
software may be employed. Exemplary fingerprint matching software
includes VeriFinger.TM. 4.2 from Neurotechnologija, Ltd..TM. of
Vilnius, Lithuania.
[0066] The term "output device" may refer to a device that is used
to output information. An output device may communicate with or be
part of another device (e.g., a gaming device, a point of sale
terminal, a point of display terminal, a player device, a merchant
device, a controller, etc.). Possible output devices include: a
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
screen, Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen, a printer, an audio
speaker, an Infrared Radiation (IR) transmitter, and/or an RF
transmitter. The term "I/O device" may refer to any combination of
input and/or output devices.
[0067] The term "frequent shopper card" may refer to a device that
may be capable of storing information about a consumer who is a
shopper. This information may include identifying information. This
information may also include shopping history information. The
frequent shopper card may be machine readable, for example, by a
Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal. According to some embodiments, a
frequent shopper card may store gaming device customized
configuration information.
[0068] The term "player tracking card" may refer to a device that
may be capable of storing information about a consumer who is a
casino and/or gaming player. Typically, player tracking cards may
be accessed by gaming devices and magnetic card readers operated by
casino staff. The information stored on the player tracking card
may include identifying information, as well as financial
information, such as a number of gambling credits remaining. The
card may be machine readable, for example, by a gaming device.
According to some embodiments, a player tracking card may store
gaming device customized configuration information.
[0069] The term "ATM card" may refer to a device that may be
capable of storing information about a consumer who is a bank
customer. This information may include identifying information and
bank account information. The ATM card may be machine readable, for
example, by an ATM. According to some embodiments, an ATM card may
store gaming device customized configuration information.
[0070] The term "configuration" may refer to one or more feature
values, preferences, limits, authorizations, accessibility rules,
and/or selections for the operation of a gaming or other
device.
[0071] The term "customized configuration" may refer to a
configuration designed or chosen by and/or for a specific player by
the player and/or by a third party such as a relative, friend,
counselor, judicial officer, insurer, creditor, employer,
regulator, etc.
[0072] The term "configuration data" may refer to a customized
configuration and/or information that a device may use to configure
itself or another device. In some embodiments, configuration data
may refer to information about a player that may be useful to
casinos or third parties who may attempt to configure a gaming
device to some degree for the player. For example, a marketing
company may use the information about a player to create a targeted
advertisement that may be configured to be presented to the player
via the gaming device. In another example, a regulatory agency
and/or casino may use the information about a player to limit the
player's ability to wager more than a certain amount of money in a
given period of time (e.g., the player may be prevented from
gambling more than five dollars ($5) per day).
[0073] The term "preparation data" may refer to any data received
from, or related to, a user that is descriptive of characteristics
of the user's desires, aspirations, intentions, expectations,
concerns, habits, compulsions, problems, addictions, anxieties,
diagnoses, preferences, and/or plans related to his gambling and/or
gaming experience or gambling vacation. In some embodiments,
preparation data may include information (and/or documentation)
useful in (and/or required for) addressing the user's concerns
and/or fulfilling the user's desires, aspirations, intentions,
expectations, and/or plans. For example, preparation data may
include work product, such as a completed survey form, that the
user has produced in exchange for a coupon from a marketing
research firm, wherein the coupon is for a free meal at the casino
restaurant at which the user was planning to eat. In another
example, preparation data may include answers to questions that a
user has provided through an online user interface, such as a Web
page, pertaining to the user's preferences and/or gambling limits
(e.g., a user may specify, through a Web page, that he wants gaming
machines to stop him from spending more than two hundred dollars
per month ($200/month) on gambling activities). In some
embodiments, preparation data may also include configuration
data.
[0074] Preparation data may generally comprise at least two types
of data, such as "preference preparation data" and/or "gaming rule
preparation data". Preference preparation data may generally, for
example, comprise preparation data directed to and/or associated
with a customization of preference-related features of a gaming
device (e.g., screen size, colors, game type, etc.). Gaming rule
(and/or gaming limit) preparation data may generally comprise
preparation data that is associated with placing limits on and/or
restricting gaming behavior and/or capabilities of a player.
[0075] The terms "customization code" and "preparation code" shall
be synonymous and may refer to a code used to identify a set of
stored or otherwise identifiable preparation data (which may
include user preferences, gaming rules or limits, and other
configuration data). In some embodiments, a customization code may
be the player's player tracking card number or other unique or
substantially unique identifier (e.g., an identification number;
biometric data such as iris data, fingerprint data, topical facial
data, etc.). In some embodiments, a customization code may include
actual preparation data and/or an address of (or a pointer to)
preparation data. A pointer to preparation data may be used, for
example, to indicate where, within a casino device's read-only
memory, predefined preparation data for that casino device may be
found. In another example, a pointer to preparation data may be
used to indicate where, within a casino server's memory,
configuration data corresponding to a particular user may be
found.
[0076] The term "feature" may refer to an individual aspect of the
operation of a gaming (or other) device, or a user's experience
with the gaming (or other) device. Individual features might
include the reel speed, the payout percentage, or the contrast of
the video screen on a slot machine. Further, individual features
may include limits or rules governing, for one or more specific
users, (i) the types of wagers that may be allowed (e.g., which
paylines may be activated on a slot machine; the maximum wager
amount per handle pull), (ii) the maximum net wager amount per
period of time, (iii) the maximum net loss amount per period of
time, (iv) the maximum net win amount per period of time, (v) the
maximum rate at which handle pulls may be permitted, (vi) the
maximum period of time for which one or more gaming machine(s) will
be operable (e.g., starting from a triggering handle pull), (vii)
the maximum number of handle pulls permitted per period of time,
(viii) the days and/or hours that one or more gaming machine(s) may
be operable, (ix) the sources of funds that may be used to place
wagers (e.g., certain players may only play with stored value or
debit cards; certain players may only play with "won" money after a
threshold amount of cash is wagered), (x) the types of games which
may be permitted (e.g., slots only; all games except video poker),
(xi) the identities or types of gaming machines which may or may
not be permitted (e.g., only on machine number "1234651"; only on
twenty-five cent ($0.25) denomination slot machines), and/or (xii)
any other gambling attribute. Other features are contemplated, as
discussed herein. A set of features taken together represents a
configuration for a gaming device.
[0077] The terms "gambling insurance policy," "gambling insurance,"
and "gambling insurance contract" shall be generally synonymous and
may refer to an agreement between a user and a casino, and/or
between a user and an insurer, with some or all of the following
provisions: (i) the user pays the insurer a fixed amount up front;
(ii) the user must make a predetermined number of handle pulls, no
more and no less; (iii) the user need not pay any additional money
after purchasing the gambling insurance contract; (iv) the user
keeps any net winnings after all handle pulls have been completed;
(v) if the user has a net loss after the handle pulls have been
completed, then the loss amount is paid to the casino by the
insurer and the player is refunded the loss amount. There are many
possible variants of these provisions and additional provisions are
possible. A gambling insurance contract may insure a user against
excessive losses, and may give the user more handle pulls than
would otherwise be possible for the price of the gambling insurance
contract. Also, since there may be no additional user decisions
required after the user has purchased the gambling insurance
contract, the user need not be present for the execution of the
contract.
[0078] The term "contract" may include a gambling insurance
contract and/or a gaming contract in which a fixed number or
"block" of handle pulls and/or amount or "block" of time is
purchased for a single price. In some embodiments, these "blocks"
of handle pulls may be referred to as a "gaming session".
[0079] The terms "gambling circle" and "gaming circle" shall
generally be synonymous and may refer to a group of people, at
least one of whom gambles or plays games, and whose members receive
benefits based on the results of the gambler/player. For example, a
user may go to Las Vegas, while several friends remain in the
user's hometown. The user may sign up the friends to be part of the
user's gambling circle. In some embodiments, the friends may then
receive a percentage of any jackpot the user wins.
III. Systems
[0080] An example embodiment of a system 100A is depicted in FIG.
1A. The system 100A according to some embodiments may include a
central controller 102 (an example of which is depicted in FIG. 2)
in one or two-way communication with one or more casino servers
112, 114 (an example of which is depicted in FIG. 3); one or more
user terminals 106, 108, 110 (an example of which is depicted in
FIG. 4); and/or one or more marketer devices 128, 130 (an example
of which is depicted in FIG. 6) via a network, for example, the
Internet 104 or via another communications link. Casino servers
112, 114, in turn, are each in communication with one or more
gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 (an example of which is depicted
in FIG. 5). Although not pictured, other casino devices besides
gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 may be connected to the casino
servers 112, 114 and in communication with (and/or controllable by)
the central controller 102. The devices depicted as being connected
directly together in FIG. 1A may also or alternatively be connected
via a network, for example, a local area network, the Internet 104,
and/or via another communications link.
[0081] In operation, the central controller 102 may function under
the control of a casino, a merchant, or other entity (e.g., a
nonprofit organization, a counselor, a judicial officer, an
insurer, a creditor, a regulator) that may also control, in whole
or part, use of the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. For example,
the central controller 102 may be a server in a merchant's network.
In some embodiments, the central controller 102 and the casino
servers 112, 114 may comprise the same device.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 1B, an alternate system 100B according to
some embodiments further includes one or more third-party service
provider servers 118. A third-party service provider server 118 may
also be in one or two-way communication with the central controller
102. However, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, the
third-party service provider server 118 may be disposed between the
central controller 102 and the user terminals 106, 108, 110.
Alternatively, the third-party service provider server 118 may be
disposed between the central controller 102 and the casino servers
112, 114.
[0083] The primary difference between the two alternative
embodiments depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is that the system 100B
includes the third-party service provider server 118 which may be
operable by an entity distinct and/or physically remote from the
entity operating the central controller 102. In operation, the
third-party service provider server 118 may perform methods
described herein by sending signals to the central controller 102
to be relayed to the user terminals 106, 108, 110. For example, a
marketing company may operate a third-party service provider server
118 that communicates with a slot machine manufacturing company
server (functioning as a central controller 102) to provide players
with marketing offers based on player information gathered via user
terminals 106, 108, 110, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or gaming
devices 120, 122, 124, 126. In another example, an entity
interested in facilitating the limitation or prevention of the
gaming of one or more players (e.g., a government agency) may
operate the third-party service provider server 118 to receive
preparation data (e.g., gaming rule preparation data) from user
terminals 106, 108, 110 and/or from another device. In the system
100A, the functions of the third-party service provider server 118
may be consolidated into the central controller 102 and/or another
device.
[0084] An additional difference between these two embodiments
relates to the physical topology of the systems 100A and 100B. In
both of the depicted embodiments, each node may securely
communicate with every other node in the system 100A, 100B via, for
example, a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Thus, all nodes may be
logically connected. However, the system 100B may allow the
third-party service provider server 118 to optionally serve as a
single gateway between the nodes that will typically be under the
control of one or more casinos (and players within the casinos'
location) and the other nodes in the system 100B, i.e., nodes that
may be operated by players outside of the casinos' location. In
some embodiments, the centralization, security, and control that
naturally results from this topology may be useful in monitoring
players' use of the system 100A, 100B to make such determinations
as, for example, which preparations are the most popular or how
many users are currently actively planning or preparing for a visit
to a casino. Further, in some embodiments, marketer devices 128,
130 may be connected to the system 100B via the Internet 104
instead of directly to the central controller 102. This would
physically locate them on the "public" side of the third-party
service provider server 118 gateway and allow, for example, a much
more secure network on the "private" side of the third-party
service provider server 118 gateway.
[0085] In some embodiments, the casino servers 112, 114 may each be
controlled by different casinos (and/or other gaming entities). The
central controller 102 may be operated by an entity that uses
system 100A, 100B to, for example, instruct casinos to limit or
prevent the gaming activity of one or more players according to the
instructions of one or more players and/or other parties, such as
family members, friends, regulators, judicial officers, insurers,
creditors, and counselors. The central controller 102 may also or
alternatively be operated by an entity that uses the system 100A,
100B to, for example, deliver players to the different casinos. If
there is a third-party service provider server 118, it may be
operated by an unrelated entity that merely permits the operators
of the central controller 102 to have access to players who are
operating the user terminals 106, 108, 110 or the gaming devices
120, 122, 124, 126. Thus, in such an example embodiment, the system
100A, 100B may involve multiple casinos (operating casino servers
112, 114, 116), a merchant such as a customer acquisition service
agent (operating the central controller 102), merchant clients of
the customer acquisition service agent (operating the marketer
devices 128, 130), third-party network operators (operating
third-party service provider servers 118), and users (operating
user terminals 106, 108, 110 and gaming devices 120, 122, 124,
126). In alternative embodiments, a casino may operate a combined
central controller/casino server 102, 112, 114 directly and the
system 100A, 100B may only involve a casino and users.
[0086] In both embodiments pictured in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B,
communication between the central controller 102, the casino
servers 112, 114, the user terminals 106, 108, 110, the gaming
devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or the
third-party service provider server 118, may be direct and/or via a
network such as the Internet 104.
[0087] Referring to both FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, each of the central
controller 102, (the third-party service provider server 118 of
FIG. 1B), the casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122,
124, 126, the marketer devices 128, 130, and the user terminals
106, 108, 110 may comprise, for example, computers, such as those
based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processor, that are adapted to
communicate with each other. Any number of third-party service
provider servers 118, casino servers 112, 114, 116, gaming devices
120, 122, 124, 126, the marketer devices 128, 130, and/or user
terminals 106, 108, 110 may be in communication with the central
controller 102. In addition, the user terminals 106, 108, 110 may
be in direct or indirect, one or two-way communication with the
casino servers 112, 114, the marketer devices 128, 130, and/or the
gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. The central controller 102, the
third-party service provider server 118, the casino servers 112,
114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, the marketer devices 128,
130, and/or the user terminals 106, 108, 110 may each be physically
proximate to each other or geographically remote from each other.
The central controller 102, the third-party service provider server
118, the casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124,
126, the marketer devices 128, 130, and/or the user terminals 106,
108, 110 may each include input devices 202, 302, 402, 412, 502,
510, 512, 602, 610, 700, 800 and output devices 202, 302, 402, 408,
502, 508, 602, 608, 700, 800, as described herein.
[0088] As indicated, communication between the central controller
102, the third-party service provider server 118, the casino
servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, the marketer
devices 128, 130, and/or the user terminals 106, 108, 110 may be
direct or indirect, such as over an Internet Protocol (IP) network
such as the Internet 104, an intranet, or an extranet through a Web
site maintained by the central controller 102 (and/or the
third-party service provider server 118) on a remote server or over
an online data network including commercial on-line service
providers, bulletin board systems, routers, gateways, and the like.
In some embodiments, the nodes may communicate with each other over
local area networks including Ethernet, Token Ring, and the like,
RF communications, IR communications, microwave communications,
cable television systems, satellite links, a WAN, an Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, a Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN), other wireless networks, and the like.
[0089] Devices in communication with each other need not be
continually transmitting to each other. On the contrary, such
devices need only transmit to each other as necessary, and may
actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For
example, a device in communication with another device via the
Internet 104 may not transmit data to the other device for weeks at
a time.
[0090] The central controller 102 (and/or the third-party service
provider server 118) may function as a "Web server" that presents
and/or generates Web pages that are documents stored on
Internet-connected computers accessible via the World Wide Web
using protocols such as, e.g., the Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol
(HTTP). Such documents typically include one or more Hyper-Text
Markup Language (HTML) files, associated graphics, and script
files. A Web server allows communication with the central
controller 102 in a manner known in the art. The gaming devices
120, 122, 124, 126 and the user terminals 106, 108, 110 may use a
Web browser, such as NAVIGATOR.RTM. published by NETSCAPE.RTM. for
accessing HTML forms generated or maintained by or on behalf of the
central controller 102 and/or the third-party service provider
server 118.
[0091] As indicated, any or all of the central controller 102, the
third-party service provider server 118, the casino servers 112,
114, the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, the marketer devices
128, 130, and/or the user terminals 106, 108, 110 may include or be
part of, e.g., processor based cash registers, telephones,
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems such as the ML400-IVR
designed by Missing Link Interactive Voice Response Systems.TM.,
cellular/wireless phones, vending machines, pagers, gaming devices
including slot machines, personal computers, portable types of
computers, such as a laptop computer, a wearable computer, a
palm-top computer, a hand-held computer, a smart card, and/or a
PDA. Further details of the central controller 102, the third-party
service provider server 118, the casino servers 112, 114, gaming
devices 120, 122, 124, 126, the marketer devices 128, 130, and the
user terminals 106, 108, 110 are provided herein.
[0092] As indicated above, in some embodiments, the central
controller 102 (and/or the third-party service provider server 118)
may include casino servers 112, 114, and/or user terminals 106,
108, 110. Further, the central controller 102 may communicate with
gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 and players via gaming devices
120, 122, 124, 126 directly instead of through the casino servers
112, 114. In addition, the central controller 102 may communicate
with users directly instead of through the user terminals 106, 108,
110 or gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. Although not pictured,
the central controller 102, the third-party service provider server
118, the casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124,
126, the marketer devices 128, 130, and/or the user terminals 106,
108, 110 may also be in communication with one or more consumer
and/or merchant credit institutions to effect transactions and may
do so directly or via a secure financial network such as the
Fedwire network maintained by the United States Federal Reserve
System, the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network, the Clearing
House Interbank Payments System (CHIPS), or the like.
[0093] In operation, the casino servers 112, 114 and/or the user
terminals 106, 108, 110 may exchange information about the player
and the player's preparation data via the central controller 102.
In embodiments with a third-party service provider server 118, the
casino servers 112, 114, and/or the user terminals 106, 108, 110
and/or the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 may exchange
information about the player via the third-party service provider
server 118. The casino servers 112, 114 may, for example, provide
information related to casino features or other information to the
central controller 102 (and/or the third-party service provider
server 118). The user terminals 106, 108, 110 may provide user
preparation data to the central controller 102 (and/or the
third-party service provider server 118). The central controller
102 (and/or the third-party service provider server 118) may
provide information about players and their preparation data to the
casino servers 112, 114 and also preparation codes to the user
terminals 106, 108, 110 for later use by players at the gaming
devices 120, 122, 124, 126 in the casino location. In some
embodiments, upon receiving a preparation code from a gaming device
120 or other casino device, a casino server 112 may communicate
instructions to the gaming device 120 to configure itself according
to a stored configuration associated with the preparation code.
IV. Devices
[0094] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating details of an example
of a central controller 200 (e.g., the central controller 102 of
FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B; and/or an example of a third-party service
provider server 118 of FIG. 1B). The central controller 200 may
generally be operative to manage systems (such as the system 100A,
100B of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B) and/or execute the methods and
processes as described herein. The central controller 200 may, for
example, be implemented as one or more system controllers, one or
more dedicated hardware circuits, one or more appropriately
programmed general purpose computers, or any other similar
electronic, mechanical, electro-mechanical, and/or human operated
device. For example, in FIG. 1B, the central controller 102, 200 is
depicted as coupled to a third-party service provider server 118.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, these two servers may provide the
same functions as the central controller 102, 200 alone in the
embodiment of FIG. 1A.
[0095] The central controller 200 (and/or the third-party service
provider server 118) may include a processor 201, such as one or
more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. The processor 201 may
include and/or be coupled to one or more clocks or timers (not
pictured) and one or more communication ports 202 through which the
processor 201 communicates with other devices (such as the casino
servers 112, 114, the user terminals 106, 108, 110, the gaming
devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or the
third-party service provider server 118 of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B).
The processor 201 may also or alternatively be in communication
with a data storage device 204. The data storage device 204 may
include any appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or
semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, additional
processors, communication ports, Random Access Memory (RAM),
Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Compact Disc (CD) and/or a hard disk. The
processor 201 and the storage device 204 may each be, for example:
(i) located entirely within a single computer or other computing
device; or (ii) connected to each other by a remote communication
medium, such as a serial port cable, a LAN, a telephone line, radio
frequency transceiver, a fiber optic connection or the like. In
some embodiments for example, the central controller 200 may
comprise one or more computers (or processors 201) that are
connected to a remote server computer operative to maintain
databases, where the data storage device 204 is comprised of the
combination of the remote server computer and the associated
databases.
[0096] The data storage device 204 generally stores a program 206
for controlling the processor 201. The processor 201 performs
instructions of the program 206, for example, and thereby operates
in accordance with embodiments described herein. Some embodiments
may be embodied as a computer program developed using an object
oriented language that allows the modeling of complex systems with
modular objects to create abstractions that are representative of
real world, physical objects and their interrelationships. However,
it should be understood that the embodiments as described herein
can be implemented in many different ways using a wide range of
programming techniques as well as general purpose hardware systems
or dedicated controllers. The program 206 may be stored in a
compressed, un-compiled and/or encrypted format. The program 206
furthermore may include program elements that may be generally
useful, such as an operating system, a database management system
and device drivers for allowing the processor 201 to interface with
computer peripheral devices. Appropriate general purpose program
elements are known to those skilled in the art, and need not be
described in detail herein.
[0097] Further, the program 206 is generally operative to execute a
number of specific modules or subroutines which may include (but
are not limited to) one or more routines to (i) identify a user at
a user terminal 106, 108, 110 as a potential user of a custom
configured gaming device 120, 122, 124, 126; (ii) one or more
routines to receive information about a user; (iii) one or more
routines to provide casino feature information to a user at a user
terminal 106, 108, 110; (iv) one or more routines to generate a
preparation code and associate it with a player's preparation data;
(v) one or more routines to store a player's preparation data; (vi)
one or more routines to securely communicate stored preparation
codes and the associated preparation data to the casino servers
112, 114; (vii) one or more routines to facilitate and control
communications between casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120,
122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, user terminals 106, 108,
110, the central controller 102, and/or a third-party service
provider server 118; and/or (viii) one or more routines to control
databases or software objects that track information regarding
users, casinos, merchants, other third-parties, user terminals 106,
108, 110, gambling results, preparation data, preparation codes,
casino features, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, and fulfillment
of user requests. Examples of these routines and their operation
are described in detail herein, such as in conjunction with the
flowcharts of the methods 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 depicted in and
described with respect to FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and/or FIG.
17.
[0098] According to some embodiments, the instructions of the
program 206 may be read into a main memory of the processor 201
from another computer-readable medium, such from a ROM to a RAM.
Execution of sequences of the instructions in the program 206
causes processor 201 to perform the process steps described herein.
In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or integrated
circuits may be used in place of, or in combination with, software
instructions for implementation of the processes described herein.
Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of
hardware, firmware, and/or software.
[0099] In addition to the program 206, the storage device 204 is
generally also operative to store (i) a user database 208, (ii) a
trip documentation database 210, (iii) a gambling circle database
212, and (iv) a preparation database 214. The databases 208, 210,
212, 214 are described in detail herein 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 four (4) separate databases are illustrated,
embodiments may be practiced effectively using one (1), two (2),
three (3), five (5), 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 described herein.
[0100] Turning to FIG. 3, a block diagram depicting an example a
casino server 300 (such as the casino server 112, 114 of FIG. 1A
and/or FIG. 1B) includes a processor 301 coupled to a
communications port 302, a data storage device 304 that stores a
casino server program 306, a local copy of relevant entries of the
user database 308, and a local copy of relevant entries of the
preparation database 314. In embodiments in which, for example, the
central controller 102, 200 serves/controls multiple casinos
operated by different entities, a casino may wish to have a local
copy of the portions of the central controller's databases 208,
210, 212, 214 that include entries related to that casino and
exclude other casinos' access to that casino's information. Thus,
the example embodiment of a casino server 300 depicts local copies
of some of the databases 208, 210, 212, 214 of FIG. 2 to illustrate
this point. This redundant configuration may provide enhanced
system performance by reducing network communications. A casino
server program 306 may include one or more routines to respond to
requests from gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 for preparation
data for, in some embodiments, particular players or, in other
embodiments, specified preparation codes. In other words, the local
copy of the user database 308 may provide the casino server program
306 with access to information about specific players while the
local copy of the preparation code database 314 may provide access
to the preparation data. In some embodiments, local copies of the
databases are not stored on the casino server 300 and instead, the
casino server program 306 accesses the user database 208 and the
preparation database 214 stored and maintained on the central
controller 102, 200. Likewise, in some embodiments, the database
may only exist on the casino server 300 and the central controller
102, 200 accesses the casino server 300 for the data. This
distributed configuration may provide enhanced system security by
allowing different casinos to store and maintain their own
databases.
[0101] Turning to FIG. 4, a block diagram of an example user
terminal 400 (e.g., the user terminal 106, 108, 110 of FIG. 1A
and/or FIG. 1B) is depicted. The user terminal 400 according to
some embodiments may include a processor 401 coupled to a
communications port 402, a data storage device 404 that stores a
user terminal program 406, an output device 408, and an input
device 412. A user terminal program 406 may include one or more
routines to facilitate and control communications and interaction
with the central controller 102, 200 as well as a user interface to
facilitate communications and interaction with a player. Example
display screen images of such a user interface are provided in FIG.
7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 8, herein. An optional security device (not
pictured) connected to the processor 401 may provide a facility to
support secure communications via encryption, for example.
[0102] In addition, a user terminal 400 may include additional
devices to support other functions. For example, a user terminal
400 embodied in a personal computer may additionally include a
printing device for generating a coupon or a barcode representative
of a preparation code. In some embodiments, users may be issued
cashless gaming receipts that they can print (along with the
preparation code) as an incentive to follow through and come to a
sponsoring casino location. In some embodiments, user devices such
as PDA devices or cell phones may be used in place of or in
addition to user terminals 400. Many different types of input and
output devices may be used in conjunction with a user terminal 400.
Uses of various different user terminal 400 components are
described herein.
[0103] Turning to FIG. 5, a block diagram of an example gaming
device 500 (e.g., the gaming device 120, 122, 126 of FIG. 1A and/or
FIG. 1B) is depicted. In addition to apparatus to support gaming
functions, a gaming device 500 according to some embodiments may
include a processor 501 coupled to a communications port 502, a
data storage device 504 that stores a gaming device program 506, a
display screen 508, a tracking card reader 510, a user input device
512, and, in some embodiments, a player device (not pictured). A
gaming device program 506 may include one or more routines to
facilitate and control communications and interaction with the
casino server 112, 114, 300 and/or in some embodiments, an
interface to facilitate communications and interaction with the
central controller 102, 200, the third-party service provider
server 118, and/or a user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400.
[0104] A gaming device 500 according to some embodiments may be
implemented in any number of devices such as, for example, a slot
machine, a processor based cash register, a telephone, an IVR
system, a cellular/wireless phone, a vending machine, a pager, a
personal computer, a portable computer such as a laptop, a wearable
computer, a palm-top computer, a hand-held computer, and/or a PDA.
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 500 components depicted in FIG. 5.
[0105] In operation, the tracking card reader 510 may be used to
identify a player to the system 100A, 100B of FIG. 1A and/or FIG.
1B. In some embodiments, the gaming device program 506 may use the
identity of a player determined via the tracking card reader 210 as
an index into a copy of the preparation code database 314 residing
on the casino server 112, 114, 300. Thus, in some embodiments the
gaming device 500 is operable to retrieve a preparation data
associated with a player using the player's tracking card
information. In some embodiments, the gaming device program 506 may
be further operative to configure the gaming device 500 based on
the retrieved preparation data.
[0106] Turning to FIG. 6, a block diagram of an example marketer
device 600 (e.g., the marketer device 128, 130 of FIG. 1A and/or
FIG. 1B) is depicted. A marketer device 600 according to some
embodiments may include a processor 601 coupled to a communications
port 602, a data storage device 604 that stores a marketer device
program 606 and a product database 608, an input device 610, and an
output device 612. A marketer device program 606 may include one or
more routines to facilitate and control communications and
interaction with the central controller 102, 200 as well as a user
interface to facilitate communications and interaction with a
merchant. In some embodiments, a product database 608 may be used
by a marketer in determining what products to offer a user based
upon the preparation data provided by the user.
[0107] Turning to FIG. 7A, an example embodiment of a "preference"
preparation menu screen 700A (such as it may be displayed on the
output device 408 of a user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400) is
depicted. The example preference preparation menu screen 700A
generally may include several choices that each lead the user to
sub-menus for developing preference preparation data. The choices
may include (as shown) "Game Type," "Look and Feel," "Financial
Returns," "Contracts," "Marketing Offers," "Gambling Circle,"
"Travel Arrangements," "Intentions," "Comps," "Environmental
Conditions," "Fantasy Prizes," "Superstition," "Credit Lines,"
"Gambling Rules," and "Scrap Book." Each of these menu choices are
discussed in detail herein with respect to the various methods
associated with some embodiments. In some embodiments, a preference
preparation menu screen 700A may be presented to users outside a
casino while they are operating a user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400
and/or to users inside a casino while they are operating a gaming
device 120, 122, 124, 126, 500 (or any appropriate casino device).
In some embodiments, a preference preparation menu screen 700A may
be implemented as a Web page stored remotely but viewed locally via
a Web browser. In some embodiments, a preference preparation menu
screen 700A may be implemented as a program that executes locally
on a user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400 and/or on a gaming device
120, 122, 124, 126, 500 (or any appropriate casino device).
[0108] Although not depicted on the exemplary preference
preparation menu screen 700A of FIG. 7A, additional options may be
provided to users and/or third parties. For example, in one or more
embodiments, a user may be provided with a menu option that allows
restriction of gaming and/or gambling activity. Examples of such
"gaming rule" and/or "gaming limit" options are depicted in FIG.
7B.
[0109] FIG. 7B is a drawing illustrating an example of a gaming
limit preparation menu screen 700B for use with some embodiments.
The gaming rule preparation menu screen 700B may comprise, for
example, a game type rule area 702, a denomination rule area 704,
an allowed gaming times area 706, a restricted gaming times area
708, a maximum wager area 710, and/or a maximum loss area 712. As
shown, for example, a player and/or third party may restrict a
player's gaming activities by (i) only allowing the player to play
slots (at 702); (ii) restricting the player to twenty-five cent
($0.25) denomination machines (at 704); (iii) only allowing the
player to play on weekends (at 706); (iv) limiting the player's
playing to evening hours (at 708; e.g., to not interfere with a
job); (v) not allowing the player to wager more than five dollars
($5; at 710); and/or (vi) not allowing the player to lose more than
fifty dollars ($50; at 712). As described herein, such gaming rules
and/or limits may be established by the player and/or by a third
party such as a relative of the player, an employer, the casino, an
insurer, and/or a government agency or not-for-profit organization.
While examples of certain types and/or configurations of gaming
rules and/or limits are illustrated in FIG. 7B, it should be
apparent that other gaming and/or gambling features and/or
parameters may similarly be managed and/or restricted.
[0110] Turning to FIG. 8, an example embodiment of a preference
preparation sub-menu screen 800 is depicted. The particular
sub-menu depicted in FIG. 8 is an example of a screen image that
may be presented, for example, in response to a user selecting the
"Look and Feel" choice from the preference preparation menu screen
700A of FIG. 7A. The preference preparation sub-menu screen 800
presents five (5) example feature selection controls for indicating
(i) a sound level selection (loud, medium, soft), (ii) a font size
selection (small, medium, large), (iii) a symbol selection (fruit,
jewelry, cars), (iv) a contrast selection (large, medium, small),
and (v) a language selection (English, Spanish, German, Japanese,
Chinese) for a gaming device 120, 122, 124, 126, 500. In operation,
a user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400 (or casino device) executing a
browser program may be used to access a central controller 102, 200
to retrieve a Web page (as depicted in FIG. 8) that presents the
depicted feature selection controls specific to a particular gaming
device 120, 122, 124, 126, 500 available at a casino location the
player intends to visit. The user may click on one button in each
of the five (5) feature selection controls to indicate his choice.
The user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400 may be further operative to
communicate the player's selections and responses to other sub-menu
questions (together representing preparation data) back to the
central controller 102, 200 for storage in the preparation database
208. In some embodiments, the preparation data is stored indexed by
a preparation code that is provided to the user via the user
terminal 106, 108, 110, 200.
[0111] In one or more embodiments where a user and/or third party
may be provided with a menu option that permits the limitation of a
player's future gambling activity, sub-menu options may be provided
(upon selection of the menu option, e.g., from the gaming rule
preparation menu 700B of FIG. 7B) for defining the nature and/or
scope of such limitations. For example, such sub-menu options may
include, but are not limited to, options which permit the setting
of limits or rules governing, for one or more specific users, (i)
the types of wagers that may be allowed (e.g., which paylines may
be activated on a slot machine; the maximum wager amount per handle
pull), (ii) the maximum net wager amount per period of time, (iii)
the maximum net loss amount per period of time, (iv) the maximum
net win amount per period of time, (v) the maximum rate at which
handle pulls may be permitted, (vi) the maximum period of time for
which one or more gaming machine(s) will be operable (e.g.,
starting from a triggering handle pull), (vii) the maximum number
of handle pulls permitted per period of time, (viii) the days
and/or hours that one or more gaming machine(s) may be operable,
(ix) the sources of funds that may be used to place wagers (e.g.,
certain players may only play with stored value or debit cards;
certain players may only play with "won" money after a threshold
amount of cash is wagered), (x) the types of games which may be
permitted (e.g., slots only; all games except video poker), (xi)
the identities or types of gaming machines which may or may not be
permitted (e.g., only on machine number "1234651"; only on
twenty-five cent ($0.25) denomination slot machines), and/or (xii)
any other gambling attribute. Other such features are contemplated,
as described herein.
V. Databases
[0112] As indicated above, it should be noted that although the
example embodiments generally depict five (5) particular databases
stored in storage devices 204, 304, 604, other database
arrangements may be used which would still be in keeping with the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In other words, some
embodiments may be implemented using any number of different
database files or data structures, as opposed to the five (5)
databases depicted generally herein. Further, the individual
database files may be stored on different servers (e.g., located on
different storage devices in different geographic locations, such
as on a third-party service provider server 118). Likewise, the
programs 206, 306, 606 may also or alternatively be located
remotely from the storage devices 204, 304, 604 and/or on another
server. As indicated, the programs 206, 306, 606 generally include
instructions for retrieving, manipulating, and storing data in the
databases 208, 210, 212, 214, 308, 310, 608 as necessary to perform
the methods described herein.
A. User Database
[0113] Turning to FIG. 9, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of a user database 900 (e.g., the user database 208 of FIG. 2)
according to some embodiments is illustrated. This particular
tabular representation of a user database 900 includes sample
records or entries which each include information regarding a
particular user. In some embodiments, the user database 900 is used
to track such things as player identity, player financial account
information, player demographic information, and player gambling
performance information, as well as to associate players with
preparation codes. Those skilled in the art will understand that
such a user database 900 may include any number of entries or
additional fields. For example, although not depicted in FIG. 9,
such a user database 900 may include entries or fields pertaining
to gambling limits or rules set by the user and/or a third party.
Thus, particular restrictions may be denoted in such a user
database 900, and usage or gambling history of a particular user
may also be stored therein so that a computer (e.g., a gaming
device 122, a casino server 112, a central controller 102 and/or a
third-party service provider server 118, all of FIG. 1A and/or FIG.
1B) may determine, based on the usage or gambling history, whether
one or more gambling limits or rules have been exceeded or
satisfied, in which case instructions or commands may be output by
such a computer (e.g., to a slot machine) to limit or restrict a
player's ability to gamble at a casino in accordance with the limit
or rule.
[0114] The particular tabular representation of a user database 900
depicted in FIG. 9 includes seven (7) fields for each of the
entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a user identifier
field 901 that stores a representation uniquely identifying the
user; (ii) a name field 902 that stores a representation of the
user's name; (iii) a financial account identifier field 904 that
stores a representation of a bank account number, a credit card
number, or other financial account information needed to charge an
account; (iv) a demographic field 906 that stores a representation
of a description of demographic information about the user; (v) a
machine identifier field 908 that stores a representation uniquely
identifying a gaming device upon which the user played; (vi) a
lifetime theoretical win field 910 that stores a representation of
the user's lifetime theoretical win; and (vii) a preparation code
field 912 that stores a representation of a preparation code
associated with the user (e.g., that serves as a pointer into the
preparation database 214).
[0115] The example user database 900 depicted in FIG. 9 provides
example data to illustrate the meaning of the information stored in
this database embodiment. A player identifier 901 (e.g., "P111123",
"P22234") may be used to identify and index the players listed in a
player database (e.g., the player database 610). Two examples of
player information are provided: "Sam Brown" with credit card
number "1111-1111-1111-1111" is a "male, age 23" who played on
gaming device "M234" and has a lifetime theoretical win of
"$2,345.00" and "Linda Jones" with bank account number
"2222-2222-2222-2222" is a "female, age 47" who played on gaming
device "M532" and has a lifetime theoretical win of "$765.00." "Sam
Brown" has provided the casino with preparation data that may be
retrieved from the preparation database using the associated
preparation code "C8331" and for "Linda Jones", "C5006."
B. Trip Documentation Database
[0116] Turning to FIG. 10, a tabular representation of an
embodiment of a trip documentation database 1000 (e.g., the trip
documentation database 210 of FIG. 2) according to some embodiments
is illustrated. This particular tabular representation of a trip
documentation database 1000 includes sample records or entries
which each include information regarding a particular user's
preparation data that describe how that user desires his trip to be
documented. In some embodiments, a trip documentation database 1000
is used to track such things as user identity, trip identity,
photographs of the user, recording criteria, and deliverables.
Those skilled in the art will understand that such a trip
documentation database 1000 may include any number of entries or
additional fields.
[0117] The particular tabular representation of a trip
documentation database 1000 depicted in FIG. 10 includes six (6)
fields for each of the entries or records. The fields may include:
(i) a user identifier field 1001 that stores a representation
uniquely identifying the user; (ii) a trip identifier field 1002
that stores a representation uniquely identifying the user's trip
to the casino; (iii) a photo identifier field 1004 that stores
representations uniquely identifying each of the photos that have
been taken of the user during his trip; (iv) an outcome identifier
field 1006 that stores representations uniquely identifying each of
the user's outcomes that have been recorded during his trip; (v) a
recording criteria field 1008 that stores a representation of a
description of what the player has requested to document during the
trip; and (vi) a deliverable field 1010 that stores a
representation of the form of presentation of the trip
documentation the player has requested.
[0118] The example trip documentation database 1000 depicted in
FIG. 10 provides example data to illustrate the meaning of the
information stored in this database embodiment. A user identifier
1001 (e.g., "P111666"; "P222777"; "P333888"; "P444999") may be used
to relate users to their particular trip documentation preparation
data. A trip identifier 1002 (e.g., "T222222"; "T333333";
"T444-444"; "T555555") may be used to specify a user's particular
trip when, for example, a user visits a casino more than once.
[0119] A photo identifier 1004 (e.g., "Ph100000"; "Ph100001";
"Ph100999"; "Ph200002"; "Ph200010"; "Ph300333"; "N/A") may be used
to reference all the photographs a casino has taken of a user based
on the recording criteria 1008 (e.g., "Take a picture when I win
more than $10"; "Take a picture every hour"; "Take a picture when I
win $100 or more, and overlay a shot of the slot screen"). The
deliverable 1010 for a photo recording criteria 1008 may be, for
example, a photo "album with 100 pictures"; an "embossed album with
300 pictures"; a photo "album with 100 pictures"; or "5 T-shirts
with pictures."
[0120] An outcome identifier 1006 (e.g., "OC123456"; "OC500001";
"OC500002"; "OC500003") may be used to reference all the user's
outcomes that a casino has recorded based on the recording criteria
1008 (e.g., "Take a picture when I win $100 or more, and overlay a
shot of the slot screen"; "Record all my outcomes"). The
deliverable 1010 for an outcome recording criteria 1008 may be, for
example, a "software program that reenacts all outcomes."
C. Gaming Circle Database
[0121] Turning to FIG. 11, a tabular representation of an
embodiment of a gaming circle database 1100 (e.g., the gambling
circle database 212 of FIG. 2) according to some embodiments is
illustrated. This particular tabular representation of a gaming
circle database 1100 includes sample records or entries which each
include information regarding a member of a particular user's
gaming and/or gambling circle. In some embodiments, the gaming
circle database 1100 may be used to track such things as gaming
circle members' identity, contact information, and benefits, as
well as to associate players with their gaming circle members. Note
that a gaming and/or gambling circle may include any number of
members. Those skilled in the art will understand that such a
gaming circle database 1100 may include any number of entries or
additional fields.
[0122] The particular tabular representation of a gaming circle
database 1100 depicted in FIG. 11 includes six (6) fields for each
of the entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a user
identifier field 1101 that stores a representation uniquely
identifying the user; (ii) a beneficiary identifier field 1102 that
stores a representation uniquely identifying a member of the user's
gaming circle as a beneficiary of the user's gaming and/or
gambling; (iii) a name field 1104 that stores a representation of
the beneficiary's name; (iv) an email field 1106 and (v) an address
field 1108 that store a representation of the beneficiary's contact
information; and (vi) a benefit field 1110 that stores a
representation of the benefit that the beneficiary will receive if
any.
[0123] The example gaming circle database 1100 depicted in FIG. 11
provides example data to illustrate the meaning of the information
stored in this database embodiment. Referring to the first record,
as part of his preparation data, user "P555555" has specified
"B11111," who is more commonly known as "Adam Finsky," as a member
of the user's gambling circle and a beneficiary of "5% of any
jackpot above $1000" that the user wins. "Adam Finsky" has the
e-mail address "adam@aol.com" and lives in "Anyplace, USA."
[0124] Referring to the second record, as part of his preparation
data, user "P666666" has specified "B222222," who is more commonly
known as "Laura Tanner," as a member of the user's gambling circle
and a beneficiary of "5% of net winnings" that the user wins.
"Laura Tanner" has the e-mail address "Itanner@ibm.com" and lives
in "Someplace, USA."
[0125] Referring to the third record, as part of his preparation
data, user "P777777" has specified "B333333," who is more commonly
known as "Jack Tinsel," as a member of the user's gambling circle
and a beneficiary of "buffet for every $200 gross winnings" that
the user wins. "Jack Tinsel" has the email address
"tinsel@home.com" and lives in "Somewhere; USA."
D. Preparation Database
[0126] Turning to FIG. 12, a tabular representation of an
embodiment of preparation database 1200 (e.g., the preparation
database 214 of FIG. 2) according to some embodiments is
illustrated. This particular tabular representation of a
preparation database 1200 includes three (3) sample records or
entries which each include information regarding a particular
user's preparation data (e.g., preference preparation data and/or
gaming rule and/or limit preparation data). In some embodiments,
the preparation database 1200 may be used to track information
descriptive of user specified preferences, intentions, plans
related to the user's gambling vacation, and/or limits or rules
associated with the user's gaming and/or gambling activities. In
the specific example depicted in FIG. 12, the preparation database
1200 is structured to store and track user specified preferences
related to gaming device configurations such as the game type,
default denomination of play, language, currency, noise level, and
font size. The preparation database 1200 is also, in the depicted
example, structured to store gaming limits and/or rules associated
with the user. It should be understood that other data structures,
such as the gambling circle database 212 and the trip documentation
database 210, each of FIG. 2, may be used to track other forms and
types of preparation data, such as data pertaining to gambling
limits or rules associated with a specific player which have been
registered by the player and/or a third party. Those skilled in the
art will understand that the preparation database 1200 may include
any number of entries and/or additional or alternative fields.
[0127] The particular tabular representation of the preparation
database 1200 depicted in FIG. 12 includes thirteen (13) fields for
each of the entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a user
identifier field 1201, (ii) a preparation code field 1202 that
stores a representation uniquely identifying a particular
customized configuration; (iii) a game type field 1203 that stores
a representation of the selected game type; (iv) a denomination
field 1204 that stores a representation of the selected default
denomination that the gaming device will accept; (v) a language
field 1206 that stores a representation of the selected language to
be used by the gaming device; (vi) a currency field 1208 that
stores a representation of the selected currency to be used by the
gaming device; (vii) a noise level field 1210 that stores a
representation of a description of a sound effects volume of the
gaming device; (viii) a font size field 1212 that stores a
representation of the size that characters will be displayed on the
gaming device; (ix) a picture field 1214 that stores the name of a
picture and the picture itself that the player would like to be
displayed when he hits a jackpot (and/or any winning outcome); (x)
a music field 1216 that stores a representation of the name of
music and the music itself that the player would like to be played
when he hits a jackpot (and/or any winning outcome); (xi) an
allowed game types field 1218; (xii) a maximum allowed net loss per
month field 1220; and/or (xiv) a maximum allowed amount of gaming
per month field 1222.
[0128] The example preparation database 1200 of FIG. 12 provides
example data to illustrate the meaning of the information stored in
this database embodiment. The preparation code 1202 (i.e., "C5006";
"C9224"; "C8331") may be used to identify and/or index preparation
data received from users. Examples of game types that may be
indicated by the game type field 1203 may include reel slots, video
poker, and blackjack. Example denominations that may be indicated
by the denomination field 1204 may include one dollar ($1.00),
twenty-five cents ($0.25), and five dollars ($5.00). Example
languages that may be indicated by the language field 1206 may
include English and Japanese, and example currencies that may be
indicated by the currency field 1208 may include the U.S. dollar
and the yen. Example noise levels that may be indicated by the
noise level field 1210 may include high, medium, and low and
example font sizes that may be indicated by the font size field
1212 may include medium, small and large. Example pictures that may
be indicated by the picture field 1214 may include an image of a
user's poodle, an image of another user's grandson, and an image of
yet another user's hamster. Example music that may be indicated by
the music field 1216 may include "Macarena," "My Way," and
"Beethoven's 9.sup.th".
[0129] In one or more embodiments, the preparation database may be
configured to store, for one or more specific users, information
pertaining to gambling limits and/or rules associated with a
specific player which have been registered by the player and/or a
third party, such as (i) the types of wagers that may be allowed
(e.g., which paylines may be activated on a slot machine; the
maximum wager amount per handle pull); (ii) the maximum net wager
amount per period of time, (iii) the maximum net loss amount per
period of time; (iv) the maximum net win amount per period of time;
(v) the maximum rate at which handle pulls may be permitted; (vi)
the maximum period of time for which one or more gaming machine(s)
will be operable (e.g., starting from a triggering handle pull);
(vii) the maximum number of handle pulls permitted per period of
time; (viii) the days and/or hours that one or more gaming
machine(s) may be operable; (ix) the sources of funds that may be
used to place wagers (e.g., certain players may only play with
stored value or debit cards; certain players may only play with
"won" money after a threshold amount of cash is wagered); (x) the
types of games which may be permitted (e.g., slots only; all games
except video poker); (xi) the identities and/or types of gaming
machines which may or may not be permitted (e.g., only on machine
number "1234651"; only on twenty-five cent ($0.25) denomination
slot machines); (xii) any other gambling attribute; and/or (xiii)
any combination thereof.
[0130] As shown in the exemplary preparation database 1200 of FIG.
12, for example, a user identifier (e.g., "136845; "918566";
"PT-17364") may be stored in the user identifier field 1201 to
indicate a player and/or user (e.g., uniquely) that is associated
with a particular preparation code. Although only one preparation
code is depicted in FIG. 12 as being associated with one player or
user, it should be understood that the relationship may be of any
practicable sort, including one-to-many and many-to-one. In some
embodiments, the player identifier may comprise any type of user
identifier that is or becomes known or practicable. The player
identifier may comprise a simple randomly-generated alphanumeric
code or string, a biometric identifier (e.g., a fingerprint, a
retina image, and/or a facial scan). The preparation database 1200
may further comprise gaming rule and/or limit preparation data. In
the allowed game types field 1218, for example, the first user
(e.g., identified by the user identifier of "136845") may be
limited to playing video poker and slot games, while the third user
(e.g., identified by the user identifier "PT-17364") may be limited
to arcade games (e.g., non-wagering games). Other limits and/or
rules may also or alternatively be stored. As shown in the maximum
allowed net loss per month field 1220, for example, the third user
may be limited to accruing losses of just fifty dollars ($50) per
month (and/or per any other time period). Similarly, as shown in
the maximum allowed amount of gaming per month field 1222, the
first player may be limited to five (5) hours of playing time per
month. It should be apparent that other and/or additional times
frames and/or limits or rules may also or alternatively be stored
and/or indicated by the preparation database 1200.
E. Product Database
[0131] Turning now to FIG. 13, a tabular representation of an
embodiment of a product database 1300 (e.g., the product database
608 of FIG. 6) according to some embodiments is illustrated. This
particular tabular representation of the product database 1300
includes sample records or entries which each include information
regarding a particular product that may be used in a marketing
promotion. In some embodiments, a product database 1300 is used by
a marketer in determining what product to offer a user in different
marketing offers. Those skilled in the art will understand that
such a product database 1300 may include any number of entries or
additional fields.
[0132] The particular tabular representation of a product database
1300 depicted in FIG. 13 includes five (5) fields for each of the
entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a product
identifier field 1301 that stores a representation uniquely
identifying the product; (ii) a description field 1302 that stores
a representation that is descriptive of the product; (iii) a
manufacturer field 1304 that stores a representation of the name of
the manufacturer or supplier of the product; (iv) a retail price
field 1306 that stores a representation of a retail price of the
product; and (v) an excess inventory field 1308 that stores a
representation of the number of units of the product available for
use with marketing offers.
[0133] The example product database 1300 depicted in FIG. 13
provides example data to illustrate the meaning of the information
stored in this database embodiment. A product identifier 1301
(e.g., "PR888"; "PR999"; "PR222"; "PR333") may be used to identify
and index the products listed in the product database 608. Four (4)
example entries of product information are provided: (i) "45"
"eight-speed blender[s]" with an "$80" retail price and
manufactured by "Anycorp Inc." are available for use with marketing
offers; (ii) "0" "washing machine[s]" with an "$800" retail price
and manufactured by "Somecorp" Inc. are available for use with
marketing offers; (iii) "90" "color TV[s]" with a "$200" retail
price and manufactured by "Bigcorp" Inc. are available for use with
marketing offers; and (iv) an "unlimited" number of "6 month cable
service" subscriptions with an "$180" retail price and provided by
"XYZ Broadcasting" Inc. are available for use with marketing
offers.
F. Casino Database
[0134] Although not illustrated, some embodiments of the may
include a casino database that may reside on a casino server 112
and/or a central controller 102, both of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B. A
casino database may be used to store the unique configurable
features of a particular casino where there are multiple different
types of options such as, for example, multiple different types of
gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. For example, such a database
might list the different configurable features for each type of
game at a particular casino possibly indexed by machine identifier
and then each of the possible values for each feature. A casino
database may be used as a data source to assemble, for example, a
Web page that looks like the screen image 800 of FIG. 8.
Alternatively, the same screen image could be generated without a
casino database. However, where there are many different options
available, using a casino database may reduce and simplify the
resources required to generate screen images similar to that shown
in FIG. 8.
VI. Processes
[0135] The systems and devices described herein, including the
hardware components and the databases, are useful to perform
various methods pursuant to some embodiments. However, it should be
understood that not all of the above described components and
databases are necessary to perform any particular method. In fact,
in some embodiments, none of the above-described systems and/or
devices may be required to practice one or more of the methods
described herein. The systems and/or devices described herein are
examples that may possibly be useful in practicing some or all of
the embodiments described herein. For example, the user database
210 described herein may be useful for tracking users and
information about them, but it may not be absolutely necessary to
have such a database in order to perform the methods described
herein. In other words, the methods described herein may be
practiced using a conventional player tracking list in conjunction
with a casino's conventional accounting system.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 14, a flow diagram illustrating a method
1400 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments,
the method 1400 may be performed by and/or otherwise associated
with a gaming device or machine, a central controller, an external
third-party, and/or an integrated third-party entity/device such as
a third-party service provider server. It should be understood that
the particular arrangement of elements in the method 1400 of FIG.
14, as well as the order of example steps of various methods
discussed herein, is not meant to imply a fixed order, sequence,
and/or timing to the steps; embodiments may generally be practiced
in any order, sequence, and/or timing that is or becomes
practicable.
[0137] In general terms, and referring to FIG. 14, the method 1400
may begin at 1402, where a device such as a central controller
receives configuration and/or preparation data, for example, from a
player or a third party, during and/or after the player's or third
party's use of a user terminal. A player and/or third party may
utilize an interface such as the exemplary displays 700A, 700B, 800
shown in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and/or FIG. 8, to remotely indicate
configuration and/or preparation data (such as may comprise and/or
define one or more gaming rules or limits). At 1404, the method
1400 may continue where a preparation code associated with the
configuration data is determined. In some embodiments, this
preparation code may simply comprise a stored indication of
preparation data such as a stored indication of a gaming rule or
limit. According to some embodiments, the method 1400 may continue
at 1406 where the configuration data and the associated preparation
code are transmitted (e.g., from the central controller) to a
casino server and/or other device or computer, such as a gaming
machine or device. The method 1400 may continue at 1408 where the
central controller and/or another device (e.g., a gaming machine or
a user computer) provides feedback to the user.
[0138] In some embodiments, the feedback may include the casino
server configuring and/or operating a gaming or other casino
device. In some embodiments, the casino server may configure and/or
operate a gaming or other casino device in response to receiving a
preparation code (e.g., a player tracking card identifier; a
biometric identifier) from a user via the gaming or other casino
device. In such an embodiment, the gaming or other casino device is
configured according to the configuration data associated with the
received preparation code.
[0139] In the subsections that follow, each of these processes will
now be discussed in detail. Note that not all of these steps are
required to perform the method 1400 and that additional and/or
alternative steps are contemplated. Also note that the above
general processes represent features of only some of the
embodiments and that they may be combined and/or subdivided in any
number of different ways so that the method 1400 includes more or
fewer actual processes and/or elements. For example, in some
embodiments many additional processes and/or elements may be added
to update and maintain the databases described herein, but as
indicated, it is not necessary to use the described databases in
all embodiments. In other words, the method 1400 may contain any
number of processes and/or elements that are or become practicable
to implement the embodiments described herein.
A. Receiving Configuration Data--1402
[0140] In some embodiments, the user and/or third party may
initially submit preparation data (or configuration data) to the
system (e.g., the system 100A, 100B of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B). In
some embodiments, the user and/or third party may log onto a
central controller with a user terminal, for example, using a
personal computer. As indicated, other suitable user terminals may
include PDA devices, telephones (including cellular telephones),
kiosks, ATMs, slot machines, and/or vending machines including such
devices as gasoline pumps and point-of-sale terminals.
[0141] The user and/or third party may interact with a Web site
hosted by the central controller. To log on, the user and/or third
party may input a name, password, code, and/or other identifier.
The user may then input preparation data in various ways. In some
embodiments, the user selects preparation data from a number of
menus, each menu covering a different subject (examples of which
are illustrated in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and/or FIG. 8 and described in
the corresponding text). For example, within the "Look and Feel"
category, a first menu may allow a user to select a gaming device's
game, font size, reel speed, language, volume, and other attributes
pertaining to the look and feel of the device. A second menu might
allow a user to provide information about himself so as to receive
tailored marketing offers at the gaming device. Menus might take
the form of pull-down menus, check boxes, and so on. Menus might
list headings for preparation data and allow a user to enter the
data. For example, a heading may be "Font Size" and in response the
user may type in "12" for "12 point." Many other menu systems are
possible, including menu systems that relate to the limiting or
preventing of gambling activity of one or more specific players. In
some embodiments, a user may enter preparation in text form. The
text may then be interpreted by a human operator and/or by a
computer program.
[0142] In some embodiments, a user may create or alter graphics as
a means of inputting preference preparation data. For example, the
controller's Web site may present a graphical depiction of a screen
on a gaming device. Using his mouse, the user may delineate a
portion of the screen in which to receive marketing offers, and
another portion of the screen in which to play the game. The user
may use his mouse to delineate areas of the screen that are to
serve as new input buttons to the gaming device. For example, the
user might designate a small, square area on the slot screen to be
an "I accept" button, for use in accepting marketing offers.
[0143] The following sub-sections describe several different
categories of preparation data the user may designate. The list is
not intended to be an exhaustive enumeration of every possible
category of preparation data, but rather an illustrative set of
examples of types of preparation data. Further, while some
preparation data is presented as "preference" preparation data and
some data is presented as "gaming rule" or "gaming limit"
preparation data, it should be understood that some data may
properly fit in either or both categories, depending upon usage
and/or implementation, and that other examples of data comprising
both categories, while not explicitly presented, is contemplated
herein.
1. Information about the User and the Marketing Offers the User
Desires
[0144] Many companies are constantly trying to acquire new
customers to facilitate growth. One effective means of acquiring a
customer is for a company to pay a user for his business. For
example, a phone company might pay a user twenty-five dollars
($25.00) if the user agrees to make the phone company his long
distance provider. Such a deal may be beneficial to the phone
company, since the lifetime value of the customer to the company
may far exceed the twenty-five dollars ($25.00) acquisition
cost.
[0145] A casino is a fertile environment for customer acquisition.
Gaming devices are capable of immediately dispensing money to
consumers. Therefore, a user who is at a gaming device may agree to
do business with a company and then may immediately receive his
payment, rather than waiting a week or more for a check to arrive
in the mail. Furthermore, casino patrons are often especially
motivated to make deals for money. A user may be feeling frustrated
from having sustained a loss, for example, and may wish to recover
the loss by accepting a marketing offer. The casino itself may be
content to facilitate such transactions between users and marketers
because the transactions put more available potential wager funds
in the hands of users. This also pleases users.
[0146] Thus, a portion of a user's preparation data may pertain to
a user's interaction with marketers. Users may submit information
that a marketer might use to tailor offers to a user. Examples of
such information include the user's age, place of residence,
income, job type, education level, marital status, number of
children, and other demographic information. User purchasing
history may be valuable to a marketer. For example, a marketer
selling cars would want to know whether the user buys a new car
every three years. Other such questions may include "Does the user
like to remodel rooms in his house?" or "What type of food does the
user like?" User possessions may be relevant to marketers. For
example, does the user currently own a car?, a washing machine?, or
a wide screen TV? A user's budget is meaningful. For example,
marketers would want to know how much money a user has to spend on
new items. Whether the user is accompanied on his vacation may be
relevant. For example, if a user's spouse is with him on the
vacation, a marketer may pitch goods as gifts for the user's
spouse.
[0147] Other preparation data may include the circumstances under
which a user would like to receive marketing offers. Possible
circumstances include: the user has just won a payout in excess of
a certain threshold; the user has accumulated winnings in excess of
a certain threshold; the user has sustained losses in excess of a
certain threshold; the user has just inserted a bill, such as a one
hundred dollar ($100) bill, into a gaming device; a particular time
of day occurs, for example, the clock has struck noon and the user
would like lunch offers from local restaurants; it is a particular
date; particular weather conditions have transpired; and the user
just pressed a button or otherwise indicated that he desires a
marketing offer. In this last case, preparation data may include a
specification of how a user will indicate his desire for a
marketing offer. For example, the user may be instructed to pull
the handle of the gaming device twice in rapid succession. The user
might also request a special area on a gaming device's touch screen
to appear as a "marketing button" that the user might touch in
order to receive marketing pitches or offers. An additional
relevant circumstance might be when an event or occurrence has not
just happened. For example, a user may be comfortable receiving
offers at any time except when he has just won on the last three
handle pulls or hit a jackpot.
[0148] Still other preparation data might include the types of
offers a user would like to receive. Types of offers may include:
offers for certain categories of products, for example, the user
would like to receive offers for new refrigerators, new blenders,
or used lawn mowers; offers within a certain price range, for
example, the user would like marketers to offer to sell the user
items with prices between one hundred dollars ($100) and two
hundred dollars ($200); offers for products versus services, for
example, the user may prefer only offers to sell products, or only
offers to sell services; and offers providing a certain benefit.
The user may prefer offers that provide him with benefits of at
least twenty dollars ($20). For example, the user may be offered a
benefit of thirty dollars ($30) for switching long distance phone
services to AT&T.RTM..
[0149] The user may commit in advance to accept marketing offers
provided certain conditions are met. For example, the user will
switch phone services to receive thirty dollars ($30) in credits if
he loses thirty dollars ($30) at a session of a gaming device, or
at the conclusion of the trip. Otherwise, the user need not switch
phone services. In some embodiments, the user may also complete
paperwork associated with a marketing offer prior to arrival at the
casino, so that no time is wasted at the casino. Likewise, during
his trip, a user may initiate acceptance of an offer in his hotel
room or at a restaurant for example, while the user has free time
available. For example, the user may read about a cross-subsidy
offer in which he will receive twenty dollars ($20) added to the
credit meter of a gaming device from the XYZ Insurance Company if
he (1) agrees to provide information for and/or evaluate a
competitive car insurance quote and (2) agrees to accept a phone
call from a car insurance representative. The offer may require
that the user provide information such as his type of vehicle, the
number of drivers, the number of miles driven per week, etc. The
user may provide this information online without providing final
signatory authorization of acceptance. Such an embodiment
facilitates easy final acceptance of the offer during a gambling
session if the user decides, at that time, to accept the offer.
Casino personnel may be alerted to come by the user's gaming device
with paperwork for a final signature to consummate the agreement.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, a final acceptance of the
agreement may be performed with an electronic signature or
acknowledgement via a casino or other device.
[0150] The user may specify where benefits from offers should be
placed. The benefits might be put directly onto a user's credit
balance at a gaming device. Benefits might also be deposited
directly to a user's financial account. Benefits might be sent
directly to a user's home or work address in the form of cash,
check, or non-monetary prize. Benefits may be placed directly into
a user's account at a casino or at the central controller.
[0151] Preparation data may further include how the user will
indicate, at a gaming device, his desire to receive marketing
offers. A special area of a touch screen on a gaming device may be
designated for marketing offers. When the user touches that area,
he receives a marketing offer. Alternatively, an existing button on
a gaming device that the user does not use may have its function
reassigned to that of a marketing button. For example, the "bet
maximum credits" button may become the marketing button for a
particular user.
[0152] A marketer may transmit offers to a user in a number of
ways. The marketer may leave offers with the central controller, to
be later transmitted to users with qualifying characteristics. The
marketer may then compensate the central controller for every offer
made, for every offer accepted, etc. In some embodiments, the
marketer may communicate with a user in real time via the central
controller. The marketer may have real-time access data about users
currently at gaming devices or at user terminals, and may then make
its own determinations as to when to make offers. In offering
products to a user, the marketer may refer to a product database.
The marketer may select from the database products that are priced
appropriately for a user, that meet other user criteria, and/or
that have excess inventory.
2. Information of a Psychological or Superstitious Nature
[0153] There is much superstition associated with gaming devices.
For example, gaming devices may be known as "hot" when they have
recently paid out more than they have taken in. Similarly, gaming
devices that have not paid out recently may be called "cold." Users
may wish to know which gaming devices are hot so that they can play
on the hot devices. The user may also wish to know what types of
people have good luck on particular gaming devices, so that the
user may find a gaming device that best suits him. For example, if
a user is a fifty-six (56) year-old female born in February, then
she may wish to find a gaming device that has previously paid a
jackpot to a fifty-six (56) year-old female born in February.
Further, users might wish to know about prior winners at a gaming
device. For example, they might want to know a prior winner's name;
age; date of birth; time of birth; place of birth; astrological
sign (e.g., Scorpio, Aries); place of residence; nationality;
gender; race; number of kids; date and time on which they won;
etc.
[0154] A user might have particular statistics in mind when looking
for a gaming device. For example, if a gaming device has paid well
for at least five Scorpios in the last week, then perhaps the
gaming device is likely to be profitable for another Scorpio. The
user may then enter what statistics he finds desirable into the Web
site of the central controller. To enter statistics, the user may
fill in a form on the central controller's Web page. A line on the
form might read, "Find me a machine that paid out a jackpot on this
date." The user may then fill in the desired date.
[0155] The central controller may search a database of gaming
device statistics to find any that meet user criteria. If there are
any such gaming devices, the central controller may display
information about them to the user. For example, the central
controller may display the gaming devices' location, appearance,
and any reference number. The central controller may also display
one or more maps so as to guide the user to the gaming devices. A
map might show, for example, the layout of a casino floor, with
relevant gaming devices highlighted. A user might elect to be shown
a map of all machines that had not had a jackpot of one thousand
dollars ($1000) or more in the last twenty-four (24) hours. Another
map might show the location of the casino in a city. Of course, the
central controller may be configured to display only machines
located in a city where a user intends to visit, even if other
machines satisfy user criteria.
[0156] At times, there may be a large number of gaming devices
meeting the user's criteria. The central controller may encourage
the user to enter additional criteria or to narrow existing
criteria to narrow down the number of machines. At other times, the
user's criteria may not be met, and the central controller may
encourage the user to broaden his criteria. The central controller
may also display to the user gaming devices that it considers close
to meeting the user's criteria. Perhaps the gaming devices meet
nine (9) out of ten (10) user criteria.
[0157] In displaying gaming devices to users, the central
controller may give priority to devices at casinos that have paid
the central controller more money. For example, if a first casino
has paid the controller two cents ($0.02) per listing, and a second
casino has paid the controller nothing, then a user may see gaming
devices from the first casino listed before machines from the
second casino.
[0158] Rather than entering criteria for gaming devices the user
would like to play, the user might enter pertinent information
about himself and allow the central controller to find potentially
suitable gaming devices. For example, the user might enter his own
name, birth date, wedding date, college graduation date, gender,
astrological sign, child's birth date, license plate number, and so
on. The central controller might then search for devices that have
paid well for people with similar characteristics to the user. For
example, the central controller might search for devices that have
paid more than one thousand dollars ($1000) on a single handle pull
to a person with the same wedding date, within the past week. The
central controller might also search for devices with similar
characteristics to the user. For example, the central controller
might look for devices whose date of manufacture or whose serial
number is the same as the user's birthday.
[0159] In some embodiments, a central controller receives user
information, but does not provide the user with information about a
suitable gaming device until significantly later. For example, if
the user is planning a trip to Atlantic City three (3) months in
advance, it might not be relevant to the user what gaming devices
are paying well at the moment. Therefore, just before the user is
to leave for Atlantic City or immediately upon his arrival, the
central controller may tell the user what gaming devices pay well,
so that the user can leave with current information.
[0160] If the user aims to win money to buy particular merchandise,
then the central controller may allow the user to play directly for
the merchandise he desires. For example, when the user plays at a
gaming device, one of the payouts may be made in the form of the
user's desired merchandise, rather than in the form of credits.
Alternatively, the user may be told he can have his desired
merchandise by accumulating a certain number of credits while
playing at a gaming device. The number of credits a user needs may
be far less then the retail price of the desired merchandise. The
user may also be able to obtain his desired merchandise using
complimentary points, even if the casino at which the user plays
does not typically give out the user's desired merchandise.
3. Music and Pictures of Subjects of Sentimental Value to the
User
[0161] A user may remotely input pictures or music. For example,
the user may scan a picture of himself, his grandson, and/or of his
pet poodle. The user might use a scanner attached to the user
terminal. Then, when the user is at a gaming device, the user may
select previously scanned pictures to display on the gaming device.
For example, the user may select the picture of his poodle to
display above the spinning slot reels. The user may even have his
poodle incorporated as one of the symbols on the slot reels. To
facilitate the selection of pictures by the user, the gaming device
might display small "thumbnail" versions of each picture the user
has scanned. The user need then only touch the picture to have it
enlarged and more clearly made visible. Alternatively, the user
might provide names for the pictures he scans, such as
"Poodle.gif". The user might then select this name from a list of
names displayed on the gaming device, or he might simply type in
the name using a keypad or other input device.
[0162] Other means are possible for transmitting user-selected
images to the central controller. Many film developers post copies
of pictures to Web sites. A user might obtain a copy of a picture
he has taken from a film developer's Web site, and send it to the
central controller. In some cases, the central controller may act
as a film developer. A user might then be motivated to develop all
of his pictures with the central controller, as the user would then
be able to view the pictures on the screen of a gaming device while
playing.
[0163] In some embodiments, a user submits printed photographs to
the central controller via postal mail. The central controller may
then scan the pictures and make them available for display on the
user's gaming device. A user may also bring photographs or
negatives of photographs to a casino. The casino can then scan or
develop the pictures and have them digitized and ready for display
on a gaming device. While at a gaming device, a user may desire to
view pictures other than those he has taken. He may therefore scan
pictures from books or magazines, or obtain pictures from the Web.
He may then transmit these to the central controller.
[0164] To input music remotely, a user has a number of options. The
user may obtain a sound file, such as an MP3 from a Web site, such
as "MP3.com". The user may then transmit the sound file to the
central controller. The controller can then store the sound file in
the preparation database. The user may also record his own music
using a microphone attached to his user terminal. He may then
transmit the digitized music to the central controller.
[0165] The central controller, a casino server, a casino, or a
gaming device may filter out pictures or sound files deemed
inappropriate. Computer programs may examine pictures or sound
files and compare them to pre-established criteria in deciding
whether to permit their use at a gaming device. Alternatively,
humans may act as censors. Certain pictures or sound files may be
permissible only under certain conditions. For example, a sound
file may only be permissible if the user employs earphones, or if
there is no one else in the vicinity.
4. Money Held in Reserve to Offset User Losses
[0166] A common fear among users is losing too much money at a
casino. When the user runs out of money with which to gamble, the
user may become bored. The user may also feel regret,
embarrassment, or may even experience financial difficulties.
Therefore, in some embodiments of this invention, the user may take
steps to reduce the possibility of suffering excessive losses at a
casino.
[0167] In some embodiments, the user performs work prior to
visiting the casino. As compensation for his work, the user may
receive insurance against losses. For example, in exchange for
doing 5 hours worth of work, the user may be told, "If you lose
$100, we'll refund your $100 to bring back to even again." The
insurance might be capped at a certain amount. The insurance might
cover a percentage of losses. The insurance might also cover losses
incurred only during certain time periods, or only at certain
games. Other benefits for work may include: cash; credits; gambling
tokens; reward points; increased odds of winning; increased prize
tables; the ability to play dollar machines for a quarter; the free
use of an extra slot in a multi-slot machine; the ability to play
for free; the enablement of extra prize-winning symbols on a slot
machine; the enablement of extra pay lines on the slot machine; and
auxiliary benefits, such as free or subsidized meals or hotel
rooms.
[0168] The user may perform work via the Internet. For example, the
user may monitor the output of a security camera and send an email
alert when he views any suspicious activity. The user thereby acts
as a remote security guard. The user may answer survey questions of
importance to marketers. The user may participate in focus groups
online. The user may make visual comparisons of products and
provide input on which has the better packaging. The user may
perform his work using a Web site hosted by the central controller.
The central controller may thereby monitor the user's work, and
provide the user with benefits accordingly. In some embodiments,
the user does work on a separate Web site. The Web site may be
hosted by a merchant associated with the central controller. After
performing work, the user may receive a code from the Web site and
submit the code to the central controller in order to receive
credit for his work. Alternatively, the merchant may contact the
central controller directly, and inform the central controller of
the user's work.
[0169] The user may also perform work off-line. For example, the
user may work to assist consumers at a department store. The user
may then receive a code from the department store, submit the code
to the central controller, and thus receive credit for the work he
accomplished.
[0170] Instead of doing work, the user may receive insurance
against losses, or other benefits, by agreeing to deals with
merchants. For example, the user may agree to switch long distance
phone services, or may agree to purchase a new car insurance
policy. In exchange, the user may receive money that can be used to
offset losses at a casino. In some embodiments, a user receives
automatic benefits at a casino simply by doing business with a
merchant. For example, for every dollar the user spends at
Wal-mart.RTM., the user may receive three cents worth of insurance
against losses.
[0171] In many cases, a user may have earned money in an account
that can be used only to reimburse a user for his losses. The user
may, however, visit the casino and win. It is then possible that
the user might put the money in the account to other uses. For
example, the user might be able to collect a percentage of the
money in the account. The user might be able to apply money in the
account towards the purchase of merchandise, food, a hotel room,
gambling credits or other goods.
5. User Credit Lines
[0172] Often, a user comes to a casino without sufficient cash to
pay for the chips he wants. One option is for the user to go to an
ATM or a cash advance machine. However, for some users, credit
limits or daily withdrawal limits don't allow them to withdraw as
much money as they would like. Therefore, a user may establish a
credit line at the casino and draw a marker against the credit
line. To take out a marker, a user may call up a casino in advance
and request a credit line with the casino. The user will typically
have to submit some information about himself, including a player
tracking card number and checking account information. When the
user arrives at the casino he may then present a voided check and
several forms of identification. Once the casino grants the user a
line of credit, the user can request a marker. A marker is a
legally binding document, signed by the user, that the user will
repay the casino for any chips given the user to play with. If the
user does not repay, then the casino can cash the marker at a bank
as if it were a check.
[0173] In some embodiments of this invention, the user may set up
credit lines remotely using the Web site of the central controller.
The user may input information of relevance to a casino in granting
a credit line. Such information may include a name, home address,
telephone number, email address, bank name, checking account
number, amount of money in the checking account, citizenship,
desired amount of credit, and so on. In some embodiments, the
player also inputs the amount owed to other casinos.
[0174] This information may then be sent to a casino credit
executive who may begin to decide whether to grant the credit line
or not. Alternatively, user information may be examined by an
automated program. The program may then help to decide whether or
not the credit line should be granted. In some embodiments, the
casino credit executive or the controller may check with Central
Credit.RTM. to determine the user's credit history with other
casinos. If the user is listed by Central Credit.RTM. as a poor
credit risk, then the user may not be granted a credit line.
[0175] In some embodiments, the central controller may act as the
entity that provides credit. The central controller may grant a
credit line to a user. The user may then draw a marker at a casino.
The casino may then be compensated immediately by the central
controller in the amount of the marker. Then, when a user repays
the amount of the marker, the casino can repay the central
controller. The casino may pay a fee to the central controller for
taking the risk.
[0176] Another way for a user to ensure sufficient funds for play
at a casino is to wire money in advance to the casino. The user may
wire money using the Web site of the central controller by
providing the central controller with financial account information
destination information, and an amount of money to be
transferred.
[0177] In some embodiments, a user may be permitted to gamble only
with money that was designated, reserved, deposited, or "earmarked"
prior to the user's visit to the casino. For example, the user may
be required to fund an account online, such that once at the
casino, the player may only gamble with funds in the account (or
within a certain "pool" within the account, such as a pool set
aside for a particular day). Such an embodiment may be particularly
useful for problem or compulsive gamblers who have trouble adhering
to self-imposed budgets once on the casino floor.
6. Look and Feel of the Gaming Device
[0178] Prior to visiting a casino, the user may enter data
describing a desirable machine interface. Aspects of the machine's
interface may include font size, reel speed, language, screen
resolution, length of the bonus rounds, amount of time between an
initiation of a handle pull and the resolution of the outcome,
types of symbols, and so on. Each aspect of the machine's interface
may be selectable from a menu, or may be inputted by the user in a
box on the central controller's Web site. Numerous gaming devices
are general purpose in that the game played and the interface to
the game played on the gaming device are coded in software. Thus,
many gaming devices have the flexibility to provide a user with his
desired interface. This may generally be described as one type of
preference preparation data, as it generally related to aspects of
game play and/or interface appearance and/or functionality that are
preferred by the player.
7. Which Gaming Devices the User Would Like to Play
[0179] Using the Web site of the central controller, the user may
have the opportunity to test different gaming device
configurations, and different gaming devices themselves. In some
embodiments, the user selects a gaming device configuration, and
then the central controller displays a graphical representation of
the gaming device in the selected configuration. For example, if
the user has selected a gaming device configuration with five reels
and three pay lines, then the user may view on the user terminal a
graphical representation of a five reel gaming device with three
pay lines. The user may simulate spins on his user terminal, with a
simulated credit meter incrementing and decrementing based on
simulated outcomes. By testing various gaming device configurations
in advance, the user has the opportunity to see which
configurations are pleasing to the senses. The user also can
determine which configurations are lucky for him. Once the user has
found a desired configuration, the central controller may indicate
to the user where he might find actual gaming devices capable of
supporting the desired configuration. For instance the central
controller might show the user a map of a country, state, city, or
casino floor, with relevant gaming devices or locations
highlighted. The central controller may also provide the user with
written directions to a gaming device.
[0180] On the controller's Web site, the user may also take the
opportunity to test new games he otherwise would never have played.
For example, a traditional mechanical reel player may test a video
slot machine. Or a reel player may test a video poker or blackjack
machine. In fact, the central controller may encourage and reward
the user for trying games he does not usually play. For example,
the central controller may offer the user a voucher for a free meal
at a particular restaurant if the user plays a new word-bonus game
for an hour on the central controller's Web site. Familiarizing a
user with new games is advantageous for a casino, because the user
is then comfortable playing a number of games at the casino, and is
less likely to leave if one of the games no longer suits him.
Therefore, casinos may compensate the central controller for any
benefits given a user for testing new games.
[0181] After testing gaming device configurations, or new gaming
devices on the controller's Web site, the user may reserve a gaming
device to use at a casino. By making a reservation, the user may
assure that he may approach a particular gaming device at an
appointed time and find it not in use by other users. Thus, a
reserved gaming device may freeze (remain unplayable) and unlock
only for a user who inserts a player tracking card that has a user
identifier matching the user identifier of the user making the
reservation. However, if the user does not unlock the gaming device
within a certain time period, then the device may become available
to other users. The user may commit money so as to reserve a gaming
device. The money may be an outright payment, or it may become part
of a user's credit balance when the user appears at the gaming
device. The user may forfeit part of the money if he does not
appear at the reserved time. A reservation may also be linked to a
hotel reservation. For example, part of a user's reservation
package at a casino resort may be a room for three nights and a
particular gaming device for three days from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00
P.M.
[0182] A user may also test new games that have not yet been placed
on casino floors. The user may provide feedback on these games. The
user's feedback may allow a gaming device manufacturer to make a
decision on whether to move forward with the production of a game.
Feedback may also help a casino to decide whether or not to
purchase certain gaming devices. The user may be compensated for
his feedback on new games. For example, the user may earn the
privilege of being the first to play a new gaming device when it is
introduced onto a casino floor.
8. Financial Returns of the Gaming Device
[0183] Prior to visiting a casino, the user may enter preparation
data describing the way money is paid out from a gaming device. The
user may specify such parameters as a frequency with which the
device pays, the hold percentage, the size of the jackpot, the size
of lesser payouts, the frequency with which particular payouts
occur, and so on. The user may not necessarily get everything he
asks for, however. For example, the user may not be allowed to have
a gaming device configured to pay back more than one hundred
percent (100%). The central controller may adjust certain
parameters based on other parameters the user chooses. For example,
if the user desires a high payout frequency, then the central
controller may lower the odds of hitting a jackpot and increase the
odds of hitting a low payout. Thus, the hold percentage of the
machine may be held constant. If the user attempts to enter
parameters that would force the machine to pay back more then one
hundred percent (100%) of coin-in, then the user may be prevented
from doing so. For example, selection boxes on the central
controller's Web site may be grayed out or disabled.
[0184] In some embodiments, the user may submit preparation data to
configure a gaming device to pay back more than one hundred percent
(100%) of coin-in. In such cases, the user may have to pay or may
have to accept a marketing offer. The user may also be time-limited
in his use of the gaming device under the specified
configuration.
[0185] The user may also remotely indicate the types of bets he
would like to make at a gaming device. The types of bets may not be
ones that are currently enabled by a gaming device. For example, a
user might wish to bet on the occurrence of an outcome that does
not pay (i.e., a losing outcome). Then, if a normally losing
outcome occurs, the user may receive a small pay out. The user may
wish to bet on five cherries occurring within three consecutive
spins, on obtaining a winning outcome for threes spins in a row, on
obtaining a bar on the middle reel, etc. There are, in fact, an
infinite number of statistics describing the outcomes of a gaming
device, for which no bets exist.
[0186] When the user creates a non-standard bet, the central
controller may calculate the odds of the user winning his bet, and
may then determine an appropriate pay out for winning the bet. For
example, a gaming device may determine that the odds of five (5)
cherries occurring within three (3) particular consecutive spins
are twenty-one (21) to one (1) against. To provide the casino with
an advantage, the controller may determine that a twenty (20) to
one (1) pay out is appropriate for a bet on the occurrence of five
(5) cherries in three (3) particular consecutive spins.
9. The User Interface
[0187] A typical gaming device may have only a few limited
mechanisms for user input. A device might have physical buttons,
with labels such as "bet 1 credit", "bet maximum credits", "cash
out", "hold", and "spin". The physical buttons may be replicated on
a touch screen, so that a user might touch either a physical button
or the touch screen of a gaming device in order to accomplish a
particular function. However, to practice some embodiments of the
present invention, or for other reasons, a user may require a
richer interface to the gaming device. For example, the user may
prefer to bet seven credits on every handle pull of a gaming
device. Rather than pressing the "bet 1 credit" button seven times,
the user might desire a special button reading "bet 7 credits".
Therefore, using the Web site of the central controller, the user
may create a desired user interface for a gaming device. The
following is a partial list of other buttons a user may create for
use in interacting with the gaming device.
[0188] Marketing buttons, such as "Give me an offer" or "Accept
offer." These allow a user to receive and accept marketing offers
so as to receive more gambling funds, insurance against losses,
good deals, etc.
[0189] Buttons to make a particular type of bet, or a bet for a
particular number of credits. For example, a button might place a
bet on a particular character in the bonus round of a Monopoly.TM.
game landing on a particular property. A button might place a bet
on a losing outcome occurring.
[0190] A button to cash out only a particular number or a
particular percentage of credits. For instance, a user may wish to
cash out only enough credits to tip a waitress.
[0191] A button to undo whatever the last action was. Perhaps the
user hit the "bet maximum credits" button by mistake, but has not
yet made a handle pull. The user may wish to undo his last action
and only bet two (2) credits.
[0192] A button to redo a previous bet, game, or action. Perhaps
the user's last bet covered five (5) pay lines with two (2) coins
per line. The bet turned out a winner for the user. Therefore, the
user may press the "redo" button to repeat the bet. The user may be
at a video poker machine, and wish to draw once again to a royal
flush (the draw having been unsuccessful on the previous hand).
Pressing the "redo" button, the user may get the chance to draw
once again to the royal flush. However, the second time around, the
user may have to make a larger wager. A user may wish to redo a bet
in a particular way. Perhaps the exact time at which the bet was
made was fortuitous. For example, three and a half seconds past the
minute mark. Perhaps it was the exact way in which he pulled the
handle. The gaming device may automatically replicate the way the
user pulled the handle on a first bet in making the second bet.
[0193] A button to bet fractional numbers of credits. For example,
the user may bet one third of a credit on a handle pull by pressing
a special button.
[0194] The new buttons created by the user may be displayed as
areas on the touch screen of a gaming device. Alternatively,
instead of creating a new button, a gaming device may understand
inputs from an old button as having a new meaning. For example, a
button that is labeled "bet maximum credits" on a gaming device may
be understood as "give me an offer" when pressed by a particular
user. Thus, the central controller may tell the user, "When you
want to get a marketing offer, just press the `bet maximum credits`
button and ignore the meaning of what is written on the button." In
some embodiments, gaming devices are manufactured with physical
buttons labeled "marketing button" or "get me an offer" or with
some similar label. These buttons may be dedicated solely to the
purpose of allowing players to request marketing offers.
10. The Form of Complimentaries the User is to Receive
[0195] The complimentary ("comp") system is an important
promotional feature at most casinos. The complimentary system
allows users to receive benefits based on the user's amount of
play. For example, a user might be eligible for a free meal at a
casino restaurant for every three thousand dollars ($3,000) gambled
at the casino. One aspect of the disclosed invention is allowing a
user to choose what types of complimentary benefits he would like
to receive. The user may choose, for example, to receive free
meals, reduced hotel rates, free show tickets, line passes, cash,
credits, or merchandise. Where the user chooses merchandise that a
casino does not typically give out, the casino or central
controller may order the merchandise for the user. In fact, a
significant advantage of the user's remotely choosing merchandise
as a complimentary item is that the casino or the central
controller has time to obtain the merchandise before the user
visits the casino. The user may also disclose his intention to
gamble for a certain amount so that the casino or controller can
have a better assurance that the user will actually earn enough
complimentary points to receive the merchandise the user has
designated.
[0196] In addition to specifying the form of complimentary items,
the user may also specify the amount and the type of play necessary
to earn the complimentary items. For example, the user might say
that he wants to earn something for playing the quarter ($0.25)
slot machines for six (6) hours. What follows is a partial list of
activities the user may specify as activities that earn
complimentary items:
[0197] 1. The user plays for a certain amount of time;
[0198] 2. The user makes a certain number of handle pulls;
[0199] 3. The user wins a certain net or gross amount;
[0200] 4. The user loses a certain net or gross amount;
[0201] 5. The user inserts a certain total amount of money;
and/or
[0202] 6. The user makes wagers totaling a certain amount.
[0203] In addition to specifying complimentaries for himself, a
user may specify them for friends, relatives, third parties, and/or
others.
11. Gambling Rules
[0204] As stated, in one or more embodiments, a user and/or a third
party may set limits or rules governing, for one or more specific
users, (i) the types of wagers that may be allowed (e.g., which
paylines may be activated on a slot machine; the maximum wager
amount per handle pull); (ii) the maximum net wager amount per
period of time; (iii) the maximum net loss amount per period of
time; (iv) the maximum net win amount per period of time; (v) the
maximum rate at which handle pulls may be permitted; (vi) the
maximum period of time for which one or more gaming machine(s) will
be operable (e.g., starting from a triggering handle pull); (vii)
the maximum number of handle pulls permitted per period of time;
(viii) the days and/or hours that one or more gaming machine(s) may
be operable; (ix) the sources of funds that may be used to place
wagers (e.g., certain players may only play with stored value or
debit cards; certain players may only play with "won" money after a
threshold amount of cash is wagered); (x) the types of games which
may be permitted (e.g., slots only; all games except video poker);
(xi) the identities or types of gaming machines which may or may
not be permitted (e.g., only on machine number "1234651"; only on
twenty-five cent ($0.25) denomination slot machines); and/or (xii)
any other gambling attribute.
[0205] With respect to limiting the types of wagers that may be
allowed, a user and/or third party may specify, for example: [0206]
1. The types of outcomes which a user may wager upon, including but
not limited to: [0207] (i) Which/how many paylines on a slot
machine may be activated; and/or [0208] (ii) The odds of winning a
certain type of outcome (e.g., a player may be prevented from
placing certain "long shot" bets); [0209] 2. The maximum or minimum
economic (e.g., dollar) value of one or more wagers; and/or [0210]
3. The times when certain wagers may be permitted (e.g., between
7-10 PM only; on Saturdays and Sundays only).
[0211] With respect to limiting the maximum period of time for
which one or more gaming machine(s) will be operable for specific
player, a user and or third party may specify, for example: [0212]
1. How the time period will be defined or determined, such as by:
[0213] (i) Determining the conditions which are to denote the
beginning of the time period (e.g., a particular player's first
handle pull of a particular day may denote the beginning of a
period during that day); [0214] (ii) Determining the conditions
which are to denote the ending of the time period; and/or [0215]
(iii) Determining conditions which will trigger a "tolling" or
"pausing" of the time period and/or the duration of any tolling
period or pause (e.g., if the player presents his player tracking
at a casino-owned restaurant, the player's accruing time may be
extended by one half (1/2) hour to allow him to dine).
[0216] With respect to limiting the sources of funds that may be
used by a specific player to place wagers, a user and/or third
party may specify, for example: [0217] 1. The type of payment or
currency that may be used (e.g., cash only, quarters only, no
credit cards, only stored value cards, only debit cards; and/or
[0218] 2. The nature of the funds used to place wagers (e.g.,
players may only play with "won" money after a threshold amount of
cash is wagered).
[0219] Applicants have also recognized that users and/or third
parties (e.g., spouses, creditors, taxing authorities such as the
Internal Revenue Service) may wish to designate, prior to a user's
gambling experience, how specifically any resulting gambling
winnings will be paid (to whom, in what amount, when). Often, a
user has preconceived ideas about what to do with his winnings at a
casino, or what to do when he wins, or loses. Too often, a user
leaves a casino wishing he had quit when he was up one hundred
dollars ($100), or wishing he hadn't gone to the ATM a second time,
etc. Therefore, a user may input rules that will govern his actions
at the casino. Remote from the emotions and pressures of the casino
floor, the user will better be able to decide how to handle his
money.
[0220] One set of rules a user and/or third party might input
describes how the user will allocate winnings among various causes.
For example, the user and/or third party may wish to allocate two
percent (2%) of winnings to pay for his hotel bill, three percent
(3%) to pay for a credit card bill, ten percent (10%) to go into a
gift fund for his wife, and three percent (3%) to go toward his
child's college tuition. With these rules in place, the controller
may set up multiple accounts for the user, and have the casino
server automatically divert portions of the user's winnings to the
designated accounts. For example, after a user wins one hundred
dollars ($100) on a handle pull, the casino server may communicate
this information to a central controller. The central controller
may then increment a user's hotel bill account by two dollars ($2),
credit card payment account by three dollars ($3), wife gift
account by ten dollars ($10), and child tuition account by three
dollars ($3). At predetermined time intervals, the user may be
asked (e.g., by the central controller, casino server, or gaming
device) whether the money in the designated accounts should
actually be applied to the designated purpose, for example, to pay
off line items on the user's hotel bill. Upon the user's approval,
money in his hotel bill account may be eliminated, and his hotel
bill reduced by the corresponding amount. Similarly, money in his
wife gift account may actually be used to purchase a gift (the user
may have also designated the gift as part of his rules). According
to some embodiments, some or all of the distributions pursuant to
the player's allocation may be tax exempt and/or tax deferred. In
the case that the child tuition account is a tax deferred and/or
tax exempt account, for example, the IRS may allow
pre-designated
[0221] The following are exemplary rules or fragments of rules that
may govern the user's allocation of winnings: [0222] 1. A fixed
percentage of each payout the user wins goes into one or more
accounts. Thus, if a user wins two dollars ($2) on a handle pull,
two cents ($0.02) may be allocated to a particular account; [0223]
2. A variable percentage of each payout the user wins goes into one
or more accounts. The percentage may depend on the size of the
payout, the time of day, the user's net winnings thus far, the
amount already put into one or more accounts, etc.; [0224] 3. A
portion of a payout goes into an account only upon the realization
of some random event. For example, a rule might govern that for
every credit a user wins, a random number between one (1) and one
hundred (100) is to be generated. If the number is five (5) or
less, then the credit goes into a first account. If the number if
between six (6) and ten (10), the credit goes into a second
account, and so on; and/or [0225] 4. One or more credits is taken
out of a user's winnings at fixed intervals. For example, after the
user wins ninety-nine (99) credits, regardless of how long it
takes, the one hundredth (100.sup.th) credit is taken out and
placed in a particular account for the user. In another embodiment,
one or more credits may be taken from a user device at fixed time
intervals and placed into a particular account, provided the user
has credits on his gaming device.
[0226] More generally, a user and/or a third party may set rules
for determining and/or triggering an action that may be performed
by a central controller, a casino server, a gaming device, a user
terminal, a third party service provider server, or any other
device or computer. For example, a user and/or third party may set
any one or more of the following rules for determining and/or
triggering an action: [0227] 1. The user is encouraged to quit
after some condition has been met; [0228] (i) The condition might
be that the user has lost a certain amount; the user has lost on a
certain number of consecutive handle pulls; the user has won a
certain amount; the user has played for a certain amount of time;
etc.; [0229] (ii) Upon the triggering of the condition, the gaming
device may strictly enforce the user-defined rule by, for example,
forcibly cashing out the user and ceasing to operate so long as the
user's player tracking card is inserted. Alternatively or
additionally, the player may be restricted from playing at one or
more gaming machines for a predetermined period of time, such as
one hour or one day; [0230] (iii) In some embodiments, upon the
triggering of the condition, the gaming device may simply encourage
the user to quit. For example, a device may remind the player that
he had intended to after wagering a certain amount, etc. The gaming
device might also suggest some alternative activities for the user.
For example, the user might visit the casino's restaurant, bar, or
show. An exemplary input of the user into the Web site of the
central controller is, "Cash me out if I win $100 or if I'm down
$100." In another example, a user may specify "If I lose more than
$100.00 within one hour, freeze access to my casino stored funds
for twenty-four hours"; and/or [0231] (iv) In some embodiments,
upon the triggering of the condition, the gaming device may prompt
a player with an output (e.g., a message or a question) that may
require a particular input (e.g., an acknowledgement or answer) in
order for the player to continue wagering. For example, a gaming
device may prompt a player with a message illuminating the dangers
of problem gambling, to which the user must input an
acknowledgement (e.g., "I acknowledge these dangers") in order to
proceed. In another example, a user must successfully answer a
trivia question related to problem gambling in order to proceed.
Such actions may increase awareness and education with respect to
problem gambling; [0232] 2. A gaming device, a casino server, or
another computer might be configured to trigger a notification
message to a third party after a condition has been met. For
example, if a player wagers and loses more than a certain dollar
amount within a certain period of time, the casino server may email
a problem gambling counselor and/or the player's spouse. Or, if the
player wagers more than a certain dollar amount within a certain
period of time, the casino server may trigger an automated outbound
interactive voice response unit to place a phone call to the
player's spouse, whose cellular telephone number may be registered
in a database. Further, if the player wagers more than a certain
dollar amount within a certain period of time, a casino
representative may be notified through the systems so that the
player may be addressed in a hands-on manner; [0233] 3. A gaming
device, a casino server, or another computer might be configured to
open a communication link between the player and a third party
after a condition has been met. For example, in one embodiment, if
a player wagers and loses more than a certain dollar amount within
a certain period of time, the casino server may instruct the gaming
device at which the player is sitting to open an instant messaging
program so that a problem gambling counselor may be brought online
and made available to the player. Alternatively, a telephone call
to a telephone associated with the player may be initiated so that
the player may be connected to a problem gambling counselor; [0234]
4. A gaming device, a casino server, or another computer might be
configured to, upon the occurrence of the triggering condition,
slow down the rate at which play may be permitted at one or more
gaming devices, lower the amount that may be wagered at one or more
gaming devices, or the like; [0235] 5. A gaming device, a casino
server, or another computer might be configured to, upon the
occurrence of the triggering condition, permit the player to:
[0236] (i) only play for "free" (i.e., where no wagers can be
placed and no money can be won); and/or [0237] (ii) only play with
very small "micro-bets" (e.g., one percent (1%) of a machine's
denomination); [0238] 6. A gaming device, a casino server, or
another computer might be configured to, upon the occurrence of the
triggering condition, require the player to: [0239] (i) sacrifice
any "comp" points earned to-date; and/or [0240] (ii) obtain the
consent of a third party before resuming (e.g., a problem gambling
counselor or spouse might have to enter a code into a website which
reactivates the player's gaming permissions); [0241] 7. A gaming
device might be configured to, upon the occurrence of the
triggering condition, output an audio or video clip to the player.
The recording may provide a reminder to the player that he should
stop gaming. This audio or video clip may be a recording of a
friend or family member of the player, the player's gaming
counselor, a celebrity, the player himself, or some other person
with whom the player feels an affinity. For example, a player's
gaming counselor may use a video camera to record clips of the
player's friends and family members encouraging the player to stop
gaming. These video clips may then be provided to a casino so that
they can be output to the player an appropriate time; [0242] 8. A
gaming device, a casino server, or another computer might be
configured to, upon the occurrence of the triggering condition,
rescind a benefit that has been or would have been provided to the
player. For example, the player may be prevented from earning any
"comp" points during the remainder of his gaming session, the
player may lose access to one or more features on the game machine
(e.g., auto-play mode, free play mode, free movies and phone calls
while gaming), or a player may be prevented from receive free
drinks while gaming; and/or [0243] 9. The gaming device, casino
server, or the central controller manages the user's wagers so that
the user does not lose all of his money prior to a certain time.
For example, the user might say, "I don't want to lose all of my
$100 buy-in within a three hour period." Then, the gaming device
might steadily decrease the user's wager size as he loses money, to
make sure he does not run out within a three (3) hour period. If
the user begins to win money, the gaming device may increase the
size of the user's wager.
[0244] In some embodiments, gambling rules and/or limits for a
specific user may not be changed or eliminated for a period of time
following the registration of such rules or limits. Thus, a user
who voluntarily registers limits on his gambling ability may not be
permitted to, for example, eliminate or otherwise modify such
limits immediately before visiting a casino so long as his planned
visit is within the period. Although the effective periods of
various limitations and rules may be fixed or predetermined (e.g.,
a number of days or hours following registration), such periods may
alternatively be of variable-length, for example, based on one or
more factors such as (1) a player's winnings or losses during the
period, (2) a player's savings or payment patterns during the
period, (3) input from third parties during the period (e.g., a
problem gambling counselor may modify the effective period of a
rule), etc. For example, if a player loses more than two hundred
dollars ($200) during the period, the period may be extended by ten
(10) days. Or, if a player has demonstrated to the computer system
that he's saved fifty dollars ($50) into a savings account during
the period, the period may be shortened by five (5) days. Further,
if a player has demonstrated that he's paid various financial
obligations during the period (e.g., a mortgage, taxes, child
support, etc.), the period may be shortened. Further still, if a
problem gambling counselor feels that a player has (or has not)
made progress towards controlling an addiction, the counselor may
shorten (or lengthen) a period.
12. Information About Contracts for which the User Wants to Sign
Up
[0245] Gaming contracts are a way for a user to purchase (and for a
casino to sell) large blocks of handle pulls at once. Over the
course of a large number of handle pulls, certain statistics become
more pronounced. For example, whereas after a small number of
handle pulls, a user may or may not come out ahead, the user is
almost guaranteed to come out behind after a large number of handle
pulls. This is because the house maintains a small edge on every
handle pull. Therefore, in selling large blocks of handle pulls to
a user, the casino can afford to provide discounts or other
benefits. One attractive benefit is insuring a user against losses.
Thus, a user may pay to make twenty thousand (20,000) handle pulls
with the provision that he keeps any winnings but is not liable for
any losses. Aside from being able to offer attractive incentives
for contract purchases, the casino also benefits from locking the
user into a large number of pulls.
[0246] The user also benefits from contract play. As mentioned, the
user may insure himself against losses. The user may also ensure
that he can afford a large number of pulls by purchasing them all
at once. Then, he needn't worry about running out of money before
his planned stay at the casino ends. Another benefit is that,
having purchased a large number of handle pulls at once, the user
need not necessarily be present when they are executed. Thus, the
user may go off to have lunch or may even leave the state while
handle pulls are made on his behalf. The user then enjoys an
experience akin to that of remote gambling.
[0247] In some embodiments of this invention, the user may
structure and or purchase contracts at the Web site of the central
controller. In structuring a contract, the user may designate any
of the following: [0248] 1. The number of handle pulls in the
contract; [0249] 2. The wager amount for each of the handle pulls;
[0250] 3. The game to be played (e.g., IGT.RTM.'s Triple
Diamond.RTM., or Double Bonus Poker.RTM.); and/or [0251] 4. The
price of the contract.
[0252] The user may also or alternatively provide gambling
instructions such that a gaming device might generate outcomes for
the user automatically. Such instructions may relate to the
outcomes of a contract, or to outcomes unrelated to a contract.
Exemplary instructions may include: [0253] 1. The frequency with
which outcomes are to be generated (e.g., make ten (10) handle
pulls per minute); [0254] 2. The total number of outcomes to be
generated (e.g., make one thousand (1,000) handle pulls); and/or
[0255] 3. The way new outcomes are to be generated or new wagers
are to be made in dependence on old outcomes (e.g., "double up my
bets every time I lose", and "go back to 25 cents per pull when I
win". Or "double the rate of handle pulls when I have lost more
than five times in a row", but "halve the rate of handle pulls when
I have won a payout of more than $10". Or "stop after I have won or
lost $100").
[0256] Once the user has submitted preparation data describing a
contract and/or gambling instructions, the user may name or
otherwise identify the contract. For example, the user may call a
contract "Superluck system." Then, when the user appears in person
at a gaming device, he need only select the Superluck system to
begin contract play.
13. Travel Arrangement Information
[0257] Using the Web site of the central controller, the user may
make travel and accommodation arrangements. The user may select,
for example, the hotel at which he would like to stay, the days he
would like to stay, the grade of room, the transportation he would
like to take from the airport, the airline he would like to fly,
etc. In some embodiments, the user may provide travel dates and
allow the central controller to find a suitable hotel for the user.
For example, the central controller might find a hotel with rooms
available, a hotel with the cheapest room rates, or a hotel that
gives benefits for staying there (e.g. free meals).
[0258] The user may receive various gaming related benefits for
making travel arrangements using the central controller. For
example, he may receive five dollars ($5) in free gaming chips for
every one hundred dollars ($100) worth of travel arrangements he
makes using the central controller.
14. Friends' E-mail Addresses
[0259] At the central controller's Web site, the user may enter the
email addresses of friends, relatives or other people the user may
wish to contact during a gambling session. The user may wish to
contact people, for example, if he has just had a string of good
luck and wishes to share his excitement with others. The user may
also wish to contact others to solicit encouragement if he has not
been doing so well. The user may also simply want to chat while
playing the slots. By entering email addresses remotely, a user has
access to an address book, for example, and need not memorize all
his friends' addresses. The remotely entered addresses then become
available to the user at a gaming device. For example, the name of
a user's friend may be listed on a touch screen of the user's
gaming device. The user need then only touch the friend's name,
compose a message, and touch a "send" button on the touch screen in
order to send an email message to his friend. In addition to
friends' or relatives' email addresses, the user may enter AOL
Instant Messenger.RTM. handles, phone numbers, or other contact
information for friends.
[0260] In some embodiments, the user gives the central controller
or one or more casino servers permission to contact one or more of
his friends. The central controller may then market to the user's
friends by, for example, urging the user's friends to visit a
casino associated with the central controller. The user may receive
a benefit for allowing his friends to be contacted. In some
embodiments, friends are contacted on behalf of the user. For
example, the user says, send an email to my friend "Joe Smith"
every time I win more than forty dollars ($40) on a handle pull.
The user may even compose the message beforehand. The message might
read, "I've just won $x, don't you wish you had come with me?"
15. The User's Gaming Circle
[0261] A user may register one or more other people to benefit from
his gaming and/or gambling. These registered beneficiaries are
termed the user's "gaming circle" and/or "gambling circle", as
applicable. For example, the user registers several friends, each
to receive ten percent (10%) of any jackpot the user receives.
Alternatively, a user may specify one or more friends of a gaming
circle, where the friends are registered to receive various gaming
benefits associated with the user's play, such as points, credits,
demos, cheat codes, and/or the unlocking of gaming levels. Creating
a gambling circle has several advantages. A user can leave for a
trip to a casino with the psychological backing of friends,
relatives, or coworkers. When he wins, he not only feels good about
receiving money, but also about having won money for his gambling
circle. Furthermore, when the user returns from his trip, his
gambling circle will be more interested in how the trip went and in
any good stories the user has to tell. Describing his trip to his
gambling circle adds to the fun of the user's experience.
[0262] A user may register members of his gambling circle by
entering their names, e-mail addresses, and/or home addresses when
logged into the Web site of the central controller. These may be
stored, for example, in the gaming circle database 1100 of FIG. 11.
When a user registers members of his gaming and/or gambling circle,
he may specify what benefits they are to receive. The following is
a partial list of possible benefits: [0263] 1. A percentage of any
jackpot the user wins; [0264] 2. A percentage of the user's gross
winnings; [0265] 3. A percentage of the user's net winnings
(dollars, credits, points, etc.); [0266] 4. A percentage of the
user's jackpots, net, or gross winnings during a certain time frame
(e.g., from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM every day); [0267] 5. A percentage
of the user's jackpots, net, or gross winnings, capped at a certain
amount. (e.g., five percent (5%) of net winnings up to a maximum of
fifty dollars ($50)); [0268] 6. A non-monetary prize which is
dependent on the user's winnings (e.g., a fifty dollar ($50) gift
certificate at Amazon.com.RTM. if the user wins any jackpot over
one thousand dollars ($1,000)); and/or [0269] 7. One or more game
play benefits such as points, experience levels, free demos, bonus
levels, characters, and/or capabilities, and/or the unlocking of
game features such as levels.
[0270] Benefits given the members of a user's gaming and/or
gambling circle may or may not detract from a user's own winnings.
For example, if the user wins a one thousand dollar ($1,000)
jackpot, and has signed up a member to receive five percent (5%) of
any such jackpot, then the user may receive only nine hundred and
fifty dollars ($950) of the jackpot. Alternatively, the user may
receive the full one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the casino or
other party (such as a marketer) may provide the extra fifty
dollars ($50) due the member of the gambling circle. If it is the
casino that will provide the extra money to compensate a member of
a gambling circle, then the casino may require some action of the
user or the member of the gambling circle before providing the
money. For example, the casino may require the member of the
gambling circle to pick up the fifty dollars ($50) at the casino.
The casino would then benefit from having a potential customer
visit the casino. A marketer providing the extra fifty dollars
($50) might require the member of the gambling circle to test one
of the marketer's products. For example, a car dealer might require
the member of the gambling circle to test drive the dealer's car
before receiving the fifty dollars ($50).
[0271] In some embodiments, the benefits given the members of a
user's gambling circle bear little relationship to the user's
winnings. For example, members of a gambling circle may receive
benefits only when a user loses in excess of a certain amount. As
another example, a member benefits when the user gets an outcome of
"lemon-cherry-bar," which may ordinarily be a non-winning
outcome.
[0272] A member of a gambling circle may receive any benefits due
him in a number of ways. The casino may send cash, a check, a money
order, a voucher for casino chips, or a prize in the mail. The
casino may wire money, send digital cash, or deposit money directly
to a financial account of the gambling circle member. The casino
may simply notify a member of a user's gambling circle of what the
user has won, with the presumption that the member would then
collect from the user. Many other ways are possible for a casino or
marketer to provide a benefit.
16. Intentionality Information
[0273] Knowing a user's intended activities can be valuable for a
casino or other marketer. Intended activities may include such
things as when a user intends to visit Las Vegas; how long a user
intends to stay in Las Vegas; how much a user intends to gamble;
where a user intends to gamble; where a user intends to eat and how
much he intends to spend; where a user intends to stay; what his
shopping budget is; and so on. Knowing a user's intentions, a
marketer can try to pitch products or services that suit the user's
intentions. For example, if a user plans to stay in Las Vegas for
four days, a hotel might offer the user a special rate based on a
four-night stay. Also, when the user is in Las Vegas on his last
day, a casino may be willing to sell a product to the user. The
casino would not ordinarily wish to divert a user's money from
gambling. However, knowing that the user is there for his last day,
the casino might deduce that a larger profit would come from
selling a product to the user than would come from allowing the
user to gamble for his small remaining amount of time.
[0274] A user may submit his intentions to the central controller
via the central controller's Web site. The user may respond to
specific questions, such as "How many people are you traveling
with," by keying in a number or by selecting from multiple answer
choices, such as "1", "2", "3", or "more than 3". The user may also
provide more free-form answers, either by typing them in or by
speaking into a microphone. Free form answers may be responses to
questions such as "What do you plan to do during your vacation?"
The free form answers may then be interpreted by a human or a
computer program.
[0275] The user may be compensated for submitting his intentions.
For example, the user may receive compensation for each question he
answers. The compensation might depend on the value of the user's
answers to a casino or marketer. For example, a user may receive
more compensation for answering, "What is your gambling budget?"
than for answering "Where do you intend to eat lunch on
Sunday?"
[0276] As the user answers questions, new questions may be posed to
the user based on his answers to old ones. For example, if the user
says his trip to Las Vegas is to last four (4) days, he may then be
asked where he plans to stay. However, a user who indicates his
trip is only a day trip may not be asked where he intends to
stay.
[0277] A casino or a marketer may try to influence a user to alter
his expressed intentions, perhaps with the offer of a special deal.
For example, if the user intends to gamble at a first casino, then
a second casino may offer the user twenty dollars ($20) in free
casino or gambling chips if the user goes there instead. If the
user only plans to stay three (3) nights, then a hotel may offer
him a discount on room rates for a fourth (4.sup.th) and fifth
(5.sup.th) night.
[0278] A casino or marketer may also or alternatively encourage a
user to commit to his intentions. For example, the user may say he
intends to spend about one hundred dollars ($100) shopping at a
particular casino. The casino, knowing the user could always change
his mind, might ask the user to commit to the one hundred dollars
($100) worth of shopping. For committing, the user might receive a
benefit, such as a twenty-dollar ($20) gift certificate at one of
the casino's stores. There may be various ways of enforcing the
user's commitment. For example, the user may have to deposit a
certain amount of money with the central controller. The user may
lose the money if he does not honor his commitment.
[0279] A user may submit information about his friends' intentions.
Perhaps the user knows how long his friends are staying, where they
are staying, where they like to gamble, where they like to eat, and
so on. The user might provide friends' contact information along
with their intentionally data, so that a casino or marketer may
contact the user's friends.
[0280] Along with information about his intentions, a user may
submit information about his obligations. Obligations may be
thought of as a stronger form of intentions, where there is some
psychological pressure on a user to perform an action. For example,
the user is obligated to leave after four (4) days because he has
to go to work on the fifth (5.sup.th) day. A user may similarly
receive compensation for submitting obligations. A marketer may not
try as hard to get a user to commit to his obligations, nor to
convince a user not to fulfill obligations.
[0281] The central controller may infer user intentions or
obligations. If the user has already made a reservation with a
casino's hotel, for example, then the central controller may
receive such reservation information from the casino hotel. The
central controller then knows how long a user intends to spend on a
vacation. The central controller may also refer to existing data
about the user. For example, if the central controller has a record
of the user's prior hotel stays in Las Vegas, and the user has
stayed in Las Vegas for an average of five (5) days during each of
the last six (6) years, then the central controller may infer that
the user intends to stay in Las Vegas for five (5) days during an
upcoming vacation.
[0282] Knowing a user's intentions and obligations, the central
controller may employ principles of revenue management in providing
offers to the user. For example, if the central controller knows a
user has a one hundred and fifty dollar ($150) food budget, then
the central controller might offer the user a meal at a restaurant
for twenty dollars ($20). "Sam", who has a five hundred dollar
($500) food budget, might get the same meal offered for thirty
dollars ($30). The central controller might also offer the user
food or products of a perishable nature, perhaps at a reduced
price.
17. Entertainment And Convenience Information
[0283] Gaming devices may have the capability of providing a number
of entertainment or convenience features beyond the mere play of
the game. For example, gaming devices may allow the user to view
television or movies, to access the Internet, to place phone calls,
to do word processing, to listen to music, and so on. Therefore, a
user may submit preparation data detailing the entertainment and
convenience features he would like. What follows are some examples
of user requests: [0284] 1. The user requests continuous access to
ESPN.RTM. whenever playing the slots; [0285] 2. The user requests
to place twenty (20) minutes worth of phone calls to any place in
the U.S. for each three hours gambled; [0286] 3. The user requests
to watch first run movies while playing the slots; [0287] 4. The
user requests access to the Internet and to word processing
software while at the slots; [0288] 5. The user requests access to
instant messaging while at the slots; [0289] 6. The user requests
free access to two pay Web sites while playing the slots; and/or
[0290] 7. The user request to hear the top fifty (50) songs on the
country music charts while playing the slots.
[0291] The user may also or alternatively request particular
entertainment features, including movies and TV shows, for his
hotel room.
18. Information About the User's Preferred Environmental
Conditions
[0292] A user may submit preparation data on what environmental
conditions most suit him. The user might provide preparation data
pertaining to ambient temperature, ambient lighting, proximity of
machines to each other, the crowdedness of the casino floor, the
noise level of the casino, and the smokiness and ventilation of the
casino. In addition, preparation data may pertain to the number of
casino personnel available to serve a user. For example, the user
may desire a casino employee to help with baggage. The user may
desire a particular frequency of waiters bringing drinks. Users may
specify preparation data that pertains to the user's preferred
drink or drinks. Knowing these, a waitress would be able to bring
the user drinks without asking what he would like. The user may
also submit preparation data about when he would like to be served
drinks. Then, a waitress could bring drinks to a user without his
ever asking. Users may specify preparation data that pertains to
casino devices in a particular configuration. For example, the user
might prefer machines that are at the end of a row, that are
isolated, or that are in an arc configuration.
19. Scrapbook Information
[0293] A trip centered on gambling may constitute a major vacation
for a user. The average visitor to Las Vegas spends more than four
(4) days there. A visitor often comes in by airplane. Furthermore,
visitors to Las Vegas seek out numerous forms of entertainment in
addition to gambling.
[0294] As with any vacation, the user wishes to enjoy himself and
to retain memories of his best experiences. A casino may assist a
user in retaining memories by documenting the user's experiences in
various ways. The casino may use the security cameras to take
pictures of the user. The casino may save pictures of the user from
various special moments, e.g. just after the user has won a sizable
payout. The user's gaming device may communicate with the casino
server or central controller, alerting them that a payout has been
won. The casino server may then send a signal to a casino security
camera overlooking the user. The camera may be instructed to
capture and/or save one or more still images from the time period
during which the player won. Security cameras may also record
images from a user at times of low morale, to serve as a points of
comparison with pictures of the user's later triumphs.
[0295] A gaming device may also record and store particular
outcomes achieved by the user. The gaming device may provide the
user with a printed record of his outcomes. The gaming device may
also communicate the record of outcomes to the central controller.
The central controller may then send the record of the outcomes to
the user's terminal. Using software that graphically represents a
gaming device, the user may be able to relive his gaming experience
on his user terminal.
[0296] Pictures of the user's facial expressions may even be
overlaid on top of the graphical representation of the gaming
device as it achieved outcomes causing the user's expressions. For
example, a user is shown with an elated expression on top of a
picture of three bars lining up on a slot machine. Such pictures
may be provided digitally to the user, in printed form, or may be
put on T-shirts or other merchandise for the user.
[0297] When a user achieves certain outcomes, casino employees may
gather around the user for a group picture. Perhaps they hold the
user on their shoulders directly in front of a security camera.
[0298] The casino may record sounds from the user as well as
images. For example, microphones on the gaming device may record
the user's exclamations of sorrow or joy as his fortunes
change.
[0299] Since documentation of a vacation may be so important to the
user, the user may submit preparation data describing how his
vacation will be recorded. The user may describe when the casino
should take or record pictures of the user. For example, the user
might request saving a picture of the user whenever the user wins a
payout exceeding one hundred dollars ($100). The user might request
saving the top five outcomes won by the user, so that the user may
later have the outcomes reenacted at his computer.
[0300] The user may wish for special merchandise to be made
reflecting the user's vacation. For example, the user may ask for a
mug displaying the dollar figure of the user's best outcome above a
picture of the user.
[0301] Part of the user's preparation data may also be payment
instructions for the documentation of his vacation. For example,
the user may pay ten dollars ($10) and be entitled to receive
prints of one hundred (100) pictures of the user's choice. The user
may pay twenty dollars ($20) to receive two T-shirts with the
user's picture on them. The user's payment may or may not be made
in advance. The user may or may not commit to paying for any
elements of documentation.
[0302] In some embodiments, a user's gaming device is configured to
display a "photograph this" button or a "save this" button. When
the user presses the button (as by touching an area of the touch
screen), a camera in the casino may photograph the user, or the
gaming device may save the current outcome for future
reenactments.
[0303] It may be worthwhile for a casino to provide a user with
free documentation of his vacation. After taking multiple pictures
of a user, for example, a casino would be able to present the
pictures to the user in a logical, organized, or attractive format,
such as a scrapbook. However, if a user were to go to multiple
different casinos during a vacation, and were he to receive
documentation from the multiple casinos, the documentation from the
different casinos would not necessarily fit together conveniently.
Thus, a casino can retain users more effectively by providing
documentation, since a user would wish to stay at that casino and
have his whole vacation documented in a unified format.
[0304] In some embodiments, multiple casinos, restaurants, and/or
other merchants may coordinate with each other in the documentation
of a user's trip. For example, two different casinos may each
photograph a user, and send the photographs to a central database
maintained by the central controller. The central controller may
then assemble all of the photographs into an album and present them
to the user in a unified format.
[0305] Photographs, outcomes, and other data documenting a user's
trip may, according to some embodiments, be stored in a trip
documentation database.
20. What the User Wishes to Buy
[0306] Many visitors to casinos enjoy shopping in casinos'
extensive shopping malls. However, the malls do not necessarily
have everything a user wishes to purchase. Therefore, the user's
preparation data may include a list and description of items the
user wishes to purchase. The user may desire customized items, such
as T-shirts with his name on them. When the user indicates what
items he wants in advance, stores have the opportunity to obtain or
to make what the user wants. The user may pay in advance or may
simply commit to a purchase. The items the user requests may be
held at particular stores, may be sent directly to the user at his
home address, or may be brought to the user while he is at a gaming
device or in his hotel room. In some embodiments, a store obtains
goods requested by the user and gives them to the user at the store
for free or for a steep discount. The expectation is that the user
will purchase more items at the store. The user may be required to
purchase more items in order to get the requested product for free
or at a discount.
[0307] Items a user requests to purchase may also be offered to the
user as prizes. For example, if the user wins a two hundred dollar
($200) prize at a slot machine, the slot machine may offer to give
the user the dress she requested instead of her prize.
[0308] Clearly a tremendous amount and variety of preparation data
is possible, and a user may not necessarily provide certain
preparation data that it is possible to provide. For example, a
user may not necessarily provide any data of use to marketers, nor
even indicate whether or not he would like to receive marketing
offers. Thus, the controller may associate default preparation data
with each user. In the above example, where the user has not
indicated whether or not he would like to receive marketing offers,
the default may be that the user does receive marketing offers.
Default data may not be the same for every user. Rather, default
preparation data may depend on information about the user, or it
may depend on the business environment of the central controller,
casino servers, or marketers. For example, marketing offers may be
presented to a user if a marketer is experiencing particular
pressure to dispose of inventory, but may not be presented
otherwise.
B. Determining an Associated Preparation Code--1404
[0309] In some embodiments, the central controller may assign a
preparation code to each user's preparation data. The code may be
any sequence of letters, numerals, punctuation, and other symbols.
Sample codes are, "123456," "C123456," "ABCDEF," and "*$%#@Q %."
Codes may be any length. In some embodiments, codes are limited in
length and symbol usage so that they may be easily memorized by a
human. Also, the symbols in codes may be restricted to those easily
entered into a gaming device. For example, a player tracking card
reader on a slot machine may contain a keypad with only numerals.
Therefore, codes may consist strictly of numerals.
[0310] In some embodiments, a unique code is assigned to each
unique set of preparation data. Since there may be more possible
sets of preparation data than codes of a given length, certain
codes may expire after a time so that they may be reused for new
sets of preparation data. That is, code "123456" may correspond to
a first set of preparation data only for three weeks, after which
it may be assigned to a new set of preparation data. A code may
correspond to different sets of preparation data depending on
different circumstances. The time of day, the geographic location,
and the type of gaming device receiving the code may all determine
the corresponding set of preparation data. Advantageously, this may
allow fewer codes to represent more unique sets of preparation
data, since each code can now represent multiple sets of
preparation data. For example, "123456" may represent a five reel
(5-reel), one dollar ($1) per bet gaming device configuration in
Atlantic City, but may represent a three reel (3-reel), quarter
($0.25) per bet configuration in Las Vegas.
[0311] When codes are assigned to sets of preparation data, the
codes may simply be assigned in sequence according to the order in
which sets of preparation data are defined by users. For example,
set of preparation data may be assigned the code "000129," while a
set of preparation data received immediately afterwards may be
assigned the code "000130."
[0312] When a code is assigned to a set of preparation data, a
record may be created for the code and preparation data in a
database such as the preparation data database 1200 of FIG. 12.
When a gaming device, casino server, or the central controller
later receives a code, it may simply examine the record in the
database to determine the corresponding preparation data.
[0313] In an alternative embodiment, a code actually contains
preparation data. For example, each digit of a code may correspond
to a different feature of a gaming device configuration. The first
digit may indicate the game type, the second the font size, the
third the wager size, and so on. Then, when a gaming device
receives a code, it need only interpret each segment of the code
using a predefined table in order to configure itself properly.
Such a table may be stored in the gaming device, the casino server,
or the central controller.
[0314] In some embodiments, a first code is created such that it
contains preparation data. However, the code may be very long,
especially if there are many features that can be customized.
Therefore, a second code is created by compressing the first code
in some fashion. Numerous compression algorithms for a sequence of
bits or numerals are known in the art. When the gaming device later
receives the second code, it may reverse the compression algorithm
to recover the first code and to deduce the preparation data from
the first code. Of course, the casino server or central controller
may also reverse the compression.
[0315] Preparation data may be associated with a particular user.
Thus, information about the user may be sufficient for a gaming
device to obtain preparation data. For example, a user's name may
be stored in a database corresponding to a set of preparation data.
When the user later enters his name into a gaming device (perhaps
via his tracking card), the gaming device may find the user's name
in the database and thereby obtain the corresponding preparation
data. A user's player tracking card number may serve a similar
function, and may thus serve as a preparation code. Other user
characteristics may be associated in a database with
configurations. A user's biometric data, such as voice data,
retinal scan data, or finger print data may be associated with a
particular configuration.
[0316] A preparation code may take the form of bar code, or any
other machine-readable code. The user may then print out the bar
code from his user terminal. When the user subsequently inserts the
bar code into a gaming device, the gaming device may obtain the
user's preparation data.
[0317] A user may specify his own code to be associated with a
particular configuration. Perhaps he labels a configuration,
"203461-9999," or "Big Jackpot," or "xyz."
[0318] A preparation code may only describe particular features
that a user has selected. Other features may then take on default
values. For example, if a user has only selected the number of
reels, a code might read "NR5," where "NR" stands for "number of
reels," and "5" indicates the desired number. The code does not
describe other features, and so these may take on default
values.
C. Transmitting the Preparation Data and Code to a Casino Server
(or Other Device or Computer)--1406
[0319] Once a code has been associated with a particular set of
preparation data, the code and the preparation data may be
transmitted to a casino server, and/or a gaming device.
Transmission may occur via the Internet, e-mail, phone, fax, or any
other mode of communication.
[0320] In some embodiments, the code and preparation data are
transmitted immediately after they have been generated. In other
embodiments, a gaming device may only receive preparation data
after a user has entered a code, and the gaming device has sent the
code to the casino server and/or the central controller.
[0321] In embodiments where a preparation code contains information
about a gaming device configuration, the controller need not
necessarily transmit both configuration data and the preparation
code, since a gaming device or casino server may be able to derive
one from the other according to predefined rules.
[0322] When a user sits down at a gaming device, he may enter his
preparation code in order to have the gaming device determine the
user's preferred features (such as preferences and/or gaming rules
or limits). He may enter the code in a number of ways including,
but not limited to: [0323] 1. Keying in the code via a keypad or
touch screen; [0324] 2. Speaking the code into a microphone,
whereby it is interpreted using voice recognition software; [0325]
3. Inserting a bar code into the gaming device and/or otherwise
scanning or reading a barcode or other indicia; [0326] 4. Inserting
his player tracking card into the device; [0327] 5. Inserting into
the gaming device any magnetic strip containing the code; [0328] 6.
Inserting into the gaming device a floppy disc, CD, DVD or other
storage medium containing the code; [0329] 7. Wirelessly
transmitting the code to the gaming device using a cell phone, PDA,
or other communications device; and/or [0330] 8. Providing
biometric data to an input device of the gaming device (e.g.,
fingerprint, retina, and/or facial recognition data).
[0331] If the gaming device cannot interpret the code, the gaming
device may transmit the code to the casino server and/or to the
controller. The casino server or controller may then look up the
code in a database such as the preparation data database 1200 of
FIG. 12, and may retrieve the corresponding configuration
information. The configuration may then be sent back to the gaming
device so that it can configure itself accordingly.
D. Provide Feedback To The User--1408
[0332] Generally, after the user has entered preparation data into
the Web site of the central controller, the central controller may
respond to the user. The following is a partial list of possible
information contained in the central controller's response: [0333]
1. A thank you to the user for submitting preparation data and/or
request confirmation of the submitted preparation data; [0334] 2.
Maps and/or directions to any gaming devices or other points of
interest for the user; [0335] 3. Vouchers or coupons for use at a
casino, restaurant, or other business. The vouchers may, in
particular, be for businesses in the vicinity of the user's
intended destination; [0336] 4. Information about one or more
individual gaming devices. For example, the gaming device's date of
manufacture, pay out percentage to fifty-three (53) year-old males,
etc. The user may, for example, print out this information and take
it to his astrologer for a consultation; [0337] 5. Updates on
gaming devices for the time since the user entered preparation
data. The central controller may call the user's attention to new
gaming devices if these have been performing well lately. Such
updates may be made periodically; [0338] 6. Configuring a gaming
device according to the configuration data associated with a
preparation code received from a player at the gaming device;
and/or [0339] 7. Marketing offers for the user. The marketing
offers may offer the user benefits for doing business or agreeing
to do business with any merchant in the vicinity of the user's
destination or anywhere else. In some embodiments, the central
controller will only honor the user's preparation data if the user
agrees to a marketing offer. For example, the controller might say
to the user, "We will give you the pay table you requested but in
return we would like you to fly to Las Vegas using XYZ Airlines."
The central controller might ask the user to prepay for some
product or service in order to solidify the user's agreement. So
the user might prepay for three nights stay at a hotel after
agreeing to spend his vacation at the hotel.
[0340] It should be noted that in some embodiments, an additional
and/or alternate one or more steps may be performed by the one or
more computers or devices referenced herein. Such an additional
step(s) may be performed when a user attempts to use a gaming
device or machine at a casino premises. Pursuant to such a step or
steps, the gaming device or machine, and/or a computer associated
therewith (a casino server, a central controller, a third party
service provide server, a user device or terminal), may (a)
identify the user, (b) identify any applicable gambling rules,
restrictions or limitations (such as those described herein),
and/or (c) execute an appropriate action (e.g., as described
herein).
[0341] In such an additional step or steps, a user may be
identified upon his presentation of a customization code or
preparation code, such as a player tracking card number or a
biometric identifier. For example, a user may insert his player
tracking card into a player tracking card reader (e.g., such as
player tracking card reader 510 of FIG. 5) of a gaming machine. In
order to identify any applicable gambling rules, restrictions or
limitations, the gaming machine and/or a computer associated
therewith may query a local or remote database based on the
customization code or preparation code. For example, a gaming
machine and/or computer associated therewith may determine if the
presented code exists in a record of a database, such as the
illustrative preparation data database 1200 of FIG. 12, to
determine if corresponding rules have been registered (e.g., by
himself or by a third party) to limit the user's gambling activity.
If rules have been registered in association with the user, and if
any applicable conditions have been satisfied (e.g., a threshold
number of wagers have been placed in a given period of time), the
gaming machine and/or computer associated therewith may execute an
appropriate action, such as by: [0342] 1. restricting the user's
ability to utilize a gaming machine; [0343] 2. restricting the
user's ability to fund or place a wager; [0344] 3. restricting the
user's ability to use, access or liquidate winnings; [0345] 4.
signaling the player, through an output device, with a message
encouraging the user to stop or limit wagering activity; [0346] 5.
signaling a third party, through an output device, with a message
informing the third party about the user's wagering activity;
[0347] 6. opening a communication session between two or more
devices; and/or [0348] 7. executing any other action described
herein.
[0349] Some embodiments may be directed to operating a gaming
device and/or conducting gaming sessions in accordance with
pre-defined (e.g., third-party pre-defined) gaming rules and/or
limits. Turning to FIG. 15, for example, a flow diagram
illustrating a method 1500 according to some embodiments is shown.
The method 1500 may, according to some embodiments, be conducted by
any practicable device, system, and/or entity as described herein.
In some embodiments, the method 1500 may be conducted by a casino
server or gaming device.
[0350] The method 1500 may generally initiate at 1502 to receive an
indication of a gaming rule. The indication may be received from a
user and/or third-party device, for example, and/or may be
determined based on a player's identity. The indication may
comprise the rule or limit itself, and/or may comprise a pointer to
a location where the rule and/or limit is stored. The method 1500
may continue at 1504 to receive and indication of a request to
execute a gaming session. As the order of the processes and
elements of methods described herein is not fixed or defined by the
order in which such processes and/or elements are described and/or
presented herein, the process at 1504 may, according to some
embodiments, occur before and/or substantially contemporaneously
with the process at 1502. In some embodiments, for example, the
indication of the gaming rule may be determined based upon the
indication of the request to execute the gaming session and/or
information associated therewith (e.g., the player's identity).
According to some embodiments, the indication of the request may be
received by and/or via a gaming device and/or may be received by
and/or via a casino (and/or other) server. A player may insert a
player tracking card into a gaming device, for example, which may
constitute a receiving of an indication of a request to execute a
gaming session. Alternatively, a player's selection and/or
depression of a "spin" and/or other executable button and/or device
(e.g., a softkey) may provide such an indication.
[0351] At 1506, it may be determined whether the gaming session is
compliant with the gaming rule. Any gaming rule determined and/or
received at 1502, for example, may be evaluated and/or compared to
session parameters to determine if the requested session is
allowable. If the gaming session is compliant with and/or satisfies
the gaming rule, and/or if no gaming rule is applicable, then the
method 1500 may proceed to 1508 to execute the session (e.g., as
requested).
[0352] In the case that the gaming session is determined not to be
compliant with the gaming rule, a notification of non-compliance
may be provided at 1510. The player attempting to execute the
session may be notified that the player is not allowed to execute
the session, for example, and/or a third party such as a spouse,
parent, employer, and/or government agency may be notified that the
player has attempted to execute a prohibited session (e.g., a
gaming session defined by a parameter that has been restricted with
respect to the player). In some embodiments, the notification may
also or alternatively comprise instructions, such as instructions
directing the player as to what types of gaming are allowed, and/or
directing the player how the current session may be adjusted and/or
changed to fall within the acceptable criteria established by the
gaming rule.
[0353] In some embodiments, as alluded to with respect to the
method 1500, the gaming rule (and/or limits defined thereby) may be
determined, such as based on a particular player and/or a
particular gaming session. Referring to FIG. 16, for example, a
flow diagram illustrating a method 1600 according to some
embodiments is shown. The method 1600 may generally begin at 1602
to receive an indication of a request to execute a gaming session.
In some embodiments, this may be similar to the indication of the
request received in the method 1500 at 1504.
[0354] According to some embodiments, the method 1600 may generally
continue to determine a gaming rule, at 1604. While this may be
similar to and/or comprise the receiving of the gaming rule at 1502
in the method 1500, it may also or alternatively comprise various
other methodologies for determining the gaming rule. A biometric
identifier may be received and/or identified as part of the
receiving of the request at 1602, for example. In some embodiments,
a facial scan of a player at an arcade game and/or slot machine may
be conducted, for example, to determine an identity of the player.
Such facial scanning technology and associated methods are
described in WO 03/060846 filed in the name of CIAS, Inc. on Dec.
20, 2002, and published on Jul. 24, 2003, entitled "COMBINATION
CASINO TABLE GAME AND IMAGING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY RECOGNIZING
THE FACES OF PLAYERS--AS WELL AS TERRORISTS AND OTHER
UNDESIRABLES--AND FOR RECOGNIZING WAGERED GAMING CHIPS", the facial
recognition descriptions and concepts of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein. Based on the player's identity,
the gaming device may access and/or query a database to lookup any
gaming rules and/or limits that may be associated with the player.
The gaming limits and/or rules may also or alternatively be
determined and/or defined dynamically, such as randomly, and/or
based on various recorded and/or known player characteristics.
Based on an amount that the player has gambled and/or spent in the
past week, for example, one or more gaming limits may be
automatically defined and/or imposed. In some embodiments, such
limits may be determined based on criteria established in an
attempt to track, identify, and/or pre-empt problem gambling
behaviors.
[0355] The method 1600 may generally continue at 1606 to determine
if the session is compliant with any applicable rules. This may be
conducted in a manner similar to that of the compliance
determination at 1506 in the method 1500. For example, any gaming
limits, such as wager amounts, established by an applicable gaming
rules may be compared to one or more parameters associated with the
requested gaming session, such as amount wagered, to determined
compliance. In the case that the requested amount wagered is larger
than the allowed wager limit, for example, the session may be
determined to be non-compliant. While compliance is generally
described herein as being associated with a gaming session, it
should also be understood that the player may be deemed complaint
and/or non-compliant based on the requests for gaming sessions
and/or other actions conducted by the player. A player requesting a
non-compliant gaming session may be, for example, a non-compliant
player.
[0356] In the case that the session is determined to be compliant,
the session may be executed at 1608. In some embodiments, the
session may only be required to be substantially compliant. In the
case that a wager amount and/or other parameter violates an
applicable rule by a marginal and/or negligible amount, for
example, the session may nonetheless be determined to be compliant.
For example, if a maximum loss limit is ten dollars ($10) and the
requested session may allow the player to lose an amount that would
cause the player to incur a loss of ten dollars and five cents
($10.05), the five cent ($0.05) excess may be determined to be
negligible and/or inconsequential, and the session may be executed
(e.g., at 1608). In some embodiments, such "margins" may be defined
(e.g., by the player, by a third party, and/or by the gaming
device) and/or may be based on the underlying limits (e.g., a
certain small percentage deviation may be allowed for each and/or
certain limits).
[0357] In the case that the session is determined to by
non-compliant, the method 1600 may continue to provide a
non-compliance notification at 1610. This may be similar to the
notification provided at 1510 of the method 1500. The gaming
session may also or alternatively be barred, cancelled, and/or
otherwise prevented from being executed in violation of any
applicable rules. According to some embodiments, the gaming session
and/or gaming device may be reconfigured to proactively and/or
reactively ensure gaming rule compliance.
[0358] Turning to FIG. 17, for example, a flow diagram illustrating
a method 1700 according to some embodiments is shown. The method
1700 may generally begin at 1702 to receive an indication of a
request to execute a gaming session (such as at 1602 of the method
1600). In some embodiments, the method 1700 may continue at 1704 to
determine a gaming rule (such as at 1604 of the method 1600). At
1706, it may be determined whether the requested gaming session is
compliant with the determined rule (such as at 1606 of the method
1600). In the case that compliance is determined, the method 1700
may simply continue to execute the session at 1708 (such as at 1608
of the method 1600).
[0359] In some embodiments, such as in the case that the session is
determined to be noncompliant (e.g., at 1706), the method 1700 may
continue at 1712 to adjust the session to make it compliant. Any or
all parameters of the session that are determined to violate gaming
limits established by any applicable gaming rules, for example, may
be adjusted in accordance with such limitations. In the case that
the player has requested the session to be executed at a current
time of 4:58 PM, and the player's parents have set a gaming rule
that defines a gaming limit for gaming times of between 5:00 PM and
9:00 PM, for example, the player may be forced to wait the extra
two (2) minutes to make the session compliant (e.g., such that the
session is executed during the acceptable limited time window).
According to some embodiments, the player's waiting may be
supplemented with entertainment and/or advertising materials to
help pass the time and/or to prevent the player from simply
leaving. The wait period may also or alternatively be concealed
from the player, such that, for example, the player does not
realize an "intentional" wait has been initiated. During such a
concealed wait, the gaming device may allow the player to play one
or more non-wager games (e.g., where the limit is on wagering games
and/or wagering), ask the player one or more trivia and/or
demographic questions, play one or more entertaining media files,
and/or otherwise occupy the player to delay play until the
acceptable period.
[0360] Other parameters of game play may be similarly adjusted to
force and/or cause compliance. In some embodiments, such
adjustments may be made automatically (e.g., without player consent
and/or knowledge) or may be presented to the player as options for
allowing the requested play. Offering the player a choice may be
particularly advantageous in the case that a parameter may be
changed in a plurality of ways to achieve compliance, such that the
player may be allowed to choose one or more of these ways to
implement.
[0361] In any case, once the session has been adjusted for
compliance, the method 1700 may continue to 1708 to execute the
adjusted session. In such a manner, for example, even non-compliant
sessions may be executed and/or non-compliant players (e.g.,
problem gamblers) may be forced and/or directed to execute gaming
sessions in compliance with pre-established gaming rules.
Particularly in the case that such rules are established, defined,
and/or managed by third-parties, the player's gaming habits may
become influenced and/or shaped by such rules, which may in turn
facilitate the reduction and/or prevention of problem gaming
behaviors.
VII. Examples
[0362] The following specific examples are provided to illustrate
particular embodiments described herein, particularly from the
perspective of potential users of the system 100A, 100B of FIG. 1A
and/or FIG. 1B, including players and potential controller
operators such as casinos.
A. Example A
[0363] Sarah wanted to keep her brother informed during her
upcoming trip to Las Vegas. She therefore logged onto the Web site
Vegasvacationplanner.com and provided her player tracking card
number. She then provided instructions that all outcomes she
achieved would be emailed to her brother once an hour. She provided
her brother's email address.
[0364] The day Sarah arrived in Las Vegas, she sat down at a slot
machine. She inserted her player tracking card. The slot machine
communicated the player tracking card number to the central
controller. The central controller looked up the number in a
database, and found the instructions Sarah had provided, along with
her brother's email address. The central controller then instructed
the slot machine to transmit its outcomes to the central controller
as they were generated. As Sarah made her handle pulls, the slot
machine transmitted the outcomes to the central controller. The
central controller stored the outcomes. Every hour, the central
controller sent the newly stored outcomes in an email to Sarah's
brother.
B. Example B
[0365] Sam was planning a week-long trip to Las Vegas. Sam did not
get much time away from his home in Florida due to work and family
obligations. So this would be his big vacation for the year. He
wanted it to be memorable and he wanted it to go well.
[0366] Sam began his planning by logging onto the Web site, the Web
site identified by the URL http://www.Vegasvacationplanner.com. He
saw that there were many of aspects of his vacation for which he
could plan. He set up an account with the Web site by typing in his
name, age, email address, and home address.
[0367] First Sam decided to find a slot machine game he was
comfortable with. He selected from a list of possible slot games,
choosing a game called Crazy Jewels. A new window appeared on his
monitor containing a graphical rendition of a mechanical three-reel
slot game. Sam clicked on a "spin" icon and caused the graphical
slot machine to spin and display an outcome. Sam made a few more
spins before deciding Crazy Jewels was boring, and trying a new
game. Sam tried a few different games before finding one he enjoyed
playing. The game was called Camel Quarters. He enjoyed it in part
because he seemed to be winning most of the time. Sam put a check
mark next to Camel Quarters on the Web site.
[0368] One of Sam's fears was quickly losing too much money on his
vacation. He knew he could try to limit his gambling budget, but if
he lost it all quickly, he would be bored for the rest of the
vacation. Therefore, Sam browsed through some marketing offers on
the Web site. Many merchants offered to offset gambling losses, or
to give Sam money outright for doing business with them. Sam agreed
to an offer where he would test drive a sport utility vehicle in
return for thirty dollars ($30), which Sam would get only if he
lost at least thirty dollars ($30) gambling at the casino. Sam
agreed to several other offers too.
[0369] In case the marketing offers Sam accepted did not turn out
to be enough to cover potential losses, Sam decided he would be
open to receiving more marketing offers while playing the slots. He
entered some information about himself, including the fact that he
owned a house, had two small children, had a three-year old car,
and enjoyed golf. A marketing button would then appear on the touch
screen of any slot machine Sam played. Anytime Sam wished to
receive more money, he could press the button and receive another
marketing offer. Accepting the offer would give Sam more money to
gamble with.
[0370] On the Web site, Sam had the opportunity to choose a prize
he would like to play for at a slot machine. Sam had always wanted
a Porsche.TM., so he chose his favorite model to play for. If Sam
then won the maximum jackpot on any machine with a jackpot over
thirty thousand dollars ($30,000), he would get the Porsche.TM.
instead of the money.
[0371] Sam noticed that the Web site allowed him to scan in
pictures to be subsequently displayed on his slot machine. Sam
thought it would be neat to have his dog Woofie appear on the reels
of the slot machine. Sam could even arrange it so that lining up
three Woofie's would give him a large payout. Sam scanned in a
picture of Woofie using his home scanner and sent the picture as an
attachment in an e-mail to pics@Vegasvacationplanner.com. The
picture was then stored in a database for later access by Sam at a
slot machine.
[0372] Sam saw that he could actually have pictures taken of him
while playing the slots, and that the pictures could be made into
an album for him and sent to him for only twenty dollars ($20).
Since this was a big vacation for Sam, he very much wanted the
vacation documented. Therefore, Sam typed in his credit card number
and agreed to pay the twenty dollars ($20). He asked that pictures
be taken of him whenever he won more than a one hundred dollars
($100) payout. He also asked that his picture be overlaid on top of
an image of the slot reels for any pay out over five hundred
dollars ($500).
[0373] When Sam had finished with his selections at the Web site,
he was asked to enter his mother's maiden name, and the name of the
street on which he grew up. The answers would later be used in
confirming Sam's identity at a slot machine. Sam did as he was
asked.
[0374] The Web site then gave Sam two links to maps. Sam clicked on
one link and a map of Las Vegas appeared on his screen. The New Age
Casino was highlighted on the map. The other link gave Sam a map of
the casino floor of the New Age Casino. Two rows of slot machines
were highlighted. These were the machines that played Camel
Quarters. Sam printed out the two maps so he could find his way to
the Camel Quarter machines.
[0375] When Sam got to Vegas, he took a cab to the New Age Casino.
Using his map of the casino floor, he easily found the Camel
Quarter slots. He sat down at one. The touch screen displayed a
question, asking whether Sam had made any advance customizations.
Sam touched a "yes" button and was asked for his name. Sam entered
his name using touch screen keys. He was then asked for his
mother's maiden name and for the name of the street on which he
grew up. He answered these questions successfully, and was then
welcomed. To his delight, the picture of his dog Woofie appeared on
the touch screen. Woofie subsequently appeared on the reels of the
Camel Quarters game.
[0376] An hour into play, Sam had lost thirty dollars ($30). A
message appeared on his touch screen. "Bob's SUV Dealer is pleased
to take care of your loss. Here is another $30." The credit meter
on Sam's machine then incremented by thirty dollars ($30).
Unfortunately, in the next few hours, Sam exhausted all the money
he had on reserve from marketers. So he pressed a button on his
touch screen marked "Get Your Offer to Increase Your Bankroll!" Sam
was then offered twenty-five dollars ($25) for trying a free round
of golf at the Golden Days Country Club in his hometown. Sam
agreed, signed an area on the touch screen, and watched as his
credit meter incremented by twenty-five dollars ($25).
[0377] On his second day, Sam lined up three Woofie's and won two
hundred and fifty dollars ($250). He was told to look up at the
ceiling, where a security camera captured his smile. His face was
overlaid atop an image of three Woofie's, and this picture was the
highlight of the album he later received.
C. Example C
[0378] Player A has a self-recognized tendency to gamble more than
he can afford at the local casino, and so he used his personal
computer to log onto the casino's Web site to register various
self-imposed limitations (e.g., defining and/or selecting one or
more gaming rules or limits). Once at the Web site, Player A
entered his player tracking card number and then populated various
checkboxes corresponding to the games he did not want to be allowed
to play: video poker and video blackjack. Player A also entered a
budget of one hundred dollars ($100) per month. Since Player A does
not like to play without earning comp points, he routinely presents
his player tracking card at every wagering opportunity, and such
presentation of his player tracking card would thereby allow the
casino's computer system to ensure that he does not (a) play video
poker or video blackjack or (b) gamble more than one hundred
dollars ($100) per month. When Player A subsequently presented his
player tracking card at a video poker machine, the video poker
machine output a message on its screen reading "Sorry, Player A,
but you are not permitted to play video poker at this time."
D. Example D
[0379] Mr. and Mrs. Smith like to visit the local casino together,
but sometimes Mr. Smith likes to visit the casino while Mrs. Smith
is at work. Because they agreed that Mr. Smith may bet a bit more
aggressively on his own, they registered Mr. Smith's player
tracking card with the casino's website and registered a rule which
would allow Mrs. Smith to get a phone call to her cellular phone
(from the casino's automated outbound IVR unit) in the event that
Mr. Smith gambled more than fifty dollars ($50) in any one (1) hour
on a weekday. After receiving a phone call that Mr. Smith gambled
seventy-five dollars ($75) in twenty (20) minutes on a Wednesday,
Mrs. Smith called Mr. Smith's cell phone to discuss the matter.
VII. Additional and/or Alternate Embodiments
[0380] The following are example alternative variations which
illustrate additional and/or alternate embodiments. It should be
understood that the particular variations described in this section
can be combined with the different embodiments, or portions
thereof, described above in any manner that is or becomes
practicable. These examples do not constitute a definition or
itemization of all possible embodiments. Further, although the
following examples are briefly described for clarity, those skilled
in the art will understand how to make any changes, if necessary,
to the above-described apparatus and methods to accommodate these
and other embodiments and applications.
[0381] The submission of preparation data has been described in the
context of a gambling experience. However, a user could also submit
preparation data to customize a video game experience. For example,
prior to visiting a video arcade, a user could select a game, a
sound level, a sensitivity level of characters' motion in relation
to the movement of controls, and so on. A user could submit
preparation data to customize his experience at an ATM machine.
Then, after entering his password, the user might immediately
receive a designated amount of cash. Having submitted preparation
data, the user need not select a language, select deposit or
withdrawal, select checking or savings, key in a number, etc.
Preparation data may also apply to a point of sale terminal. When a
shopper identifies himself using a frequent shopper card, or a
credit card, the POS terminal may respond to the shopper's stored
preparation data. The POS terminal may then format the shopper's
receipt in a certain way, print certain coupons on the back of the
shopper's receipt, provide discounts, or present certain marketing
offers to the shopper. In some embodiments, preparation data
includes a description of a subscription to a product or service.
The user may, for example, indicate he wishes to buy milk once a
week for twelve (12) weeks at a discount of ten cents ($0.10) per
carton. Then, when the user pays for milk at a point of sale
terminal, the user is given the ten cent ($0.10) discount.
[0382] Many alternate systems are possible. For example, the
central controller may communicate directly with gaming devices,
without the intermediation of slot servers. The central controller
may additionally function as a slot server. Marketer devices may
not be present. For example, in some embodiments, the central
controller only markets items for sale at the casino in which the
controller is situated.
[0383] The central controller may inform the user that a benefit,
such as free credits, is waiting for him at a particular gaming
device. The user need then only insert his player tracking card, or
provide some other identifier, in order to claim the benefit.
Advantageously, the user is encouraged to appear at a location
where he is very likely to gamble. Therefore a casino may be able
to afford providing the free benefit as an inducement to
gamble.
[0384] A user may arrange to have customized coin racks with his
name on them made available to him at the casino. The user may also
request other customized products, such as T-shirts or mugs,
containing names, phrases, or pictures of his choice.
[0385] The central controller may be in communication with multiple
casino servers. Knowing a user's intentions to visit Las Vegas,
several casinos may wish to attract the user to their hotels.
Therefore, casinos may compete for the user's business. For
example, a first casino may offer the user an enticing package
involving discounted room rates, free show tickets, free meals,
gambling credits, etc. A second casino may offer its own enticing
package. The user or the central controller may then decide which
package is best.
[0386] Documentation of a user's gambling experience may be
sufficiently entertaining as to warrant broadcast on television. On
the Web site of the central controller, the user may consent to the
use of his voice and/or image for public broadcast. The user may
later receive a reward if excerpts from his trip are ever
aired.
[0387] A user may submit requests for particular meals. The central
controller may inform a restaurant so that the chef knows how to
prepare the user's meal. The restaurant may also have the
opportunity to obtain special ingredients in advance of the user's
coming, or to insure that certain ingredients are avoided for users
with food allergies.
[0388] Preparation data may include a desired arrangement or lay
out for a hotel room. The user may want windows facing a certain
direction, silk linen, certain types of food and drink in the
room's mini-bar, a certain type of shampoo, and so on.
[0389] Preparation data may include what movies or television shows
a person wishes to watch at a slot machine. For example, the user
may wish to catch up on all of the missed episodes from the last
season of his favorite sit-com. The central controller or casino
may then obtain these shows and broadcast them on the user's slot
machine.
[0390] Preparation data may include special medical needs of the
user. The user may need a wheel chair, walker, oxygen supply, or an
assistant while staying at the casino. The user may request that
medication be made available for the user, should the user need it.
For example, if the user is a diabetic, the user may request that
the casino have extra insulin on hand just in case the user needs
it. The user may request that he be monitored especially closely by
the casino security cameras, so that if he requires medical
assistance, it will be made quickly available.
[0391] Preparation data may be associated with a credit card
account. When a user makes a purchase using a credit card, the user
may receive certain benefits described in the user's preparation
data. For example, the user may ask to receive two cents ($0.02)
towards the purchase of a new boat for every dollar purchased using
the credit card. The user's money accumulated towards the new boat
may be kept in a special account by the credit card company, and
released to the user when he has enough to buy the boat. As another
example, the user may receive a special discount on a purchase if a
credit card order totals over fifty dollars ($50).
[0392] On the Web site of the central controller, the user may wish
to find the worst performing slot machines at a casino or other
location, as well as the best performing. Many users believe that
poorly performing machines are due for an upswing in
performance.
[0393] The user may configure his gaming device to allow him to
order drinks or other services or products. He may then simply
press a "bring drink" button on his touch screen to get a waitress
to bring him a beer, for example.
[0394] A user may arrange for speed dial buttons in his hotel room.
For example, on the Web site of the central controller, the user
arranges for a first button to call a pizza restaurant, for a
second button to call work, for a third button to call home, and so
on.
[0395] A user may arrange for direct-dial use of his long distance
provider. This might save the user from having to dial an "800
number", enter a pin code, and enter a credit card number in order
to user his long distance provider.
[0396] A user may remotely watch games being played. Watching
others play games may allow the user to feel more comfortable
playing the games himself. A user might, for example, see a video
feed from the security cameras above a blackjack table. He could
then watch other people playing blackjack. For reasons of privacy,
the user might view only the cards and the dealer, not the faces of
the other players at the table.
[0397] A user might arrange to borrow various items, including
rental cars, digital cameras, cell phones, suits, and so on.
[0398] A user might reduce or eliminate charges on his hotel bill
prior to embarking on a vacation. To do so, a user might accept
marketing offers. For example, the user may make a purchase at an
on-line retailer affiliated with the hotel. The retailer might then
cover the cost of the user's first night stay at the hotel. The
user might also enter into forward commitments. For example, the
user may commit to staying at the hotel in the future, and thereby
get billed for a lower cost room than that in which he is to
stay.
[0399] A user might find out about the machines on which his
friends have played. The player may discover the identity of the
machines, or even the results his friends achieved on the machines.
The user might then play on gaming devices that have done well for
his friends, or may even try to outdo friends on certain machines.
The user's friends may have already been registered as part of the
user's gambling circle. Thus, the user does not invade their
privacy by looking up their results.
[0400] A user may arrange for his constantly updating itinerary to
be sent to friends or coworkers. Then, if the user changes plans
during a vacation, his coworkers would still know how to reach
him.
[0401] The present invention may include the additional step of
verifying that the player is legally permitted to gamble. For
example, if the player is unable to prove he is over the age of
twenty-one, he may not be permitted to access the customization Web
site. Thus, the central controller may, for example, consult a
database of publicly available birth records. Alternatively the
player may be required to provide a scan or a photograph of an ID,
such as a driver's license or passport belonging to the player.
Further, if the player possesses a certain item, such as a credit
card, that, for example, is known to only be distributed on a
restrictive basis, then the central controller may infer the
player's eligibility from the player's possession of the item.
[0402] In some embodiments, the remote controller may be equipped
to print a generic or customized document describing the player's
customized configuration and/or the customization code to enter
into the gaming device. The document may include cashless gaming
receipts or coupons with bar codes, for example, to provide the
player with an incentive to bring the document with him to the
casino. The consumer may insert the document, or a copy of it, into
the gaming device to activate the customization of the gaming
device and/or to redeem the coupons.
[0403] In some embodiments, a player device, such as a wireless
PDA, may be used to activate the customization of the gaming device
and it may alert the gaming device to the player's proximity using,
for example, a wireless protocol (such as Bluetooth.RTM. as
described at http://www.bluetooth.com/dev/specifications.asp). Once
identified, a consumer's customized configuration information may
be automatically transferred to the gaming device. Alternatively,
the device may be preprogrammed to be able to transfer an ID (e.g.,
player tracking information), a customization code, and/or an
entire configuration to a gaming device, kiosk, or a slot server at
the casino location. For example, a player may load a slot machine
customization program onto his combination cell phone/PDA (such as
the Kyorcera.RTM. SmartPhone.RTM. Model No. 6035). After having
created a configuration for a slot machine, the player may walk
around a casino "beaming" (via infrared transmissions) his
configuration at slot machines. Gaming devices compatible with the
system of the present invention may respond by lighting up and/or
by playing audio welcoming the player by name and inviting the
player to play "his" personally customized game. As indicated
above, using a device that supports wireless protocols such as
Bluetooth.RTM. would eliminate the need to actively beam a player's
configuration. By merely approaching an enabled gaming device, the
player's device could trigger the gaming device to configure itself
to the player's customized configuration. The cell phone/PDA may
track and record the player's performance and winnings information
for a given configuration and allow him to adjust the configuration
or entirely new configurations.
[0404] In some embodiments, the player may log onto the casino
server directly, bypassing the central controller. Alternatively,
the player could log onto the gaming device directly, bypassing the
casino server.
[0405] Although the systems have been described as one or more
gaming devices networked to a casino server, embodiments apply to
other games and gaming environments. For example, some embodiments
may be applied to table games, such as table poker and blackjack.
In such embodiments, players may insert their player tracking cards
into card readers corresponding to seats around, for example, a
poker table. The casino server could access player preferences data
and casino preferences data for the players, and transmit that data
to a data terminal located at the dealer. The dealer could then
modify the game or award payouts according to the preferences.
[0406] Some embodiments may also apply to other environments or
systems involving one or more data terminals networked to a central
server to configure the terminals to identifiable users or
operators. For example, the invention could be readily adapted to
apply to networked video game systems, systems with point-of-sale
terminals, and ATM. This eliminates the need for users or operators
to manually enter configuration information during each and every
session to configure the terminals.
[0407] In some embodiments, the preparation data received by the
central controller may be forwarded to one or more slot machine
manufacturers to be incorporated into newly manufactured gaming
devices. For example, if the vast majority of players prefer larger
font types, new machines might be designed with larger font types
as a default.
[0408] The central controller's Web site may serve as a testing
ground for new games. Device manufacturers, or casinos may present
games or configurations that they are considering introducing, but
for which they desire player feedback. Players may test the
configurations, and rate them. Players may be paid or may receive
other special privileges for doing so.
[0409] Once a player has selected a configuration, the central
controller may provide guidance to the player as to how to find
gaming devices capable of supporting the configuration. The central
controller may illuminate a path through a casino location and/or
display a map showing visually where the player might go to find
the gaming devices. The map might be large scale, showing, for
example, the entire world, the U.S., or a particular state. The map
might show smaller regions, such as the city of Las Vegas, or even
the floor plan of a particular casino location. The map might
contain other information such as how many of the desired gaming
devices are in each region, how many are currently available, how
many are likely to be available, how well they have paid out, and
so on.
[0410] In alternative embodiments, information regarding a player's
gaming experience at the customized gaming device may be
transmitted up to the casino server, or the central server and the
player may be given a code that he can use to later access the
information from his user terminal. For example, if a video
recording of a player winning a jackpot is captured by a camera and
recorder in or near the gaming device, the gaming device can
provide the player with a code that allows him to access the casino
server to view the video at home via his user terminal. Other types
of information that may be transmitted include gambling performance
statistics, records of outcomes generated by the gaming device
during the player's use of it, account information, customized
configuration performance data, records of player decisions made
during play (e.g., in video poker devices), analysis of player
gambling performance, comparative data from other players, and the
like. In some embodiments where targeted marketing information is
presented to a player at the gaming device, there may be feedback
or survey responses from the player that may be stored on or
communicated back to the gaming device, casino server, central
controller, and/or the third-party service provider server. This
type of information may also be made accessible via a code provided
to the player, the casino, and/or a third-party.
[0411] The following subsections detail additional and alternative
embodiments of methods.
A. Receive Configuration Data From A User Terminal
[0412] A player logs on to the central controller 102 with the user
terminal 106 and communicates his configuration data. The user
terminal 106 may include a personal computer, personal digital
assistant, a telephone, a kiosk, an ATM, a slot machine, a vending
machine, etc. The central controller 102, may include a Web site
accessible via the user terminal 106, wherein the user may select a
number of customization options for a gaming device 102. By
customizing a gaming device 120, a user has the opportunity to
select a game he likes. He also has the opportunity to
pre-configure a gaming device to operate in a manner that is
convenient and pleasing to his senses. For example, the user may
pre-configure the gaming device 120 to print text in his native
language. The user may set the decibel levels of a gaming device's
sound effects so that they are neither too loud nor too soft. Some
other possible customizations include configurable features such
as: type of game played (deuces-wild, jacks or better, video reel,
etc.), speed at which the reels spin, number of coins played as a
default (game denomination), game rules, game variations, music
level of the game, sounds types generated by the game, game colors,
game lighting, amount of help offered by the game, frequency with
which bonus levels are reached, duration of bonus levels, whether
or not the top jackpot is paid as a lump sum or installment,
whether or not team members receive a bonus when the player hits a
payout, format of the complimentary benefits received (e.g., cash,
merchandise, frequent flyer miles, etc.), payout structure (e.g.,
six (6) coins for a flush and nine (9) coins for a full house,
rather than five (5) coins for a flush and ten (10) coins for a
full house), extra payout options (e.g., small payment for four
card straight flushes), language or choice of currency, starting
point of game (e.g., always start with two pair or three card
royal), automatic player decisions (e.g., draw one card to a flush
unless there is a pair of jacks or better, in which case the jacks
are held). In addition to the features that are chosen by the
players, the casino may also set numerous parameters for the player
such as: hold percentage of the machine, rate at which
complimentaries accumulate (e.g., two percent (2%) of coin-in
rather than one percent (1%)), game eligibility (e.g., games which
lock out play from anyone but high-rollers), and complimentary
award rules (e.g., one player gets a bottle of wine sent to his
room if he ever loses more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) in
one (1) hour, while another player gets a free spin every time he
misses a one card draw to a royal flush on any deuces wild
machine).
[0413] There are many possible ways in which a player might select
customizations. A Web site on the central controller 102 may
display multiple menus, each menu providing choices of embodiments
for a particular feature as depicted in FIG. 4. For example, a
language menu may have the choices of English, Spanish, Chinese, or
Japanese. A font size menu may have the choices of large, medium,
or small. Menus may also have an "other" choice, allowing a user to
select from less common choices (e.g., Swahili) or to key in their
own choices, such as a particular point size for font.
[0414] In some embodiments, rather than making choices on Web site
residing on the central controller 102, a player may download to
the user terminal 106 (or a player device 512) software allowing
for customization. The software may guide the player through a
series of feature menus and store and/or upload the player's
selections.
[0415] In some embodiments, the player may select features over the
phone by, for example, listening to a pre-recorded menu of feature
choices and then pressing a number on the phone's keypad
corresponding to the desired choice. For example, the player may
press "5" to select a five-reel slot game when asked to select a
preferred number of reels. The player may press "0" to select a
million-dollar jackpot when asked to select a preferred jackpot
size. The player may also select features not on any prerecorded
menu by keying in a relevant sequence of numbers. For example, the
player may key in "175000" to select a maximum jackpot of one
hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000), even when
there is no pre-recorded choice for a one hundred and seventy-five
thousand dollars ($175,000) jackpot.
[0416] In some embodiments the player may choose from a number of
previously customized configurations. For example, one
configuration might describe a quarter denomination, five-reel
video slot machine, with standard symbols, three pay lines, and a
four-coin (4-coin) maximum wager. The player may choose this
configuration in its totality without having to individually choose
the coin denomination, the number of reels, etc. In fact, anytime a
player customizes a gaming device 120 configuration, the
configuration may be listed on the central controller's Web site
for another player to select. Of course, once a player selects a
configuration, he may be free to change individual features.
[0417] Configurations listed on a central controller's Web site, or
anywhere else, may have associated performance indicators. For
example, a player may report that using "configuration #329", he
won two thousand dollars ($2,000). Seeing the high performance of
"configuration #329", another player may choose to select it for
himself. Performance may be indicated using dollar figures, varying
numbers of stars, colors, votes, etc. For example, five (5) stars,
gold, and ten thousand (10,000) votes may all be indications that a
particular configuration has performed well. Performance may be
self-reported by players, or may be reported automatically by a
gaming device 120 once a player has finished a gambling session
using a particular configuration. Players may also self-report with
gaming devices 106 providing occasional verification of the
accuracy of players' reports. Individual players may gain
reputations as experts at configuring gaming devices 106. Their
advice and their configurations may be sought after. Players
therefore may have their own ratings indicated by dollar figures,
stars, colors, votes, etc.
[0418] Use of certain configurations may intentionally be
restricted. This may be done to limit the number of players
attempting to play on gaming devices 106 that are of a limited
quantity within the casino. Additionally, use of certain
configurations may be intentionally restricted because only a
certain number of gaming devices 106 at a given casino location may
be capable of supporting those configurations. For example, a
mechanical slot machine will be unable to support video features.
If too many players were to select a particular configuration, or
even a particular feature, some might have difficulty locating an
available machine to support their configuration. Configurations
may be made more widely available by allowing players to select
times, dates, and geographic regions for their gambling activities.
Then, players gambling at different times or in different places
need not compete for the same machines to support like
configurations.
[0419] Another reason that the use of configurations may be
intentionally restricted is that being the only one, or one of only
a few players to "own" a particular configuration may be
psychologically pleasing to a player. Therefore, other players may
be restricted from viewing or using his configuration. It is
possible that a first player would pay another player for access to
his configuration. A player might also pay the central controller
for access to a configuration, or for information about high
performing configurations. Particular casinos, or particular device
manufacturers may enjoy exclusive rights to certain configurations,
even when other casinos or manufactures would be technically
capable of supporting the configurations. A player who desired to
use a certain configuration may then have a reason to play at one
casino over another.
[0420] While selecting various features or configurations in some
embodiments, a player may have the opportunity to test the
configurations using the user terminal 106. For example, when the
player selects a symbol-size, he may view symbols on his user
terminal 106 at the size they would actually appear on a gaming
device. When the player selects a reel-speed, he may view graphical
reels spinning at the same speed they would on an actual gaming
device.
[0421] In some embodiments, the user terminal 106 may display a
comprehensive or complete graphical representation of a gaming
device 120 to aid in the selection of feature values. As outcome
generation is simulated, the player may change various features
using graphical interface controls, i.e. by clicking, dragging, or
otherwise selecting certain areas of the graphical representation
of the gaming device. For example, suppose the reels are spinning
on the user terminal's display screen. The player may take his
mouse and drag it downwards along the surface of a spinning reel,
much as a person might drag his hand along the wheel of a bicycle
to make it spin. The effect would be to increase the speed of the
reel's spinning. The player may change the symbol size by clicking
on a corner of a lemon symbol, for example, and dragging the corner
away from the center of the symbol, causing the entire symbol to
enlarge. A player might create an extra reel by clicking on one
reel and dragging it right, creating another reel. Alternatively,
the player might click on a reel and use a copy and paste function,
much like those found in many word processing programs. Of course,
there are many other ways for a player to interact with a graphical
representation of a gaming device in order to customize feature
values.
[0422] A graphical representation of a gaming device 120 also
allows a player to engage in mock gambling sessions using his
selected configuration. If one configuration does not win for the
player in a mock session, the player may choose another
configuration. He may keep choosing different configurations until
he has found one he considers lucky.
[0423] In some embodiments, a player at a gaming device 120 may be
an attractive marketing target for a number of reasons. First, the
player is typically a captive audience, with eyes fixated on the
game at hand. Secondly, a marketer may have advanced knowledge
about the player from a player's player tracking card. This allows
a marketer to better target advertisements and offers to a player.
Third, the gaming device gives the marketer an opportunity to
provide immediate benefits to a player in exchange for his
attention or his business. These benefits might take the form of
cash, gambling tokens, extra bonus symbols, etc. Fourth, the player
may be highly motivated to accept from the marketers the offered
benefits and their associated conditions. The player may, for
example, have suffered a large gambling loss and wish to recover
the loss by accepting a marketing offer. Fifth, a player can make a
payment at a gaming device 120.
[0424] Since gaming devices are an ideal place for marketers to
make pitches to players, players may provide advanced guidance to
potential marketers. The player may answer questions about his age,
marital status, financial status, number of children, home
ownership, car ownership, medical conditions, and so on. He may
indicate the types of products in which he is interested. For
example, he may mention that he is looking to have his roof
re-shingled, or that he is looking for a new life insurance policy.
Player supplied information is a way for a player to customize the
ads and the offers he will receive, much as he also customizes the
operation of the gaming device. Once the player has received
various promotions and had a chance to respond or ignore them, the
central controller 102 might update a user profile based on his
responses. Analysis of the player responses may allow for better
targeting of promotions in the future towards that player.
B. Determine an Associated Preparation Code
[0425] The central controller 102 may generally assign a
preparation code to each gaming device configuration. The code may
be in the form of any sequence of letters, numerals, punctuation,
and other symbols. Examples of codes according to the present
invention include, "123456," "C123456," "ABCDEF," and "*$%#@Q %."
Codes may be of any length. In some embodiments, codes may be
limited in length and symbol usage so that they may be easily
memorized by a player. For example, the player's telephone or
social security number may be used. Also, the symbols in codes may
be restricted to those easily entered into a gaming device 120. For
example, a player tracking card reader on a slot machine may
contain a keypad with only numerals. Therefore, codes for that
machine may be limited to numerals.
[0426] In some embodiments, a unique code may be assigned to each
unique configuration. Since there may be more possible unique
configurations than codes of a given length, certain codes may
expire after a time so that they may be reused for new
configurations. That is, code "123456" may correspond to a first
configuration only for three weeks, after which it may be assigned
to a new configuration. A code may correspond to different
configurations depending on different circumstances. For example,
the time of day, the geographic location, and the type of gaming
device receiving the code may all determine the corresponding
gaming device configuration. Advantageously, this may allow fewer
codes to represent more unique gaming device configurations, since
each code can now represent several device configurations. For
example, "123456" may represent a five reel (5-reel), one dollar
($1) per bet configuration in Atlantic City, but may represent a
three reel (3-reel), quarter ($0.25) per bet configuration in Las
Vegas.
[0427] When codes are assigned to configurations, the codes may
simply be assigned in sequence according to the order in which
configurations are defined by players. For example, a first
configuration may be assigned the code "000129," while a
configuration received immediately afterwards may be assigned the
code "000130."
[0428] When a code is assigned to a configuration, a record may be
created for the code and the configuration in a database such as
the preparation database 214. When a gaming device 120, casino
server 112, or the central controller 102 later receives a code, it
may simply examine the record in the database to determine the
corresponding configuration.
[0429] In alternative embodiments, a code may actually contains
configuration information. For example, each digit of a code may
correspond to a different feature of a configuration. The first
digit may indicate the game type, the second the font size, the
third the wager size, and so on. Then, when a gaming device 120
receives a code, it need only interpret each segment of the code
using a predefined table in order to configure itself properly.
Such a table may be stored in the gaming device 120, the casino
server 112, and/or the central controller 103.
[0430] In some embodiments, a first code is created such that it
contains configuration information. However, the code may be very
long, especially if there are many features that can be customized.
Therefore, a second code may be created by compressing the first
code according to a compression algorithm. Numerous compression
algorithms for a sequence of bits or numerals are known in the art.
When the gaming device 120 later receives the second code, it may
reverse the compression algorithm to recover the first code and to
deduce the configuration information from the first code. Of
course, the casino server 112 or central controller 103 may perform
the function of reversing the compression.
[0431] A particular configuration may be associated with a
particular player. Thus, information about the player may be
sufficient for a gaming device 120 to obtain configuration
information. For example, a player's name may be stored in a
database corresponding to a particular configuration. When the
player later enters his name into a gaming device 120 (perhaps via
his player tracking card), the gaming device 120 may find the
player's name in the database and thereby obtain the corresponding
configuration. Other player characteristics may be associated in a
database with configurations. A player's biometric data, such as
voice data, retinal scan data, or finger print data may be
associated with a particular configuration. When a player
subsequently provides biometric data to a gaming device 120, the
gaming device 120 may look up the data in the configuration
database to determine the player's preferred configuration.
[0432] A preparation code may take the form of a bar code, or any
other machine-readable code. The player may then print out the bar
code from his user terminal 106. When the player subsequently
inserts the bar code into a gaming device 120, the gaming device
may obtain the player's customized configuration.
[0433] In some embodiments, a player may specify his own code to be
associated with a particular configuration. For example, a player
may label a configuration using easy to remember terms such as
"samurai," or "Big Jackpot," or "xyz." In some embodiments, a
preparation code may only describe particular features that a
player has selected. Other features may then take on default
values. For example, if a player has only selected the number of
reels, a code might read "NR5," where "NR" stands for "number of
reels," and "5" indicates the desired number. Since the code does
not describe other features, these may take on default values.
C. Transmit the Configuration Data and Preparation Code to a Casino
Server
[0434] Once a preparation code has been associated with a
particular configuration, the code and the configuration data may
be transmitted to a casino server 112, and/or a gaming device 120.
Transmission may occur via the Internet, email, phone, fax, or any
other mode of communication. In some embodiments, the code and
preparation data are transmitted immediately after they have been
generated. In other embodiments, a gaming device 120 may only
receive configuration data after a player has entered a code, and
the gaming device 120 has sent the code to the casino server 112
and/or the central controller 102.
[0435] In embodiments where a preparation code contains information
about a gaming device configuration, the central controller 102
need not necessarily transmit both configuration data and the
preparation code, since a gaming device 120 or casino server 112
may be able to derive one from the other according to predefined
rules.
D. Receive the Preparation Code at the Casino Server from a Gaming
Device
[0436] Next, the system waits for a configuration request from a
player. When a player sits down at a gaming device 120, he may
enter his preparation code in order to have the gaming device
assume the player's preferred features. The player may enter the
code in a number of ways including: keying in the code via a keypad
or touch screen, speaking the code into a microphone, whereby it is
interpreted using voice recognition software, inserting a bar code
into the gaming device 120, inserting into the gaming device 120 a
magnetic strip containing the code, inserting into the gaming
device 120 a floppy disc, CD, DVD or other storage medium
containing the code, and/or wirelessly transmitting the code to the
gaming device 120 using player device 512 such as a cell phone,
PDA, two-way pager, or other communications device.
[0437] If the gaming device 120 cannot interpret the code, the
gaming device 120 may transmit the code to the casino server 112
and/or to the central controller 102. The casino server 112 or
central controller 103 may then look up the code in a preparation
code database 1200 such as that depicted in FIG. 12, and may
retrieve the corresponding configuration information.
E. Configure the Gaming Device Based on the Configuration Data
Corresponding to the Preparation Code
[0438] The configuration data retrieved from the casino server 112
and/or the central controller 102, is transmitted to the gaming
device so that it can configure itself accordingly. In some
embodiments described above, the gaming device 120 already has all
the information it needs to self-configure upon initially receiving
the preparation code from the player. Thus, in some embodiments,
these final steps are not necessary to complete the methods
described herein.
[0439] Yet additional embodiments generally relevant to addressing
problems associated with compulsive gambling follow:
[0440] Operating a game machine may be a form of prescribed therapy
for a problem gambler. For example, a third party such as a
gambling counselor for a player may determine a script of outcomes
that is particularly tempting for a player (e.g., a series of
near-wins) and may register the script in association with a
particular player. This script may then be made retrievable by or
downloaded to gaming machines so that it may be used to govern the
operation of a game machine in training mode. As the player
operates the game machine in training mode, the script of outcomes
may tempt the player to make poor decisions (e.g., bet irrationally
large amounts of money on losing outcomes). By recognizing the
circumstances in which he makes poor decisions, a player may be
able to avoid gambling problems in the future. Providing this sort
of therapy to a player in a real casino may prove especially
effective because it accurately simulates the environment and
temptations that a player experiences when gaming. A player who
signs up for this sort of gaming therapy may be aware that a
therapy script is running on the game machine, or the player may be
unaware which outcomes on the game machine are part of a script
(e.g., a "test" from his gambling counselor to verify that he is
indeed making good decisions) and which are real outcomes.
[0441] A player may be encouraged to talk to a game machine while
gaming and verbally provide explanations of his gaming behavior.
For example, a player might say, "I'm going to deposit another $20
because I think that this game machine is due to pay out." Forcing
a player to verbalize his gaming decisions may help to make a
player more conscious of the decisions that he is making and
thereby avoid addictive behavior. In addition, a player's
verbalizations may be recorded by the game machine for later
transmission to and review by a third party, such as gaming
counselor, casino operators, regulators, etc. It is anticipated
that recordings of this sort from the casino floor may provide
better insights into the psyche of a problem gambler than
interviews with players in focus groups or in a therapist's office.
In one embodiment, a recording of a player talking about gaming may
be played back to the player himself as a reminder (e.g., "This is
what you said 1 hour ago . . . ", or "This is what you look like
right now.").
[0442] In order to continue gaming, a player may be required to
perform therapeutic activities on the casino floor. For example, a
player may be required to participate in phone calls to third
parties such as counselors, friends or loved ones, watch self-help
videos, or stop gaming briefly for meals or bathroom breaks. A
player who neglects or refuses to perform these therapeutic
activities may be barred from further gaming.
IX. Rules of Interpretation
[0443] 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. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various
modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,
software, and electrical modifications. 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.
[0444] The present disclosure is neither a literal description of
all embodiments nor a listing of features of the invention that
must be present in all embodiments.
[0445] 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).
[0446] The term "product" means any machine, manufacture and/or
composition of matter as contemplated by 35 U.S.C. .sctn.101,
unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0447] 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) disclosed embodiments", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0448] A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is
mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment
described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0449] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0450] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0451] The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0452] The term "herein" means "in the present application,
including anything which may be incorporated by reference", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0453] The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a
plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means
any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly
specified otherwise. For example, the phrase at least one of a
widget, a car and a wheel means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car,
(iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel,
(vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel.
[0454] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on", unless
expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based
on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on".
[0455] The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a clause
or other set of words that express only the intended result,
objective or consequence of something that is previously and
explicitly recited. Thus, when the term "whereby" is used in a
claim, the clause or other words that the term "whereby" modifies
do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or
otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.
[0456] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a
feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation
such as "at least one widget" covers one widget as well as more
than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the
first claim, the second claim uses a definite article "the" to
refer to the limitation (e.g., "the widget"), this does not imply
that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does
not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature
(e.g., "the widget" can cover both one widget and more than one
widget).
[0457] Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or
otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all
references to a "step" or "steps" of a process have an inherent
antecedent basis in the mere recitation of the term `process` or a
like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a `step` or
`steps` of a process has sufficient antecedent basis.
[0458] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second", "third"
and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal
number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to
indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that
particular feature from another feature that is described by the
same term or by a similar term. For example, a "first widget" may
be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a "second widget".
Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second"
before the term "widget" does not indicate any other relationship
between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other
characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere
usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term
"widget" (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or
after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that
either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and
(3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any
other, as in importance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of
ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features
identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of
the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget"
does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets.
[0459] When a single device or article is described herein, more
than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate) may
alternatively be used in place of the single device or article that
is described. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as
being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more
than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate).
[0460] Similarly, where more than one device or article is
described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device
or article may alternatively be used in place of the more than one
device or article that is described. For example, a plurality of
computer-based devices may be substituted with a single
computer-based device. Accordingly, the various functionality that
is described as being possessed by more than one device or article
may alternatively be possessed by a single device or article.
[0461] The functionality and/or the features of a single device
that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more
other devices that are described but are not explicitly described
as having such functionality and/or features. Thus, other
embodiments need not include the described device itself, but
rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in
those other embodiments, have such functionality/features.
[0462] Devices that are in communication with each other need not
be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly
specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only
transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may actually
refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For example, a
machine in communication with another machine via the Internet may
not transmit data to the other machine for weeks at a time. In
addition, devices that are in communication with each other may
communicate directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries.
[0463] A description of an embodiment with several components or
features does not imply that all or even any of such components
and/or features 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). Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no component and/or feature is essential or
required.
[0464] Further, although process steps, algorithms or the like may
be described in a sequential order, such processes may be
configured to work in different orders. In other words, any
sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly 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 despite being described or implied as
occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described
after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by
its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated
process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto,
does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are
necessary to the invention, and does not imply that the illustrated
process is preferred.
[0465] Although a process may be described as including a plurality
of steps, that does not indicate that all or even any of the steps
are essential or required. Various other embodiments within the
scope of the described invention(s) include other processes that
omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified
explicitly, no step is essential or required.
[0466] Although a product may be described as including a plurality
of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features,
that does not indicate that all of the plurality are essential or
required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the
described invention(s) include other products that omit some or all
of the described plurality.
[0467] An enumerated list 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, an
enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any
category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the
enumerated list "a computer, a laptop, a PDA" does not imply that
any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive
and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list
are comprehensive of any category.
[0468] Headings of sections provided in this patent application and
the title of this patent application are for convenience only, and
are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.
[0469] "Determining" something can be performed in a variety of
manners and therefore the term "determining" (and like terms)
includes calculating, computing, deriving, looking up (e.g., in a
table, database or data structure), ascertaining and the like.
[0470] 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., one or more microprocessors)
will receive instructions from a memory or like device, and execute
those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes
defined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement
such methods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a
variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of
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 various
embodiments. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific
combination of hardware and software
[0471] A "processor" means any one or more microprocessors, CPU
devices, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal
processors, or like devices.
[0472] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium
that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may
be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium
may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile
media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media
include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other
persistent memory. Volatile media include 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 RF and 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.
[0473] 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.TM., TDMA, CDMA, 3G.
[0474] 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.
Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented
herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or
elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the number and content of the entries can
be different from those described herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement various processes, such as the
described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known
manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device that accesses
data in such a database.
[0475] Some embodiments can be configured to work in a network
environment including a computer that is in communication, via a
communications network, with one or more devices. The computer may
communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via a wired or
wireless medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token
Ring, or via any appropriate communications means or combination of
communications means. Each of the devices may comprise computers,
such as those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. or Centrino.TM.
processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any
number and type of machines may be in communication with the
computer.
[0476] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or
inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be
claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed
in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of
priority of the present application. Applicants intend to file
additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that
has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present
disclosure.
* * * * *
References