U.S. patent application number 14/033492 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for dual prepaid/loyalty card for gaming.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sightline Interactive LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Sightline Interactive LLC, Vantiv LLC. Invention is credited to Kirk E. Sanford, Omer Sattar, Thomas M. Sears.
Application Number | 20140094283 14/033492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50385734 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140094283 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sanford; Kirk E. ; et
al. |
April 3, 2014 |
DUAL PREPAID/LOYALTY CARD FOR GAMING
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for associating wagering
accounts with each of a stored value account and a loyalty account.
The stored value account can be associated with a prepaid card and
can be useable over an open system bankcard network. The prepaid
card can allow funds in the stored value account to be used at any
location capable of accepting payment through the open system
bankcard network such as gas stations, grocery stations, outlets,
and restaurants. A player transfer funds, back and forth between
the stored value account and the wagering account.
Inventors: |
Sanford; Kirk E.; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Sears; Thomas M.; (Henderson, NV)
; Sattar; Omer; (Las Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sightline Interactive LLC
Vantiv LLC |
Las Vegas
Cincinnati |
NV
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sightline Interactive LLC
Las Vegas
NV
Vantiv LLC
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
50385734 |
Appl. No.: |
14/033492 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61744564 |
Sep 28, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3227 20130101;
G06Q 30/0226 20130101; G07F 17/3251 20130101; G07F 17/3237
20130101; G06Q 50/34 20130101; G06Q 20/227 20130101; G06Q 20/387
20130101; G06Q 20/349 20130101; G07F 17/3241 20130101; G07F 17/3244
20130101; G07F 17/3255 20130101; G07F 17/3239 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions
stored thereon which when executed by a processor cause the
processor to: transfer funds, back and forth, in real-time, upon a
first player request, between a stored value account of the player
and a first gaming account of the player; and transfer funds, back
and forth, in real-time, upon a second player request, between the
stored value account of the player and a second gaming account of
the player.
2. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein:
the first gaming account comprises any of a brick and mortar
wagering account, a race and sports wagering account, and an
Internet gaming and wagering account; and the second gaming account
comprises any of a brick and mortar wagering account; a race and
sports wagering account; and an Internet gaming and wagering
account.
3. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein
the instructions further cause the processor to: track gaming
activity of the player as a function of at least funds expended
from at least one of the first and second gaming accounts.
4. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 3, wherein
the instructions further cause the processor to: increase a value
in at least one of the first and second gaming accounts as a
function of at least the tracked gaming activity.
5. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein
the instructions further cause the processor to: institute a pause
between receiving the first player request to transfer funds
between the stored value account of the player and the first gaming
account of the player and a causing of the funds to be available in
the first gaming account for use for gaming by the player.
6. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein
the instructions further cause the processor to: generate an
accounting report for each the first gaming account and the second
gaming account.
7. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein
the stored value account is an open system stored value
account.
8. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions
stored thereon which when executed by a processor cause the
processor to: receive funds into a stored value account; cause the
transfer funds from the stored value account to a casino gaming
account in real time; and cause transfer funds from the casino
gaming account to the stored value account in real time; wherein
the casino gaming account is at least one of a brick and mortar
wagering account; a race and sports wagering account; and an
Internet gaming and wagering account.
9. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein
the stored value account is tied to a general purpose reloadable
card.
10. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein
the instructions further cause the processor to receive funds into
the stored value account from a value source.
11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein
the value source is one or more of a slot ticket, a jackpot payout,
a point redemption, an automated clearing house transaction, a
transfer from a debit account, and a transfer from a credit
account.
12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein
the stored value account is linked to a casino loyalty account
maintained by a loyalty program processor.
13. A method for enhancing casino customer loyalty, comprising:
storing an association between a prepaid card of a consumer and a
casino loyalty account of the consumer; and based on the consumer
using the prepaid card for financial transactions, communicating
with a loyalty program processor of the casino loyalty account of
the consumer to update casino loyalty account of the consumer
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to the disclosure of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/744,564, entitled "DUAL
PREPAID/LOYALTY CARD FOR GAMING," filed Sep. 28, 2012, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application relates generally to financial transaction
technologies, and more particularly, to customer loyalty cards for
the gaming industry.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Wagering accounts, sometimes referred to as gaming accounts
or player wagering accounts, are electronic ledgers that can
replace the use of cash for gaming transactions by recording the
deposits and withdrawals of a player who would otherwise conduct
these activities with cash. Wagering accounts provide numerous
benefits to both players and game operators.
[0004] For players, wagering accounts provide greater safety,
sanitation, and convenience by reducing players handling of cash.
Additionally, players can receive accounting reports of their
transactions based on players' use of the wagering account.
[0005] For casinos, wagering accounts decrease the time casinos
must spend handling and securing cash while providing the casino
with more cost-effective financial accounting. Casinos also benefit
from increased knowledge about consumer spending inside of the
casino.
[0006] However, wagering accounts are only redeemable at a casino
and do not provide convenient availability of funds for other
purposes such as retail purchases. Additionally, certain
jurisdictions can require different wagering accounts for specific
activities such as separate accounts for live wagering, racing and
sports, and for online wagering. Funds in these wagering accounts
cannot be directly transferred to other wagering accounts and
cannot be spent on non-wagering purchases.
[0007] A loyalty card from the casino enables a player to be
compensated with bonuses and complementary rewards based upon the
player's casino-related activities (i.e., gaming and/or purchases).
A player's loyalty card is oftentimes conveniently linked to their
wagering account(s) to enable the player to use their wager
account(s) for gaming. However, as a result of the drawbacks of the
wagering account(s), wagering accounts are still only used by a
relatively small numbers of players.
SUMMARY
[0008] In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in
part, a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions
stored thereon which when executed by a processor cause the
processor to transfer funds, back and forth, in real-time, upon a
first player request, between a stored value account of the player
and a first gaming account of the player; and transfer funds, back
and forth, in real-time, upon a second player request, between the
stored value account of the player and a second gaming account of
the player.
[0009] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
in part, a non-transitory computer readable medium having
instructions stored thereon which when executed by a processor
cause the processor to receive funds into a stored value account,
cause the transfer funds from the stored value account to a casino
gaming account in real time, and cause transfer funds from the
casino gaming account to the stored value account in real time;
wherein the casino gaming account is at least one of a brick and
mortar wagering account; a race and sports wagering account; and an
Internet gaming and wagering account.
[0010] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
in part, a method for enhancing casino customer loyalty. The method
comprises , comprising storing an association between a prepaid
card of a consumer and a casino loyalty account of the consumer and
based on the consumer using the prepaid card for financial
transactions, communicating with a loyalty program processor of the
casino loyalty account of the consumer to update casino loyalty
account of the consumer
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] It is believed that certain embodiments will be better
understood from the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic view depicting a loyalty card and a
general purpose reloadable card in association with various
locations for presenting at least one of the loyalty card and
general purpose reloadable prepaid card.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic view depicting an example use of the
general purpose reloadable card.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic view depicting another example use of
the general purpose reloadable card.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic view depicting a third example use of
the general purpose reloadable card.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic view depicting a block diagram of
accounts on the general purpose reloadable card.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure
will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the
principles of the structure, function, and use of a loyalty card
for gaming and a general purpose reloadable card and methods
disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting
embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods
specifically described herein and depicted in the accompanying
drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features depicted or
described in connection with a non-limiting embodiment may be
combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such
modifications and variations are intended to be included within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0018] Reference throughout the specification to "various
embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "some example
embodiments," "one example embodiment," or "an embodiment" means
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various
embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "some
example embodiments," "one example embodiment," or "in an
embodiment" in places throughout the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0019] The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and
methods that associate wagering accounts with each of a general
purpose reloadable (GPR) prepaid card and a loyalty card (e.g.,
generally referred to as a Loyalty Card Plus (LCP) system). The
prepaid card can be associated with a stored value account and can
be useable over an open system bankcard network, such as VISA,
MASTERCARD, and DISCOVER networks. Unlike player game wagering
accounts, the prepaid card can allow funds to be used at any
location capable of accepting payment through the open system
bankcard network such as gas stations, grocery stations, outlets,
and restaurants. Other types of stored value account cards can
additionally or alternatively be used.
[0020] The systems and methods disclosed herein generally allow for
funds in a wagering account to be transferred out to a prepaid
card, or for funds to be transferred into a wagering account from a
prepaid card. A real time transfer of funds from a player game
wagering account to a prepaid card can significantly increase the
use of wagering accounts. In an alternative embodiment, the
wagering account can be combined with a stored value account in a
mobile wallet.
[0021] To transfer funds into from a wagering account to a gaming
machine, a Wagering Account Transfer In (WAT In) operation may be
performed. In a WAT In operation, a machine can have a meter that
accumulates the total value of cashable credits electronically
transferred to the machine from a wagering account by means of an
external connection between the machine and a cashless wagering
system.
[0022] To transfer funds from the gaming machine to a wagering
account, a Wagering Account Transfer Out (WAT Out) operation may be
performed. In a WAT Out operation, a gaming machine can have a
meter that accumulates the total value of cashable credits to be
electronically transferred from the machine to a wagering account
by means of an external connection between the machine and a
cashless wagering system.
[0023] In one embodiment, the LCP system can facilitate "real time"
posting of funds between the wagering account(s) and the prepaid
card. In some embodiments, the funds can be posted in about one
minute from the conclusion of the agreement to transfer. In other
embodiments, the funds can be posted in about twenty minutes. In
other embodiments, real time posting means the funds are available
for use within a minute. Real time posting can require establishing
a closed loop communication system between the financial processor
and the issuing bank of the card. Alternatively, or in addition,
certain issuing banks can be used who post deposits in real
time.
[0024] In some embodiments, the present disclosure can also comply
with various regulator objectives. For example, in a specific
embodiment, the present disclosure can provide accurate accounting
of funds for tax purposes. In another embodiment, the disclosure
can offer greater control of problem gaming by sensitizing and
heightening the identification of, and control over, potential
reckless gaming players through more extensive tracking. This
additionally offers casinos the potential for compliance with
regulatory requirements with a more sensitive and tailored
approach. For example, players may use the accounting features to
automatically block themselves at the point-of-play when certain
conditions are met.
[0025] In another example, a "pause" can be provided before
transferring funds into a wagering account from a stored value
account (i.e., a prepaid card). This "pause" could reduce immediate
access to funds thereby minimizing reckless gaming. The LCP system
can be adaptable to institute any of a variety of suitable pause
durations (i.e., as required in a particular jurisdiction), such as
about 15 minutes, for example.
[0026] The LCP system can effectively hold funds in a convenient
unified account that can be spent outside a casino. Funds in a
player's wagering account(s) can be transferred to the prepaid card
and then spent anywhere the prepaid card can be used.
[0027] Use of the prepaid card can facilitate automated indirect
transferring of funds between first and second player wagering
accounts. For example, funds can be transferred from the first
wagering account to the prepaid card (i.e., the stored value
account) and then from the prepaid card to the second wagering
account. Automated indirect transferring of funds between wagering
accounts in this manner can be less cumbersome and less time
consuming than certain conventional methods. In one embodiment,
funds can be transferred through an application on a mobile
phone.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an LCP system is
shown to include a loyalty card 100 and a GPR prepaid card 110.
[0029] The loyalty card 100 can be usable for gaming activities
(e.g., slot machine 101 and card game 103) at the casino as well as
for redemption of awarded bonuses and complementary rewards from
the casino. The GPR prepaid card 110 can be associated with a
stored value account. As described above, the stored value account
can be a universally accepted stored value account that is usable
with an open system bankcard network, such as VISA or MASTERCARD,
for example, to allow use in the retail consumer world. As such,
the GPR prepaid card 110 can be used for point of sale
transactions, such as, for example, for retail shopping 121,
restaurants 123, online shopping 125, as well as at an automated
transaction machine (ATM) 127.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a GPR prepaid card 210 is provided
that can be similar to, or the same as in many respects, the GPR
prepaid card (e.g., 110) described above. The GPR prepaid card 210
can be linked to a loyalty card (not shown) by the casino. The
loyalty card can be similar to, or the same as in many respects,
the loyalty card (e.g., 100) described above. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, the GPR prepaid card can be used at a table game 203. In
such an example, a player can first supply funds to the GPR prepaid
card 110 (e.g., to a stored value account) using any of a variety
of physical or online payment instruments (e.g., generally
identified at 230 and shown to include slot tickets, jackpot
payouts, point redemptions, check cashing, online credit or debit
deposits, or automated clearing house (ACH) deposits). Funds
provided to the prepaid card can be directed, by the user, to a
live wagering account (e.g., 502 in FIG. 5) such as through use of
an online account. When the player provides the loyalty card 100 at
the table game 203, funds from the live wagering account can be
provided to a temporary account at the table game 203. The player's
winnings and losses at the table game 203 can be credited and
debited, respectively, to/from the temporary account. When the
player leaves the table game 203, the funds remaining in the
temporary account can be provided to the live wagering account. The
player can then move the funds from the live wagering account to
the GPR prepaid card 210 such that the GPR prepaid card 210 can be
used at retailers 221, restaurants 223, and/or an ATM 227, for
example.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, a GPR prepaid card 310 is provided
that can be similar to, or the same as in many respects, the GPR
prepaid card (e.g., 210) described above. For example, the GPR
prepaid card 310 can be funded from a variety of different sources
(e.g., 330) and can be used at retailers 321, restaurants 323,
and/or an ATM 327, for example. The GPR prepaid card 310, however,
is shown to be used in conjunction with a loyalty card at each of a
slot machine 301 and a table game 303.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, a GPR prepaid card 410 is provided
that can be similar to, or the same as in many respects, the GPR
prepaid card (e.g., 210) described above. For example, the GPR
prepaid card 410 can be funded from a variety of different sources
(e.g., 430) and can be used at retailers 421, restaurants 423,
and/or an ATM 427, for example. The GPR prepaid card 410, however,
is shown to be for use at each of a slot machine 401, a table game
403, and an online game 405. In such an embodiment, funds can be
directed from the GPR prepaid card 410 to an online wagering
account (e.g., 504 in FIG. 5) for use in the online game 405. It
will be appreciated that a GPR prepaid card can also be associated
with a race and sports wagering account (e.g., 508 in FIG. 5).
[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a GPR prepaid card 510
associated with three wagering accounts, a live wagering account
502, an online wagering account 504, and race and sports wagering
account 508. Each of the wagering accounts can have independent
ledgers.
[0034] A live wagering account 502 is suitable for live wagering at
slots 501, card games 503, and the like. Slots 501 can directly
record transactions to the account 502. A live wagering account 502
contains an electronic ledger (e.g., a temporary account) to
record: (i) deposits and withdrawals of cash or cash equivalents at
a designed area of accountability; (ii) deposits initiated with a
debit instrument; (iii) wagering account transfers to and from
gaming devices; and (iv) wagering account adjustments.
[0035] An online wagering account 504 is suitable for wagering in
online games 505. An online wagering account 504 contains an
electronic ledger to record: (i) deposits; (ii) withdrawals; (iii)
amounts wagered; (iv) amounts paid on winning wagers; (v) service
or other transaction-related charges authorized by the patron; and
(vi) adjustments to the account.
[0036] A race and sports wagering account 508 is suitable for
wagering on sports 509, nonpari-mutuel races 507, and the like. A
race and sports wagering account 508 contains an electronic ledger
to record: (i) deposits; (ii) withdrawals; (iii) amounts wagered;
(iv) amounts paid on winning wagers; (v) amounts paid for horse
racing-related services or merchandise; (vi) service or other
transaction-related charges authorized by the patron; and (vii)
adjustments to the account.
[0037] In such an embodiment, a player using the LCP system can
transfer funds between a stored value account associated with the
GPR prepaid card 510 and the wagering accounts 502, 504, and 508.
For example, a user can transfer money from race and sports
wagering account 508 to the stored value account, and then transfer
the money to the online wagering account 504 for online use.
Alternatively, a user may transfer money from any of the wagering
accounts 502, 504, 508 to the stored value account to facilitate
use of the GPR prepaid card 510 at a retail store.
[0038] It will be appreciated that although the LCP system is
described above as a two card system, an LCP system can
alternatively be provided as a unitary card system. In such an
arrangement, the loyalty card functionality and the prepaid card
functionality can be incorporated into one card with the loyalty
card functionality and the prepaid card functionality still being
associated with different accounts (e.g., a loyalty account and a
stored value account, respectively).
[0039] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other
elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize,
however, that these sorts of focused discussions would not
facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, and
therefore, a more detailed description of such elements is not
provided herein.
[0040] Moreover, the processes associated with the present
embodiments may be executed by programmable equipment, such as
computers. Software or other sets of instructions that may be
employed to cause programmable equipment to execute the processes
may be stored in any storage device, such as, for example, a
computer system (non-volatile) memory, an optical disk, magnetic
tape, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, some of the processes may be
programmed when the computer system is manufactured or via a
computer-readable memory medium.
[0041] The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is
not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described.
Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above
teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and
others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The
embodiments were chosen and described for illustration of various
embodiments. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples
or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number
of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill
in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope be defined by
the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *