Abstract:
A financial transaction system includes point of sale terminals having associated radio frequency tag or transponder detectors. The radio frequency transponder detectors are configured to read reward account code or information provided by a transponder. The system utilizes the reward or account code or information to generate discounts or awards for a transaction processed by the point of sale terminal. The system of the invention facilitates customer reward processing at the same time a purchase or transaction occurs. The invention also comprises various methods and system for creating and managing accounts, including reward accounts.
Abstract:
A gaming system including hand-held, portable gaming devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to present at least one game to a player and includes a portable gaming device or interface having a display for displaying game and other information to a player. The portable gaming device is capable of receiving and sending information to a remote device/location. A game server generates game data, and transmits the game data to the portable gaming device and receives information, such as player input, from the portable gaming device. A payment transaction server validates payment and establishes entitlement of a player to play a game via the portable gaming device as provided by the game server. In one or more embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more stationary gaming machines capable of printing tickets having a value associated therewith. The portable gaming device includes a ticket reader for reading ticket information for use by the payment transaction server in verifying the associated value for establishing entitlement of a player to play the game. Preferably, communication to and from the portable gaming device is via a wireless communication channel.
Abstract:
One aspect is directed to a system whereby a live gaming table system is provided with one or more handheld user input devices which, for example, may allow multiple different players to simultaneously or concurrently provide wager input data and/or other data to the gaming table system. In at least one embodiment, the handheld user input devices may form part of a multi-player touch input interface system which is operable to identify or determine where, who, and what transactions are taking place at a multi-player gaming table and/or multi-player gaming system.
Abstract:
One or more methods and apparatus for facilitating financial and player tracking/reward transactions. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one server and a plurality of gaming machines and/or a game generator for transmitting game information to a remote game play location. The server has a memory containing data files corresponding to players. The data files contain information such as credits or monies in an account which belong to the player or which may be used by the player to play games. The data files also contain player tracking information, such as points awarded to a player based upon their game play. In one embodiment, players are issued media in the form of player cards having identification information thereon. The identification information is used to access the player's account or files, such as at a gaming machine. A player and a casino may manage the player's accounts, such as by placing criteria upon the account, including the use of associated credits. A player may play a game using credits associated with their account. A player may also manage their accounts, including viewing financial and game play or reward information and transfer funds into and out of an account.
Abstract:
A system and method is provided for optimizing the use of credit resources. A financial system includes a database which stores customer credit/debit account information and use-consequence preference information. A master financial card is issued to the customer for all credit transactions. A host server receives information regarding the use of the master financial card and communicates with the database of information to decide the optimum credit card/account to which the purchase is to be applied.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing a graphical representation of a gaming environment and for providing information regarding individual components or persons located in the environment are provided. The invention includes a graphical user interface which displays a graphical representation of at least a portion of a gaming environment, such as a graphical representation of individual components of a gaming system and their surrounding physical environment. The components are graphically portrayed in positions corresponding to the relative positions of the actual components of the gaming system. The components are also graphically displayed in a graphically reproduced environment which represents the actual environment, such as a casino, in which the actual gaming system components are located. By selecting a graphically represented component, information regarding the actual gaming system component which is represented is provided, such as by display in a window associated with the graphical user interface.
Abstract:
A gaming machine is arranged with a gaming machine controller and a secondary “queuing” device, preferably a player tracking controller having a memory. A communication link is provided between the player tracking controller and gaming machine controller, and the player tracking controller and a player tracking network including a player tracking host or server. A game code server is connected to the player tracking network. In accordance with a method, gaming machine code or data, such as game or other control code, is transmitted from the game code server over the player tracking network to the player tracking controller. The code may be processed by the player tracking controller, including by storing it in the player tracking controller memory. The code may then be transmitted to the gaming machine controller for storage and execution.
Abstract:
A gaming machine is arranged with a gaming machine controller and a secondary “queuing” device, preferably a player tracking controller having a memory. A communication link is provided between the player tracking controller and gaming machine controller, and the player tracking controller and a player tracking network including a player tracking host or server. A game code server is connected to the player tracking network. In accordance with a method, gaming machine code or data, such as game or other control code, is transmitted from the game code server over the player tracking network to the player tracking controller. The code may be processed by the player tracking controller, including by storing it in the player tracking controller memory. The code may then be transmitted to the gaming machine controller for storage and execution.
Abstract:
A media display permits customization/personalization of a golf cart. The media display comprises a body having a top and bottom surface, and media, such as graphics, lettering or numbering. The media is associated with the body, such as by being located on the top or bottom surface of or being located within, the body. The media display is selectively connectable to a golf cart, preferably at the front or forward portion thereof for displaying the associated media. In accordance with a method, a golf cart is customized by locating a media display at the front of the golf cart, or by replacing or switching media display bearing different media with one another.