Systems for enhancing funding of gaming

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for facilitating the funding of gaming and preferably the purchase of gaming vouchers with commercial bank cards and/or with casino and/or new credit accounts and/or the prompting of opening of a new credit account, including an automated kiosk located on a gaming floor proximate to gaming machines but separate from particular gaming machines, including reading and printing equipment in communication with a voucher host; also including a prompt to open new a gaming oriented line of credit in response to a refusal of an EFT transaction, including a preferred gaming oriented credit card account and card having cash advance limits commensurate with credit limits for gaming oriented transaction, the approval of the account preferably based on EFT gaming transaction history.

Claims

1. A player funding system for a casino having at least one gaming table, comprising: a casino voucher system, said voucher system comprising a voucher system server and a database storing voucher information, said voucher system server configured to generate information regarding one or more vouchers having associated monetary value and authenticate, for redemption, vouchers based upon said voucher information stored in said database; a table client located at said gaming table, said client comprising a processor, a card reader and a communication interface and a voucher printer, said table client configured to read a financial card of a player and generate and transmit, via said communication interface, a request for an approval of a funds transaction of an amount of funds from a financial account associated with said financial card; a financial transaction merchant system in communication with said table client and an external financial network, said financial transaction merchant system comprising at least a financial transaction merchant server comprising a processor, a memory and machine-readable code stored in said memory and configured to cause said financial transaction merchant server to receive said request from said table client and transmit a request for authorization of said funds transaction to said external financial network and, upon approval, said financial transaction merchant server transmitting a voucher request to said voucher system server; and said voucher system server generating a voucher representing said amount of funds in response to receipt of said voucher request and storing information regarding said voucher, including said amount of funds, in said database, and transmitting a voucher-issuance instruction to said voucher printer; said voucher printer printing, in response to said instruction, said voucher at said table, said voucher representing funds which said player may use to fund gaming.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said financial transaction merchant server communicates with said casino voucher system via a communications server.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said financial transaction merchant server transmits said voucher request to said voucher system server via said communications server.

4. The system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said request from said table client is provided to said financial transaction merchant server by said communications server.

5. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said financial transaction merchant server communicates with said external financial network via a cashless gateway.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said external financial network comprises a banking network.

7. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said voucher may be redeemed at a gaming machine.

8. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said voucher may be redeemed at said gaming table in exchange for monetary value gaming chips.

9. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said communication interface of said table client is a wireless communication interface.

10. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said financial card is one or more of a debit card, ATM card, credit card and stored value card.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments are considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1A-C, 2, and 3A-C illustrate embodiments of a stand-alone automated interactive kiosk according to preferred embodiments of the instant invention, situated or structured and designed to be located end of bank (EOB).

(3) FIGS. 4A-C illustrate two sides of a preferred embodiment of a voucher, as well as a receipt.

(4) FIG. 4D illustrates a transaction flow deployed in a field trial of the system.

(5) FIGS. 5A-B, 6A-B, 7A-B, 8A-B, 9A-B, 10A-B, 11A-B, 12A-B, 13A-B, 14A-B, 15A-B, 16A-B, 17A-B, 18A-B and 19A-B illustrate optional preferred embodiments for transaction flows for the inventive system.

(6) FIG. 20A-C illustrate topologies for an end of bank kiosk and supporting systems.

(7) FIG. 20D illustrates one option for a merchant level implementation.

(8) FIGS. 21-23 illustrate three transaction flow options for preferred embodiments of the system, including GCA System that communicates with a new card/casino card system. The GCA system may well encompass a financial transaction merchant and a cashless gateway.

(9) FIG. 24 illustrate apparatus and steps for the instant invention at table games.

(10) FIG. 25 illustrates steps of an embodiment for an auto-roll to establish a new credit line, including a new gaming oriented credit card and a casino line of credit.

(11) FIGS. 26A-D illustrate embodiments of coded credit cards for patron selection.

(12) The drawings are primarily illustrative. It would be understood that structure may have been simplified and details omitted in order to convey certain aspects of the invention. Scale may be sacrificed to clarity.

(13) A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments are considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(14) The term voucher or “slot voucher” should be understood to comprehend and include tickets, scripts, coupons, receipts, drafts or other printed medium usable to secure cash or credit or goods or services in a casino. In general, embodiments of the instant invention permit the purchase of a gaming machine voucher (typically called a “slot voucher”) using equipment proximate to but not integrated into a particular gaming device. The voucher is purchased through funding via a banking card association network and/or stored value account and/or casino credit account or new card account. Authorization for the funding causes a bar coded or similar audit controlled voucher to be printed or issued. The voucher can be inserted into a slot bill validator, for instance, or a similar device for reading vouchers, to fund gaming activity. The voucher can also be exchanged for cash at a self-serve redemption kiosk or at a cashier window. The system can include vouchers that may be used to fund activity for table games as well.

(15) The instant invention discloses a process to enable the printing of gaming device vouchers (bar-coded tickets) at stand-alone kiosks and gaming tables based upon electronic funds transfer (EFT) or similar fund approval from casino or new accounts. Transaction options include the use of debit cards, ATM cards, a credit cards, stored value cards and cards or receipts or information relating to casinos or new accounts. Compact kiosks for any purpose are preferably locatable at the end of banks (EOB) of slot machines, such as at the end of a bank of 40 machines, to maximize convenience to casino patrons. Kiosk to gaming machine density is preferably 1 kiosk to 20 to 100 gaming machines.

(16) An automated interactive kiosk preferably includes a PIN pad (for Personal Identification Number entry), a card reader that supports magnetic stripe cards and smart cards, a ticket/receipt/temporary card/permanent card reader/scanner and a display, as well as a voucher printer and a receipt printer. Communication means are required for the EFT networks, for the casino voucher accounting system, and for a casino account accounting system and/or new card accounting system.

(17) FIGS. 1A-3C illustrate physical embodiments of preferred apparatus for the purchase of slot vouchers with electronic funds. The apparatus is referred to as a stand-alone automated interactive kiosk, illustrated as kiosk K in FIGS. 1A-3C. It can be seen that kiosk K is illustrated as being locatable at the end of a bank (EOB) of slot machines S. A patron or a player P is illustrated operating the kiosk K in FIGS. 2 and 3A. Typically, as per FIG. 3B, a kiosk would include an EFT card reader CR, user interactive communication equipment, such as a PIN-pad KP and a display D, voucher issuing equipment TP and Reader Scanner RS. Typically, as per FIG. 3B, the voucher issuing equipment TP would print a voucher V in accordance with authorized printing instructions. FIG. 3B also illustrates kiosk hardware components, RF client radio CR and patch antenna PA, as well as display D, keypad KP, card reader CR, processor P and ticket printer TP. FIG. 3C illustrates alternate kiosk hardware components including client antenna CA, touch screen display TSD, card reader CR, PIN pad PP, receipt reader scanner RS, ticket printer TP, client radio CRA and processor P. Thus, FIGS. 1A to 3C illustrate preferred designs for a compact kiosk K that will dispense debit tickets V via PIN-based EFT transactions. The kiosk design is preferably small enough to be installed at the end of a bank of slot machines, maximizing convenience to casino patrons. A sleek, compact design and a secure, stable installation are preferred features of the kiosk design for this implementation.

(18) The kiosk preferably generates bar-coded vouchers similar to a debit ticket, with front side VF and rearside VR, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, which voucher can be inserted into a bill acceptor of a slot machine to fund gaming activity or can be redeemed for cash at a casino cage or cashier booth or redemption kiosk. The kiosk preferably offers patrons optional receipts similar to the receipt R shown in FIG. 4C.

(19) The kiosk includes means for communicating with an electronic funds transfer system as well as means for communicating with an in-house voucher accounting system. Means for communicating with an electronic funds transfer system would preferably include communicating through an EFT financial processor. Means for communicating with a voucher accounting system would preferably include means for verifying a voucher that is to be issued. That is, the voucher issuing process preferably receives verification from a voucher accounting system.

(20) As illustrated in FIG. 4D, preferably a financial transaction merchant, represented by servers, will be involved, together with means for communicating with an existing casino credit account and/or a new credit card accounting system, not shown. Preferably also the kiosk includes a reader/scanner for receipts/voucher/temporary cards.

(21) Receipt issuing equipment is preferably associated with the kiosk. Preferably a patron has an option of receiving or not receiving a receipt for a transaction. An option may be provided for a patron to self-select a personal daily limit for receiving funds from the card for gaming.

(22) In preferred methodology, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, a patron swipes or inserts a debit or ATM card at a kiosk. The patron enters a PIN, such as by using a PIN-pad, and an amount. The patron confirms the surcharge that will be charged to the patron's account and requests or declines a receipt.

(23) In a second step a message is preferably sent via if (wireless) or cable connection to a financial processor and its system. A financial processor sends or forwards the request, properly formatted, to an appropriate banking network for a debit withdrawal authorization. The banking network approves (or disapproves) the debit withdrawal transaction and communicates the message back to the financial processor system.

(24) Presuming an approval of the debit withdrawal, the financial processor system sends a voucher request message .sup.−CO a voucher accounting a system, referred to as a TITO system. The voucher accounting system responds to the financial processor with a voucher authorization message, preferably including appropriate validation data. The financial processor forwards the voucher authorization message to the kiosk. The kiosk prints a bar coded voucher in the amount of the debit withdrawal request. Subsequently, the patron can redeem the voucher for cash at a casino cage or a cashier booth, or insert it into a bill acceptor of a properly equipped gaining machine. In an alternate embodiment, the voucher accounting system communicates directly with the kiosk. This permits the voucher accounting system to verify printer status. Such communication means would likely include rf or cable connection. The voucher accounting system can than confirm to the financial processor that the printer is on line and ready. In such embodiments the voucher accounting system can send a message directly to a voucher printer at the kiosk to print a bar coded voucher in the amount of the debit withdrawal request.

(25) To say that a kiosk is located on a gaming floor separate from a particular gaming machine means that the kiosk is not integrally connected with a particular gaming machine, by hardware and software. The kiosk is not integrated into that gaming machine A stand-alone kiosk could be set up adjacent to and/or touching and/or physically supported by a gaming machine, and is preferably located at the end of a bank of slot machines. The kiosk is separate, however, from any particular gaming machine in that it has no integration with that particular gaming machine and its electronics. Said otherwise, simultaneous use of the kiosk and any particular gaming machine by different patrons should be possible.

(26) Key terms for understanding the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 23 are as follows:

(27) GE (gaming environment merchant)—the GE server is a front-end communications server that funnels all communications upstream with the Cashless Gateway and downstream to the TITO server. In addition to messaging switching functions, it has application logic for error handling and logging. There is no persistent or critical application data stored in this server.

(28) CG (cashless gateway)—the CG serves as the communications nexus and provides the application intelligence to synchronize transactions across components and reliably record transactions and enforce security. This component interfaces to all Gaming Environment servers, the Database, and the banking networks via USAP. The CG performs the function of a financial transaction processor. A CG is a gateway for cashless access.

(29) ESS and ECS—An alternate embodiment can represent the functionality of the communications server, the gaming environment merchant and the cashless gateway in terms of servers, a slot system server and a central server. ESS refers to the EDITH slot system server. ECS refers to the EDITH Central Server. Both the ESS server and ECS server can funnel communications with the slot system with the slot ticket system and/or the ticket in ticket out slot system. The TITO system or ticket in ticket out system could of course refer to and service other voucher or ticket systems than those related to slot machines.

(30) Private Label Network—for the convenience of processing, private label networks might be distinguished from banking networks. Private label networks may have slightly different processing features. However, in general private label networks are usually considered part and parcel of the banking card networks.

(31) TITO System—generic reference to ticket-in/ticket-out systems. The ticket database resides on the TITO system server and is maintained by casino personnel.

(32) Thick Client—in a client/server architecture a thick client performs the bulk of the data processing operations. The data itself is stored on the server. For purposes of this document, thick client refers to a PC or POS terminal at the kiosk that contains the application software and has relatively strong processing capability.

(33) Thin Client—in client/server applications a thin client is designed to be especially small so that the bulk of the data processing occurs on the server. For purposes of this document, thin client refers to a low cost processing solution at the kiosk whereby screen images and prompts are resident on the client and application software resides on the server.

(34) Zero Client in client/server applications the zero client is the lowest cost approach at the client level whereby all data processing occurs at the server. For purposes of this document, this solution has been included in order to illustrate all design options. This is not the initially preferred option.

(35) Visa PED Certification—device approval process mandated by Visa International. It deals with the physical security of POS terminals (i.e. tamper-proof) and security procedures for how encryption keys are stored, transported and injected.

(36) EMV Certified—Acronym for Europay, Mastercard, Visa organization. This certification deals with worldwide standards at the firmware and circuit board level and how devices must function and inter-operate with one another.

(37) “Delivery of Funds”—this expression is used in this document to conceptually describe the messaging that takes place between a server and the kiosk/printer. In some design options the TITO server tells the kiosk/printer to generate a ticket, in other design options the GE server tells the kiosk/printer to generate a ticket. In reality, this communication involves a message containing ticket data directing the kiosk/printer to generate a debit ticket.

(38) In regard to the actual ‘funds,’ it should be understood that although a patron's bank account is debited in real time, a casino essentially “fronts” the funds to the player in the form of a cashable debit ticket because the casino is not reimbursed until two business days later by the banking networks.

(39) The instant invention discloses original preferred apparatus and process to enable the printing of gaming device vouchers (bar-coded tickets referred to as debit tickets or slot vouchers) at stand-alone kiosks based upon electronic funds transfers (EFT). Although initially a kiosk will dispense slot vouchers through the use of debit cards, ATM cards, credit cards, and stored value cards, software “hooks” can be built into a unit for future support of promotional tickets and self-serve comp slip creation (bonus point redemption via interface to player tracking systems). No cash need be stored in the kiosk; therefore ATM (cash dispensing) transactions are not necessary.

(40) Such compact kiosks can be located at the end of banks of slot machines, or nearby, to maximize convenience to casino patrons. Key aspects of the kiosk are a small, sleek design, low cost and high reliability. Design features include:

(41) 1. Compliance with gaming regs and bank network rules

(42) 2. Reliability

(43) 3. Ease of manufacturing

(44) 4. Low cost

(45) 5. Use of minimal resources from gaming machine manufacturers

(46) 6. Ease of installation and maintenance from casino perspective (i.e. slot moves, ticket stock replenishment)

(47) 7. Ease of installation.

(48) Preferred kiosk design includes an extremely small footprint, the smaller the better. The less intrusive the unit, the greater the number of installation options there are across a slot floor.

(49) An ideal installation method for a kiosk would be to embed it into or on the side of slot machine cabinets at the end of a bank, to the extent casino operators and gaming regulators will allow this. The second best design approach would be a flat kiosk that takes up as little space as possible situated in a walkway between banks. One goal is to minimize the depth of the kiosk to ensure that the kiosk creates no traffic flow issues for the casinos.

(50) Preferred kiosk attributes include:

(51) 1. Aesthetics—an attractive, sleek, “cutting edge” design; one that blends in with the aesthetics of a slot floor.

(52) 2. Durability—a durable unit that can withstand the wear and tear of a 24×7 casino environment.

(53) 3. Quality—Transaction reliability is paramount. No more than 1 unexpected error per 5,000 transactions.

(54) 4. Cost—Component hardware cost able to be significantly reduced below ATM machine costs.

(55) 5. Size—Limit hardware depth due to the limited space between slot machines in the average casino.

(56) 6. Power cable—ideally should be 10 feet in length with an in-line power adaptor, not wall mount. Ideally modular at the device so cord can be fed through metal stalk mount and cable holes in slot base.

(57) 7. Expandability—designed at the software level with future expandability in mind (i.e. promo tickets, bonus point lookup and comp creation); without ATM functionality or bill breakage (cash dispensing) because of desire for a small footprint. (Test results show that demand for debit tickets on a slot floor is enough to make device successful.)

(58) 8. Processing Capability—Thin Client or Thick Client or Zero Client.

(59) 9. Connectivity—Should support both hard-wire and RF (wireless) communications (proprietary 2.4 GHZ or 802.11, for example). The preferable implementation is wireless since this will allow casino operators to reconfigure their slot floors without having to pull new cable or reroute existing cable (RS232 or TCP/IP to be determined).

(60) 10. PIN encryption—should meet ANSI standards for “TDES” (triple DES) and “DUKPT” (derived unique key per transaction).

(61) 11. VISA Certification—should be a VISA approved PED.

(62) 12. EMV Certification—should meet EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) worldwide standards for firmware and circuitry and how POS type devices inter-operate with one another.

(63) 13. FCC Certification—if individual components are used to build kiosk rather than an off-the-shelf POS terminal, FCC certification may be necessary (Part 68 and/or 15).

(64) 14. OS—Linux operating system is preferred.

(65) 15. Card Reader—ATM/debit and Smart card capable; preferred is a vertical swipe, not horizontal.

(66) 16. PIN pad—no longer needs to be a separate hard key or membrane keypad. It can be embedded in the display screen as long as it complies with ANSI and VISA PIN security requirements and supports TDES and DUKPT.

(67) 17. Numeric Keypad not required if a PIN pad is embedded in the display. However, if one is included, it should be “water splash-resistant.”

(68) 18. Printer—Thermal printer with auto-cut and partial pelf capability. Should support ample size paper roll or voucher stock.

(69) 19. Display—preferably no smaller than 2.75″ wide×1.75″ high. Should be readable in casino ambient lighting. Color preferred.

(70) 20. User interface—should be simple and easy to use. Preferably only keys/buttons necessary to patron to perform a transaction should be available. On/off button should not be exposed outside secure area of kiosk enclosure

(71) 21. Software Interface—should provide English and Spanish prompting.

(72) 22. Serial ports—should have at least 2 available RS232 ports. One can be used to communicate with an RF client radio; the other can be used for a modem connection.

(73) Table I lists design components to be considered for the most effective implementations. Regardless of the options chosen, the kiosk would preferably support both wired and wireless connectivity in case a particular casino or jurisdiction prohibits one or the other.

(74) Likewise, because gaming regulatory requirements vary by jurisdiction, options 1, 2, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Table I need to support two configurations relative to the Gaming Environment server:

(75) 1. GE located at processors data center.

(76) 2. GE located within the casino.

(77) FIGS. 5 through 19 include diagrams of each of the design option of Table 1. The pros and cons of each design option as listed below. Pros are listed with a prefix of “+” and cons are listed with a prefix of “↓”.

(78) FIGS. 5A, B—Design #1: GE Server (or the Like) Delivers Funds

(79) + Completely wireless at slot floor level which eliminates the need to pull cables to slot banks. This mobility can minimize device downtime when slot floor reconfigurations occur.

(80) + Visa PED certified terminal can save developmental cost and time to market over a thin client that is not certified.

(81) + Because of the thick client, the proprietary wireless solution can be used.

(82) + The proprietary wireless product has already proven itself within a casino environment.

(83) + Server level software can be leveraged for the EOB kiosk system.

(84) + Should require less development resources from gaming machine manufacturer.

(85) ↓ GE server may need to reside at the casino because of funds delivery role.

(86) ↓ The kiosk system may come under more gaming regulatory scrutiny if GE delivers funds.

(87) ↓ Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require more resources to manage/implement on a thick client than on a thin client.

(88) FIGS. 6A,B—Design #2: GE Server (or the Like) Delivers Funds

(89) + Visa PED certified terminal will save development cost and time to market over a thin client that is not certified.

(90) + Server level software can be leveraged for the EOB kiosk system.

(91) + Should require less development resources from gaming machine manufacturer compared to some other designs (i.e. #3).

(92) + No wireless segment will save cost.

(93) ↓ Cable pulls from kiosk to GE server result in less mobile unit. Slot floor reconfigurations will create more kiosk downtime than design option #1.

(94) ↓ GE server may need to reside at the casino because of funds delivery role.

(95) ↓ The kiosk system may come under more gaming regulatory scrutiny than if GE delivers funds.

(96) ↓ Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require more resources to manage/implement on a thick client than on a thin client.

(97) FIGS. 7A,B—Design #3: TITO Delivers Funds and Routes Auth Messaging

(98) + End-of-bank kiosk system should incur less scrutiny from gaming regulators because it does not deliver funds to kiosk.

(99) + Visa PED certified terminal will save developmental cost and time to market over a thin client that is not certified.

(100) + Server level software can be leveraged for the EOB kiosk system.

(101) + No wireless segment will save cost.

(102) ↓ Will require more development resources from gaming machine manufacturer TITO team for Auth message handling.

(103) ↓ Cable pulls from kiosk to TITO server result in less mobile unit. Slot floor reconfigurations will create more kiosk downtime than wireless solutions.

(104) ↓ Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require more resources to manage/implement on a thick client than on a thin client.

(105) FIGS. 8A,B—Design #4: TITO System Delivers Funds

(106) + Should require less development resources from gaming machine manufacturer compared to other designs (i.e. #3).

(107) + Visa PED certified terminal will save development cost and time to market over a thin client that is not certified.

(108) + Server level software can be leveraged for the EOB kiosk system.

(109) + No wireless segment will save cost.

(110) ↓ Cable pulls from kiosk to TITO server and to GE server result in less mobile unit. Slot floor reconfigurations will create more kiosk downtime than wireless solutions.

(111) ↓ Cable pulls to both TITO system and GE server will add time and cost to implementation.

(112) ↓ GE server may need to reside at the casino because of funds delivery role.

(113) ↓ The kiosk system may come under more gaming regulatory scrutiny if GE delivers funds.

(114) ↓ Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require more resources to manage/implement on a thick client than on a thin client.

(115) FIGS. 9A,B—Design #5: TITO System Delivers Funds

(116) + Visa PED certified terminal will save development cost and time to market over a thin client that is not certified.

(117) + Because of the thick client, the proprietary wireless solution can be used.

(118) + The proprietary wireless product has already proven itself within a casino environment.

(119) + Server level software can be leveraged for the EOB kiosk system.

(120) ↓ GE server may need to reside at the casino because of funds delivery role.

(121) ↓ The kiosk system may come under more gaming regulatory scrutiny if GE delivers funds.

(122) ↓ Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require more resources to manage/implement on a thick client than on a thin client.

(123) ↓ Will require cable pulls to both TITO system and RF access points in the ceiling which will add time and cost to implementation.

(124) FIGS. 10A,B—Design #6: GE Server (or the Like) Delivers Funds

(125) + Completely wireless at slot floor level which eliminates the need to pull cables to slot banks. This mobility will minimize device downtime when slot floor reconfigurations occur.

(126) + Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require fewer resources to manage/implement on a thin client than on a thick client.

(127) + Should require less development resources from gaming machine manufacturer compared to other designs.

(128) ↓ 802.11 wireless has not been proven as a reliable RF solution within a casino environment for this type of application.

(129) ↓ GE server may need to reside at the casino because of funds delivery role.

(130) ↓ The kiosk system may come under more gaming regulatory scrutiny if GE delivers funds.

(131) FIGS. 11A,B—Design #7: GE Server (or the Like) Delivers Funds

(132) + Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require fewer resources to manage/implement on a thin client than on a thick client.

(133) + Should require less development resources from gaming machine manufacturer compared to other designs (i.e. #3).

(134) + No wireless segment will save cost.

(135) ↓ Cable pulls from kiosk to GE server result in less mobile unit. Slot floor reconfigurations will create more kiosk downtime than wireless solutions.

(136) ↓ GE server may need to reside at the casino because of funds delivery role.

(137) ↓ The kiosk system may come under more gaming regulatory scrutiny if GE delivers funds.

(138) FIGS. 12A,B—Design #8: TITO Delivers Funds and Routes Auth Messaging

(139) + Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require fewer resources to manage/implement on a thin client than on a thick client.

(140) + Kiosk system should encounter less scrutiny from gaming regulators since GE server is not delivering funds.

(141) + No wireless segment will save cost.

(142) ↓ Will require more development resources from gaming machine manufacturer TITO team for Auth message handling.

(143) ↓ Cable pulls from kiosk to 1110 server result in less mobile unit. Slot floor reconfigurations will create more kiosk downtime than a wireless solution at the kiosk level.

(144) ↓ Will require cable pulls to both TITO system and RF access points in the ceiling which will add time and cost to implementation.

(145) FIGS. 13A,B—Design #9: TM) System Delivers Funds

(146) + Software changes/updates at the kiosk level require fewer resources to manage/implement on a thin client than on a thick client.

(147) + Should require less development resources from Gaming Machine Manufacturer compared to designs that require TITO to deliver funds and/or route auth messaging.

(148) + No wireless segment will save cost.

(149) ↓ Cable pulls from kiosk to TITO server and to GE server result in less mobile unit. Slot floor reconfigurations will create more kiosk downtime than wireless solution.

(150) ↓ Will require more development resources from gaming machine manufacturer TITO team for ticket printing.

(151) FIGS. 14A,B—Design #10: TITO System Delivers Funds

(152) + Kiosk system should encounter less scrutiny from gaming regulators since GE server is not delivering funds.

(153) ↓ 802.11 wireless has not been proven as a reliable RF solution within a casino environment for this type of application.

(154) ↓ Will require more development resources from gaming machine manufacturer and TITO team for Auth message handling.

(155) ↓ Will require cable pulls to both TITO system and RF access points in the ceiling which will add time and cost to implementation.

(156) FIGS. 15A,B—Design #11: GE Server (or the Like) Delivers Funds

(157) + Zero client may save significant cost at the kiosk level.

(158) + Zero client is the most effective approach for accomplishing quick software updates/enhancements at kiosk.

(159) + Should require fewer resources from gaming machine manufacturer since GE Server is delivering funds.

(160) ↓ Response time is a concern.

(161) ↓ GE server may need to reside at the casino because of funds delivery role.

(162) ↓ The kiosk system may come under more gaming regulatory scrutiny if GE delivers funds.

(163) ↓ 802.11 wireless has not been proven as a reliable RF solution within a casino environment for this type of application.

(164) FIGS. 16A,B—Design #12: GE Server (or the Like) Delivers Funds

(165) + Zero client may save significant cost at the kiosk level.

(166) + Zero client is the most effective approach for accomplishing quick software updates/enhancements at kiosk.

(167) + No wireless segment will lower cost.

(168) ↓ Response time is a concern.

(169) ↓ GE server may need to reside at the casino because of funds delivery role.

(170) ↓ The kiosk system may come under more gaming regulatory scrutiny if GE delivers funds.

(171) FIGS. 17A,B—Design #13: TITO Delivers Funds and Routes Auth Messaging

(172) + Zero client may save significant cost at the kiosk level.

(173) + Zero client is the most effective approach for accomplishing quick software updates/enhancements at kiosk.

(174) + No wireless segment will lower cost.

(175) + End-of-bank kiosk system should incur less scrutiny from gaming regulators because it does not deliver funds to kiosk.

(176) ↓ Response time is a concern.

(177) ↓ Will require more development resources from gaming machine manufacturer and 1110 team for Auth message handling.

(178) FIGS. 18A,B—Design #14: TITO System Delivers Funds

(179) + Zero client may save significant cost at the kiosk level.

(180) + Zero client is the most effective approach for accomplishing quick software updates/enhancements at kiosk.

(181) + No wireless segment will lower cost.

(182) ↓ Response time is a concern.

(183) ↓ Will require more development resources from gaming machine manufacturer and TITO team for funds delivery.

(184) ↓ Cable pulls to both TITO system and GE server will add time and cost to implementation.

(185) FIGS. 19A, B—Design #15: TITO System Delivers Funds

(186) + Zero client may save significant cost at the kiosk level.

(187) + Zero client is the most effective approach for accomplishing quick software updates/enhancements at kiosk.

(188) ↓ Response time is a concern.

(189) ↓ Will require more development resources from gaming machine manufacturer and TITO team of funds delivery.

(190) ↓ 802.11 wireless has not been proven as a reliable RF solution within a casino environment for this type of application.

(191) ↓ Will require cable pulls to both TITO system and RF access points in the ceiling which will add time and cost to implementation.

(192) Design functionability for the server level includes back-office software that can be used for reconciliation, reporting, diagnostics and troubleshooting, and interface to banking network. Because gaming regulation requirements vary by jurisdiction, the server topology should support two configurations relative to the GE:

(193) (1) GE located at the financial processor data center; and

(194) (2) GE located within the casino.

(195) FIGS. 20A-C illustrate topologies for an EOB kiosk and support system. In FIGS. 20A-C the GCA data center functions as a financial transaction merchant.

(196) FIG. 20D illustrates a server level implementation.

(197) FIGS. 21-23 illustrate three preferred transaction flow options. These figures are discussed in more detail below.

(198) FIG. 21—Transaction Flow Option A

(199) 1. Patron swipes or inserts debit/ATM card at kiosk, enters PIN and amount, confirms surcharge, and requests or declines a receipt.

(200) 2. Debit purchase request message is sent via RF (wireless) or cable connection to financial processor system.

(201) 3. Financial processor system sends request to banking network (or new card, casino, private label or temp card system) for debit withdrawal authorization.

(202) 4. Banking network (or the like) approves debit withdrawal transaction and responds to financial processor system.

(203) 5. Financial processor system sends debit ticket request message to TITO (ticket-in/ticket-out) system.

(204) 6. TITO system responds to financial processor system with debit ticket authorization message including appropriate validation data.

(205) 7. Financial processor system forwards debit ticket authorization message to kiosk printer.

(206) 8. Kiosk prints a debit ticket (bar coded slot voucher) in the amount of the debit withdrawal request. It also prints a receipt if one was requested by the patron.

(207) 9. Kiosk sends a confirmation message to the financial processor system acknowledging that the debit ticket (and receipt if one was requested) was successfully printed.

(208) 10. The financial processor system sends a confirmation message to the TITO system acknowledging that the debit ticket was successfully printed.

(209) 11. The patron can redeem the voucher for cash at the casino cage, cashier booth, or ticket redemption kiosk or insert it into the bill acceptor of any properly equipped gaming machine.

(210) FIG. 22—Transaction Flow Option B

(211) 1. Patron swipes or inserts debit/ATM card at kiosk, enters PIN and amount, confirms surcharge, and requests or declines a receipt.

(212) 2. Debit purchase request message is sent via RF (wireless) or cable connection to financial processor system.

(213) 3. Financial processor system sends a request to TITO system (ticket-in/ticket-out system) to verify that slot voucher printer is on-line and in a ‘ready state’ to print voucher.

(214) 4. TITO system verifies printer status via RF or cable connection.

(215) 5. TITO system sends message back to financial processor system confirming that the printer is on-line and ready.

(216) 6. Financial processor system sends request to banking network (or new card, casino, private label or temp card system) for debit withdrawal authorization.

(217) 7. Banking network (or the like) approves debit withdrawal transaction and responds to financial processor system.

(218) 8. Financial processor system sends authorization message to TITO system to generate a debit ticket (bar coded slot voucher).

(219) 9. Financial processor system sends a message to kiosk to display the text: “Transferring Your Funds.”

(220) 10. TITO system sends a message to the voucher printer to print a debit ticket in the amount of the debit withdrawal request.

(221) 11. The voucher printer generates a debit ticket in the amount of the debit withdrawal request. It also prints a receipt if one was requested by the patron.

(222) 12. The patron can redeem the debit ticket for cash at the casino cage or cashier booth or insert it into the bill acceptor of any properly equipped gaming machine.

(223) FIG. 23—Transaction Flow Option C

(224) 1. Patron swipes or inserts debit/ATM card at kiosk, enters PIN and amount, confirms surcharge, and requests or declines a receipt.

(225) 2. Debit purchase request message is sent via RF (wireless) or cable connection to TITO system.

(226) 3. TITO system verifies printer status.

(227) 4. TITO system forwards debit withdrawal request to financial processor system.

(228) 5. Financial processor system sends request to banking network (or new card, casino, private label or temp card system) for debit withdrawal authorization.

(229) 6. Banking network (or the like) approves debit withdrawal transaction and responds to financial processor system. Financial processor system sends authorization message to TITO system to generate a debit ticket (bar coded slot voucher).

(230) 7. TITO system sends a message to the voucher printer to print a debit ticket in the amount of the debit withdrawal request.

(231) 8. The voucher printer generates a debit ticket in the amount of the debit withdrawal request. It also prints a receipt if one was requested by the patron.

(232) 9. The patron can redeem the debit ticket for cash at the casino cage or cashier booth or insert it into the bill acceptor of any properly equipped gaming machine.

(233) FIGS. 5A,B-19A,B illustrate the role of a financial transaction merchant, including a cashless gateway and/or the requisite servers, in communication with a new card accounting system and a casino card accounting system, in one embodiment. The financial transaction merchant of course may encompass the cashless gateway. The financial transaction merchant and the cashless gateway may be illustrated separately in the figures for the purposes of clarity, or represented by relevant servers.

(234) FIGS. 21-23 as well as FIG. 3B also illustrate a receipt reader/scanner. The receipt reader/scanner is intended to indicate an automated method for reading a receipt or ticket or temporary card, or even permanent card, which would facilitate identification and communication with either or both of a new card accounting system and or a casino card accounting system.

(235) In order to expressly exhibit a sense of social responsibility, the instant invention includes a further feature. This feature can be incorporated into the stand-alone kiosk of the instant invention, although it can be incorporated as well into electronic funds transfer equipment of a casino-based ATM or into POS/EFT equipment integrated into and/or with a gaming or a slot machine. The invention involves providing a player or patron an option for selecting a “personal daily limit” for electronic funds transfer for gaming. The patron or player may also be provided with an option to select a time limit for the “personal daily limit” Such time limit would be a time period, such as six months, for which the player wishes the personal daily limit to apply to that card. Having selected a “personal daily limit,” the electronic funds transfer system will not grant an electronic funds transfer with regard to that card in a gaming establishment, or for gaming activity, to the extent that the funds for that day exceed the “personal daily limit” then in effect.

(236) The personal daily limit could have a casino wide maximum that applied to everyone, as well. A player-selected personal daily limit safeguards against compulsive gambling in the heat of the moment with a greater amount than originally planned.

(237) Background—EFT Cards and Accounts and House Accounts

(238) An EFT card and account system generally involves a consumer or patron, an issuing bank or account issuer, a merchant, a transaction processor network and a card system architect/governor providing regulations. A consumer establishes an account with an issuer in a particular account provider's system using a particular transaction processor network. (A merchant has an account with a merchant bank relating to that system and receives EFT credit therein for transactions.). Cards from different provider systems are run through the same EFT terminals, transaction information is typically added, and transactions are electronically forwarded for approval and processing using commercial transaction processors and system specific EFT networks. Transactions are governed by rules in accordance with the system established by the system provider of architect/governor regulations. A transaction is (or at least can be) first approved/disapproved and then subsequently electronically cleared. The consumer account is debited and the merchant account is credited via an electronic funds transfer (EFT,) either immediately or periodically. Upon opening an account there is typically a week to ten days wait for the card to arrive by mail. Usually an account cannot be used until the card has arrived and been activated.

(239) In the gaming industry a casino agent frequently assumes the role of “merchant” for a plurality of casino and/or gaming establishments. This agent is frequently referred to as a merchant. This merchant is well positioned to collect important historical data in regard to EFT gaming transactions. In the case of a “house” credit account, with or without a card, a merchant (which can be a casino) typically assumes many of the roles mentioned above. The merchant issues the account and card, if any, maintains the consumer account, offers the line of credit, bills and collects. The merchant deposits in its own account when the consumer pays, typically clearing consumer checks in normal fashion. The house card is good only at that particular merchant's locations. The merchant is well positioned to obtain important data on the buying habits and creditworthiness of its customers. The merchant sets the account credit limit and can affect account transactions essentially immediately upon opening an account

(240) Co-sponsored accounts and cards can be somewhat of a hybrid between a credit card account and a house card account. The “merchant” role and co-account issuer's role can be assumed by a merchant or an EFT agent merchant, which agent merchant may service many different establishment merchants. This merchant may also assume some of the roles of the provider of system architect/governor regulations. A commercial system provider may be utilized as a co-account issuer so that an EFT card provided would be useable on terminals for general purpose EFT cards and would be processable by commercial transaction processors such as MasterCard. A merchant might also provide at least in part an electronic network for use for transactions, particularly transactions immediately upon opening an account.

(241) A gaming oriented credit card and account could be utilized for any “credit card” purchase. However, the system will likely be structured with a gaming transaction as the paradigmatic transaction. In this case “cash advance for gaming” may be the paradigmatic transaction. The “transaction costs” of the instant system may be structured to be borne in specific gaming oriented ways. In at least some embodiments the system might limit non-cash advance purchases, or non-gaming oriented transactions, in particular by the transaction cost system, or by the use of multiple credit limits and/or multiple cash advance limits, depending on the type of transaction.

(242) The preferred gaming oriented credit card account is tailored to be used in, and to be efficient for, the gaming environment. Such gaming accounts preferably have a cash advance limit commensurate with their credit limit. The cash advance limit and/or credit limit would typically be based on EFT gaming transaction history, preferably including the EFT gaming transaction history of the particular patron.

(243) In such a system the risk of loss through granting credit for gaming should be minimized while the capacity to reasonably access funds on credit should be maximized. Limiting the capacity to use the account for non-gaming oriented goods and services would reflect a realistic limitation, given the transaction cost structure set in place.

(244) Typically, a gaming oriented account card would be associated with a PIN or the like. A PIN or the like is some system, now known or adopted in the future, by which the account owner identifies himself or herself in addition to, or other than, simply possessing and presenting a card.

(245) To summarize, the preferred gaming oriented credit card account is created particularly for use in gaming, although not solely. The account is associated with a credit card. The credit card is processable through a general purpose credit/debit card terminals. The account is usable in variably owned gaming establishments. It is not limited to one particular gaming house, even if that house has a plurality of locations. The cash advance limit is commensurate with the credit limit of the account, at least for gaming oriented transaction, and is preferably based on a prior history of EFT gaming transaction. Preferably, this prior history would be a prior history of the account opener and/or owner. Importantly, as in a house card, or other co-sponsored cards, credit is preferably available essentially immediately upon opening a new gaming account in appropriate circumstances. The information upon which an immediate transaction secures an approval/disapproval and upon which a subsequent electronic clearing of an immediate use of the account can be based can come from a temporary card or voucher or receipt or the like, or can be hand entered, as by numbers or a PIN or words.

(246) Especially playing the role of gaming oriented account issuer and merchant, the account issuer is well positioned to issue a patron selection card and to reward a selection coded card account user. The account issuer is in position to offer selection code oriented rewards (spa time, golf time) upon presentation of the card, including even cash at cash dispensing terminals and casino cages.

(247) FIGS. 26A-D illustrate the front and backsides of one embodiment of a female-type and male-type coded patron selection card.

(248) FIG. 25 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an auto-roll system to establish a credit line, preferably after receiving a decline from a card issuing bank. In the first step a patron makes a request for a cash advance or quasi cash transaction using a general purpose credit card. Typically this would be 30 at an automated station that is customer activated, the station having a POS device or PC interface. Step two indicates that a bank card issuer declines the transaction. Typically, this is because an arbitrary cash advance limit has been exceeded, the cash advance limit not having been targeted to the gaming environment. The third step comprises an auto-roll prompt to give a customer an option to establish a new gaming-oriented credit line. Preferably the account issuer or co-issuer will be the merchant, an entity standing in the shoes of the casino as merchant. The auto-roll query or prompt is preferably stimulated at the automated station when a customer receives a transaction decline, but it could come first.

(249) In the fourth step, if the customer chooses to apply for a new credit line, a user interface prompts the customer to enter credit related data such as social security number, date of birth, address, etc. Preferably an account issuer or co-issuer, standing in the shoes of the casino as merchant, has access to detailed EFT gaming transaction history, including information on the customer. This detailed EFT gaming transaction history becomes an indicator as to the appropriateness and responsibleness of issuing a new credit card with a cash advance limit commensurate with its credit limit, and what that limit should be. The new credit line, of course, could also be a casino in-house line of credit. The casino credit line will be approved by the casino since it is the casino that bears the risk.

(250) In step five, based on this information, a new credit line is established. Means will be put in place such that the customer can now draw on the line to get money, at least at the casino or where the account issuer or co co-issuer is also merchant or master merchant of the transaction, preferably almost immediately. The customer might use a temporary card together with a PIN and/or an extra password or number and/or a paper receipt or scannable voucher or the like in order to begin to immediately utilize the credit line.

(251) The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention is presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or embodiment disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments. Various modifications as are best suited to the particular use are contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention is not to be limited by the specification, but to be defined by the claims set forth below. Since the foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated device may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is claimed using terminology that depends upon a historic presumption that recitation of a single element covers one or more, and recitation of two elements covers two or more, and the like. Also, the drawings and illustration herein have not necessarily been produced to scale.