Abstract: The present invention provides a novel bonusing system implemented on gaming machines and associated network devices on a network. According to some implementations, a central system qualifies or eliminates sites and/or types of gaming devices for participation based on criteria such as contribution level, games available, date range, location, device manufacturer, denominations available, etc. In some implementations, the qualification or elimination process is performed at a site (e.g., by a site controller) according to criteria obtained from the central system. The methods of the present invention may be de-coupled from player tracking methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel method and devices for managing gaming machine networks. In some implementations, switches report the gaming machines that are currently connected to the switch. The report may be made periodically, in response to a query and/or in response to an event (such as the connection of a new gaming machine). The report may be made to a host device or may be used to automatically update a connectivity table. Some implementations provide for a display of the current connectivity of gaming machines and associated switches according to the report. Some implementations also display the prior connectivity of the gaming machines and associated switches according to a previously stored connectivity table. The display may be a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that allows a user to, e.g., resolve discrepancies between the current connectivity and the prior connectivity and update stored connectivity table.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel method and devices for managing gaming machine networks. In some implementations, switches report the gaming machines that are currently connected to the switch. The report may be made periodically, in response to a query and/or in response to an event (such as the connection of a new gaming machine). The report may be made to a host device or may be used to automatically update a connectivity table. Some implementations provide for a display of the current connectivity of gaming machines and associated switches according to the report. Some implementations also display the prior connectivity of the gaming machines and associated switches according to a previously stored connectivity table. The display may be a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that allows a user to, e.g., resolve discrepancies between the current connectivity and the prior connectivity and update stored connectivity table.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for managing gaming machine networks. A switch may report the gaming machines that are currently connected to the switch. The report may be made periodically, in response to a query and/or in response to an event (such as the connection of a new gaming machine). The report may be made to a network administrator, e.g., to a host device under the control of a network administrator, and/or may be used to automatically update a connectivity table. A display of the current connectivity of gaming machines and associated switches may be provided. The prior connectivity of the gaming machines and associated switches may be displayed. The display may be a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that allows a user to, e.g., resolve discrepancies between the current connectivity and the prior connectivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel method and devices for managing gaming machine networks. Some preferred implementations of the invention cause switches to report the gaming machines that are currently connected to the switch. The report may be made periodically, in response to a query and/or in response to an event (such as the connection of a new gaming machine). The report may be made to a network administrator, e.g., to a host device under the control of a network administrator, and/or may be used to automatically update a connectivity table. Some implementations of the invention provide for a display of the current connectivity of gaming machines and associated switches in at least a portion of a gaming network, according to the report. Some such implementations also display the prior connectivity of the gaming machines and associated switches according to a previously stored connectivity table. The display may be a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that allows a user to, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel bonusing system implemented on gaming machines and associated network devices on a network. According to some implementations, a central system qualifies or eliminates sites and/or types of gaming devices for participation based on criteria such as contribution level, games available, date range, location, device manufacturer, denominations available, etc. In some implementations, the qualification or elimination process is performed at a site (e.g., by a site controller) according to criteria obtained from the central system. The methods of the present invention may be de-coupled from player tracking methods.