Abstract: A system for tracking a player session is provided, having a portable transaction device with an input device for receiving input for player characterization information for the player and a first network interface. A gaming server may have a second network interface configured for communication with the portable transaction device, a logic system, and a storage system. The storage system may be used for storing at least the following according to commands from the logic system: a player identification database including player characterization information received from the portable transaction device via the second network interface, a unique identifier database having a unique identifier assigned to the player, the unique identifier paired with the player characterization information for the player, and a wagering location database having at least one wagering location, the at least one wagering location paired with the unique identifier to track the player session.

Abstract: A gaming environment includes portable transaction/tracking devices for rendering services and tracking game play. In one embodiment, the gaming environment includes at least one table game and a portable transaction interface capable of receiving and sending information over a wireless communication link to/from a player tracking server adapted to store player identification and player game play data. One embodiment of a method comprises the tracking of player game play in such a gaming environment using the portable transaction device or interface. Player identification information and player game play data is input to the portable transaction device and transmitted to the player tracking server for association with a player's rating file. Graphical information may be generated and displayed to the user of the portable transaction device regarding the gaming environment. This information may be used by the user to identify players or their location.

Abstract: A system for tracking a player session is provided, having a portable transaction device with an input device for receiving input for player characterization information for the player and a first network interface. A gaming server may have a second network interface configured for communication with the portable transaction device, a logic system, and a storage system. The storage system may be used for storing at least the following according to commands from the logic system: a player identification database including player characterization information received from the portable transaction device via the second network interface, a unique identifier database having a unique identifier assigned to the player, the unique identifier paired with the player characterization information for the player, and a wagering location database having at least one wagering location, the at least one wagering location paired with the unique identifier to track the player session.

Abstract: A gaming environment includes portable transaction/tracking devices for rendering services and tracking game play. In one embodiment, the gaming environment includes at least one table game and a portable transaction interface capable of receiving and sending information over a wireless communication link to/from a player tracking server adapted to store player identification and player game play data. One embodiment of a method comprises the tracking of player game play in such a gaming environment using the portable transaction device or interface. Player identification information and player game play data is input to the portable transaction device and transmitted to the player tracking server for association with a player's rating file. Graphical information may be generated and displayed to the user of the portable transaction device regarding the gaming environment. This information may be used by the user to identify players or their location.

Abstract: A gaming environment includes portable transaction/tracking devices for rendering services and tracking game play. In one embodiment, the gaming environment includes at least one table game and a portable transaction interface capable of receiving and sending information over a wireless communication link to/from a player tracking server adapted to store player identification and player game play data. One embodiment of a method comprises the tracking of player game play in such a gaming environment using the portable transaction device or interface. Player identification information and player game play data is input to the portable transaction device and transmitted to the player tracking server for association with a player's rating file. Graphical information may be generated and displayed to the user of the portable transaction device regarding the gaming environment. This information may be used by the user to identify players or their location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating and monitoring player financial transactions, including the tracking of player losses, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one server and a plurality of game stations. 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 and which may be used by the player to play games. The data files also contain information regarding player expenditures or deductions, such as amounts wagered by a player. In one embodiment, player identification, such as that associated with a player tracking function or a financial institution (banking) account is used to identify the player for purposes of associating data with the player's files. Using the financial information, a player's gain or loss while playing games may be monitored by the player and/or casino or other entity offering games.