SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED CASINO PROMOTIONAL MESSAGING
Certain embodiments provide a system and method for improved promotional messaging for a gaming environment. Certain embodiments include a method for improved promotional broadcast messaging. The method includes composing a promotional message for a gaming environment; selecting one or more recipients for the promotional message; associating contact information with one or more recipients; relaying the promotional message with the recipient contact information for broadcasting; and broadcasting the promotional message to one or more recipients using the recipient contact information. In an embodiment, the contact information comprises a cellular phone number, for example. The method may also include generating a status message when the promotional message is delivered to a communication device associated with the recipient contact information. In addition, the method may include generating a report based on the promotional message. Furthermore, the method may include editing, deleting, resending and/or recalling the promotional message, for example.
The present application relates to, and claims priority from, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/716,392, filed on Sep. 13, 2005, entitled “System and Method for Improved Casino Promotional Messaging,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to promotions in a gaming environment, and more particularly relates to a system and method for promotional messaging and management in a gaining environment.
Gaming machines, such as slot machines, fruit machines, or poker machines, have in recent years become one of the more popular, exciting, and sophisticated wagering activities available at casinos and other gambling locations. At the same time, gaming machines have also become a source of greater revenue for gaming establishments. Thus, competition between manufacturers of gaming machines has intensified as competitors vie for business from gaming establishments.
A large gaming casino typically employs thousands of gaming machines that can be operated simultaneously. A gaming system providing entertaining and enticing features for players would be highly desirable to attract both new and returning players to a gaining establishment. Additionally, casinos and other gaming environments often arrange promotions or other events to attract new customers and provide additional incentives for recurring customers.
Traditionally, casinos use a variety of printed methods to inform patrons of promotional events. For example, bulk mailing advertisements, newspaper adds, advertisement posters, flyers, billboards, etc. are used to advertise promotional events. However, several drawbacks are associated with traditional print marketing. First, typical casino marketing campaigns involve primarily manual processes. Delivery of information is time consuming and dependent on the manual processes. Thus, a patron often received promotional information after the promotional event has occurred. Second, costs associated with the manual processes for providing promotional information to the patron are extremely high. Third, casinos rely on third parties, such as a post office, to distribute promotional information to patrons. Problems occurring with respect to the third parties are outside the control of the casino. However, third party problems often cause a casino's promotional information not to be distributed to patrons. Reliance on external partners also limits casinos from doing impromptu promotions.
Thus, there is a need for a system and method that allows improved, flexible distribution of promotional information to casino patrons.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONCertain embodiments provide a system and method for improved promotional messaging for a gaming environment. Certain embodiments provide an improve promotional messaging system that includes a workstation configured to compose a promotional message for a gaming establishment and a message relay station for broadcasting the promotional message from the workstation to a registered communication device. In an embodiment, the system further includes a communication device capable of receiving the message and displaying the message to a registered patron. The communication device may be a promotion notification device assigned to a patron by a gaming establishment, for example.
In an embodiment, the system also includes a server configured to store the promotional message. The server may include a database for storing the promotional message, for example. The workstation may be capable of generating a report using the promotional message stored at the server, for example. In an embodiment, the workstation is configured to allow an authorized user to edit and/or remove the promotional message before the promotional message is broadcast to the communication device. The workstation may also be configured to allow an authorized user to remove, edit and/or reseed a promotional message that has previously been broadcast, for example.
Certain embodiments include a promotional notification device including a receiver for receiving a promotional message from a gaming environment relay station, a display for displaying the promotional message, and an alert indicator for alerting a user to receipt of the promotional message, for example. The alert indicator may include an audio alert indicator, a visual alert indicator, and/or a vibrating alert indicator, for example. In an embodiment, the promotional notification device may also include a scrolling arrow or other button or icon capable of allowing a user to scroll through a message displayed on the display.
Certain embodiments provide a computer-readable medium including a set of instructions capable of execution by a computer. The set of instructions includes a message composition routine for composing a message for broadcast to at least one participating patron, wherein the message comprises a gaming promotional message. The set of instructions also includes a message broadcasting routine for retrieving communication information for the at least one participating patron and transmitting the message to the at least one participating patron using the communication information. The set of instructions may also include a messaging editing routine for at least one of editing, removing, recalling and resending the message. Additionally, the set of instructions may include a reporting routine for generating a report based on the message. In an embodiment, the report includes a broadcast messaging report, a player promotional messaging report, a promotional group report, an audit report and/or an error report, for example.
Certain embodiments include a method for improved promotional broadcast messaging. The method includes composing a promotional message for a gaming environment; selecting one or more recipients for the promotional message; associating contact information with one or more recipients; relaying the promotional message with the recipient contact information for broadcasting; and broadcasting the promotional message to one or more recipients using the recipient contact information. In an embodiment, the contact information comprises a cellular phone number, for example. The method may also include generating a status message when the promotional message is delivered to a communication device associated with the recipient contact information. In addition, the method may include generating a report based on the promotional message. Furthermore, the method may include editing, deleting, resending and/or recalling the promotional message, for example.
The workstation 110 includes an interface, such as a menu-driven interface, to allow a user to compose, edit, transmit, and/or analyze promotional messages and other messages for a gaming environment, such as a casino. The workstation may be implemented as a personal computer workstation, for example. In an embodiment, the workstation 110 is a Super-PlayMate™ workstation running OASIS™ Super-PlayMate™ software for composing and sending promotional messages.
The workstation 110 allows a user to enter a promotional message for communication to a patron. For example, the OASIS™ Super-PlayMate™ workstation includes a “create a promotional message” menu option to allow an authorized user to create a message. In an embodiment, the workstation 110 may authenticate a user before allowing the user to create a message and/or utilize other features of the workstation 110. In an embodiment, users enter a message title and a date and time at which the message is to be sent and selects a promotional group identifier or individual patron to receive the message. The user enters the content of the message, such as plain text, rich text, graphical content, HTML content, XML content, or other content, and may edit or delete content in a message until the message is sent. The message is saved at the workstation 110 for transmittal to the server 120 and/or interface 130, for example. In an embodiment, a message saved at the workstation 110 is transmitted to the interface 130 at a time defined when the message is entered.
The server 120 may be an OASIS™ casino management server or other server, for example. The server 120 includes a database or other data store capable of storing records of promotional messages and other data, for example. The server 120 includes a record of promotional messages that have been created, edit and/or deleted, for example. The records allow reports to be generated using the message data. Additionally, the server 120 may include records of players and/or other patrons with promotional group ID information, for example. Patron records may be used to generate reports regarding promotional group statistics and/or effectiveness, for example.
The interface 130 may be a gateway interface or other network communication interface permitting interactivity between the workstation 110 and the communication hub 140, for example. The interface 130 receives a message from the workstation 110. The interface 130 retrieves phone number(s) and/or other communication information for delivery of the message to intended recipient(s), for example. The interface 130 transmits the message and phone number(s) and/or other communication information to the communication hub 140 for delivery of the message.
The communication hub 140 may be a private branch exchange (PBX) hub or other telephone/Internet switching equipment, for example. The hub 140 dials the phone number(s) received from the interface 130 and sends the message or otherwise routes the message based on the provided contact information. In an embodiment, the hub 140 returns a status message to the interface 130 regarding success or failure of message delivery. The interface 130 may update the workstation 110 and/or the server 120 with message delivery and/or error status, for example.
At step 220, communication information, such as a cell phone number, is entered to enroll a user or update the user's information. For example, authorized casino personnel enter a patron's personal communication device phone numbers into Super Play-Mate™ as the patron as enrolled or as the patron's information is updated. Then, at step 225, communication information is updated and stored in a player record. The player record may be a casino, group and/or individual player record, for example.
Next, at step 230, a list of communication information is requested for a particular promotion message group. For example, the gateway interface requests a list of phone numbers for all patrons assigned to the message group ID attached to the promotion e-mail text message. Then, at step 235, the promotion message and a list of relevant communication information is sent to a private branch exchange (PBX) hub, for example. For example, the gateway interface sends the promotion message and a list of relevant phone numbers to the PBX hub or other private telephone network. At step 240, the promotion message is received by the PBX hub and broadcast according to the communication information associated with the message. For example, the PBX hub receives the e-mail promotional message and broadcasts it to the phone numbers assigned to the message.
At step 245, a status message is returned indicating the status of promotion message transmission. For example, the PBX hub sends a message back to the gateway interface indicating that the promotion e-mail message has been transmitted or indicating any errors that occurred during the transmission of the message. Then, at step 250, records are updated based on promotion message transmission status. For example, the gateway interface updates the record in the OASIS™ system indicating that the message has been sent successfully and/or error(s) had occurred. In an embodiment, the OASIS™ or other casino management or slot accounting system includes a record of every promotional message created, edited and/or deleted, for example. Records may be reviewed to identify promotional messages and determine effectiveness of promotional messages, for example. In an embodiment, authorized personnel may delete and/or edit a message that has been created as long as the message has not yet been sent. At step 255, users are alerted to the received message. For example, casino patrons are alerted to the promotional message received on their personal communication devices.
In certain embodiments, casinos and/or other gaming environments may provide patrons with promotion notification devices capable of receiving promotional and other messages from the casino. Examples of promotional notification devices are shown in
The promotion notification device 600 includes one or more alert options, such as audio alert, visual alert, and/or vibrate alert. In an embodiment, the device 600 includes audio, visual and vibrate alerts selectable by a user. If the audio alert option is selected, the patron is alerted to a new message by a beeping sound, music, or verbiage recorded for the message broadcast, for example. If the visual alert option is selected, the patron is alerted to a new message by blinking or flashing lights or other visual indicator, for example. If the vibrate alert option is selected, the patron is alerted to a new message by vibration of the notification device 600. In an embodiment, the device 600 may further include a delete button to enable a user to delete a message from memory in the device 600.
The promotion notification device 600 is assigned to an individual patron and may be used in conjunction with the system 100 or other messaging system to provide transmitted messages to the patron. The device 600 may be provided to patrons free of charge by a gaming environment upon enrollment in a mailing list or other promotional program or may be provided for a fee, for example. Each promotion notification device 600 has a unique communication address or group communication address to allow for individualized and/or group messaging, for example.
In an embodiment, patrons are assigned to and/or may select one or more promotional groups based on promotional message or activity type, for example. Using promotional groups for message generation and transmission may reduce possible customer complaint issues arising from patrons receiving promotional messages for which they are not interested. In an embodiment, a user may define an amount of time that a message is displayed at the device 600. In an embodiment, after the period of time has expired, the message may be automatically deleted or may be removed from the display 630 to be accessed by a menu from the device 600.
The promotion messaging device 600 works with a promotion messaging system, such as the system 100 or other similar system, to display promotional message content to a patron. The promotion messaging system includes a central workstation for adding, removing, editing, saving and/or sending messages for transmission to devices 600. In an embodiment, a user logs in or is authenticated in order to access the workstation. The workstation may be used to generate a uniform message to be sent to all patrons with messaging devices 600 and/or specialized messages for individual patrons and/or groups (e.g., promotional groups) of patrons, for example. Additionally, the workstation may be used to remove, edit and/or resend messages that have previously been broadcast. The workstation may also be used to add, edit and/or remove promotional group classifications and/or patrons within promotional group classifications.
Authorized personnel may create messages in advance of the date and time that the messages are to be broadcast. Reports may be generated pertaining to messages that have already been broadcast, are waiting to be broadcast, have been edited, and/or have been deleted, for example. Additionally, reports may be generated regarding adding, editing, and removal of promotional groups and/or patrons, for example. In an embodiment, the system may record transmissions on an individual patron's account to monitor responses, for example.
Thus, certain embodiments provide a system and method for allowing a gaming environment, such as a casino, to more effectively and efficiently notify patrons of promotional events. Authorized personnel enter a message into the system. For example, authorized casino personnel may use OASIS™ Super-PlayMate™ software to enter a message. The user may indicate a time for delivery when the message is entered. Alternatively, a time may automatically be determined (i.e., substantially real time) when the message is entered. At the indicated time, the system sends the message to the PBX hub via a gateway interface, for example. The PBX Hub then sends the message to personal communication devices. Thus, certain embodiments allow rapid and adaptive messaging to casino patrons to inform participating patrons of promotional events and changes to those events with minimal delay and overhead.
Certain embodiments allow casinos and other gaming establishments broadcast information regarding promotional events with increased effectiveness and efficiency. Certain embodiments allow a message to be entered and broadcast to one or more promotion notification devices. The message may remain on the notification device until removed by authorized personnel, a patron to whom the device is assigned, and/or a predefined period of time, for example.
While the invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular step, structure, or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A promotional messaging system for use in a gaming establishment having a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine having a machine display configured to display a game, said system comprising:
- a plurality of communication devices configured to be carried by a plurality of patrons, each communication device having a device display;
- a workstation configured to send a promotional message to one or more selected patrons of the plurality of patrons based on information that associates communication devices with patrons, said promotional message providing information to the one or more selected patrons regarding a promotion occurring with said gaming establishment; and
- a message relay station configured to broadcast said promotional message from said workstation to communication devices of the one or more selected patrons,
- wherein communication devices of the one or more selected patrons are configured to display the promotional message upon respective device displays.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein each communication device is capable of receiving said promotional message and displaying said promotional message to its associated patron.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein each communication device comprises a unique address that said gaming establishment associates with the patron assigned to each communication device.
24. The system of claim 21, further comprising a server configured to store said promotional message.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein said server further comprises a database for storing said promotional message.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein said workstation is capable of generating a report using said promotional message stored at said server.
27. The system of claim 21, wherein said workstation is configured to detect an authorized user and allow the authorized user to at least edit and/or remove a stored promotional message before said promotional message is broadcast to said communication device.
28. The system of claim 21, wherein said workstation is configured to detect an authorized user and allow the authorized user to at least remove, edit and/or resend a previously broadcast promotional message.
29. The system of claim 21, further comprising a server to store said promotional message, and to permit deleting of said promotional message only if said promotional message has yet to be broadcast to a communication device.
30. The system of claim 21, further comprising a server to store said promotional message, and to permit editing of said promotional message only if said promotional message has yet to be broadcast to a communication device.
31. A personal, handheld promotional notification device separate from gaming machines in a gaming establishment, said device comprising:
- an address, being unique to the personal handheld promotional notification device to be carried by a patron, and configured to be assigned by the gaming establishment;
- a receiver for receiving a promotional message from a gaming environment relay station with the assigned address, said promotional message providing information to the patron regarding a promotion occurring with at least one of the gaming machines in said gaming establishment;
- a display for displaying said promotional message for a game to be played on at least one of the gaming machines in the gaming establishment; and
- an alert indicator for alerting a user to receipt of said promotional message.
32. The promotional notification device of claim 31, wherein said alert indicator comprises at least one of an audio alert indicator, a visual alert indicator, and a vibrating alert indicator.
33. The promotional notification device of claim 31, further comprising a scrolling arrow capable of allowing a user to scroll through a message displayed on said display.
34. A method for broadcasting promotional message in a gaming establishment having a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine having a machine display configured to display a game, said method comprising:
- assigning portable communication devices to patrons of the gaming establishment in response to enrolling the patrons in a promotional program of the gaming establishment;
- composing a promotional message for a game to be played on at least one of the gaming machines of the gaming establishment, said promotional message providing information regarding a promotion occurring with said gaming establishment;
- selecting one or more patrons enrolled in the promotional program to receive the promotional message;
- broadcasting said promotional message to portable communication devices assigned to the one or more patrons selected to receive the promotional message; and
- notifying a patron of the one or more patrons that the assigned portable communication device received said promotional message.
35. The method of claim 34, associating a cellular phone number to each portable communication device assigned to a patron of the gaming establishment.
36. The method of claim 34, further comprising generating a status message when said promotional message is delivered to a portable communication device.
37. The method of claim 34, further comprising generating a report based on said promotional message.
38. The method of claim 34, further comprising at least one of editing, deleting, resending and recalling said promotional message.
39. A messaging system, comprising:
- a plurality of communication devices, each communication device comprising a display;
- a workstation comprising a user interface to register patrons of a gaming establishment, to assign a communication device of the plurality of communication to a registered patron of the gaming establishment, and to compose a message addressed to one or more registered patrons of the gaming establishment; and
- a message relay station to receive the message addressed to the one or more registered patrons, and to broadcast the message to the communication devices assigned to the one or more registered patrons to which the message is addressed.
40. The messaging system of claim 39, wherein the user interface of the workstation further prevents editing and deleting the message if the message has been broadcast to the communication devices assigned to the one or more registered patrons to which the message is addressed.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 22, 2010
Publication Date: Apr 21, 2011
Inventors: Debra J. Perez (Las Vegas, NV), Lattamore D. Osburn (Las Vegas, NV), Scott Dickerson (Henderson, NV), Janae Hoover (Henderson, NV)
Application Number: 12/976,456
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);