Abstract: A cashless gaming apparatus and method suitable for casinos. A player hands over money and an ID card to a clerk at a validation terminal. The clerk stores the ID number and the amount of money in the memory of the validation terminal. Then the clerk returns the ID card to the player for operating any one of a number of game terminals. The player then selects a game terminal which reads the player's ID card, whereupon the cash amount from the validation terminal is downloaded to the selected game terminal and the game terminal can then be played. If the player wishes to play another game terminal, the player actuates a cashout switch on the current terminal. The player then moves to another game terminal and the player's ID card is read into the second game terminal, whereupon the money remaining as a cash amount is downloaded to the second game terminal. The player can then play the second game terminal.

Abstract: A slot machine having multiple spinning reels coaxially mounted in a frame for relative rotation. All machine movements are electrically activated by pulling a starting handle. The handle operates an electric switch which, in turn, initiates sequencing of the machine by a processor.The reel and sprocket are mounted so that relative rotational movements between them in a first rotational direction are prevented when the two are in a predetermined angular orientation. However, relative rotational movement between the reel and sprocket is permitted over a limited arc in the opposite rotational direction. A spring interposed between them permits a slight overtravel of the reel beyond the arrest position of the sprocket, and thereafter returns it to its normal position relative to the sprocket. To prevent undesirable oscillations, a friction clutch is interposed between the reel and the sprocket.