Abstract: A casino game is implemented on the basis of a wireless mobile player unit adapted to play poker, slots, bingo and other casino games. The unit obtains random game outcomes from a central computer over a radio channel utilizing a data authentication and/or encryption technique relying on a database of authentication keys. The authentication key database and, optionally, key selection criteria are downloaded into the unit from the central computer via a secure communication channel. The data authentication key database is preferably used only once, and is replaced with a new database for each session. Alternatively, a database of keys may be resident on the player unit and an encryption selection sequence or algorithm is securely downloaded before the start of a gaming session, which is then used to choose a different authentication key for each transaction occurring during the session. Authentication keys may also be used as encryption keys to further protect the data.

Abstract: Floor-agent-operated wireless barcode reader for reading the barcodes imprinted on bingo packs along with barcode labels affixed to player loyalty cards and portable and/or stationary bingo player units. The two or three barcodes read by the barcode reader are transmitted over a WiFi channel to a central file server that downloads bingo player units identified by the barcodes with the bingo packs bar-coded identification and/or contents over a local area network. In addition, the central file server tracks player spend utilizing the bar-coded player identification.

Abstract: A casino game is implemented on the basis of a wireless mobile player unit adapted to play poker, slots, bingo and other casino games. The unit obtains random game outcomes from a central computer over a radio channel utilizing a data encryption technique relying on an authentication key. The authentication key is downloaded into the unit from the central computer via a secure wired communication channel while the unit is stored, recharged and locked in a dispensing kiosk controlled by the central computer. A player rents the unit from the kiosk, plays it throughout the casino and returns the unit to the kiosk to obtain prizes and/or bonus points earned. The central computer tracks the inventory of the units in the kiosk and on the casino floor.

Abstract: A bingo pack printed by a printer responsive to a computer consisting of a plurality of bingo pages imprinted with at least one bingo card and a reference corresponding to a bingo game, including but not limited to, a game name, a game number and/or a bingo pattern. A bingo pack is dispensed to a player from a self-service computer-controlled printing kiosk. The kiosk displays a menu of available bingo packs on a touchscreen display and accepts currency, credit cards and refund vouchers. Bingo packs dispensed from the kiosk may be printed on paper of various colors, indicating a prize level. Each bingo page comprising a printed bingo pack may be imprinted with a pack identification number, date, bingo hall name, advertisement, coupon, sweepstakes identification, player's name and/or player identification number. In addition to paper bingo cards, kiosks may transmit electronic bingo cards to electronic bingo player units.

Abstract: A bingo pack printed by a printer responsive to a computer consisting of a plurality of bingo pages imprinted with at least one bingo card and a reference corresponding to a bingo game, including but not limited to, a game name, a game number and/or a bingo pattern. A bingo pack is dispensed to a player from a self-service computer-controlled printing kiosk. The kiosk displays a menu of available bingo packs on a touchscreen display and accepts currency, credit cards and refund vouchers. Bingo packs dispensed from the kiosk may be printed on paper of various colors, indicating a prize level. Each bingo page comprising a printed bingo pack may be imprinted with a pack identification number, date, bingo hall name, advertisement, coupon, sweepstakes identification, player's name and/or player identification number. In addition to paper bingo cards, kiosks may transmit electronic bingo cards to electronic bingo player units.

Abstract: A casino game is implemented on the basis of a wireless mobile player unit adapted to play poker, slots, bingo and other casino games. The unit obtains random game outcomes from a central computer over a radio channel utilizing a data encryption technique relying on an authentication key. The authentication key is downloaded into the unit from the central computer via a secure wired communication channel while the unit is stored, recharged and locked in a dispensing kiosk controlled by the central computer. A player rents the unit from the kiosk, plays it throughout the casino and returns the unit to the kiosk to obtain prizes and/or bonus points earned. The central computer tracks the inventory of the units in the kiosk and on the casino floor.

Abstract: A voice-activated electronic bingo player unit facilitates automatic playing of bingo. Via a microphone, the unit receives bingo caller's game announcements broadcast over a conventional public announcement system. The unit digitally processes the received sound signals, recognizes received voice commands matching standard samples stored in its memory and utilizes the recognized voice commands in lieu of player's manual entries and/or in lieu of conventional game commands received over a gaming network. Via a point of sale terminal, the unit is downloaded with a library of voice samples of a bingo caller who conducts the current bingo session. In order to facilitate the recognition of voice commands, the actual bingo caller's voice announcements are filtered-out from the background noise and compressed by the bingo caller terminal before broadcasting via the public announcement system. The voice-activated bingo caller terminal also drives bingo flashboards.

Abstract: Bingo players are provided with inexpensive electronic pagers that signal the current status of bingo cards purchased by players. A central computer automatically verifies all bingo cards sold to all players each time a new bingo number is called. Over a radio channel, the central computer notifies the electronic pagers of the current status of bingo cards purchased by the respective holders of the pagers. The pagers receive data transmitted by the central computer and display the received data including an identification of the leading bingo card and an indication of a bingo number needed to complete bingo. An identification of the bingo cards being monitored by the pager is input into the pager by a player via the pager's keypad or by a cashier that operates a point-of-sale terminal. The point-of-sale terminal communicates with the central computer and optionally with the electronic pagers as well.

Abstract: Players obtain computer-generated barcoded sales receipts that identify bingo cards the player is to play during a bingo session. The receipts are sold at point-of-sale terminals interconnected to a bingo caller terminal that acts as a file server maintaining a database of all sold bingo cards. The server randomly generates bingo numbers, verifies all cards each time a new number is called and ends the current game when at least one winning card is detected. The bingo caller terminal computes all prizes and maintains databases of the identification numbers of winning cards and corresponding receipts, the prizes paid and the outstanding payout liabilities. The bingo caller terminal initiates a new game upon completion of the current game. Players check the status of their cards by scanning their receipts at self-service terminals upon a game's completion. Players collect winnings at cashier point of sale terminals upon submitting receipts and player-tracking cards.

Abstract: A distributed game network comprising a master game device and a number of slave game devices. The slave game device is capable of playing concurrently a number of menu selectable card and chance games, such as poker, bingo, blackjack, and keno. The slave game device receives commands and random data, such as bingo patterns and called bingo and keno numbers, from the master game device and sends the local game status and accounting information to the master game device. The slave game device is equipped with a touch screen display and a smart game card interface. The smart game card associated with the slave game device has an imbedded microprocessor keeping track of wagers and outcomes of the game. The touch screen display exhibits the status of the games being played in display windows and accepts player's commands including menu selections and bingo and keno card marks.