Abstract: A method and apparatus in a gaming network for transmitting event messages from gaming terminals to a central server and, consequently, routing each event message to an appropriate application. The system may include multiple gaming function specific servers with multiple applications on each server using a dedicated central server for message routing. In addition, this system can route secondary event messages generated by primary event messages. These secondary messages may be routed to other applications, other servers, or the gaming terminals. The system utilizes an association data structure in the central server to route messages without the need for embedded routing software code in each application, minimizing the need to rewrite software code that may result from any changes in gaming function or the applications that provide that functionality.

Abstract: An accounting service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for retrieving accounting information such as gaming machine meter information from gaming machines on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to wagering games and, more particularly, to a gaming network linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming network has a plurality of servers dedicated to providing a shared game to a plurality of gaming terminals. The shared game may be either competitive or collaborative between players and may be a combination of both competitive and collaborative game play. The dedicated game servers are connected to a core support network that has commonly used computer resources. The communication link between the gaming terminals and servers are supported by a communication server with message directing software that allows events that occur at individual gaming terminals to be broadcast to all other gaming terminals and servers associated with that shared gaming events.

Abstract: A restricted-access progressive game is accessed only by a single player or a select group of players. The invention includes a method of operating a wagering game that comprises conducting the wagering game at a gaming terminal (10) that is capable of providing access to the restricted-access progressive game. The method further comprises determining, via a player-identification input, whether a player has access to the restricted-access progressive game, and activating the restricted-access progressive game in response to the determining step being positive. To conduct the method, a gaming terminal (10) comprises a player-identification device (24) providing information to the gaming terminal (10). The information is used for determining whether the player has access to the restricted-access progressive game. The gaming terminal (10) further comprises a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game and the outcome of the restricted-access progressive game.

Abstract: A gaming terminal comprises an input device for receiving a player card during a wagering game. The input device has a reading component(s) for reading at least two different media on the game card. The gaming terminal includes a display for displaying a randomly selected game outcome and information related to different functions associated with the two different media on the game card. A method of operating a wagering game comprises storing data in at least one database and receiving, at a gaming terminal, a player card from a player. The player card includes first and second distinct media. The first and second media provide information to the gaming terminal. The method includes performing a first function in response to comparing the information on the first media with the data, and performing a second function in response to comparing the information on the second media with the data.

Abstract: A gaming system for playing a restricted-access progressive game comprises a database containing data, including a list of players having access to the restricted-access progressive game. The system includes a gaming terminal with a connection port for coupling the gaming terminal to the data-base. The gaming terminal has a player-identification device providing player information. The information is compared with data in the database to determine whether the restricted-access progressive game can be activated and game information displayed at the gaming terminal. A method of operating the progressive game comprises receiving a player-identification input at the gaming terminal and transmitting a player-identifier signal from the gaming terminal to a remotely located controller that determines accessibility to the progressive game.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to wagering games and, more particularly, to a gaming network linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming network has a plurality of servers dedicated to providing a shared game to a plurality of gaming terminals. The shared game may be either competitive or collaborative between players and may be a combination of both competitive and collaborative game play. The dedicated game servers are connected to a core support network that has commonly used computer resources. The communication link between the gaming terminals and servers are supported by a communication server with message directing software that allows events that occur at individual gaming terminals to be broadcast to all other gaming terminals and servers associated with that shared gaming events.

Abstract: A gaming network including gaming machines and gaming services further includes a language translation service that provides systems and methods for providing translations for clients in the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.

Abstract: A message director service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for processing messages between entities on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.

Abstract: An event management service for a gaming network including one or more gaming machines provides systems and methods for sending and receiving event related messages. The events include tilts, jackpot wins, software corruption, etc. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.

Abstract: An accounting service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for retrieving accounting information such as gaming machine meter information from gaming machines on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a gaming network for transmitting event messages from gaming terminals to a central server and, consequently, routing each event message to an appropriate application. The system may include multiple gaming function specific servers with multiple applications on each server using a dedicated central server for message routing. In addition, this system can route secondary event messages generated by primary event messages. These secondary messages may be routed to other applications, other servers, or the gaming terminals. The system utilizes an association data structure in the central server to route messages without the need for embedded routing software code in each application, minimizing the need to rewrite software code that may result from any changes in gaming function or the applications that provide that functionality.