Abstract: A coin-freed player-operable entertainment machine is connected via a transmission link, such as a telephone line, to a remote control device. The link may be used to tramsmit program information to a control system of the machine so that the game to be played with the machine can be changed as desired from the remote control location. Alternatively or additionally, the transmission link may be used to transmit information concerning machine operation from the machine to the remote control location.

Abstract: Information concerning operation of a money or token taking machine is recorded with an electrical recording module which can subsequently be detached from the machine and read with a separate electrical reading device. A latching system is disclosed and may be used to prevent re-insertion of the module into the machine before it has been read. A plurality of interchangeable modules can be used with different machines and a common reading device, and the modules may record unique machine codes and also provide unique module codes in addition to recording machine operation data. The reading device can also read without erasing. An eraser is also disclosed for erasing recorded information after reading with the reading device, a protective system is also disclosed for preventing presentation of a module to the machine, reading device, eraser system out of a predetermined sequence. A module can be capable of retaining recorded machine data, machine code and module code even when not externally powered.