Abstract: A gaming machine accounting and monitoring system includes a plurality of accumulative, non-resettable accounting meters and an event processor for sensing game activity at the gaming machine and updating the accounting meters in response thereto. The system also includes separate game credit meters for storing the total amount of game credit available and the amount of game credit purchased but not yet risked by the player. The accounting meters include meters for tracking wagering activity and machine payouts, and a plurality of drop meters for tracing monetary value accepted by the gaming machine in all of its different forms. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the accounting meters also include a set of meters for tracing data card transactions for cashless game play. These data card meters include separate meters for tracking game credit purchased with a data card and gaming machine payouts deposited to a data card account.

Abstract: Providing change to gaming machine players is facilitated by the use of a change card having a memory storing a cash value which a change person can use to input a credit into a gaming machine in exchange for cash from a player. A game monitor unit having a card reader, a keypad and a display is attached to the gaming machine and can be used to authorize and transfer a selected cash value to the credit meter of the gaming machine from the change card. Cash values along with authorizations and security codes are input to the change card at a change station utilizing a similar monitor unit. Financial controls and security can be enhanced by transmitting data relating to change card transactions from the gaming machine and the change station to a central data system.

Abstract: In amusement and game apparatus of the type having a set of symbol-bearing reels and mechanism for spinning the reels after depositing the proper coins, an electronic control for selecting the stopping positions for the reels, for detection of the reel position, for calculating the payout to the player in response to the reel position, and for monitoring the payout and resetting the device for the next play.