Abstract: A method for providing at least one credential to access a service includes receiving an image from a camera that is included in a user device that also includes a processor and a communications device. The image is analyzed using an optical character recognition engine coupled to the processor. The analyzing the image includes determining that the image includes potential credential information that includes at least one credential including at least one character string. The at least one credential from the potential credential information is provided, using the communications device, to a service in order to access the service. In an embodiment, the user device may include a limited input device that is free of a physical keyboard having alphanumeric characters, and the determination and use of the at least one credential from the image simplifies the accessing of the service by minimizing or eliminating the need to use the limited input device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for determining occurrence of an unintended video recording in a device. One or more features of a video recording are analyzed in the video recording device to determine whether at least a portion of the video recording is unintended. If one or more portions are determined to be unintended, one or more actions are initiated in the video recording device.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems and apparatus for enabling a lottery player to receive information corresponding to a lottery outcome in association with receipt of an incoming communication. In an implementation, the method includes receiving an indication of an incoming communication, determining a lottery entry outcome, and determining an audible output based on the lottery entry outcome and on the indication of the incoming communication. The method also includes outputting the audible output via a player device to indicate both the incoming communication and the lottery entry outcome.

Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription may be established after receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established, such as a frequency and a duration of the subscription.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for social and retail hotspots are provided.

Abstract: The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages.

Abstract: The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages.

Abstract: A billing statement according to one aspect of the invention includes a description of a transaction and an offer pointer associated with the transaction, wherein the offer pointer includes information that may be used to review an offer. In one example of this aspect, a telephone number or a hyperlink is provided adjacent to a total amount owed listed on a statement (e.g., an electronically-displayed billing statement). The offers reviewed may be customized, for example, based on details of the transaction such as the product purchased or the amount of the purchase, the identity of the consumer, and/or on other data.

Abstract: A system to provide price adjustments based on indicated product interest includes reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a first product, reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a second product, determination of a price adjustment for the second product based on the indication of interest in the first product, and transmission of the price adjustment to the customer. By virtue of the foregoing features, a retailer may be willing to provide a price adjustment for the second product which would otherwise not be provided. Moreover, such a price adjustment may incent the customer to purchase the second product in a case that the second product would not otherwise be purchased, thereby potentially increasing a total profit received by the retailer.

Abstract: The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems and apparatus for enabling a lottery player to receive information corresponding to a lottery outcome in association with receipt of an incoming communication. In an implementation, the method includes receiving an indication of an incoming communication, determining a lottery entry outcome, and determining an audible output based on the lottery entry outcome and on the indication of the incoming communication. The method also includes outputting the audible output via a player device to indicate both the incoming communication and the lottery entry outcome.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are described for producing wagering products and conducting wagering games. In one embodiment, a method for producing a lottery product comprises producing a play slip that includes an indication of at least one event that potentially occurs in a corresponding content (e.g., audio/video content) component of the lottery product. In one embodiment, a unit of the corresponding content is provided to a player along with a play slip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing and authenticating usage of features of gaming devices is presented. The methods include tracking and/or accumulating usage data relating to gaming device features, determining an authentication code based on the usage data, outputting the authentication code to an operator for transmission to an interested party, and verifying the authentication code. The present invention allows regulatory agencies and manufacturers of gaming devices to reliably verify the usage of individual features of gaming devices without having to rely upon a casino to report the usage data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for social and retail hotspots are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein an indication of a plurality of product categories is received, each product category being associated with a plurality of products. For example, the indication of the plurality of product categories may be received from a buyer. Buyer offer information, including an indication of an offer amount associated with the plurality of product categories, is also received. A subset of the plurality of products is selected for each of the product categories, and an indication of the selected products is provided. The buyer's offer may then be evaluated. If the buyer's offer is accepted, the selected products may be provided to the buyer in exchange for payment of the offer amount.

Abstract: A system and method include determining a recipient of an offer; and determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further include transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a customer to purchase or otherwise receive a benefit during a first transaction that will be redeemed by the customer or provided to the customer at a later time or during a future transaction for the purchase, rental, lease, etc. of one or more products and/or services. The price to the customer for the benefit may be a monetary amount, a non-monetary amount, a commitment by the customer to complete or perform some obligation or qualifying action. The value of the benefit to the customer may be based on one or more aspects or characteristics of the first transaction.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with wagering game devices and/or portable wagering mediums. Some portable wagering mediums are capable of outputting various indications related to one or more potential or current statuses of the portable wagering mediums. Some wagering game devices are operable to (i) determine a status of a portable wagering medium and (ii) cause, based on the determining, an outputting of an indication of the status via an output device coupled to the portable wagering medium. In some embodiments, a central server or other device conducts the determining of the status and/or the causing of the outputting. The status of a portable wagering medium may be based on one or more of many different factors or metrics.

Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.