SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTELY PROVIDING GOODS/SERVICES TO GAMING CUSTOMERS

Abstract

An system for gaming customers to remotely order goods and/or services through use of player points is disclosed. The player points relate to gaming activity. The system comprises at least one computer system. The computer system includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. The computer system also includes a communications interface in electronic communication with the processor. A request is received from a player terminal through the communications interface to access the system. The player is provided with account information. Goods and/or services information is presented to the player at a player terminal display. The goods and/or services information relate to items that may be ordered by the player. Order instructions are sent for order fulfillment. Used player points are debited for the order from the player points.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/531,225, filed Sep. 12, 2006 and is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/716,628, filed Sep. 13, 2005, the entire content of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for remotely providing goods/services to gaming customers including in exchange for loyalty points awarded during wagering activity.

Gaming machines, such as slot machines or poker machines (collectively referred to herein as “slot machines”), as well as live table games and (where permitted) sports wagering are popular, exciting, and sophisticated wagering activities available at casinos and other gambling locations. Competition between casinos has intensified as competitors vie for business from patrons.

In order to induce loyalty among gaming patrons it is known to provide players with machine readable player tracking cards (sometimes called “loyalty” cards). These cards are issued by the casinos and typically bear machine readable indicia which is used to identify the holder of the card. Boushy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,647, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, describes a system which includes the issuance of a machine readable player tracing card to a player. As is known, when a player uses their card by presenting the card to a reader at a slot machine, play by the player is tracked for purposes of awarding “comp” (also know as loyalty) points. “Comp” points may be awarded based upon wager amount, for example. Likewise “comp” points can be awarded to a player for table game play and sports wagering using the card to identify the player to the system. Other than cards, biometric data of the player, RFID and other devices may be used to identify a player to a player tracking system.

The system referred to in the proceeding and according to known techniques, includes a host processor storing player identification information as well as storing a “comp” point account for each enrolled player. As the player earns comp points by using their card while wagering, points are accumulated into the player's account. According to the prior art, the casino can, for certain periods to induce play, award comp points at higher rates than normal or award “bulk” points without play by the player.

Comp points can be redeemed by the player at the casino by receiving, most typically, cash back, discounts at casino restaurants and for hotel accommodations. In some casinos players can use their points to buy goods, such as souvenirs, at the casino gift shop. When the player takes cash back or uses points to buy goods or services, points are deducted from the player's account.

Since comp points, according to the prior art, were strictly directed toward getting a patron to wager and enabling the player to only use their points in the casino (or affiliated casinos such as any casino in a chain or affiliate group), the options open to the player as to the redemption of their points are limited. They, according to the prior art, were limited to only casino-provided goods and services. Thus for goods the casino must order, ship and stock goods which are appealing to players if the ability to purchase goods with loyalty points is to be effective. Further there are overhead costs such as employees, floor space, etc. associated with stocking comp redeemable goods. Still further, to use the points the patron had to physically go to the casino and the venue, e.g. gift shop, to use their points to “buy” products offered by the casino. These drawbacks have limited the impact and effectiveness of the casino's loyalty points and awards program.

Player loyalty programs and the features thereof permit casinos to attract and retain the gaming public. By offering new and exciting features, casinos can attract and retain players from other casinos.

From the standpoint of manufacturers and sellers of player loyalty systems, the ability to provide attractive features for the casino to implement can make the manufacturer's system a preference over competing systems.

There is a need for a system which provides greater utility and freedom in the use of player “comp” points. There is further a need for a system which increases the effectiveness of the player loyalty system. There is further a need for a system which can relieve the casino of the ordering and inventorying of various goods for redemption. There is further a need for a system and method by which a player can redeem comp points without having to physically travel to the casino to use their card or pick up the goods or use the services. There is further a need by which a casino can cross-brand or cross-market itself with other companies. There is a need for a system and method whereby the player can remotely redeem comp points for goods/services using, for example, their home personal computer, PDA or cellular telephone.

In view of the foregoing, benefits may be realized by improved systems and methods for managing player points. Some exemplary systems and methods for managing player points are described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is, accordingly, set forth according to the present invention a system and method whereby a player may exchange comp points accrued based upon at least gaming activity of the player at a casino to acquire goods/services.

Toward this end there is set forth a system and method for gaming customers to remotely order goods and/or services through use of player points, wherein the player points relate at least to gaming activity of the player at, for example, a gaming device or gaming table. The system includes at least one computer system that is configured to enable players to remotely exchange player points for goods and/or services. The system includes a processor and a memory in electronic communication with the processor. The memory stores data for each player including account information reflecting the player points accrued to the player's account. Also provided is a player terminal including a display, such as, for example, a personal computer, gaming terminal, player tracking module display, kiosk, PDA, cellular telephone or the like (collectively referred to as a “terminal”). A communications interface provides electronic communication between the terminal and the processor. The processor is configured to receive a request from a player terminal through the communications interface to access the player's account information. A precursor to access may include security features such as authentication of the player as by personal identification number (PIN), input/acquisition of player biometric data, or the like. After communication is established, with or without further input, the system controls the display to present goods and/or services information to the player. This information may include (a) the goods/services for which the player has sufficient points to redeem and/or (b) all goods and services or goods and services of (a) plus goods/services the play can redeem by augmenting the redeemed points with other consideration such as cash, credit card or casino credit. The terminal is configured for the player to select one or more items. In response to the selection by the player, one or both of the terminal and processor are configured to (1) send order instructions for order fulfillment of the player's selection(s) and to (2) debit player points corresponding to the selection. Where the selection requires augmentation the player at the terminal inputs information/consideration to accommodate the selection.

According to one embodiment, the player selections are offered by third party suppliers/fulfillment houses. Via a communications link, either when the selection is made and points debited or at a later time through, for example, a batch process, the player's selections are sent for fulfillment. The entity fulfilling the order may be instructed to ship to the customer directly or ship to the casino for pick up by the player.

As a feature, players may be grouped based upon, for example, the amount of accrued points in their accounts. Menus of goods/services may be configured such that different menu groups may be provided to different player groups. To encourage play, the system may be configured to display to the player at least the next higher group menu and the number of points necessary for the player to enter the next higher group.

As still another feature, the system and method may be configured to at least occasionally display to players at the casino, such as banners, “tickers” or other displays at gaming terminals, the goods and services available to the player as well as advertising. Revenues from advertising helps defray the costs associated with the good/services showcase offering of the present invention.

The display used by the system and method of the present invention may be the game display itself, a portion of the game display, a separate display, e.g. a secondary gaming display used to display game information, a portion of the secondary gaming display, a separate, dedicated display or a display provided for the player tracking module.

As yet another feature, players may enroll in a registry and select goods/services they would like. Companion players such as a husband or wife may access the registry and select the corresponding goods/services as a gift, for example.

Comp points may also be accrued from economic activity other than gaming. For example, comp points may be earned for dining, shopping, lodging at the host casino property or at an affiliate or approved business.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of the invention's scope, the exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system and method for remotely providing goods and/or services to gaming customers;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for remotely providing goods/services to gaming customers;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming machine in general;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a casino gaming network;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating multiple casinos sharing a common server;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the showcase server;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating multiple player points databases and multiple goods/services databases being used in the showcase server;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a player record stored in a player points database;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a product record stored in a goods/services database;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a casino record;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the major hardware components typically utilized in a computing device or computer system;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of operation for a showcase server;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of operation for a distribution facility; and

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for a gaming customer to obtain goods/services through the use of the present system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the Figures, where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the embodiments of the invention.

The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

Many features of the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as computer software, electronic hardware, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various components will be described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

Where the described functionality is implemented as computer software, such software may include any type of computer instruction or computer executable code located within a memory device and/or transmitted as electronic signals over a system bus or network. Software that implements the functionality associated with components described herein may comprise a single instruction, or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for remotely providing goods and/or services to gaming customers. FIG. 1 illustrates two casinos, casino A 102a and casino B 102b. The illustration of each casino 102a,b in FIG. 1 includes gaming machines 104a and 104b and kiosks 106a and 106b in electronic communication with the casino slot account and player tracking servers 108a and 108b (hereinafter “casino servers”). While only one gaming machine 104a,b and kiosk 106a,b are shown for each casino 102a, b, it should be understood that each casino 102a,b may have thousands of gaming machines 104a,b and several kiosks 106a,b. Further, while a plurality of casinos 102a,b are shown it should be understood that the system 100 and method of the present invention could be implemented at a single casino or within a group of three or more. Further there could be a single casino server 108a for multiple casinos.

Each casino server 108a,b is configured to at least store and provide access to player account data stored thereat or at another memory location. In a memory (data structure) data associated with each player is retained and updated by the system 100. For example, for each player, the system may store name, address and other personal information as well as store comp points awarded to or earned by the player. In response to a player playing a gaming machine 104a,b, player points are earned. The player may also earn points through “table” gaming, e.g. playing live Blackjack, Craps, Pai Gow. As points are earned they eventually, if not in real time, are accumulated into the corresponding player's account. Points may be awarded through promotions. The accumulation and awarding of comp points is as is known in the art. Points may be awarded for other economic activity of the player within and outside the casino. For example, dining, lodging and shopping at the casino may earn points. Also dining, shopping, lodging, traveling or acquiring other goods and services of partnering, co-branding or authorized third parties may earn points as well. Points may be awarded in bulk or at an enhanced rate to stimulate play by the customers.

Each server 108a and 108b is in electronic communication with a showcase server 112 via a computer network 110a. It should be noted that the showcase server 112 could be part of one of the casino servers 108a,b, housed at the same location or be located at a remote site. The showcase server 112 includes one or more computers that enable a gaming customer (player) to remotely preview and/or order goods/services using his or her player points accessed from a casino server 108a or 108b. The showcase server 112 may include a casino player points database 442, discussed in detail with FIG. 4. The showcase server 112 may also provide the additional features and functionality as disclosed and described herein. Alternatively, the player accounts and points are accumulated and stored at one or both of the casino servers 108a,b; but are accessible by the showcase server 112.

The gaming machines 104a,b track player points (as do other sources referenced above) and submit them to a casino server 108a, b. In one embodiment at least each player's accumulated point data is copied to the showcase server 112. In another embodiment the accumulated player points remain resident on at least one of the casino servers 108a,b and are accessible by the system 100 for purposes which will become apparent. The showcase server 112 is in electronic communication with one or more distribution facilities 114 via a network 110c. The distribution facilities 114 receive orders for goods and/or services and fulfill such orders. For example, one distribution facility 114 may be a fulfillment warehouse storing inventories of a plurality of goods to be offered to players. This facility, upon receiving an order packages and ships the ordered good to the player or other designated addressee. In another embodiment the distribution facility 114 may be defined as one or more servers dedicated to or hosted by a plurality of goods vendors, e.g. clothing companies, jewelry companies, service companies such as travel (airlines) and lodging, household goods and the like. When a player accesses the showcase server 112, each or several participating vendor's goods and services are provided for preview and/or ordering. When selected, the selection is transmitted to and processed by the appropriate vendor for fulfillment of the order. Vendors may vie for “top billing” in the hierarchy of the display of goods and may pay or provide a premium to the casino for such top billing.

The player may access the showcase server 112 remotely through various kinds of computing devices. For example, the player may access the showcase server 112 through a gaming machine 104, a kiosk 106, a home computer 116, a mobile device 118 such as a personal data assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone, etc. The term player terminal may also be used to refer to a gaming machine 104, but can also be more broadly used to refer a kiosk 106, a home computer 116, a mobile device 118 such as a personal data assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone, etc.

Each casino has various gaming machines 104 that track player points and communicates them to a casino server 108a,b for accumulation thereof. As stated above, points may be accumulated from other sources as well. Network 110a, as all other networks in this embodiment, may use standard networking protocols, such as transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), user datagram protocol (UDP), telnet, file transfer protocol (FTP), hypertext transport protocol (HTTP), internet control message protocol (ICMP), internet group management protocol (IGMP), etc. Documents, such as hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), rich text format (RTF), etc., may be transmitted to and/or from a casino server 108a or 108b over the network 110a to the showcase server 112.

In an embodiment of the system 100 which is an alternative to the one illustrated in FIG. 1, player communications via the kiosk 106a, b, PC 116, mobile device 118 or from the gaming machine 104a, b itself may first route through a casino server 108a, b. In this way the host (i.e. casino) can control access and security as well as maintain the immediate client contact to advertise, announce promotions and events or the like. In this embodiment the player would communicate with a casino server 108a, b which, in turn, would communicate with the showcase server 112 through the network 110a.

The showcase server 112 stores or can access data representing goods or services which a player can purchase using their player points. Players may access the showcase server 112 through a gaming machine 104 and/or a kiosk 106 or PC 115 or mobile device 118 as described above, which are shown in electronic communication with the showcase server 112 via a second computer network 110b. When a player establishes communication with the system 100 they can monitor their point levels, transfer points to other accounts, and redeem their points for goods/services as hereinafter described. Goods/services information may be stored on the showcase server 112 in a goods and services database 668, discussed in detail in connection with FIG. 9.

The showcase server 112 is shown in electronic communication with one or more distribution facilities 114 via a computer network 110c. The distribution facilities 114 receive orders for goods and/or services and fulfill such orders. When a player redeems points for a good, for example, the showcase server 112 transmits the order data via network 110c to the corresponding distribution facilities 114, that then ships the prize to the player's corresponding address or other addressee. In order to have the player come back to the casino, the casino may require the player to come back to pick up their ordered goods at the casino. Alternatively, upon selecting a good and consummating the transaction the system transmits the player's address to the distribution facility for shipment to that address. As yet a further alternative, the player may indicate an address other than theirs as the recipient to, for example, send the selection as a present to another.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram 200 of an embodiment of a method for remotely providing goods/services to gaming customers. The player plays 202 a gaming machine 104 and earns loyalty points based on his or her play. The gaming customer may then access 204 the showcase server 112. The gaming customer may access 204 the showcase server 112 remotely through a gaming machine 104, a kiosk 106, a home computer 116, a mobile device 118 (e.g., a cellular phone, a laptop, etc.), etc.

After the customer has accessed 204 the showcase server 112, he or she may review 206 the available goods/services. The player may select 208 the desired goods and/or services and may exchange 210 loyalty points for the selected goods/services. As described below, based upon selected factors such as loyalty point levels, average loyalty point levels over time, player information (e.g. local versus tourist), player worth or the like, the system may be configured to offer different showcases. That is, for highly prized customers, the showcase may have a wider selection or provide more elegant/expensive goods/services.

If the item ordered is a good, the goods are then shipped 212 to the gaming customer from a distribution facility 114. If the item ordered is a service, some form of certificate or voucher (not shown) may be printed and sent to the gaming customer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming machine 304 in general. Possible gaming machines 304 include, but are not limited to, slot machines, video poker machines, or other video or electro-mechanical machines, and the like.

A gaming machine 304 may include a game control CPU 334 that is responsible for carrying out the main functions of the gaming machine 304. The CPU 334 executes each game as the player interacts with the gaming machine 304, including visually and/or audibly interacting with the player, as well as generating game outcomes. In addition, the CPU 334 processes network information by receiving data from, and sending data to, the communications interface 340. The CPU 334 may include a microprocessor and associated memory (not shown in FIG. 3). Depending upon the type of gaming machine 304, the CPU 334 may directly carry out some or all of the functions that the communications interface 340 may carry out.

The gaming machine 304 may include a number of peripheral devices including, for example, a card reader 348 and a keypad 350. The card reader 348 and keypad 350 may be used to identify the player at the gaming machine 304. The casino 102 may issue a player a player card (not shown) through an application process, or similar method. A player card typically includes a magnetic stripe that is encoded with data to identify the player. In some cases, a personal identification number (PIN) is given to the player for security, and may allow access to certain features of the gaming machine 304. The player card is readable by the card reader 348 that may be found in each of the gaming machines 104a and 104b. Other types of cards may be utilized including optical cards, smart cards, RFID devices (cards, cell phones, fobs), etc.

In addition, a unique number may be encoded onto a magnetic stripe carried by the card. This unique number corresponds to player information 346 that may be maintained by a casino server 108 and stored in a casino player points database 442 (which will be discussed below in connection with FIG. 4). The player information 346 may be different from a player record 880, depicted in an embodiment in FIG. 8. Typically, the player information 346 stored on the casino player points database 442 contains more data than the player record 880 stored on the showcase server 112. In one embodiment, the player information 346 may include data such as the player's name, address, amount of credit available, amount of promotional credits, amount of loyalty points, etc.

The player may insert his or her player card into a card receiving slot (not shown) for reading by the card reader 348. The communications interface 340 detects the card insertion and receives the identification data contained on the player card. For example, the data contained on the player card may be a player identification number 882 to retrieve player information 346 from the casino player points database 442.

The communications interface 340 provides display signals to a display 338 in order to, for example, display the player's name or other messages. The communications interface 340 may provide additional display signals to a supplemental display 330. Select messages may be displayed, for example, requesting the player to optionally enter his or her personal identification number (PIN) using the keypad 350. Where the PIN is optionally entered by the player, the communications interface 340 communicates with the casino server 108 via a network connection 360 in order that the PIN, for example, may be used to validate the player's identity. In other cases, the PIN may be used to access some features of the gaming machine 304 or other components in the system 100 shown in FIG. 1. Either the casino server 108 or the communications interface 340 may validate the player.

The communications interface 340 gains access to the player's information 346 at the casino server 108. As mentioned above, the player information 346 typically includes the number of player points (loyalty points) previously accumulated by the player, as well as additional statistics. In order for the gaming activity at a particular gaming machine 304 to be credited to the player's information 346, the player or player information 346 is identified at the gaming machine 304. Identification is typically accomplished by the player inserting his or her player card.

A PIN alone without a player card may be used to provide player identity data to the gaming machine 304, and a card alone without a PIN may be used to provide player identity data to the gaming machine 304. Alternatively, any of several biometric devices may be used to identify the player, including devices to check fingerprints, scan facial appearance, provide eye scans, etc. Such biometric input data may be used alone or in combination with player cards or PINs.

During game play, the CPU 334 tracks gaming activity and provides gaming activity information to the communications interface 340 that is stored as player information 346. Such gaming activity information may include an amount of money a player has wagered on each game, a number of games played, a time each game was initiated and a particular identification of a gaming machine 304, etc. For example, a system may track money wagered, money won, and the time period tracked. Tracked information may be obtained by the communications interface 340 polling the CPU 334. In an alternative embodiment, the game activity information saved may be sent to the casino server 108 by the communications interface 340. The casino server 108 typically utilizes the game activity information to perform accounting functions and additionally generates player points that are added to the player's information 346. Awards are provided by the casino 102 in accordance with points accumulated by the player.

As with all electronic communications in this description, the communication between the communications interface 340, the casino server 108 and the CPU 334 may take on different forms and protocols, as for example, serial, parallel, Ethernet, etc. In one embodiment, the communications interface 340 may be connected to the CPU 334 through a serial connection and communicates in accordance with a particular communication protocol or protocols depending upon the manufacturer of the particular gaming machine 304.

The card reader 348 may be housed in a gaming machine 304, and in one embodiment is positioned relative to a card slot to receive a player card. The player card is inserted into the card reader 348 and data read from the card stripe is transferred to the communications interface 340 and stored in memory 341 located in the communications interface 340.

A bill validator 352 may be housed in a gaming machine 304 and positioned to receive currency bills inserted into the validator 352 by a player. The bill validator 352, which may receive several bill denominations, detects the denomination of an inserted bill and generates a signal 358 to the CPU 334. The bill validator 352 may also receive encoded vouchers or tickets and responsively generate a proper bill validator signal 358 relating to ticket insertion.

The CPU 334, for example, responds to the bill validator signal 358 by increasing the value on a game credit meter 332. Depending on the type of gaming machine, a value on the credit meter 332 may be displayed on the display 338. The credit meter 332 provides a visual indication to a player of a number of game credits available for play. In an embodiment, the bill validation signal 332 may be sent to the communications interface 340, which in turn communicates with the CPU 334 to change the credit meter 332. Communication with the CPU 334 through the communications interface 340 to change the credit meter 332 may occur when a bill validator 352 is retrofitted into a gaming machine 304 that was originally manufactured without a bill validator 352. The CPU 334 increases the credit meter 332 after a ticket signal 358 is received and the value is determined.

A coin validator 354 may be housed in a gaming machine 304, and positioned to receive coins that are inserted by a player into the coin validator 354. The coin validator 354 generates a coin signal 356 to the CPU 334. The CPU 334, for example, responds by increasing the value on the credit meter 332.

In accordance with a configuration of a gaming machine 304, the gaming machine 304 is enabled to play a game (for example, the reels spin) after the credits appear on the credit meter 332. After inserting money, a credit voucher or otherwise loading credits to the gaming machine 304, the game may be started after the player presses a button (not shown) or pulls a handle (not shown).

When the game ends and a particular result may be shown on the display 338. The gaming machine 304 pays out a certain amount depending upon the result in a conventional manner. The pay out may include applying an amount directly to the credit meter 332, or paying the amount in coins or tokens directly from the gaming machine 304 to the player via a game machine tray (not shown), or, where the amount is above a threshold level, a hand pay is made of the amount to the player. The player may cash-out credits by activating a cash-out button (not shown) or uploading credits to the player's information 346 stored in the casino player points database 442. A ticket printer (not shown) may be used to dispense bar coded vouchers on cash-out, as well.

If a player desires to discontinue play or move to a different gaming machine 304, the player removes the player card. Thereafter, the player card may be inserted into the same or a different gaming machine 304 for continuing play.

In one embodiment, the player's information 346 may be formed of multiple accounts, for example, CASH account, a POINTS account, a PROMO account, etc. Credit may be placed in the player's PROMO account by the casino 102 as a complimentary incentive. This may happen when a player first arrives at the casino at hotel check-in or other event. Alternatively, credit may be applied to the player's CASH account in accordance with the player making a deposit of money, either coins or tokens directly into a gaming machine 304, a kiosk 106, or at a cashier. Such credits (or value) may be downloaded to the gaming machine 304 and placed on a credit meter 332.

In some embodiments, the player's gaming activity may be tracked by the casino server 108 once the player ID data is established, the player has been issued a player tracking card bearing a unique identification number and the player information 346 is stored in a file in the casino player points database 442, for example. The player's transactions at a gaming machine 304 may be logged by the communications interface 340 and reported to the casino server 108.

In some situations, multiple player cards may be issued for a single player information record 346; each card identifies the same player information 346. Alternatively, the multiple player cards may be linked with an individual record in the player points field 898 of the player record 880 representing an account. Each card may carry the same player identification number 882 that may be stored in both the player information 346 and the player record 880.

For example, a husband and wife may share a single account stored in the player points field 898 of the player information 346 stored in a casino player points database 442 on a casino server 408. By way of explanation, a player points database 642 is depicted in FIG. 6 and may be similar to the casino player points database 442. In one embodiment the casino player points database 442 stored on the casino server 108 contains less information than the player points database 642 stored on the showcase server 112.

In one embodiment, the first card inserted may allow the player to retrieve any or all of the credit stored in the player's record 880. The second card inserted may allow the second player to retrieve any remaining credit that remains stored in the record 880. Where both cards are simultaneously used on separate gaming machines, all player transaction activity is collected and forwarded to the player's record 880.

The CPU 334 keeps casino information 345 that logs transaction and machine data. An account meter 336 may be formed of electronic memory managed by the CPU 334 and/or hard meters. The CPU 334 responds to various gaming machine events and updates an accounting meter 336 accordingly. The accounting meters 336 may be non-reset, accumulative meters; however, some meters 336 may be reset meters and statistics are available since the last reset of the meters. Basic events in which the CPU 334 adjusts the meters 336 may include:

(1) money input by the player;

(2) wagers placed by the player;

(3) game wins from play of the game; and

(4) cash out of credits by the player.

Typically, only the particular meter(s) 336 to which an event pertains are adjusted upon the occurrence of the event. Data identifying the occurrence of events may also be recorded, including the time of the event and the particular type of event.

For example, meters 336 may include various drop meters to track money flow. A drop meter may be provided for each of the different forms of monetary value accepted by the gaming machine 304. For example, a coin drop meter may represent the total value of the coins that fall to a “drop bucket” within the gaming machine housing for later collection by the casino. Also, coins may instead be diverted to a hopper system for later payout to the player and such diverted coins may be metered separately. Also, a bill count drop meter may count all paper currency that has been inserted into the bill validator 352. As another example, promo count meters count promotional credits that are received by the gaming machine 304 from bar coded coupons, downloaded credits, bonus point conversions, and the like. Outflow of cash to the player may also be tracked by meters 336, including printed vouchers that have been issued by the gaming machine 304.

The accounting meters 336 may also keep track of game activity and include a game play meter for tracking the total number of bets actually wagered and a game win meter for tracking the total number of wins. Purchased credits that are not wagered, but cashed out, may be tracked as well. The credit meter 332 is a visual meter that reflects the total amount of credit available to the player at any time, and may be driven from another meter 336.

The CPU 334 communicates data to the communications interface 340 including events and readings of the accounting meters 336. For example, the communications interface 340 may poll the CPU 334 for data, and then record such data in memory 341. The data may be further processed by the communications interface 340, and then the processed data is stored in memory 341. Particular data stored in memory 341 may include casino information 345 as well as player information 346 that is used to award player points.

The communications interface 340 performs game accounting functions by updating the casino information 345 and player information 346. The communications interface 340 transmits the casino information 345 and player information 346 to the casino server 108. In addition, the casino information 345 and player information 346 may be initialized by the casino server 108.

Identification of a player may be performed by a magnetic card reader, an optical card reader, a card swipe reader, a card insertion reader, a smart card reader, or other device which alerts the communications interface 340 by providing the communications interface 340 with the player's identification data who is about to activate play on the gaming machine 304. Devices other than a card reader 348 may be used to provide identification data, such as a biometric sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a palm sensor, a hand sensor, an eye sensor, an iris sensor, a visual recognition system, an audio or voice recognition system. An identification device provides player identity data to the communications interface 340 at the time that the player is about to commence play. Player identity data may be transferred by radio waves or infrared radiation, for example, from a portable or handheld device. Card removal may be determined in a number of ways, including sensors such as audio, visual, thermal, motion, infra-red, magnetic, light detectors, etc.

In an embodiment, the communications interface 340 includes a user interface, such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) Active Matrix LCD interface (with optional touch screen), to provide static pictures and dynamic video clips with vivid color. The LCD display with touch screen may be used to enter information, such as player identification data or game play options. The communications interface 340 may also include an additional LCD character/VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) graphic display interface. In addition, a Video Input Port (VIP) may be incorporated in the communications interface 340 to provide real-time videos or provide streaming videos. The communications interface 340 may also include an audio system or a personal computer sound system. In addition, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology may be used by the communications interface 340 to manage the delivery of voice information using Internet Protocol.

The communications interface 340 provides a plurality of interfaces for communication from and/or to peripheral devices or gaming machine components. For example, a communications interface 340 may include a keyboard and/or mouse interface, a keypad interface, a progressive interface, a fiber-optical interface, a lockout interface, a magnetic/optical card reader interface, a Slot Data System (SDS)/IGT pulse interface, a slot accounting software (SAS)/GDAP interface, peripheral component interconnect (Pcommunications interface) bus connection serial port, parallel port, infrared port, universal serial bus (USB) connection, an opto-isolated input, an opto-isolated output, and/or other interface.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a casino gaming network 402. Each casino gaming network 402 may include several gaming machines 404 (“games”), such as gaming machines 404a and 404b, used as slot machines, video poker machines, video roulette machines, and the like. In this embodiment, gaming machines 404a and 404b are organized by dividing games 404a and 404b into groups. Alternatively, the gaming machines 404 may include various non-machine games, such as craps and blackjack. Non-machine data may be input by employees at the non-machine game area. Gaming machines 404 may receive non-machine and machine input data and generate output data over a network 410a.

As shown in FIG. 4, a redemption kiosk 406 is in electronic communication with the casino server 408. A player may use a kiosk 406 to view his or her player information 346 including a display of the bonus awards won from the tiered reward promotion. Redemption kiosks 406 may include an interactive communication unit similar to gaming machine 404. The player may enter alphabetic and numeric information by touching a display. A keypad may also be used to enter information. A kiosk 406 may include a CPU and memory, in order to provide interactive prompts to the player to display to the player data regarding the player's information 346, as well as to provide for redemption of the awards won by the player from the tiered reward promotion. Such redemption may occur, for example, through printing of vouchers at a kiosk 406, sending electronic reservation and comp confirmation messages to hotel restaurants, dispensing actual prizes at the kiosk 406, selecting and issuing an order to redeem a good/service from the showcase server 412 and the like.

A casino server 408 stores the input player information 346 for gaming machines 404 and output player information 346 from gaming machines 404 in a casino player points database 442. The casino server 408 also stores casino information 445 obtained from gaming machines 304 and/or meters 336 that the casino may use in managing its operations. The casino server 408 executes a poller algorithm 450, which may poll the gaming machines 404 to obtain player information 346 and casino information 345. The casino server 408 communicates through the poller 450 with the gaming machines 404. The poller 450 transfers data between the gaming machines 404 and a casino player points database 442. On occasion, one of the gaming machines 404 may require data stored in the casino player points database 442. The needed data may be sent to the gaming machine 404 from the casino server 408. As explained above, the casino player points database 442 stored on the casino server 408 may contain more or less information than a player points database 642 stored on the showcase server 112.

In one embodiment, support systems are in electronic communication with the casino server 408. The support systems may include a ticketing workstation 444, an administration workstation 446, and/or an accounting workstation 448. The accounting workstation 448, for example, may store gaming audit report generating software that generates gaming audit reports from gaming transaction data formatted in an audit format and input into the casino information 345 for use in managing the casino generally.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating multiple casinos sharing a common server 508. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, partner casino gaming networks A 502a and B 502b interface with a commonly owned showcase server 508. The commonly owned or operated showcase server 508 is in electronic communication with one or more distribution facilities 514. Players at any partner casino may access the server 508 in the manner described herein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the showcase server 612. The showcase server 612 operates to allow a gaming customer to log into the system, perform various operations relating to their account and also order goods and/or services based on the points in their player record 880 obtained from the player points database 642.

The showcase server 612 includes authentication and security 660 for authenticating the player and also for providing security for the communications. The authentication component 660 may access information in the player points database 642 to use in ensuring that only the player is accessing his or her account. Various kinds of security may be used with the electronic communication to protect the information being transmitted.

The showcase server 612 includes a showcase component 662 for allowing the gaming customer to preview and browse various goods and services. The showcase component 662 accesses a database of goods and services 668 for the information to be presented to the gaming customer. The database of goods and services 668 will be more fully discussed in relation to FIG. 9. The showcase component 662 presents the information to a remote gaming customer.

The ordering component 664 operates to place the order, once a gaming customer has decided on one or more items to order. The ordering component 664 may receive the item(s) selected from the showcase component 662. The ordering component 664 may be in electronic communication with the player points database 642 in order to adjust the player's points after a purchase or order. The player points database 642 will be more fully discussed in relation to FIG. 8.

The showcase server 612 may be configured to permit a player to augment points with cash, credit, etc., for a purchase. For example, if the player did not have enough points to purchase a particular product, the showcase server 612 may allow the player to pay cash, credit, etc., to make up the difference between the purchase price and that points he or she had.

Participating casino information 670 may be included to store information specific to each casino that is participating in the system 100 of FIG. 1. The participating casino information 670 will be more fully discussed below in relation to FIG. 10.

The synchronizing component 666 operates to update the various databases 668, 642 in the showcase server 612 based upon data received from the distribution facilities 114 and casino gaming networks 102. For example, when a player earns additional points, this change would be updated from the casino player points database 442 to the showcase server's player points database 642. In addition, after a gaming customer has ordered an item, the points used to order the item would need to be subtracted from his or her total points. Similarly, the other pieces of data in the various databases would also need to be synchronized so that they are updated and correct.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating multiple player points databases 742 and multiple goods/services databases 768 being used in the showcase server 112. It is possible that more than one player points database 742 may be utilized. For example, one casino or group of casinos may have one player points database 742, while another casino or group of casinos may have their own player points database 742. In such a situation, the showcase server may have multiple player points databases 742. By way of clarification, as discussed in FIG. 4, a casino player points database 442 stored on a casino server 408 may have more or less information than either a single or multiple player points database 742, or may conceivably have identical information.

Further, it is also possible that more than one goods/services database 768 may be utilized. For example, the showcase server 112 may use several distribution facilities 114, each of which may have its own set of goods/services that are offered. In such a situation the showcase server 112 may need to include multiple goods/services databases 768.

The participating casino information 770 may be used to identify the casinos that use a particular player points database 742. Similarly, the participating casino information 770 may also be used to identify the casinos that use a particular goods/services database 768.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a player record 880 stored in a player points database 642. The player record 880 may use the player ID field 882 as its primary key. Each player ID 882 may have a corresponding player address 884, age 886, and gender 888 field or other fields the participating casinos want stored.

The gaming history 890 field relates to data obtained from the various gaming machines 104 used by this particular player. The gaming history data may include the player's winning percentage broken down from the overall percentage down to as small as the winning percentage for a single gaming machine 104. Alternatively, the winning percentage may be broken down by game type, ranges of time, lengths of time, and the like. Data such as amounts wagered, number of wagers placed, average wager amounts, and the like may be similarly broken down.

The particular player's cash purchasing history 892 may be stored and might include purchases at casino facilities such as hotel, restaurant, or gift shop purchases. The points purchasing history 894 may include information regarding products and services purchased through the showcase server 112 by the player. The player's associations with the participating casinos may be stored in the casino ID field 896. The casino ID 896 may be used to determine casino cost ratios for points purchases using points from multiple participating casinos. The player points field 898 contains player point totals for each casino and is updated by the various casino servers 108 and the showcase server 112 based on player points debits and credits. A player's association with various groups, such as a group of friends who has opted to aggregate all winnings into one pool or a husband and wife, may be stored in the group ID field 899.

An embodiment of a product record 900 is depicted in FIG. 9. The product ID field 952 may be used as the primary key for each product record 900. The manufacturer ID field 954 stores a key for the related product manufacturer. The manufacturer ID 954 may be linked to a separate manufacturer database (not shown) that stores all information relating to each manufacturer. For ordering purposes, the manufacturer's part number 956 is stored in the product record 900 to facilitate ordering of a desired product. Similarly, the distributor information is stored in the distributor field 958. Price information for the product record is stored in the player points price 960, casino cost 962, and tax information 964 fields. The tax information field 964 may vary based on the manufacturer or distributor's state of origin.

Promotional pricing for various products and services may be obtained from the game link 966 and casino link 968 fields. For example, if a player plays for a certain amount of time at a specified casino, the player would be eligible for special pricing on that casino's beverages. Alternatively, if a casino were promoting a version of video poker, for each point earned playing that game, the game link field 966 would proportionally increase the points earned. The stock levels 970 and scheduling information 972 fields are used for inventory tracking purposes for goods and services respectively. For example, if the product ID 952 indicated a good, the stock level 970 value would be used and the scheduling information field 972 would be empty. Alternatively, if the product ID 952 indicated a service, such as a show, the scheduling information field 972 would contain various show times, while the stock level field 970 would be empty.

Participating casino information 670 is stored in casino records 1000, as shown, by way of example, in FIG. 10. The primary key for each casino record 1000 may be stored in the casino ID field 1002. Similar to the manufacturer ID 954 of FIG. 9, a separate casino information database may store the information contained in the casino name 1004, casino address 1006, and casino phone 1008 fields. For ease of discussion, and by way of example, these fields remain in FIG. 10. The casino name 1004, casino address 1006, and casino phone 1008 fields each store their respective casino information.

In one embodiment, the security codes field 1010 stores encryption data required to access a participating casino's gaming network 102 or to allow a participating casino access to the showcase database 112. For example, the security codes field 1010 may include a casino's public key for access to their gaming network 102.

In this embodiment, the associated player database field 1012 references the participating casino's player points database 442. The associated player database field 1012 directs the showcase database 112 to the participating casino's appropriate player points database 442. The associated goods/services field 1014 contains information about which products may be purchased using points from a specified casino. For example, one casino may have a licensing agreement with a certain distributor that no other participating casino has negotiated, such that only that licensed casino will have data reflecting the license and authorizing purchases from this distributor in the associated goods/services field 1014. Finally, each casino may choose to utilize different games on their floor. The types of games used by each casino as well as their corresponding version numbers may be stored in the games field 1016.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the major hardware components typically utilized in a computing device or computer system 1101. Relating to the present systems and methods, the block diagram of FIG. 11 illustrates the major hardware components that may be used in implementing a casino server, a home PC, a mobile device, a gaming machine, and/or a kiosk. Such devices typically are forms of a computing device, and, as a result, this general block diagram may be applicable to such devices. The illustrated components may be located within the same physical structure or in separate housings or structures.

The computer system 1101 includes a processor 1103 and memory 1105. The processor 1103 controls the operation of the computer system 1101 and may be embodied as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP) or other device known in the art. The processor 1103 typically performs logical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions stored within the memory 1105.

As used herein, the term memory 1105 is broadly defined as any electronic component capable of storing electronic information, and may be embodied as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices in RAM, on-board memory included with the processor 1103, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, etc. The memory 1105 typically stores program instructions and other types of data. The program instructions may be executed by the processor 1103 to implement some or all of the methods disclosed herein.

The computer system 1101 typically also includes one or more communication interfaces 1107 for communicating with other electronic devices. The communication interfaces 1107 may be based on wired communication technology, wireless communication technology, or both. Examples of different types of communication interfaces 1107 include a serial port, a parallel port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an Ethernet adapter, an IEEE 1394 bus interface, a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus interface, an infrared (IR) communication port, a Bluetooth wireless communication adapter, and so forth.

The computer system 1101 typically also includes one or more input devices 1109 and one or more output devices 1111. Examples of different kinds of input devices 1109 include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, remote control device, button, joystick, trackball, touchpad, lightpen, etc. Examples of different kinds of output devices 1111 include a speaker, printer, etc. One specific type of output device which is typically included in a computer system is a display device 1113. Display devices 1113 used with embodiments disclosed herein may utilize any suitable image projection technology, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), gas plasma, electroluminescence, or the like. A display controller 1115 may also be provided, for converting data stored in the memory 1105 into text, graphics, and/or moving images (as appropriate) shown on the display device 1113.

Of course, FIG. 11 illustrates only one possible configuration of a computer system 1101. Various other architectures and components may be utilized.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram 1200 of an embodiment of a method of operation for a showcase server. The showcase server 112 receives 1202 a request from a player to use the system. The server then authenticates 1204 the player. Various means may be used to authenticate 1204 the player. For example, the player may log into the system using a username and password, a card number, a PIN, etc. Biometric information may also be used.

The server then provides 1206 the player with account information. Account information may include, but is not limited to, an account balance, any groups that the player is a member of, identification information, etc. The server may also provide additional functionality with respect to a player's account. Specifically, the server may enable the player to perform various actions on or with his or her points. Examples of such actions are more fully discussed below in relation to FIG. 14.

The server then provides 1208 the player with goods/services information. This allows the player to review the various goods/services that are available, the cost in points per item, whether the item is still available (in inventory), any gaming machine 104 specific offers, any casino specific offers, etc. The system may indicate those goods that the player can buy with points alone or within a cash supplement limit, if there is a cash supplement limit. The system may display goods segregated by point levels so players can target goods and play enough to get the points. Showcases may display current available level as well as one or two levels above that to encourage the player.

The server enables 1210 the player to order one or more items in exchange for points. Of course, the server may perform a check to ensure that the player has enough points to exchange for the item. To supplement a purchase a player may use a credit card or agree to deposit cash at the casino as the supplement. That is, a player may make a purchase that requires a cash supplement. In one embodiment, the system may hold the purchase for 48 hours so the player may go to the casino and deposit cash at a cashier, gaming machine or kiosk to complete the purchase. Preferably, the amount of “cash supplement” is controlled to prevent simply shopping on the network, e.g. cash can only be a pre-selected percentage of the purchase. Cash may be used by uploading cash value from the gaming machine, at a kiosk, cashier.

The points used are then debited 1212 from the player's account. The server issues or sends 1214 order fulfillment instructions to the distribution facility.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram 1300 of an embodiment of a method of operation for a distribution facility. The distribution facility 114 updates 1302 the current status of its inventory so that gaming customers may be aware of whether the item is currently available or not. This information about the current status of its inventory may also be communicated to the showcase server 612, via the network 610c and the synchronizing component 666, to update the goods/services database at the showcase server 612.

After the showcase server 612 updates 1302 the distribution facility's 114 status of the inventory, the showcase server 612 sends 1304 fulfillment instructions. When the distribution facility receives 1304 the fulfillment instructions, it ships 1306 the item to the appropriate address. A player, when placing the order, may select an address from that is already stored in the player points database 642, or her or she may enter a new destination address at the time of ordering.

The distribution facility may send 1308 an invoice to the point-originating casino for payment. If the player has consolidated points with various casinos, multiple invoices may be sent 1308 dividing the cost, for example, based on the ratio of points at each casino. Alternatively, the distribution facility may send 1308 the invoice to the owner or operator of the showcase server 612 for payment.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram 1400 of an embodiment of a method for a gaming customer to obtain goods/services through the use of the present system. The player accesses and logs 1402 into the showcase server 612. The players may identify themselves to the system 100 via a card number, PIN or other secure means. Biometric information may be used.

The showcase server 612 then displays the player points and any player record data 880 or player information 346 to the player for review 1404. In certain embodiments, this information may be configured such that the first screen shown to the user is customized by the player. From this point the player may perform various operations with his or her account. Various kinds of user interfaces may be used through which the player may interact with the casino server 108. For example, a menu-driven system may be used. In addition, a web-based interface may be used. Other user interfaces may also be used.

If the player wishes 1406 to perform group processing, the showcase server 112 may display 1408 the current groups to which the user belongs to the player. The server then processes 1410 any group changes, such as adding a group, deleting a group, inviting players to join a group, sending group messages, etc. If more group processing 1406 needs to be performed, the process may cycle through further group editing.

The player may wish 1412 to consolidate points. If the player wishes to consolidate points 1412, the server may allow the user to select 1414 the different accounts or sets of points to consolidate and then consolidate. If more consolidation processing 1412 needs to be performed, the process may cycle through for further consolidation editing.

Furthermore, the player may wish 1416 to transfer points. If the player wishes to transfer points, the server may allow the user to select 1418 the different accounts or players to transfer points to or from. Then the player may enter 1420 the amount of points to transfer after which the points may be transferred. If more transfers 1416 need to be performed, the process may cycle through for further transfers as shown.

As discussed above, the player may also wish 1422 to redeem points for goods and/or services. An embodiment of a method for redeeming 1424 points for goods/services is shown above with respect to FIG. 12.

Another feature that may be provided to the player is the ability to configure a registry 1426. For example, the player may use the present system to configure registry 1426 for gifts, a wedding registry, etc. The player may view 1428 various goods and services and then select 1430 the goods and/or services with which he or she would like to register. If the player would like to register for more items, the process may be repeated, as shown.

This example is only one possible example of a navigational flow for the player's user interface. As mentioned above, various kinds of user interfaces may be used to allow the player to interact with showcase server.

Information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array signal (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

While specific embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for gaming customers to remotely order goods and/or services through use of player points, wherein the player points relate to gaming activity, the system comprising:

a memory storing for player account information including player points; and

a processor configured to (1) receive a request for accessing the account information, (2) present goods and/or services information including player-selectable items;

a terminal configured for a selection of an item;

one of said terminal and processor configured to (1) send order instructions for fulfilling order based on said selection; and (2) debit player points corresponding to the selection.

2. The system as defined in claim 1, further comprising a goods/services database.

3. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein one of said processor and terminal authenticates before allowing a game play of the system.

4. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the account information includes total player points.

5. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said processor and terminal is configured to provide a plurality of groups a different menu of selections, assign each player to a group and display goods and/or services information for the player's group to the player.

6. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein said processor is configured to consolidate at least a portion of the player points from a plurality of player point accounts.

7. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said memory further comprises player registry data corresponding to a selection of goods and/or services for acquisition by others.

8. The system as defined in claim 2, wherein said processor is configured to provide communications with a remote distribution facility through the communications interface to synchronize the goods/services database.

9. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the memory stores data corresponding to player account information defining player records, and wherein each player record includes a player identification, a player address, a gaming history and a player points total.

10. The system as defined in claim 2, wherein the goods/services database comprises a plurality of product records, and wherein each product record includes a product identification, a player points price and stock level information.

11. A method for gaming customers of a host to remotely order goods and/or services through use of player points, wherein the player points relate to gaming activity, the method comprising:

Accumulating player points from gaming activity;

receiving a player request, through a communications interface, for ordering goods and/or services with the accumulated player points;

authenticating the player request;

presenting goods and/or services information including player selectable items;

receiving one or more items as an order;

sending order instructions corresponding to the order; and

debiting player points corresponding to the order from the accumulated player points.

12. The method as defined in claim 11, further comprising:

communicating with a remote casino server through the communications interface to synchronize player point information between a player points database and the casino server; and

communicating with a remote distribution facility through the communications interface to synchronize a goods/services database with the remote distribution facility.

13. The method as defined in claim 12, further comprising:

providing the player with a group processing feature whereby one of the players and host is able to make changes to any groups the player belongs to;

providing the player with a point consolidation feature whereby the player is able to consolidate points from one or more player point accounts;

providing the player with a point transfer feature whereby the player is able to transfer points to or from other players or other point accounts; and

providing the player with a registry configuration feature whereby the player is able to register particular goods and/or services as part of a registry.

14. A method for a casino to enable a player to redeem loyalty award points issued to the player by at least the casino, said method comprising:

(a) providing a memory structure to store for the player an account of the loyalty award points awarded by the casino in response to wagering activity of the player;

(b) the player establishing communication between (i) a terminal and said memory structure and (ii) a provider of goods/services offering a selection thereof to the player in exchange for points;

(c) controlling the terminal to permit the display of information concerning the goods/services and the player at the terminal selecting a good or service to be redeemed for points;

(d) debiting the account of player points for the redemption and if the redemption is completed; and

(e) issuing instructions to the provider for the good/service to be provided to the player.

15. The method of claim 14 comprising assigning the player to one of a plurality of player groups, each group including players having one or more like characteristics selected from the group including points in the player account, wagering activity of the player, player demographics, location and type of wagering activity.

16. The method of claim 15 comprising providing different menus of goods/services to each player group and controlling the terminal to display information concerning the goods/services available to the player.

17. The method of claim 14 comprising the player supplementing the redemption of the selected good or service with additional consideration.

18. The method of claim 14 comprising configuring the terminal to be one of an electronic gaming machine, a kiosk, personal computer, PDA or cellular telephone.

19. A method for a casino and at least one provider of goods or services to provide the same to customers comprising: for each customer storing data in a data structure related to the economic activity of the customer at least at said casino, said data including comp points; at a terminal the establishing communication between a server remote from the terminal and said data structure, said server controlling the terminal to display to the player a menu of goods/services available for redemption by the customer in exchange for comp points; the player at the terminal entering a selection to be redeemed; said server debiting the customer's comp points in exchange for the redemption; and the server issuing instructions to fulfill the redemption and provide the selection to the customer.

20. A system for gaming customers to remotely order goods and/or services through use of player points, wherein the player points relate to gaming activity, wherein the system comprises at least one computer system that is configured to implement a method for gaming customers to remotely order goods and/or services through use of the player points, the system comprising:

a processor;

a memory in electronic communication with the processor, said memory storing for each player account information including player points;

a player terminal including a display;

a communications interface in electronic communication with the processor;

said processor configured to (1) receive a request from a player terminal through the communications interface to access the account information, (2) present goods and/or services information to the player at the terminal display, wherein the goods and/or services information relate to items that may be selected by the player;

said terminal configured for the player to select an item;

one of said terminal and processor configured to (1) send order instructions for order fulfillment of said selection; and (2) record the selection.