CASHIER GENERATED VOUCHER SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

Systems and methods for generating a voucher in exchange for cash from a patron for use with a gaming machine are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving an amount of cash or cash equivalent from a patron and depositing the amount in a patron account stored on a server. A voucher in the amount of the deposited cash is printed and the voucher can be redeemed by the patron and applied to the gaming machine for play. Each voucher printed may include a unique voucher number. The cashier generated voucher system enhances customer service by providing high limit players with the ability to use vouchers or tickets rather than needing to insert multiple bills into the gaming machines.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A cashier generated voucher system and method for use with gaming machines is provided. Specifically, systems and methods for allowing a patron to exchange cash or cash equivalents for a voucher, which may then be redeemed at a gaming machine are disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND

Many games of chance and gaming machines have been developed that have various features designed to capture and maintain player interest. Traditionally, games garner player interest by providing the player with the opportunity to win cash awards based upon a player's wager. Typically, players insert bills into the gaming machine in order to place a wager. For high limit players using a gaming machine, they may insert several bills into the gaming machine. Having to insert multiple bills into a bill acceptor may detract from the player's gaming experience. Therefore, there is a need for a system where a player can exchange cash for a voucher that can then be inserted into the gaming machine.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to a system and method for generating a voucher in exchange for currency from a patron for use with a gaming machine. The method includes receiving an amount of currency from a patron. The patron may want to exchange cash or a cash equivalent, such as casino chips, personal checks, wire transfers, or the like, for a voucher. Currency from the patron is deposited in a patron account stored on a server. If the patron account already has been established on the server, then the account needs to be updated. Otherwise, a patron account may need to be created. The cashier may need to complete a deposit and withdrawal application stored on the server before printing the unique voucher. The voucher in an amount requested by the patron is then printed, and the voucher can be redeemed and applied to the gaming machine for play. Each voucher printed may include a unique voucher number. The cashier generated voucher system enhances customer service by providing high limit players with the ability to use vouchers or tickets rather than needing to insert multiple bills into the gaming machines

In one embodiment, only one voucher is printed in the amount of currency received from the patron. The voucher may include information such as a voucher number and a voucher amount that may be stored in a database on the server. The server can then track the use of the voucher at a gaming machine and change the status of the voucher from active to inactive and/or void. It is also possible that the server can void an unused voucher at the request of a cashier. This may be useful if a patron loses an issued voucher and then returns to the cashier to issue another voucher for the amount of the lost voucher.

In another embodiment, multiple vouchers may be printed in different denominations totalling the amount of currency received from the patron. In this way, a patron can then share the vouchers with friends or family for use on gaming machines in the casino. It has also been contemplated that the amount of the voucher requested by the patron is less than the amount of currency received from the patron. In this situation, the patron account would store the balance between the currency deposited and the amount of the voucher. Then, the patron can return to the casino cage and request another voucher for the amount of the balance in the patron's account.

A cashier generating voucher system for allowing a patron to exchanging cash for a voucher includes a cashier terminal located on the floor of a casino. Typically, the cashier terminal will be located in a casino cage on the floor of the casino. The cashier terminal can process a transaction for generating a voucher in exchange for cash from a casino patron. Any voucher issued to a patron may include a voucher amount and a voucher number. The system also includes a voucher server in communication via a network with the cashier terminal. The voucher server stores a voucher database including the voucher amount and the voucher number of any cashier generated voucher transaction. The system also includes a printer in communication with the cashier terminal for printing the voucher.

A gaming machine is also in communication via the network with the voucher server, and the gaming machine includes a voucher reader slot for accepting and reading the voucher inserted by the patron. Once the voucher is read by the voucher reader slot, the gaming machine transmits the voucher information to the voucher server to verify the status of the voucher. The voucher server then transmits the status of the voucher to the gaming machine, and if the status of the voucher is active then the value of the voucher is applied to a meter on the gaming machine. If the status of the voucher is inactive or void, then the value of the voucher will not be applied to the gaming machine meter and an error message may be displayed to the patron.

In one embodiment, the voucher server stores a patron account in the voucher database. The patron account stores personal information about the patron, such as patron's name, address and birthday, along with previous transactions. However, in other embodiments, no player account is stored at the voucher server and the patron exchanges cash for one or more vouchers. The voucher number and amount may still be stored in a voucher database on the voucher server.

In use, the cashier terminal is used to complete a deposit and withdrawal application stored in the voucher server when generating the voucher in exchange for cash from the patron. This process will update or create a patron account if needed.

In one embodiment, the cashier terminal may generate one voucher for the total amount of cash deposited by the patron. This allows a high limit patron to insert one voucher into the gaming machine instead of inserting multiple bills into the gaming machine. The cashier terminal also can generate multiple vouchers with amounts totaling the amount of cash deposited by the patron. Different denominations may be used for each of the issued multiple vouchers. Still further, a patron may deposit an amount of cash with the cashier and only request a portion of that amount be applied to a voucher. In this instance, the system may store the balance between the amount deposited by the patron and the amount issued on the voucher.

It is also possible that the voucher server can void an unused voucher at the request of a cashier. This may be useful if a patron loses an issued voucher and then returns to the cashier to request another voucher for the amount of the lost voucher. This provides the patron with added security with the patron's money if the voucher becomes lost or stolen.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart of a method for issuing cashier generated vouchers;

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a cashier generated voucher system;

FIG. 3 depicts a main menu screen for the cashier generated voucher system;

FIG. 4 depicts a player account screen for the cashier generated voucher system;

FIG. 5 depicts voucher window displayed over the player account screen shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a gaming machine; and

FIG. 7 depicts a diagram of one embodiment of a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a cashier generated ticket system for allowing a cage cashier at a casino to exchange cash received from a patron for printed non-promotional, cashable vouchers for use in gaming machines. In one embodiment, the casino patron may receive a single ticket for the cash deposit to be used in a slot machine. Using the single voucher in a slot machine is simpler and quicker than inserting several denominations of cash into the slot machine In another embodiment, the casino patron may receive several tickets or vouchers for the cash deposit. This allows the casino patron to share money with family or friends for play at gaming machines or to take one ticket at a time for play at different gaming machines.

The cashier generated ticket system provides a better solution for gaming machine players that may want to deposit larger amounts of money in the casino's cage for safety. Additionally, this system enhances customer service by providing high-limit players with the ability to use vouchers rather than inserting multiple bills into the gaming machine.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings, there are shown various embodiments of a cashier generated ticket system used for allowing a patron to deposit cash with a casino and subsequently receive tickets or vouchers for use in gaming machines, such as slot machines. More specifically, as shown in a diagram of FIG. 1, a casino patron may deposit cash or cash equivalent at a casino cage at step 10 into a player account. At step 12, a casino cashier updates the player account and completes a deposit application in the system. If required, the cashier may create a player account for the patron. Subsequently, at step 14, the patron may request to withdraw any amount of cash in their account in the form of a ticket or voucher. The request should include the amount to be withdrawn and the number of vouchers required by the patron. For example, a patron may want to withdraw $1000 as a single voucher for use with a gaming machine. This allows the patron to insert one voucher worth $1000 into the gaming machine without having to insert fifty $20 bills or ten $100 bills. The patron may also want to withdraw $1000 in several vouchers with different denominations, such as, five vouchers valued at $100 and 10 vouchers valued at $50. With several vouchers, the patron can divide the vouchers between his family or friends for use in the gaming machines. In one embodiment, at step 14, the patron may be required to withdraw the full amount of the cash deposited with the casino by the patron.

Once the patron requests a withdrawal from the casino cashier, the cashier updates the patron or player account and completes a withdrawal application at step 16. Once the withdrawal application is completed, the system will print out the requested vouchers in any amount and denomination. The patron will receive the voucher(s) at step 18 and then insert the voucher(s) in a gaming machine for play at step 20. Vouchers can be inserted into a ticket reader slot, where the voucher is read and the amount of the voucher is applied to the gaming machine.

In another embodiment, a player does not need to have a player account established with the casino to use the cashier generated ticket system. Instead, a player may provide an amount of money to a casino cashier and request a single voucher for that amount of money or several vouchers totalling the amount of money given to the casino. This would allow the player to insert a single voucher into a gaming machine without having to insert multiple bills into the gaming machine. If the player requests several vouchers, the vouchers may be used by the player of the player's family or friends.

One embodiment of a cashier generating voucher system is depicted in FIG. 2 for allowing a patron to exchanging cash for a voucher. As shown, the system includes a cashier terminal 22 located on the floor of a casino. Typically, the cashier terminal will be located in a casino cage 24 on the floor of the casino. The cashier terminal can process a transaction for generating a voucher in exchange for cash from a casino patron. Any voucher issued to the patron may include a voucher amount and a voucher number. The system also includes a voucher server 26 in communication via a network 28 with the cashier terminal 22. The voucher server 26 includes a voucher database that stores the voucher amount and the voucher number of any cashier generated voucher transaction. The system also includes a printer (not shown) in communication with the cashier terminal for printing the voucher.

A gaming machine 30 is also in communication via the network 28 with the voucher server 26, and the gaming machine includes a voucher reader slot 32 for accepting and reading the voucher inserted by the patron. Once the voucher is read by the voucher reader slot 32, the gaming machine 30 transmits the voucher information to the voucher server to verify the status of the voucher. The voucher server then transmits the status of the voucher to the gaming machine, and if the status of the voucher is active then the value of the voucher is applied to a meter on the gaming machine. If the status of the voucher is inactive or void, then the value of the voucher will not be applied to the gaming machine meter and an error message may be displayed to the patron.

It has also been contemplated that once a patron is finished playing the gaming machine 30, any credits on the meter of the gaming machine may be issued to the player in the form of another voucher that is printed by the gaming machine. The patron may have the option to accept all of the credits on a single voucher or accept the credits issued on multiple vouchers. The voucher reader slot 32 may include a printer for printing vouchers, or the gaming machine may include a separate printer for printing vouchers. The voucher issued to the patron at the gaming machine may also include a unique voucher number and voucher amount. Further, the voucher information may be sent to voucher server 26 to update the patron account.

In one embodiment, the voucher server 26 stores a patron account in the voucher database. The patron account stores personal information about the patron, such as patron's name, address and birthday, along with previous transactions. However, in other embodiments, no player account is stored at the voucher server and the patron exchanges cash for one or more vouchers. The voucher number and amount may still be stored in a voucher database on the voucher server.

In use, the cashier terminal 22 is used to complete a deposit and withdrawal application stored on the voucher server 26 when generating the voucher in exchange for cash from the patron. This process will update or create a patron account if needed.

In one embodiment, the cashier terminal 22 may generate one voucher for the total amount of cash deposited by the patron. This allows a high limit patron to insert one voucher into the gaming machine 30 instead of inserting multiple bills into the gaming machine. The cashier terminal also can generate multiple vouchers with amounts totalling the amount of cash deposited by the patron. Different denominations may be used for each of the issued multiple vouchers. Still further, a patron may deposit an amount of cash with the cashier and only request a portion of that amount be applied to a voucher. In this instance, the system may store the balance between the amount deposited by the patron and the amount issued on the voucher.

It is also possible that the voucher server 26 can void an unused voucher at the request of a cashier. This may be useful if a patron loses an issued voucher and then returns to the cashier to request another voucher for the amount of the lost voucher. This provides added security for the patron's money if the voucher becomes lost or stolen.

A casino cashier may utilize the cashier generated ticket function of the casinos system by accessing a cashier generated ticket menu 34 shown in FIG. 3. A cashier generated voucher feature active field allows a user to activate and display the four options associated with the cashier generated ticket system. A patron number required field is an optional field, unless the flag to require a patron number is turned on. Other fields that may be included on the menu 34 are a maximum individual voucher amount field and a minimum individual voucher amount field limiting the high and low value of individual vouchers that can be issued. Further, a maximum transaction amount field represents the maximal amount of any number of vouchers to be generated at one time for an individual patron. Also, a supervisor override required for amounts exceeding field is the highest value that a cashier can generate per transaction without a supervisor's authorization. Any transaction exceeding this value will require a supervisor's authorization and password for completing the transaction.

If a patron's name or number is entered into the system when the cashier is updating a player account, the patron name, patron number, date of birth and locale are displayed on a player account screen 36 shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, when entering in a patron's name, a name search screen may be displayed to allow the cashier to navigate to the applicable name. Any warning messages such as incomplete address or incomplete identification (“ID”) information can also be displayed on screen 36. From the player account screen, a screen providing additional information can be brought up by pressing any designated key.

At the player account screen 36, the casino cashier can enter the dollar amount the patron is exchanging for vouchers in the cash and chips fields, and then calculate the total amount in the total amount field. Cash and cash equivalents, such as casino chips, checks, wire transfers and other forms of cash are accepted into the system. Credit cards may also be accepted into the system. Other information, such as the country for the currency and the other check type fields are prompt capable input fields, and a designated key will display a list of other check types or the country codes for currency. For checks, fields for the bank name and check number may also be provided. The total amount of the deposited value must be validated to equal the total amount of the deposited cash, chips and checks. If the total amount deposited exceeds the maximum allowable amount by for the cashier, a window is displayed on the screen for entry of the supervisor ID.

After editing the amounts, a voucher window 38 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed for entry of the quantity and dollar amount of all cashable tickets to be printed. In one embodiment, the total must equal the total amount of the cash and check being processed. In another embodiment, a patron is allowed to keep a balance in his account. This window 38 may be preloaded with a quantity of one ticket for the full amount of the receipt from the patron, unless the amount received exceeds the maximum allowable amount for individual tickets. The quantity of tickets and the amount of the tickets can be edited at the patron's request. The system validates that ticket amounts are within the minimum and maximum amounts allowable, as defined in the system. This system also allows the cashier to cancel out of the transaction by pressing a designated key prior to the final step of printing the tickets. Once the requested amount and number of tickets or vouchers has been entered into the system, the voucher will be printed with the details for the cashier to include in their drawer. One voucher or multiple vouchers may be created for transaction and the voucher numbers on each voucher will be saved in a database on the system. In one embodiment, the voucher information, including the numbers, will be saved to a cashier file. The cashier file may include fields to record the total number and total dollar amount of all tickets created by the cashier during the session. A cashier report may also be created to show details and totals of all tickets created. The cashier report can be stored in the system in a cashier report file. When multiple tickets are requested on a single transaction, there will be one record written to the cashier file.

The ticket records of each transaction will be created in a ticket file stored on the voucher server. Each ticket number to be printed on the bar coded coupon will be obtained by the server. In one embodiment, one program for creating a ticket number accepts two parms, both blanks, the first is 18 characters, and the second parm is one character. The program returns the non-encrypted coupon number in the first parm. The ticket number that is populated in the ticket file on the server may be encrypted. Any encryption method known in the art may be used.

The tickets or vouchers can be generated by using any printer, such as the type of printer used at the gaming machine. Printers including the Ithaca Series 800, Model 850 Thermal printer may be used.

Another function of the cashier generated voucher system will be to void cashier generated vouchers using the voucher number or other identifier. All vouchers created as part of the voucher transaction must be verified to still be in the issued or active status before allowing the void. In one embodiment, a supervisor ID will be required to void the voucher. The voucher status must be updated to voided or inactive on the voucher server.

The system may also include a function to void and reprint a cashier generated voucher. This program will be similar to the void function described above, except the voucher is voided and a new voucher is printed with a different voucher number. The voucher server is then updated to show the status of the original voucher as being voided and the newly issued voucher to have an issued or active status. Either the void function or the void and reprint function can be used when a patron loses a ticket or wishes to cancel one voucher in order to change the value of the voucher.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of one of the gaming machine 30 or slot machine used in a casino, which is a five reel slot game 52. The machine includes a gaming cabinet 54 that houses a display screen 56. Optionally, the display 56 may include a touch screen system (not shown). In other embodiments, the five reel video slot game can be replaced by any game, including mechanical slots, video keno, video poker, video blackjack, video roulette, Class II bingo, games of skill, or games of chance involving some player skill. For the sake of brevity and clarity, the following disclosure and examples of the game is a slot-type game, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the above-referenced games or others may be presented in the gaming machine 30.

The game 52 includes a dedicated set of buttons 58 having functions such as, but not limited to, a collect button (or cash-out), select lines button, bet per line button, max bet button, and a spin button. A max bet button 60 is also disclosed and allows the player to place a maximum wager. In one embodiment, the bonus payout is weighted to players placing maximum wagers.

The gaming machine 52 shown in FIG. 6 also includes a player interface having a set of buttons 62 for the game presented on the display 56. The buttons 62 function as input mechanisms and may include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons, or touch screen buttons. While FIG. 6 illustrates a gaming machine having both touch screen buttons and mechanical buttons, other contemplated embodiments have only mechanical buttons or touch screen buttons. According to one embodiment, the buttons 62 are backlit to indicate whether the button is active. In another embodiment, one input mechanism is a universal button module that provides a dynamic button system adaptable for use with various games, as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/106,212, entitled “Universal Button Module”, filed Apr. 14, 2005 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/223,364, entitled “Universal Button Module”, filed Sep. 9, 2005, which are both hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, other input devices, such as, but not limited to, a touch pad, track ball, mouse, switches, toggle switches, are included with the gaming machine to also accept player input. Optionally, one or more handles 64 may be “pulled” by a player to initiate a slots-based game.

As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 30 includes a ticket reader/ticket printer slot 32 that is associated with the cashier generated ticket system. According to one embodiment, the slot 32 is used for the ticket reader and ticket printer. Accordingly, the same slot 32 may be used to insert and/or issue a ticket. However, in alternate embodiments, separate slots (not shown) may be provided for the ticket acceptor and the ticket printer. In one embodiment, the ticket reader (not shown) of the cashier generated ticket system is capable of accepting previously printed vouchers, paper currency, promotional coupons, or the like. The ticket printer (not shown) of the cashless gaming system generates vouchers having printed information that includes, but is not limited to, the value of the voucher (i.e., cash-out amount) and a barcode that identifies the voucher. In another embodiment, the gaming machine may allow a player insert credit onto the gaming machine through an electronic funds transfer from a player's account. In this embodiment the slot may be a card reader for reading a credit or debit card from the player.

In one embodiment, the ticker reader slot 32 reads a bar code or other information disclosed on the cashier generated voucher or ticket and transmits this information, which includes the voucher number and amount, to the voucher server. The voucher server is in communication with the gaming machine 30 and can verify that the cashier generated voucher is a valid. Once the ticket server verifies the cashier generated voucher is valid, the gaming machine applies the amount of the voucher to the gaming machine for play.

Additionally, each gaming machine 30 is in communication with a player tracking system (not shown). The player tracking system allows a casino to monitor the gaming activities of various players and in one embodiment verifies the status of the cashier generated voucher inserted into the gaming machine. The player tracking system typically includes a database of all qualified players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player tracking system is separate from the gaming machines. Additionally, the player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player's gaming habits as well as the player's preferences for gaming machine configuration. That is, a player can accrue player points that depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of players. For example, casinos may award or “comp” a player free meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to casino events and promotional affairs.

The player tracking system is operatively connected to one or more input components on the gaming machine 30. These input components include, but are not limited to, a player card slots 68 for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, and a display 70. Accordingly, the gaming activity of the players may be tracked. Alternatively, the gaming machine includes no slot at all. If the gaming machine does not include a player card slot, the players may input player identification via a touch screen, keypad, or other input mechanisms that are associated with the player tracking system in lieu of inserting a player tracking card.

In another embodiment, each gaming machine 30 includes an Internet connection or other known network connections to link the plurality of gaming machines together. According to one embodiment, the Internet connection is used for web browsing, prize redemption, or access to other gaming or non-gaming information.

The main cabinet 54 of the gaming machine 30 also houses a CPU, circuitry, and software for receiving signals from the player-activated buttons 58 and one or more handles 64, operating the games, and transmitting signals to the game display and speakers.

In various embodiments, one or more game programs may be stored in a memory (not shown) comprising a read only memory (ROM), volatile or non-volatile random access memory (RAM), a hard drive or flash memory device or any of several alternative types of single or multiple memory devices or structures. Optionally, each gaming machine 30 includes one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of information stored by the gaming machines 30 include, but are not limited to, accounting data, maintenance history information, short and/or long-term play data, real-time play data, and sound data. In one embodiment, the data repository also stores display content configurations for various games and gaming machines.

In FIG. 6, the gaming machine 30 includes a top box 72 on the main cabinet 54. According to one embodiment, the top box is a separate and distinct component that is affixed to the main cabinet. In another embodiment, the top box is an area that is partitioned from the main cabinet. Alternatively, the top box and the main cabinet may be contiguous areas with the outward appearance of two distinct components. The top box may include a secondary display for displaying game information (e.g., name of the game, animation, one or more pay tables, game information, one or more help menus, progressive jackpot or game information, tournament game information, or any combination thereof) or non-game related information (e.g., news, advertisements, messages, promotions, or any combination thereof). In one embodiment, the secondary display presents a secondary game such as, but not limited to, a bonus game, progressive game, or a continuation game of the primary game. In yet another embodiment, the top box also includes a display glass that includes the name of the game, artwork, game instructions, pay table, or other information relating to one or more games presented on the gaming machine 30.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all gaming machines have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a casino gaming system 100 is illustrated. The casino gaming system 100 comprises one or more gaming machines 30 and may include one or more banks of associated gaming devices 51. The gaming machine 30 illustrated in FIG. 6 act as terminals for interacting with a player playing a casino game. Networking components facilitate communications between a system server 112 and game management units 126 that control displays for carousels of gaming machines 30 across a network. Game management units (GMU's) 126 connect gaming machines to networking components and may be installed in the gaming machine cabinet or external to the gaming machine 50. The function of the GMU 126 is similar to the function of a network interface card connected to a desktop personal computer (PC). Some GMU's 126 have much greater capability and can perform such tasks as presenting and playing a game using a display (not shown) operatively connected to the GMU 126. In one embodiment, the GMU 126 is a separate component located outside the gaming machine 30. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the GMU 126 is located within the gaming machine 30. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, one or more gaming machines 30 connect directly to a network and are not connected to a GMU 126.

The gaming machines 30 are connected via a network to a network bridge 120, which is used for networking, routing and polling gaming machines, including slot machines. The network bridge 120 connects to a back end system 112. Optionally, the gaming machines may connect to the network via a network rack 122, which provides for a few number of connections to the back end system 112. Both network bridge 120 and network rack 122 may be classified as middleware, and facilitate communications between the back end system 112 and the game management units 126. The network bridges 120 and network rack 122 may comprise data repositories for storing network performance data. Such performance data may be based on network traffic and other network related information. Optionally, the network bridge 120 and the network rack 122 may be interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network bridges and one or more network racks.

The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or more servers, and the back end system can house the cashier generated ticket server. In this embodiment, the back end system 112 may also be in communication with a terminal in the casino cage to allow a cashier to access the ticket server stored on the back end system. The type of server employed is generally determined by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the back end system 112 is configured to include three servers: a slot floor controller 114, a casino management server 116 and a casino database 118. It is possible that the voucher server of the cashier generated ticket system is disposed in the back end system 112. The slot floor controller 114 is a part of the player tracking system for gathering accounting, security and player specific information. The casino management server 116 and casino database 118 work together to store and process information specific to both employees and players. Player specific information includes, but is not limited to, passwords, biometric identification, RFID, player card identification, and biographic data. Additionally, employee specification information may include biographic data, biometric information, job level and rank, passwords, authorization codes and security clearance levels.

Overall, the back end system 112 performs several functions. For example, the back end system 112 can collect data from the slot floor as communicated to it from other network components, and maintain the collected data in its database. The back end system 112 may use slot floor data to generate a report used in casino operation functions. Examples of such reports include, but are not limited to, accounting reports, security reports, and usage reports. The back end system 112 may also pass data to another server for other functions. Alternatively, the back end system 112 may pass data stored on its database to floor hardware for interaction with a game or game player. For example, data such as a game player's name or the voucher number and amount of a voucher being redeemed at a gaming machine may be passed to the floor hardware. Additionally, the back end system 112 may comprise one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of types of data stored in the system server data repositories include, but are not limited to, information relating to individual player play data, individual game accounting data, gaming machine accounting data, cashable ticket data, sound data, and optimal display configurations for one or more displays for one or more system game.

Of course, one will appreciate that the gaming system 100 may also comprise other types of components, and the above illustrations are meant only as examples and not as limitations to the types of components or games used in a casino gaming system presenting a group play feature.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all cashier generated voucher systems will have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for generating a voucher for use with a gaming machine, the method comprising:

receiving an amount of currency from a patron;

depositing the currency in a patron account stored on a server; and

printing a voucher in an amount requested by the patron, wherein the voucher is redeemed by the patron and applied to a meter on the gaming machine.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein printing the voucher in the amount requested by the patron, one voucher is printed in the total amount of currency received from the patron.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein printing the voucher in the amount requested by the patron, multiple vouchers are printed in different denominations totaling the amount of currency received from the patron.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein printing the voucher in the amount requested by the patron, the amount requested by the patron is less than the amount of currency received from the patron.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising storing a balance in the patron account after printing the voucher in the amount requested by the patron.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating or creating a patron account.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a voucher number on the voucher, wherein the gaming machine reads the voucher number and verifies a status of the voucher.

8. A method for generating a voucher for use with a gaming machine, the method comprising:

receiving cash from a patron;

depositing the cash in a patron account stored on a server; and

printing a unique voucher in an amount equal to the cash deposited in the patron account;

wherein the unique voucher is a non-promotional, cashable voucher for use in gaming machines.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein printing a unique voucher, the unique voucher includes a voucher number.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising storing the voucher number and the amount of the voucher in the patron account.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising completing a deposit and withdrawal application before printing the unique voucher.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving casino chips from the patron and depositing the value of the casino chips in the patron account.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving checks or wire transfers from the patron and depositing the amount of the checks or wire transfers into the patron account.

14. A cashier generating voucher system, comprising:

a cashier terminal located on the floor of a casino, the cashier terminal processes a transaction for generating a voucher in exchange for cash from a casino patron, and the voucher includes a voucher amount and a voucher number;

a voucher server in communication via a network with the cashier terminal, the voucher server stores a voucher database including the voucher amount and the voucher number; and

a gaming machine in communication via the network with the voucher server, the gaming machine having a voucher reader slot for accepting and reading the voucher inserted by the patron, the gaming machine transmits the voucher information to the voucher server to verify the status of the voucher, and the voucher server transmits the status of the voucher to the gaming machine, wherein the value of the voucher is applied to a meter on the gaming machine if the status of the voucher is active.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the voucher server stores a patron account in the voucher database.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the cashier terminal is used to complete a deposit and withdrawal application stored on the voucher server when generating the voucher in exchange for cash from the patron.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the cashier terminal generates one voucher for the total amount of cash deposited by the patron.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the cashier terminal generates multiple vouchers with amounts totaling the amount of cash deposited by the patron.

19. The system of claim 14, further comprising a printer in communication with the cashier terminal for printing the voucher.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the cashier terminal can void the generated voucher.