REAL-TIME CREDIT BETWEEN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINES USING MOBILE TEXT MESSAGES

Abstract

A method for funding wagering on an electronic gaming machine includes receiving information from a text message, determining an electronic gaming machine designated by the information, determining a funding action designated by the information, executing the funding action, and updating the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The funding action is associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The information includes message content and a destination number.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming systems, machines, and methods used to provide wagering games, and, more particularly, to real-time credit between electronic gaming machines using mobile text messages.

BACKGROUND

Gaming systems, machines, and methods used to provide wagering games may be electronically implemented by mechanisms akin to traditional slot machines. These may be referred to as “slot machines” because they commonly show the result of a wager by displaying reels of symbols or empty spaces, and indicating a payout based on particular alignments or combinations of the symbols or empty spaces. In an electronic slot machine, the results may be determined by generating a random number to select a payout from a set or range of possible payouts.

Gaming systems, machines, and methods used to provide wagering games may be electronically implemented by instant lottery systems. These may be referred to as “video lottery” systems because they commonly show the result of a play in the lottery game on a video display device at the player terminal. In an electronic lottery gaming system, the results may be identified by a set of electronic lottery records. The set of electronic lottery records may be analogous to a set of printed paper lottery game tickets. Individual lottery game play records may be assigned from the set of electronic lottery game play records in some random order in response to requests for plays in the lottery game. The result defined by an assigned electronic lottery game play record may be displayed at an electronic lottery player station rather than on a printed lottery ticket. As in traditional paper lotteries, the rules by which the set of lottery records is created for an electronic lottery game determines the overall prize distribution for the game. For example, an electronic lottery game set may include one million records, with one record associated with the top prize, ten records associated with a next highest prize, and so forth throughout all of the potential results available in the lottery game set.

Gaming systems, machines, and methods used to provide wagering games may be electronically implemented by predetermined cards or displays and include a number of designations randomly arranged in a grid, matrix, or other layout of locations. The may be referred to as “bingo” systems. The game board or display may be represented by a data structure which defines a representation having various card or display locations and designations associated with the locations. For example, in a traditional bingo game sequence, a number of the predetermined bingo cards are first sold for a particular bingo game. After the sale of bingo cards is closed for a given game, designations are randomly selected from a pool of available designations and matched to the designations on each bingo card that is in play in the bingo game. This matching of bingo designations randomly selected for a game and bingo designations associated with a bingo card in play in the game may be referred to as daubing the card.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a method for funding wagering on an electronic gaming machine includes receiving information from a text message, determining an electronic gaming machine designated by the information, determining a funding action designated by the information, executing the funding action, and updating the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The funding action is associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The information includes message content and a destination number.

In another embodiment, a system for casino wagering includes one or more servers communicatively coupled to one or more electronic gaming machines and to a mobile service provider and a processor on one of the servers coupled to a memory. The memory contains instructions for causing the processor to receive information from a text message, determine an electronic gaming machine from the one or more electronic gaming machines designated by the information, determine a funding action designated by the information, execute the funding action, and update the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The funding action is associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The information includes message content and a destination number.

In yet another embodiment, an article of manufacture includes a computer readable medium and computer-executable instructions carried on the computer readable medium. The instructions are readable by a processor. The instructions, when read and executed, cause the processor to receive information from a text message, determine an electronic gaming machine designated by the information, determine a funding action designated by the information, execute the funding action, and update the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The funding action is associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The information includes message content and a destination number.

In still yet another embodiment, an electronic gaming machine includes a display, one or more input controls, a memory, a processor coupled to the memory, and displayed instructions for obtaining free credits for wagering game play. The instructions comprising an identifier to be sent to a number via a text message. The memory contains computer instructions for causing the processor to receive commands to provide free credits for wagering game play, display the free credits to a user of the electronic gaming machine, determine a wager made on the electronic gaming machine through the input controls, deduct one or more of the free credits in response to the wager, and show a wagering game on the display in response to the wager. The commands originate from a text message sent according to the displayed instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an example and embodiment of a system for providing real time credits between an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) and a mobile device using text messages;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the operation of an EGM in communication with casino server;

FIG. 3 is a further illustration of the operation of a text-to-EGM server and sources of funding;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example method for handling real-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example method for handling real-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications for promotional game play;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example method for handling real-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications for funding game play from a funding source; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example method for handling real-time refund requests for an EGM via mobile device communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an example and embodiment of a system 100 for providing real time credits between an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) and a mobile device using text messages. System 100 may include a mobile device 102 in communication with a casino gaming system 104 through a text-to-EGM server 122 to provide funding operations of casino wagering machines. Mobile device 102 may be configured to transmit text messages or other signals regarding EGM funding to text-to-EGM server 122 for use with system 104 or to receive text messages or other signals regarding EGM funding from text-to-EGM server 122. Communications between mobile device 102 and text-to-EGM server may include text messages or other suitable data for transmitting information between mobile device 102 and text-to-EGM server. For example, mobile device and system 104 may communicate using short message system (“SMS”) text messages.

Mobile device 102 may be implemented in any suitable electronic device for implementing the functionality of the disclosure as described herein. For example, mobile device 102 may be implemented by a cell phone, smartphone, tablet, or any other suitable electronic device configured to communicate through a mobile network configured for communicating with system 104.

System 104 may include any casino or wagering system configured to provide wagering or casino games on devices such as EGMs to a user. Such a user may be a user of mobile device 102. System 104 may include a casino or wagering system located at a particular casino. System 104 may include a casino server 110 communicatively coupled to one or more EGMs 106, 108. EGMs 106, 108 may include any suitable electronic device for providing wagering or casino game play, such as a slot machine, video poker machine, bingo machine, or lottery machine. Casino server 110 may be configured to communicate with text-to-EGM server in order to receive information sent via text messages from mobile device 102. Casino server 110 may be configured to communicate with EGMs 106, 108 in order to provide funding information to EGMs 106, 108. Casino server 110 may be configured to receive information regarding game play conducted upon EGMs 106, 108. Each EGM 106, 108 may contain an identifier 107. Identifier 107 may be displayed to a user of the EGM and/or may be identified internally to the EGM 106, 108. Identifier 107 may indicate an identification of the casino in which the EGM is located and/or an identification of the EGM within the casino.

The user of system 100 may use mobile device 102 to fund game play on EGMs 106, 108 by sending a message to system 104 through SMS gateway provider 116 and text-to-EGM server 122. Such a message may be implemented in, for example, a text message sent to a particular phone number. For example, a user may place a text message on mobile device 102 to fund game play on an EGM 106, 108 with complimentary or promotional credits. In another example, a user of mobile device 102 may send a message to system 104 through SMS gateway provider 116 and text-to-EGM server 122 for funding game play on an EGM 106, 108 wherein the funding is provided by an account linked to the user of mobile device 102. In either such example, casino server 110 may be configured to add credits for game play to a particular EGM 106, 108 at which the user of mobile device 102 wishes to play and has identified in a text message. In yet another example, the user of mobile device 102 may send a message to system 104 through SMS gateway provider 116 and text-to-EGM server 122 to cash out or refund unplayed credits from an EGM 106, 108. In such an example, casino server 110 may be configured to refund unplayed credits on the EGM 106, 108 and return them to the user of mobile device 102. Casino server 110 may be configured to refund unplayed credits to the user of mobile device 102 in any suitable manner; for example, credits may be refunded by issuing a ticket voucher, tokens, or returning money to a funding source.

In order to facilitate communication between mobile device 102 and text-to-message server 122 or system 104, any suitable communication mechanisms may be used. For example, a mobile service carrier associated with mobile device 102 may be used to send or relay text messages between mobile device 102 and text-to-message server 122 or system 104. Such communication mechanisms may be encrypted.

Mobile device 102 may be configured to send wireless messages to a wireless network station, such as a base station or wireless access point. service station 112. Wireless service station 112 may be configured to send and receive messages such as text messages with mobile device 102. Station 112 may be configured to relay information to or from mobile device over a mobile service backbone network 114. Network 114 may be implemented in any suitable fashion and may include one or more subnetworks. Station 112 may be configured to use network 114 to send and receive SMS text messages to and from SMS gateway provider 116.

SMS gateway provider 116 may be implemented by any suitable combination of devices, services, or networks configured to translate text messages and communications over a data network. For example, SMS gateway provider 116 may be configured to receive a SMS text message from station 112 originating from mobile device 102 and translate the SMS text message into one or more TCP/IP data packets and forward them along a network 118. SMS gateway provider 116 may be configured to receive data packets from network 118 and translate such packets into text messages which may then be forwarded to station 112 to be sent to mobile device 102.

SMS gateway provider 116 may be communicatively coupled through network 118 to text-to-EGM server 122. SMS gateway provider 116 may be configured to send data packets to text-to-EGM server 122 representing texts originating from mobile device 102. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to receive such packets and to send packets representative of messages from system 104 to SMS gateway provider 116 to be translated into text messages to mobile device 102. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be implemented by any suitable mechanism, including one or more servers, electronic machines, computers, or other systems suitable for carrying out the functionality described herein. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be communicatively coupled to system 104. Text-to-EGM server 122 may service requests to and from system 104 through casino server 110. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handle requests to many such systems similar to system 104. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to communicate with such system 104 through a network 126.

Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handle communications with mobile device 102, system 104, as well as other entities for providing funding and defunding activities. For example, text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handle text messages received from mobile device 102 for obtaining promotional credits for play on an EGM in system 104. In another example, text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handle funding requests received from mobile device 102 for funding game play on an EGM of system 104, wherein the funding is provided by an account within a funding institution 120. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be communicatively coupled to funding institution 120 for verifying an available source of funds for which wagering game play may be funded, such as account 304 as shown in FIG. 3. In yet another example, text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handle requests for mobile device 102 for funding game play on system 104 through an account 306 with mobile service provider 124. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be communicatively coupled with mobile service provider 124. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to request permission from mobile service provider 124 to charge an account associated with mobile device 102 for various game play funding requests. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to receive funding requests from mobile service provider 124. In such a case, mobile device 102 may have issued a funding request directly to mobile service provider 124 to fund game play on an EGM of system 104.

Funding institution 120 may include any suitable combination of servers, electronic devices or networks provided by an institution configured to provide funding or receive funding from outside parties. Such a funding institution 120 may include, for example, a bank, a credit card provider, credit union, online electronic account, or any other suitable source of providing funds to system 104 for wagering funds. Funding institution 120 may be configured to receive a request, validate credentials or permissions, and provide funds to text-to-EGM server 122. Funding institution 120 may be configured to receive funds from system 104 through text-to-EGM server 122. Such credits or funds may represent unplayed credits from system 104.

Mobile service provider 124 may include electronic devices, servers, or networks for any suitable provider of mobile service for mobile devices such as mobile device 102. Mobile service provider 124 may contain accounts for various users of a mobile service such as a user of mobile device 102. Mobile service provider 124 may be configured to accept billing to the account of a user of a mobile device such as mobile device 102 upon requests from entities such as text-to-EGM server 122 or from mobile device 102 itself. Mobile service provider 124 may be configured to receive refunds of funds and store such funds in the account associated with the user. Such funds may be received from, for example, text-to-EGM server 122. Such funds may represent unplayed credits from wagering activities in system 104.

In operation, the user of mobile device 102 may send a message such as a text message to obtain funding for wagering game play on EGMs such as EGM 106 or EGM 108 on system 104. Mobile device 102 may send a text message containing a funding request to station 112 which may relay such a request over network 114 to SMS gateway provider 116. SMS gateway provider 116 may translate the request and communicate the request over network 118 to text-to-EGM server 122. The request may contain an identifier 107 of the individual EGM on which funding is requested. Identifier 107 may include information regarding the casino, location, individual gaming machines, or any other suitable identifying information which may be used to designate a specific EGM or casino for which funding is requested.

Text-to-EGM server 122 may handle the funding request through any suitable method. For example, text-to-EGM server 122 may access an account of the user in funding institution 120 to access funds for which wagering operations on EGMs of system 104 will use. Such an account may have been preregistered by the user of mobile device 102. In another example, text-to-EGM server 122 may access an account of the user on mobile service provider 124 to obtain such funds. Accounts may be determined by reference to the identity of mobile device 102 (e.g., phone number). An operator of system 104 such as a casino may advertise Funds may be taken from an account associated with the user and with mobile device 102 from a funding institution 120 or mobile server provider 124. In yet another example, the funding request may include a request for free or promotional credits. The operator of system 104 such as a casino may advertise an offer for free or promotional credits to the user. The advertisement may be provided by or near an EGM and may include instructions for sending text messages to fund game play on a particular EGM. Text-to-EGM server 122 may determine whether such a request is allowed under quotas, policies, promotional limits, or other criteria before allowing or disallowing the promotional funding request. Text-to-EGM server 122 may send authorization to system 104 to fund game play on an EGM.

In the case where funds are taken from a funding institution 120 to fund game play on system 104, the user of mobile device 102 may have preregistered and preauthorized such a transaction through an operator of system 104. Such a preauthorization may have identified the accounts from which funding may be taken. To access such an account, credentials such as a password, PIN, public key, or other credentials may be provided by mobile device 102 or a user of mobile device 102 may be checked by funding institution 120.

In one embodiment, mobile device 102 may transmit a text message through station 112 to mobile service provider 124 wherein the text message indicates a request to forward a pre-specified amount of funding to system 104. In such an embodiment, text-to-EGM server 122 may receive a funding request from mobile service provider 124. Such a funding request may identify the machine in system 104 for which game play is requested.

Text-to-EGM server 122, upon verifying the availability of funds (promotional or otherwise) for which wagering may use, may communicate such available funds over network 126 to casino server 110. Casino server 110 may identify an EGM such as EGMs 106, 108, on which game play may be conducted using the requested funds. Casino server 110 may communicate the available funds to the identified EGM 106, 108. Casino server 110 may communicate such information using any suitable mechanism, standard, or protocol. For example, casino server 110 may communicate such information using the slot accounting system (“SAS”) protocol or the Game-to-System (“G2S”) protocol.

The EGM that receives the funds may be configured to offer wagering or game play with the received funds or credits. The EGM 106, 108 may display the available credits to a user of the EGM. A user of the EGM 106, 108 may lose, gain, or maintain the number of credits received with funding from casino server 110. A user of EGM 106, 108 may select an option to cash out of the EGM. The user may use, for example, a cash out option issuing a ticket, voucher, tokens or any other suitable indication of remaining funds. The user may be able to take such indications of available funds to another EGM 106, 108, or to a cashier to obtain currency from the available funds.

In one embodiment, a user may select to cash out of an EGM 106, 108 using mobile device 102 to send a text message to casino server 110 and EGMs 106, 108. Such a request to cash out of EGM 106, 108 may include a request to return all unwagered credits to a source of funds such as funding institution account 120 or mobile service provider account 124. The cash out request may include a request to issue a virtual or real voucher, ticket, or token to move such available funds from one EGM to another. The request to cash out of EGM 106, 108 may be issued through a text message from mobile device 102 and be received by station 112, translated by SMS gateway provider 116, forwarded to text-to-EGM server 122, and forwarded to casino server 110. Casino server 110 may communicate the request to the EGM 106, 108 upon which play is being conducted and has been identified by the text message sent by mobile device 102. In another embodiment, an option may be presented to the user at the EGM 106, 108 to cash out of the EGM and return funds to the source of funding. For example, if a user funds game play on EGM 106 with a text message instructing funding to be drawn from an account at funding institution 120, an option may be presented to the user at EGM 106 to cash out and return the funds to the account at funding institution 120 from which the funds originated.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the operation of an EGM 200 in communication with casino server 110. EGM 200 may implement one or more EGMs of FIG. 1 such as EGM 106, 108. EGM 200 may implement any suitable gaming or wagering machine for use in a wagering or casino environment.

EGM 200 may include a display 202. Display 202 may be configured to display various information to a user of EGM 200. Display 202 may also accept input through a touch screen mechanism. EGM 200 may include other I/O for accepting commands or displaying information to the user which are not shown. To a user of EGM 200, display 202 may provide information for funding game play on EGM 200 by use of mobile devices such as mobile device 102. EGM 200 may include a processor 214 coupled to a memory 216. Memory 216 may contain logic and/or instructions for configuring EGM 200 to operate in accordance to the teachings discussed herein.

In one embodiment, display 202 may provide a promotional credit message 204. Promotional credit message 204 may be configured to communicate to a user of EGM 200 about options for sending a mobile device message to the EGM 200 to receive free or promotional credits for game play. For example, promotional credit message 204 may instruct a user to “text GT1782 to 78654 for 100 free credits”. Such a promotional credit message 204 may instruct a user about a possible identifier 212 (“GT1782”) which may be sent to a short code phone number 214 (“78654”) which may be interpreted by system 100 of FIG. 1 for providing credits to EGM 200.

In another example, display 202 may be configured to display to a user of EGM 200 a funding message 206 instructing the user on how to fund game play on EGM 200 from a pre-determined account. For example, funding message 206 may instruct a user of EGM 200 to “text GT1782 to 78655 to add 1,000 credits for $10”. Message 206 may contain an identifier 216 (“GT1782”) similar to identifier 212 (“78655”) identifying a funding action for the EGM 200. Message 206 may include a short code phone number 218 similar to short code phone number 214 for which the text message will be sent. Message 206 may be used to instruct a user about any suitable source of funding that may be used to fund game play and may be accessible by mobile device 102.

In yet another embodiment, display 202 may be configured to present a cash out message 208 to a user of EGM 200 instructing the user on how to send a text message from mobile device 102 to cash out available funds from EGM 200. For example, message 208 may instruct a user to “text GT1782 to 78656 to cash out”. Message 208 may contain an identifier 220 (“GT1782”) identifying the EGM 200 from which the cash out shall be conducted and a short phone code 222 (“78656”) identifying the requested operation.

Display 202 may contain a game presentation 210. Game presentation 210 may contain any suitable combination of inputs, outputs, displays, or other suitable mechanisms for providing a casino or wagering game such as slots, video poker, or any other suitable application.

Casino server 110 may include a record 212 of credits available at a given EGM such as EGM 200. Casino server 110 may be communicatively coupled to many such EGMs, and accordingly record 212 may contain multiple entries for different EGMs. Record 212 may contain fields of information associated with each EGM. Such fields may include but are not limited to the amount of promotional credits remaining at the EGM or the amounts of regular credits available at the EGM. Such fields may be indexed by the EGM. For example, the EGM identified by the number “1782” may have twenty promotional credits and eighty regular credits remaining The EGM identified by the number “1506” may have one hundred promotional credits remaining and zero regular credits remaining The EGM identified by the number “1611” may have zero promotional credits available and six-hundred fifty regular credits available. The EGM identified by the number “0319” may have zero promotional credits remaining and one thousand regular credits remaining Casino server 110 may be configured to update record 212 upon receipt of information from, for example, EGM 200 or text-to-EGM server 122, that credits have been won, lost, or funded. Record 212 may be implemented by any suitable mechanism, including a data structure, record, or database.

Casino server may include a processor 218 coupled to a memory 220. Memory 220 may contain logic and/or instructions for operating casino server 110 according to the descriptions herein.

Processors 214, 218 may comprise, for example a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, processors 214, 218 may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in memories 216, 220. Memories 216, 220 may be configured in part or whole as application memory, system memory, or both. Memories 216, 220 may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to hold and/or house one or more memory modules. Each memory module may include any system, device or apparatus configured to retain program instructions and/or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media).

In operation, EGM 200 may be executing a game presentation 210 and presenting one or more messages 204, 206, 208 to prospective players. As users access game presentation 210 on EGM 200, EGM 200 may communicate deposited credits, available credits, or other play information to or from casino server 110. Casino server 110 may thus keep track of available credits for play on EGM 200. In one embodiment, the game play information such as the information tracked by individual entries in record 212 may be recorded and tracked on EGM 200. In such an embodiment, EGM 200 may communicate with casino server 110 periodically, on demand, or upon another suitable occasion to communicate available balances of credits to casino server 110.

Text-to-EGM server 122 may receive various funding requests originating from mobile device 102. Text-to-EGM server 122 may translate such requests, determine whether such requests are valid, or take other suitable actions to determine desired behavior of system 100. As part of such decisions, text-to-EGM server 122 may issue various requests or commands to casino server 110. Such requests or commands may include instructions for providing promotional credit funding to a particular EGM, provide regular credit funding to a particular EGM, or to cash out of an individual EGM.

Promotional credits may include any free, promotional, complimentary, or other credits for game play on a wagering or casino game which are provided to a user to incentivize game play. Such promotional credits are normally provided without cost to a user of EGM 200. Such promotional credits might not be reissued to the user of EGM 200 in the form of currency. As such, promotional credits may require specific tracking so as to avoid paying out promotional credits in the form of currency to a user of EGM 200. Regular credit funding may include any funding arising from a user of EGM 200 accessing real funds for wagering game play on EGM 200. For example, regular credit funding may come from a credit card account, bank account, or other such account of funds. Cash out commands may be received from a user of mobile device 102 issuing a cash out request for a particular machine and handled by the system 100 of FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the user of EGM 200 may notice message 204 and decide to obtain free or promotional credits by sending a message from mobile device 102 to an indicated phone number 214. User of mobile device 102 may cause mobile device 102 to send a text message with the content “GT1782” which corresponds to an identifier 212 of advertising message 204, to the phone number 214 advertised in message 204. Identifier 212 may include indications of EGM 200. For example, identifier 212 may contain one or more characters identifying a casino company, location, or casino subdivision. In the example of FIG. 2, “GT” may indicate, for example, the Green Terrace Casino. Identifier 212 may include other characters or symbols identifying a specific EGM at such a casino. In the example of FIG. 2, the number “1782” may identify the specific EGM 200 at the Green Terrace Casino at which the user would like to play.

In another embodiment, the user of mobile device 102 may receive message 206 and use mobile device 102 to text a message to the system 100 of FIG. 1 to withdraw or charge funds from an account and use the funds to add a certain number of credits for wagering play on EGM 200. User 102 may text an identifier 216 to a phone number 218 to conduct such a funding operation. Such a funding operation may be handled as described in FIG. 1. If the user of mobile device 102 previously set up an account from funding institution 120 or mobile service provider 124 to be accessible by text-to-EGM server 122, then text-to-EGM server 122 may send regular credit funding to casino server 110.

The text message instructions displayed in message 206 may be entered by the user of mobile device 102 and received by SMS gateway provider 116 (not shown). SMS gateway provider 116 may send the funding request as displayed in message 206 to a suitable handling provider, network or service. In one example, such funding requests may be funded from the users account with mobile service provider 124 associated with mobile device 102. In such a case, mobile service provider 124 may receive the request for funding, determine whether the account associated with mobile device 102 is authorized for such funding requests, and if so, charge the account the requested amount of funds. Mobile service provider 124 may then communicate with text-to-EGM server 122 to inform the server that a request for funds has been made for use on a particular EGM 200, and that the request has been funded. At a later time, funds may be reconciled between mobile service provider 124 and text-to-EGM server 122.

In another example, text-to-EGM server 122 may access external accounts such as those with funding institution 120 or mobile service provider 124 to determine whether a funding request from the text message from mobile device 102 will be honored.

In yet another embodiment, a user of EGM 200 may observe and conduct the instruction provided in message 208 to send a text message to system 104 to cash out of EGM 200. A user of mobile device 102 may send a text message such as “GT1782”, reflecting identifier provided by message 208, to a phone number provided by message 208 such as phone number 222. The message may be received by station 112, sent along network 114 to SMS gateway provider 116, and delivered over network 118 to text-to-EGM server 122. Upon receipt of such a cash out request, text-to-EGM server 122 may send the cash out command to casino server 110.

The identifiers and phone numbers displayed by EGM 200 may be set by casino server 110 or any other suitable entity. The identifiers and phone numbers displayed by EGM 200 may be determined to effect particular choices that are provided to the user of EGM 200. Identifiers 212, 216, 220 may be selected to identify EGM 200. Phone numbers 214, 218, 222 may be selected to identify a particular operation that is requested upon the designated EGM 200. Any suitable combination of identifiers and phone numbers may be used. For example, messages 204, 206, 208 may each use the same identifier, “GT1782.” Such a common identifier may be used to uniquely identify EGM 200 from other EGMs within the casino or in other locations. Different phone numbers 214, 218, 222 may be used to uniquely identify different possible requested operations by a user of EGM 200; for example, obtaining promotional credits, adding regular credits, or cashing out from the EGM. In various embodiments, common phone numbers 214, 218, 222 may be used to identify EGM 200 and each message 204, 206, 208 may use a different identifier associated with a different operation (such as promotional funding, regular funding, or cash-out).

Upon receipt of commands, messages or instructions from text-to-EGM server 122 casino server 110 may conduct the requested operation. In one embodiment, casino server 110 or another suitable entity of system 100 may track prior usage and current usage of promotional credits to fulfill promotional, advertising, or infinity policies selected by operators of system 100. For example, an entity operating system 100 may enact a policy wherein promotional credits may not be cashed out from and EGM 200. In another example, entity operating system 100 may enact a policy wherein a given user may only be awarded promotional credits a set number of times. Such limitations may be enforced globally on a per-user basis, upon a per-casino basis, or upon a per-EGM 200 basis.

Determining eligibility for free or promotional credits may be conducted by any suitable portion of system 100. For example, text-to-EGM server 122 may be communicatively coupled to a user database 224 for tracking user play. User database 224 may be implemented by a record, file, database or any other suitable mechanism. User database 224 may track promotional credits that have been granted to various users. For example, user database 224 may contain entries with fields for identifying users, recording number of credits given or awarded, and locations in which such awards were given. Upon receipt of a request for promotional credits, text-to-EGM server 122 may access information regarding the user of mobile device 102. Such information may be obtained from, for example, mobile service provider 124. Such an access of information may be a condition upon which an award of free or promotional credits may be awarded. Such information may be stored in user database 224 for marketing or additional promotional uses. Text-to-EGM server 122 may examine user database 224 upon a request for free or promotional credits to determine whether the new request violates any policies. For example, a given user may only be eligible according to the policies of the casino to be awarded free credits once per day. Text-to-EGM server 122 may determine whether credits have been awarded to the user within the previous 24 hours or within the present calendar day. If so, text-to-EGM server 122 may send a reply message notifying the user that the user has already used all available promotional credits available that day. In another example, a given user may only be eligible to be awarded free credits on a given EGM once. Text-to-EGM server 122 may determine whether or not promotional credits have been awarded to a given user on a specific EGM in the past. If so, text-to-EGM server 122 may deny the request. Thus, if text-to-EGM server 122 receives a text message from a mobile device 102 with the phone number “555-555-1111,” text-to-EGM server 122 may look up previous awards of promotional credits in user database 224, observe that one hundred credits had been previously awarded for EGM “GT1782,” and deny the request for free credits. On the other hand, if such a request came from a user on a mobile device 102 with the phone number “555-555-2222” which had not previously received free credits or promotional play on EGM “GT1782,” then text-to-EGM server 122 may send a command to casino server 110 instructing that promotional credits be awarded for play on the specified EGM. Although FIG. 2 illustrates management of promotional credit awards as being handled by text-to-EGM server 122, such actions may also be conducted by, for example, casino server 110 or EGM 200.

Upon receipt of an instruction, casino server 110 may enact the command or request received. For example, upon receiving an instruction to fund a particular EGM with promotional credits, casino server may communicate such promotional credits to EGM 200 and update record 212 with additional promotional credits. For example, if text-to-EGM server 122 sends a funding request for EGM “1506” for one hundred promotional credits, casino server may contact EGM 200 corresponding to the identifier “1506” and add one hundred promotional credits to the entry for “1506” in record 212. In another example, casino server may receive a regular credit funding request from text-to-EGM server 122. Casino server 212 may communicate such credit information to EGM 200 corresponding to the designated EGM. Casino server 110 may add the credit information to record 212.

To enforce policies regarding usage of promotional credits, any suitable mechanism such as casino server 110 or EGM 200 may be used. Such policies may require, for example, that all promotional credits be wagered and that no such promotional credits may be cashed out to an end-user. The policies may stipulate the order of use of promotional and regular credits such that a user with both kinds of credits may use promotional credits to fund a next bet in additional wagers. For example, a user at an EGM 200 corresponding to the identifier “1782” may have twenty promotional credits remaining and may have eighty regular credits remaining Such regular credits may have been obtained by, for example, a regular credit funding action or by winning wagers placed with promotional credits. The next bet placed by a user of the EGM 200 corresponding to “1782” may be taken from promotional credits such that nineteen promotional credits remain.

Upon a cash out command, arising either from user input at EGM 200 or from a command received from text-to-EGM server 122, casino server 110 may refund only the remaining regular credits associated with the EGM 200, and not the promotional credits associated with the EGM 200.

Casino server 110 may receive cash out commands from text-to-EGM server 122. Casino server 110 may send the cash out command to EGM 200. EGM 200 may dispense a voucher, marker, token, or other indication of remaining credits to a user of EGM 200. In one embodiment, the remaining credits may be refunded through text-to-EGM server 122. In such a case, casino server 110 may zero out the available credits at the EGM 200 and send the remaining credits indicated in the record 212 to text-to-EGM server 122. Text-to-EGM server 122 may refund the remaining credits through a process similar to the process used to originally fund the credits. For example, credits may be credited back to an account with mobile service provider 124 or an account with funding institution 120.

FIG. 3 is a further illustration of the operation of text-to-EGM server 122 and sources of funding such as funding institution 120 and mobile service provider 124. Text-to-EGM server may be communicatively coupled to or contain a record 302 of available accounts for which funding may be obtained. Record 302 may be implemented by, for example, a record, file, database or any other suitable mechanism. In one embodiment, record 302 may be implemented by user database 224 of FIG. 2.

Record 302 may contain entries based on mobile phone numbers so that, given a received text message from a mobile device 102, funding may be obtained for game play as requested in the text message. Record 302 may be indexed by mobile numbers corresponding to phone numbers from mobile devices 102. A user of mobile device 102 may have preregistered using a casino website or other mechanism to establish authorized accounts from which funding requests may be made. For example, such accounts may be drawn from institution 120, which may have been configured to allow access for funding from an account 304, or from the service provider 122, which may have been configured to allow access from an account 306. Such accounts 304, 306 may include authorization or credential information against which funding requests may be made.

Record 302 may record, for each mobile number, any suitable information including links to or information about external accounts, previously obtained free or promotional plays, identification of mobile service provider, or contact information.

For example, record 302 may indicate that mobile number “555-111-1111” has registered an external credit card account for funding with funding institution 120 and the credit account number is “123.” Mobile number “555-111-1111” may have obtained free plays on two different EGMs previously and may have mobile service with a provider identified as “Mobile1.” The contact information for the user of the mobile device 102 may have been established by contacting Mobile1. Such a contact may have been made as part of a funding request or upon a pre-registration request.

In operation, text at EGM server 122 may receive promotional funding requests or prepaid funding requests from SMS gateway provider 116. Text-to-EGM server 122 may examine record 302, contact funding institution 120 and/or mobile service provider 124, and accept or deny the funding request. Text-to-EGM server 122 may relay, accept or deny messages back to SMS gateway provider 116 for delivery to mobile device 102. Text-to-EGM server 122 may issue commands or instructions or requests to casino server 110 in response to regular funding or promotional funding requests. Promotional or regular funding requests may originate from a mobile device 102 sending a text message based on an instruction provided at a casino location such as displayed on or near an EGM. Such requests may identify the mobile device making the request, as well as the target EGM. The target EGM may be identified by a short code identifier and/or a short code phone number.

Upon receipt of a promotional funding request, text-to-EGM server 122 may examine the mobile number and determine whether the mobile number has previously requested free play. Text-to-EGM server 122 may determine whether such a new request will violate any specified policies regarding promotional or free play. For example, if a message is received from mobile number “555-111-1111” for free play on the EGM identified as “GT1782,” text-to-EGM server 122 may examine record 302 and determine that the same mobile number had previously received free play on the EGM. Based on the timing of such a previous request, text-to-EGM server may be configured to allow or deny the new request for promotional funding for the designated EGM. Text-to-EGM server 122 may communicate the acceptance or denial of play to the mobile device 102 making the request. Such a message may be sent through SMS gateway provider 116. If an entry from the mobile number is not found in record 302, text-to-EGM server may create a new entry in record 302 corresponding to the mobile number. Text-to-EGM server may obtain information regarding the user of the mobile device 102 from, for example, mobile service provider 124. Text-to-EGM server may store such user information in a field for contact information. Later marketing or infinity program activities may be conducted with regards to the identified player.

In response to a regular funding request, text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to determine whether or not a funding source has been established for the mobile number corresponding to the mobile device 102 which originated the request. For example, given a request from mobile number “555-222-2222,” text-to-EGM server 122 may look up a record associated with the mobile number in record 302 and determine that the mobile number is associated with a bank account of the number 456. Text-to-EGM server may contact funding institution 120 with credentials for accessing 456. Funding institution may compare the credentials provided by text-to-EGM server 122 with credentials associated with the record for account 456 in accounts 304. The funding institution 120 may accept or deny the funding request based upon the authorizations, the amount of funds, credentials, or any other suitable criteria.

Text-to-EGM server may receive a funding request associated with a given mobile number and access the service provider for the mobile number to determine whether or not the funding request may be charged to the account for the mobile device 102. For example, a request from mobile number “555-111-1111” may be received by text-to-EGM server 122. The mobile service provider for the mobile device 102 originating the text message may be the provider Mobile1. Text-to-EGM server 122 may contact Mobile One service provider 124 to determine whether or not funding may be made by a charge to the user account associated with the phone number. Mobile service provider 124 may determine, based on preferences, credits, authorizations, or other suitable criteria, whether or not to accept or deny the funding request to be charged to the account. Text-to-EGM server 122 may receive such an acceptance or denial of the charge.

Text-to-EGM server 122 may inform mobile device 102 of the acceptance or denial of the attempted funding from an external account. Text-to-EGM server 122 may send commands, queries, or other requests for information as illustrated in FIG. 2 to casino server 110.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example method 400 for handling real-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications.

In step 405, instructions for conducting credit handling for an EGM by way of text messaging or other signals from a mobile device may be provider to a user. In one embodiment, such instructions may be displayed on the EGM. Such instructions may be displayed statically, dynamically, or in any other suitable manner. The instructions may include a identifier and a phone number to which the code is sent. A short code may be used as the phone number. The identifier and/or the phone number may identify the requested operation and a target EGM upon which the funding operation will happen. The instructions may include, for example, instructions for obtaining free or promotional credits for an EGM, funding wagering game play on an EGM from an account of the user, or refunding unplayed credits on the EGM.

In step 410, the user may send a message containing the identifier to the phone number, and the message may be received. Such a message may be a text message or the result of a text message. The text message may be translated into an instruction or command corresponding into the requested operation and the target EGM. In step 415, the message may be decoded to determine a requested operation. Such an operation may determined by, for example, determining it as embedded within the message or by the phone number to which the message was sent. The requested operation may include, for example, a request for promotional credits, a request to fund credits from an account, a pre-authorized request for credits, or a defunding request.

In step 420, a targeted EGM for the requested operation may be determined. Such an EGM may be identified based upon, for example, information embedded within the message of by the phone number to which the message was sent.

In step 425, the requested operation on the target EGM may be handled. For example, the requested operation may include a funding request from promotional credits for game play on an EGM, a funding request from various funding accounts for game play on an EGM, or a defunding action on an EGM. Step 425 may be implemented by, for example, methods 500, 600, 700 of FIGS. 5-7. Step 425 may include sending information regarding the EGM and/or requested action to a server managing one or more EGMs.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example method 500 for handling real-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications for promotional game play. Method 500 may implement fully or in part step 425 of FIG. 4. In step 505, it may be determined whether a received text message includes a request for promotional game play. If not, then the method 500 may terminate.

If a received text message does include a request for promotional game play, then in step 510 a promotional game play offer may be determined. Such a determination may be made be, for example, determining for which EGM the request is made and accessing records indicating promotional play available on the EGM. Accessing the records may be done on the basis of, for example, an identifier contained in the text message or the phone number to which the text message was sent. The records indicating available promotional play may include designations of an amount of promotional play available for the designated identifier or phone number.

In step 515, promotional game play policies may be determined. Such policies may dictate parameters under which promotional game play credits may be awarded or used. In one embodiment, the policies may specify a limit on the number of credits that may be awarded to an individual user. The identity of the user may be designated by the phone number from which a text message originates. The limits may be given on any suitable basis, such as for a unit of time (such a daily, weekly, or permanently) or for a given EGM or casino. For example, an individual may be limited to receiving a one-hundred promotional credit once and only once for play on any machine within an entire casino. In another example, an individual may be allowed to receive the one-hundred promotional credit once per month on any given participating EGM. Such limits may be adjusted according to marketing policies. In another embodiment,

In step 520, historical promotional game play may be determined. Historical promotional game play may include accessing records of previously awarded or played promotional credits for a given user. The records may contain information regarding when previous promotional awards have been made, as well as quantities and associated EGMS or casinos.

In step 525, it may be determined whether the requested promotional credits are allowed under the determined policies, given the determined historical use. If the requested promotional credit award would exceed a policy, for example, for a given user, EGM, casino, or time period. Step 525 may include determining whether promotional credits are offered on the designated EGM. If the requested promotional credits are not allowed, then the method 500 may continue to step 540. If the requested promotional credits are allowed, then in step 530 the promotional credits may be sent to the EGM designated by the request and approved by checking promotional policies. In step 535, information regarding the requestor of the promotional credits may be requested from, for example, the mobile service provider of the requestor and subsequently stored. Such information may be used to validate future requests for promotional credits, market to the requestor, or other suitable purposes. The method may terminate.

In step 540, if the requested promotional credits are not allowed, then a denial message may be sent to the requesting mobile device. The method may terminate.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example method 600 for handling real-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications for funding game play from a funding source. Method 600 may implement fully or in part step 425 of FIG. 4. In step 605, it may be determined whether a received text message includes a request for funding game play. If not, then the method 600 may terminate.

If a received text message does include a funding request, in step 610 the amount of requested funding may be determined. Such an amount may be determined in any suitable manner. For example, a text message or the translated result thereof may be received from a mobile service provider for which the mobile service provider has already authorized a prepaid funding amount. The information received from the mobile service provider may indicate the amount of funding as well as reconciliation information for obtaining reimbursement from the mobile service provider. In another example, the message of a text message may indicate the requested amount of funding. In yet another example, the number to which a text message was sent may indicate the requested amount of funding.

In step 615, available accounts for a funding source may be determined through any suitable manner. For example, the sender of the text message may have pre-registered and associated the mobile phone number with bank, credit, or mobile service accounts. By examining and looking up the mobile phone number sending the text message in records, the associated funding accounts may be determined.

In step 620, credentials associated with the request may be verified. The required credentials may have been determined by the user of the mobile device upon registering the funding sources with the mobile device. Such credentials may include a hardware identifier of the mobile device sent with the text message, a personal identification number included with the text message, or any other suitable mechanism. The credentials may include an authorization code or other identifier of a casino or EGM operator to verify the identity of the destination of the funds. If the required credentials are not verified, the request may be denied.

In step 625, funds may be withdrawn from the funding source. The funds may be in the form of currency. In step 630, the funds may be provided to the designated EGM for the user to play wagering games.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example method 700 for handling real-time refund requests for an EGM via mobile device communication. Method 700 may implement fully or in part step 425 of FIG. 4. In step 705, it may be determined whether a received text message includes a request for refunding game play. If not, then the method 700 may terminate.

If a received text message does include a refund request, in step 710 any promotional credit policies may be determined. The policies may indicate how or whether any promotional credits may be refunded. For example, the policies may indicate that no promotional credits may be refunded. In another example, the promotional credits may be refunded for play on another EGM but may not be refunded as cash.

In step 715, total credits remaining on the EGM may be determined. The total credits may include promotional credits, credits won as a result of wagering, and/or credits remaining that were drawn from a funding source. In step 720, promotional credits remaining on the EGM may be determined.

In step 725, a cash-out balance may be determined. The cash-out balance may be determined by evaluating the total credits remaining in the EGM in view of the promotional credit policy. For example, if the promotional credit policy requires that promotional credits are lost upon cash-out, then the cash-out balance may be determined to be the total credits remaining less the promotional credits remaining In another example, if the user has chosen to cash-out for play on another machine and the promotional credit policy allows promotional credits to be transferred to another EGM, the cash-out balance may be determined to be the total credits remaining In such an example, determining the cash-out balance may require determining whether a user has selected to cash-out at the EGM as discussed in step 735 below.

In step 730, it may be determined whether a cash-out will be made to the user at the EGM. In one embodiment, the user may select a cash-out option to receive the cash-out at the EGM by sending a specified text message to specified short code to cash out at the EGM. In another embodiment, the user may send a specified text message to specified short code to cash out by returning funds to a funding source previously used to fund game play. In yet another embodiment, the refund option may be determined by a default policy of the operator of the EGM.

If cash-out will be made to the user at the EGM, in step 735 the cash-out balance may be provided to a user at the EGM through any suitable manner. For example, a voucher may be printed or issued to the user that may be used to fund play at another EGM or receive funds at a cashier. The method 700 may terminate.

If the cash-out is not to be made to the user at the EGM, in step 740 the funding source of the credits may be determined. For example, play on the EGM may have been funded by drawing funds from a particular credit, bank, or mobile service account. In step 745, the cash-out balance may be added to the funding source. The method 700 may terminate.

Methods 400, 500, 600, and 700 may be implemented using the system of FIGS. 1-3, or any other system operable to implement methods 400, 500, 600, and 700. As such, the preferred initialization point for methods 400, 500, 600, and 700 and the order of its steps may depend on the implementation chosen. In some embodiments, some steps may be optionally omitted, repeated, or combined. In some embodiments, some steps of methods 400, 500, 600, and 700 may be executed in parallel with other steps of methods 400, 500, 600, and 700. In certain embodiments, methods 400, 500, 600, and 700 may be implemented partially or fully in software embodied in computer-readable media.

For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory; as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for funding wagering on an electronic gaming machine, comprising:

receiving information from a text message, the information including message content and a destination number;

determining an electronic gaming machine designated by the information;

determining a funding action designated by the information, the funding action associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine;

executing the funding action; and

updating the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine.

2. The method of claim 1:

wherein the funding action includes a request for promotional credits; and

further comprising adding promotional credits for wagering to the electronic gaming machine.

3. The method of claim 1:

wherein the funding action includes a request for funding from an external account; and

further comprising: drawing funds from the external account; and adding promotional credits for wagering to the electronic gaming machine.

4. The method of claim 1:

wherein the funding action includes a request for a refund of credits available on the electronic gaming machine; and

further comprising adding the credits from the electronic gaming machine to an external account.

5. The method of claim 1:

wherein the funding action includes a request for a refund of credits available on the electronic gaming machine; and

further comprising issuing a voucher to a user of the electronic gaming machine for the credits available.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the electronic gaming machine is designated by a code texted to a phone number; and

further comprising determining the electronic gaming machine comprises determining the code texted to the phone number.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the electronic gaming machine is designated by the number to which the text message was sent; and

further comprising determining the electronic gaming machine comprises determining the phone number.

8. A system for casino wagering, comprising:

one or more servers communicatively coupled to one or more electronic gaming machines and to a mobile service provider;

a processor on one of the servers coupled to a memory, the memory containing instructions for causing the processor to: receive information from a text message, the information including message content and a destination number; determine an electronic gaming machine from the one or more electronic gaming machines designated by the information; determine a funding action designated by the information, the funding action associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine; execute the funding action; and update the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine.

9. The system of claim 8:

wherein the funding action includes a request for promotional credits; and

the processor is further caused to add promotional credits for wagering to the electronic gaming machine.

10. The system of claim 8:

wherein the funding action includes a request for funding from an external account; and

the processor is further caused to: draw funds from the external account; and add promotional credits for wagering to the electronic gaming machine.

11. The system of claim 8:

wherein the funding action includes a request for a refund of credits available on the electronic gaming machine; and

the processor is further caused to add the credits from the electronic gaming machine to an external account.

12. The system of claim 8:

wherein the funding action includes a request for a refund of credits available on the electronic gaming machine; and

the processor is further caused to issue a voucher to a user of the electronic gaming machine for the credits available.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein:

the electronic gaming machine is designated by a code texted to a phone number; and

the processor is further caused to determine the electronic gaming machine comprises determining the code texted to the phone number.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein:

the electronic gaming machine is designated by the phone number to which the message was sent; and

the processor is further caused to determine the electronic gaming machine comprises determining the phone number.

15. An article of manufacture, comprising:

a computer readable medium; and

computer-executable instructions carried on the computer readable medium, the instructions readable by a processor, the instructions, when read and executed, for causing the processor to: receiving information from a text message, the information including message content and a destination number; determine an electronic gaming machine designated by the information; determine a funding action designated by the information, the funding action associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine; execute the funding action; and update the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine.

16. The article of claim 15:

wherein the funding action includes a request for promotional credits; and

the processor is further caused to add promotional credits for wagering to the electronic gaming machine.

17. The article of claim 15:

wherein the funding action includes a request for funding from an external account; and

the processor is further caused to: draw funds from the external account; and add promotional credits for wagering to the electronic gaming machine.

18. The article of claim 15:

wherein the funding action includes a request for a refund of credits available on the electronic gaming machine; and

the processor is further caused to issue a voucher to a user of the electronic gaming machine for the credits available.

19. The article of claim 15, wherein:

the electronic gaming machine is designated by a code texted to a phone number; and

determining the electronic gaming machine comprises determining the code texted to the phone number.

20. The article of claim 15, wherein:

the electronic gaming machine is designated by the number to which the message was sent; and

determining the electronic gaming machine comprises determining the phone number.

21. An electronic gaming machine, comprising:

a display;

one or more input controls;

a memory;

a processor coupled to the memory;

displayed instructions for obtaining free credits for wagering game play, the instructions comprising an identifier to be sent to a number via a text message;

the memory containing computer instructions for causing the processor to: receive commands to provide free credits for wagering game play, the commands originating from a text message sent according to the displayed instructions; display the free credits to a user of the electronic gaming machine; determine a wager made on the electronic gaming machine through the input controls; deduct one or more of the free credits in response to the wager; and show a wagering game on the display in response to the wager.

22. The electronic gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the text message includes information designating the electronic gaming machine.

23. The electronic gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the displayed instructions are shown on the display.

24. The electronic gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the processor is further caused to refund unwagered credits in response to a refund request, the refund request originating from a received text message designating the electronic gaming machine.