Method for crediting a player of an electronic gaming device
US6371852B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/3239
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer. The casino creates a player account accessible by the host computer. The account can accrue both player-tracking points and account credits. Account credits are applied to a player's account as sign-up incentive, bonus award or other player incentive. When the player inserts his or her card in a card reader at one of the gaming devices, the player has access to the account points and credits. When playing with account credits, the account is debited in the amount of the wager responsive to each game played. The credit meter is simultaneously credited, also in the amount of the wager, thereby effectively providing the player with a free game. In a related implementation, the player can convert account points to account credits thereby redeeming player-tracking points at the machine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.