Patent Application
20240303731
The present invention relates to method for processing casino markers and other forms of casino credit.
Casinos often advance credit to players for use by the players in making game wagers. Two common forms of credit are known as rim credit and markers. Traditionally, the issuance of markers and rim credit has been a manual process, such as by creating paper records associated therewith. This process is cumbersome and time consuming, and also complicates tracking of such credit by the casino.
An improved method for processing casino markers and other forms of casino credit is desired.
Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods for processing casino credit, such as markers and rim credit, such as facilitating the generation, issuance, tracking and processing of such credit and associated instruments, and exchanging or transferring information between devices and/or systems as part of such generation, issuance, tracking and processing. Additional aspects of the invention comprise systems and methods for automating player rating and player bet tracking.
In one embodiment, a system for electronically processing casino player rim credit comprises a mobile attendant device and a processing server. The mobile attendant device may comprise a processor configured to execute machine readable code, a memory, a display device, at least one user input device and machine-readable code stored in said memory. The processing server may comprise a processor configured to execute machine readable code, a memory, a communication interface, and machine readable code stored in said memory said executable by said processor. The machine readable code of the mobile attendant device may be configured to cause the processor thereof to receive input of rim identification information comprising a designation of a player, a game location and an amount of rim credit provided to the player. The machine readable code of the processing server may be configured to, in response to receiving the rim identification information from the mobile attendant device, cause the processor thereof to generate an electronic rim credit record and transmit information regarding the rim credit record to the mobile attendant device, the information regarding the rim credit record comprising at least a rim credit record identifier, information identifying the player, and the amount of the rim credit.
The system may be configured to facilitate transfer of a player rim credit, such as from one location (such as one gaming table) to another. The system may also be configured to receive information regarding payments against a player's rim credit.
In one embodiment, the system is configured to electronically generate one or more markers. In one embodiment, an electronic marker is created. Funds associated with the marker may be used to pay outstanding amounts associated with a player's rim credit.
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods for processing casino credit, such as markers and rim credit, such as facilitating the generation, issuance, tracking and processing of such credit and associated instruments, and exchanging or transferring information between devices and/or systems as part of such generation, issuance, tracking and processing. Additional aspects of the invention comprise systems and methods for automating player rating and player bet tracking.
One embodiment of a system 20 of the invention is illustrated in
The system 20 may include a plurality of gaming devices, such as one or more gaming tables 22. The system 20 may also include other types of gaming devices such as gaming machines 24 (slot machines, video poker machines, etc.) at which one or more games, and preferably wager-based games which offer a player the opportunity for winnings, are presented. In the case of the gaming tables 22, a player may place wagers with one or more monetary value chips and may be paid winnings in the form of chips (or other value or representations of value, such as printed value tickets). Such players may desire to cash out those chips by turning them in for their monetary value (in currency/coins or equivalent funds to their financial account). In electronic table implementations, the gaming tables 22 may be configured to accept electronic monetary value credits for wagering, such as from a player balance of credits. Likewise, the gaming machines 24 might accept wagers in various formats, such in the form of monetary value credits from a credit balance associated with the machine 24, which credit balance might be funded from currency or a value ticket provided to the gaming machine 24, from funds electronically transferred to the gaming machine 24, etc. The system 20 may include a variety of other features, such as a sports book or e-sports venue for accepting sports-related wagers and presenting e-sports wagering events, or a variety of other gaming devices, whether configured to present games which are primarily based upon chance, skill or have components of both.
The system 20 may include a wide variety of other features or elements. For example, the system 20 may include at least one first sub-system 30 (or similar computing devices). Such a sub-system 30 may comprise one or more casino systems (whether operated by the casino or a vendor). As disclosed below, such systems may comprise an accounting system, player tracking system, a casino credit system (such as the casino credit system operated by Casino Credit, LLC, a subsidiary of Everi Payments Inc., of Las Vegas, NV) or the like.
The first sub-system 30 may include at least one first server 26 which comprises one or more processors or controllers, at least one communication device or interface, a database or other data storage device 34, and one or more additional memory or data storage devices (such as separate from the database). In one or more embodiments, the processor(s) is configured to execute one or more instructions, such as in the form of machine readable code (i.e. “software”), to allow the first server 26 to perform various functionality. The software is preferably non-transitory, such as by being fixed in a tangible medium. For example, the software may be stored in the one or more memory devices. One or more of the memory devices may be read-only. In addition, the software may be stored on a removable medium in some embodiments. In general, the one or more memory devices are used as temporary storage. For example, the one or more memory devices may be random access memory or cache memory used to temporarily store some user information and/or instructions for execution by the at least one processor.
The software may comprise one or more modules or blocks of machine-readable code. Each module may be configured to implement particular functionality when executed by the one or more processors, and the various modules may work together to provide overall integrated functionality. Of course, in certain embodiments, it is also possible for some of the functionality to be implemented as hardware, i.e. a processor or chip which is particularly designed to implement the functionality described herein.
In one embodiment, the first server 32 may include (or be linked communicatively at one or more times to) one or more input and/or output devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, video display or the like, whereby the processor may receive information from an operator or servicer of the first server 26 and/or output information thereto. This allows, for example, an operator of the first server 26 to interface with the first server 26 to upgrade, maintain, monitor it, etc. In other embodiments, an operator might interface with the first server 26 via a separate workstation or other device.
In one embodiment, the processor and other elements of the first server 26 may be linked and thus communicate over one or more communication buses. In this manner, for example, the processor may read/receive software from the memory for execution, receive inputs and provide outputs to the various I/O devices, receive information from or output information to external devices via the communication interface, etc. The one or more communication devices or interfaces permit the first server 26 to communicate with the gaming tables 22, gaming machines 24 and/or other gaming devices, and preferably external devices, networks, systems and the like.
The first sub-system 30 may, via the first server 26 (there may be a plurality of different servers which each implement different functionality) be configured to implement a variety of functionality.
In one embodiment, the first sub-system 30 may implement accounting functionality. The accounting functionality might include tracking of wagers made and winnings paid at the gaming machines 24, amounts wagered and won/lost at the gaming tables 22, amounts associated with monetary value tickets issued and redeemed, etc. In this regard, the first sub-system 30 may include other elements. For example, the casino might operate one or more cashier cages. These cages may be used to implement various functionality, such allowing players to cash chips for currency, allowing players to cash checks for chips, allowing players to associate funds (such as from a credit card, bank account or the like) with a wagering account, such as a sports wagering account, casino wagering account or the like. The accounting functionality may thus include tracking the amounts of casino chips issued and redeemed, checks cashed, and facilitating processing thereof, such as for presentment to a financial institution (via traditional presentment, ACH processing, batch digital processing, etc.). The cashier cage may include a cashier workstation, a monetary value dispensing mechanism and other elements.
The first sub-system 30 might also implement player tracking and rewards functionality, such as by generating and maintaining player account for individual players, tracking wagering and other activities of the players, and issuing awards to players based upon their activities, such as points or the like. For example, the first sub-system 30 may include a wagering system 32. Such a system 32 may be configured to facilitate the transfer of funds to the gaming tables 22, gaming machines 24 or other devices (such as from wagering accounts, etc.). The system 32 may also be configured to track activities at the gaming tables 22 and gaming machines 24 or other devices, such as amounts wagered by players and other game play information such as numbers of games played, game outcomes and the like. In this regard, the system 32 may communicate with the controller of each gaming machine 24 and various features of each gaming table 22, whether such is a table controller or individual table features, such as a card shuffler, card shoe, chip reading/tracking system etc.
The first sub-system 30 might implement central credit casino functionality, such as to accept credit applications for players, determine player credit-worthiness of players and determine whether to issue credit to the player and/or underwrite the credit, generate credit lines for players, track amounts of credits issued to players (and other information or actions, such as, but not limited to tracking high/last actions, derogatory status, tracking bank accounts/checks/returns of markers that have been converted to a check for presentment at financial institutions either physically/digitally/electronic transfers/processing, and implementing collection efforts for unpaid amounts).
Preferably, the system 20 also includes a second sub-system 40. In one embodiment, the second sub-system 40 and second server 42 are configured to implement marker (and/or as described below, other credit) processing functionality. The second sub-system 40 may thus be referred to as a marker processing system 40 and the second server 42 might be referred to as a marker server.
Once again, the second sub-system 40 may comprise a number of elements, such as at least one second server 42 and at least one second database 44. The second sub-system 40 may include other elements, such as one or more workstations and the like. The second server 42 once again preferably comprises a processor, a memory, machine-readable code associated with the memory and executable by the processor, and one or more communication interfaces.
In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the second server 42 may communicate with one or more of the gaming tables 22 or gaming machines 24, or at least features thereof. For example, as illustrated, the second server 42 may be configured to communicate with the wagering system 32 so as to obtain information thereof, such as game play/bet tracking information. In other configurations, the second server 42 might communicate directly with the gaming machine 24 or gaming tables 22 (again, such as to a table controller or individual table features such as a card shuffler, a card shoe, a chip tracking/reading system, signage for displaying game results, bonuses, pay tables or the like). The first sub-system 30 and the second sub-system 40 may also be communicatively linked, such as to permit communications between elements thereof, such as the first server 26 and the second server 42.
In one embodiment, the second sub-system 40 may include one or more portable or mobile processing devices 46. The portable processing devices 46 preferably comprise a processor, a memory, machine-readable code stored in the memory and executable by the processor, at least one display (such as an electronic video display), and at least one user input device, which features may be associated with a housing of the device. The portable processing device 46 preferably also comprises a communication interface, such as a wireless communication interface which allows the device to be portable and still communicate with the second server 42. The portable processing device 46 may be a special purpose device, or might comprise a general purpose computing device such as a tablet or similar device which is then provided with software for implementing the functionality described herein.
Various functionality that may be implemented by the second sub-system 40, including the second server 42, will be described first with reference to
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The use or user may also be permitted to conduct a search of the associated information, such as a search for a particular patron by name. For example, the user may select the “Locate Patron” button 104 (
As illustrated in
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Referring again to
Another embodiment of an interface is illustrated in
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, the user must capture the signature of the player in association with the marker. For example, as illustrated, the marker document may be displayed along with a signature area for electronically capturing a signature of the player. The signature might be provided, for example, by the player providing a signature input to a touch screen of the portable processing device 46, such as illustrated in
As illustrated in
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In a preferred embodiment, the amount of rim credit comprises an exact amount of the credit that was provided to the player, whereby true amounts of rim credit extended to players are known, and ensuring that associated later issued markers, cash and chips or order to reconcile with the amounts of rim credit extended. Further, if the rim credit is not paid back as required, the user may convert the rim credit to a marker, such as by the selecting the “new marker” feature described above.
In one embodiment, the system is configured to integrate or automate this buy down of a rim to a marker, wherein a new marker may be generated in a similar manner to the process described above. Once the new electronic marker is generated, the system is preferably configured to automatically update the rim within the system, such as by linking it to the newly generated marker and updating any outstanding rim balance for the player.
In one embodiment, the system may also automate the processing of rim cards when a gaming table is closed. For example, if a table is closed when there are one or more open rim credits for players at that table or a table moves to a new gaming day, the system may generate a notification or alert for the user. The system then allows the user to transfer the balance to another table or area (such as a casino zone, pit or high limit to low limit within the same pit, wherein the table or area has the same game theme), or transfer the balance to a new card when a gaming table moves to a new gaming day. The system may also identify and inform users of the approval status of each rim credit, including sign-off status of each rim credit. For example, if a rim credit has not been properly approved/signed-off (such as by a dealer and/or pit supervisor), the system may generate a notice or alert, thus ensuring compliance with that requirement.
A user might also select a report button, such as located in the main menu on the landing page, such as to cause the second sub-system 40 to cause the display (such as via the portable processing device 46) of an interface (such as on the portable processing device 46) which allows the user to select different reports and/or to cause the generation of certain reports, such as relating to markers or rim credits.
In one embodiment, selection of the Track button results in the display of one or more interfaces for displaying bet tracking information, such as live and/or historical betting information of patrons and/or for generating a player rating.
Referring to
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Selection of the “add player” feature preferably allows the user to add a player to the selected table, such as via the player lookup function described above.
Referring to
In general, the user utilizes the interfaces to enter betting information into the system for each player, e.g. implementing a “bet tracking” function electronically via the system. Most preferably, the system is configured to generate bet tracking reports from the entered bet information.
The interface may also allow a user to select a bet that was inputted erroneously for editing. As illustrated in
In one embodiment, the system may generate other reports. For example, the system may use the inputted bet information to generate bet track information relating to a particular card shoe (as indicated above, bet information may be input relative to a particular card shoe, and in the event of a shoe change, the user may select the “change shoe” feature so that a new shoe is selected, thereby associating sub-sets of bet information with particular shoes. Such information may allow a casino to see, for example, profitability on a per shoe basis. Similarly, information may be generated regarding a particular table or group of tables.
In one embodiment, in addition to being able to select and track patrons as indicated above, or separate therefrom, the system may be configured allow a user to directly add information pertinent to adding a ‘Manual Rating’. For example, upon selecting a particular player from the bet tracking interface, an interface such as that illustrated in
Of course the system and method may have other features. For example, the PWA or other software which implements the interfaces described above might implement various associated functionality, as the ability to lock the displayed interface into portrait or landscape orientation (even when the orientation of the associated device, such as the portable processing device 46, is changed), an auto portrait/landscape adjustment features, such as based on content of the displayed interface (i.e. full marker shown to patron so they can read the fine print and to mimic a real marker being presented), the ability to highlight or focus the frame of the screen to distinguish between a patron view vs. an employee user view, etc. For example, as illustrated in
As illustrated, various information may be displayed by the interfaces, including image information. The image information might comprise, for example, an image of a player (such as from their ID), such as illustrated in
Additional features and advantages of the invention will now be described.
In one embodiment, once a marker is created, information may be stored relative to that marker, such as in the database of the second sub-system 40. In one embodiment, when a patron's signature is obtained, it may be stored separately from the generated e-marker. Only if the player does not pay back or ‘redeem’ the marker in the required period of time may the player's signature be associated with the marker information. This increases the security of the player's information and the associated markers because the player's signature can be maintained in a secure location. If the marker needs to be finalized, such as for printing and presentation to a bank, etc., the player's captured e-signature may be associated with the e-marker.
In accordance with the invention, a process for generating, issuing, tracking and processing markers and other credit such as rim credit, is made purely electronic. Casino personnel no longer need to manually generate paper records for tracking markers or rim credits, and markers are no longer printed paper documents, and can instead print markers as needed (individually or in batch). This also allows the generating, issuance, tracking and processing of such credit (markers, rim credit or the like) to not only be expedited, but comes with increased security and fewer mistakes.
In some jurisdictions, such as the State of Nevada, a patron must sign a marker within a required time from when the marker is generated. The present invention expedites the rate at which a marker can be issued and presented to a player for acceptance and signature, increasing compliance (also, as indicated, specific information regarding the amount of time remaining to gain player acceptance and a signature on a marker may be displayed, helping ensure completion of this step of the process).
One advantage of the system and method is that marker and credit generation, processing and tracking can be made paperless. This has a number of related advantages. For example, once an electronic marker is created in the system, the processing of the marker can be facilitated by other casino personnel (other than the attendant) without having to physically transfer the markers to other departments. For example, stacks of printed markers no longer have to be delivered to a cashier station or the like. In one embodiment, information regarding an electronic marker can then also easily be transferred to entirely different systems, such as to a central credit casino system, AML system, etc.
Another advantage of the system and method wherein e-markers are generated is the ability to cross-share information between systems or features of systems. For example, in one embodiment as described above, a patron may seek credit by filling out a credit application which is processed by the first sub-system 30, such as a casino credit system thereof. During the credit application process, the patron may opt-in to use of electronic signatures. This “opt-in” may be transferred to the second sub-system 40, which thus allows the attendant to capture and use the patron's e-signature relative to the marker issuance process (such avoiding the need for the patron to make such an election at that time, speeding up the process).
Of course, other information may be cross-shared between the sub-systems 30,40. For example, a casino credit first sub-system 30 may transmit information regarding individual patrons, such as information regarding their credit line, to the second sub-system 40 (such as for display as part of the patron information display as in
As another example, the functionality of the system is integrated, such as by linking functionality implemented via different interfaces. As one example, an image of a e-marker may be displayed as a result of the process flow of generating the e-marker. However, as illustrated in
Another advantage of the system is that real-time information can be maintained regarding a patron and the status of their credit. For example, under current manual tracking systems, a patron might seek issuance of a line of credit at one gaming table and then move to another table and seek additional issuances or instances of credit, where the second amount of credit may go over the patron's credit line. The attendant who is processing the second request may not be aware of the first request. In accordance with the present invention, all requests for credit (including rim credit) for a patron are tracked and can be nearly instantaneously updated by the second sub-system 40.
Another aspect of the invention, and one that is particularly applicable to a system in which markers are electronically generated and processed as described above, is an automated method for marker redemption (which may be referred to as smart or intelligent marker redemption). For example, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the system 20, such as the second sub-system 40, is configured to settle a single marker or multiple markers in full or via partial marker redemption. In one embodiment, the method may comprise the following steps:
The system preferably then implements a payoff process which is based, at least in part, upon the amount of the payment in relation to the marker amount, wherein:
In one embodiment, the system may be configured to process a payment by a player who has multiple outstanding markers. Again, the attendant may locate the patron in the system and may input the amount of the payment being made. In this embodiment, the system may implement a payoff process which is based, at least in part, upon the amount of the payment in relation to the amounts or values of the multiple markers and an age or order of those markers, such as wherein:
In a preferred embodiment, the system is configured to apply the player's payment to or “redeem” the one or more markers in a default order. In some embodiments, however, an attendant might be permitted to override the payment order (for example, relative to multiple markers, the attendant might override the system and apply a player's payment to the newest marker).
As indicated above, in some embodiments, a player might make a payment electronically, such as via a kiosk or wallet application (e.g. without an attendant). In such configurations, the player may use the kiosk (such as which interfaces to the system 20, such as the second sub-system 40) or wallet to input a payment (such as from a wallet account, bank account, credit card, etc.). The system may then auto-apply the payment in the manner described above.
In one embodiment, the system is configured to update the status of each paid or redeemed marker in the system, including by updating the associated record thereof (and any image thereof might also be updated, such as to include a watermark of payment, etc.). Further, in a preferred embodiment, the system may be configured to generate and provide to the player a receipt confirming payment to the applicable one or more markers. The delivery of the receipt might be by printing the receipt, or electronically, such as by email or SMS (in some embodiments, the player may be provided with an email or SMS notification which allows the player to securely download the receipt, such as in PDF form, such as with PIN or other security elements). In other embodiments, the receipt might be made available to the player via their electronic wallet or other account, wherein the player may login and not only see the status of their one or more markers, but download and/or print information regarding those markers, such as payment receipts therefor).
In one embodiment, information regarding the redemption process, including information related thereto and inputs, may be displayed via one or more interfaces. For example, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, when a patron seeks credit or seeks a marker, a patron casino account, such as an e-wallet, may be created for the patron at the same time. This casino account or wallet may be used to track player funds, including funds provided by the patron and funds provided to the patron, as well as interface with external systems such as banking systems for transfers of funds between a patron's credit card or bank account and the wallet. In this embodiment, when a patron is granted credit via a marker, the funds may be associated with their wallet. The patron may then access funds from the wallet (including, for example, by seeking transfer of funds from the wallet to a gaming machine or to a table for conversion to chips, etc.). The patron may also then access their wallet to see the status of any markers issued to them, including information such as redemption deadlines and amounts, and may also transfer funds from their wallet to a marker, such as to pay it off.
The present invention may include other features, such as the ability of the patron to access and view, such as via a web-portal or application, real-time status of their markers. The present invention may also be configured to enable other features, such as other data analytics features and the ability to generate outputs (such as graphical displays) of such analytics. Such may comprise, for example, analytics relating to the markers by area (casino pit, casino table, zone, etc.), heatmaps and other features.
Currently, when a paper marker is paid off, it may be given back to the patron for destruction (and to ensure that the casino cannot cash/collect on it). In one embodiment, when an e-marker is paid off, the system may send a confirmation to the patron, such as a receipt or other confirmation by text, email or the like, thus ensuring that the patron has a record of the payment of the marker.
As indicated above, in one embodiment, the second sub-system 40 may link to a wagering or tracking system 32, or directly to the gaming tables 22, gaming machines 24 or the like, including features thereof. This allows the second sub-system 40 to gain information regarding player play. In one embodiment, this allows the second sub-system 40 to gain real-time accurate information regarding a player's play (amounts wagered, play strategy, amounts won/lost, etc.). This information might be used by the system, or as provided to the first sub-system 30 such as a credit system, to manipulate a player's credit line or the like. In other embodiments, the portable processing device 46 may be configured to display one or more interfaces which easily allow an attendant to input such information, such as by viewing play at a gaming table.
It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/751,438, filed May 23, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/195,509, filed Jun. 1, 2021, which prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63195509 | Jun 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17751438 | May 2022 | US |
| Child | 18617402 | US |
