Method and apparatus for scrip distribution and management permitting redistribution of issued scrip

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for transferring credits from one gaming device to another via the use of coded scrip is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of accepting a cash-out command in the gaming device, scanning a magnetically manifested code uniquely identifying a scrip stored in the gaming device, transmitting a cash-out message comprising the code to a remote processor having access to a database configured to store and retrieve codes from a plurality of gaming devices, receiving a scrip dispense message from the remote processor, and dispensing the scrip. The apparatus comprises a scrip storage unit, a scrip dispensing unit having a scrip transducer for reading and recording a magnetically manifested code on a scrip retrieved from the scrip storage unit, and a processor, communicatively coupled to the scrip transducer and a remote computer having access to a database for storing and retrieving code information from the plurality of gaming devices.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of providing at least one scrip from a gaming device, comprising the steps of: 
 accepting a cash-out command in the gaming device;    scanning a magnetically manifested code uniquely identifying a scrip stored in the gaming device;    transmitting a cash-out message comprising the code to a remote processor having access to a database for storing and retrieving codes from a plurality of gaming devices;    receiving a scrip dispense message from the remote processor; and    dispensing the scrip.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of accepting a cash-out command comprises the step of accepting a cash-out command from a remote processor.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of accepting a cash-out command comprises the step of accepting a cash-out command from a user playing the gaming device.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitted message comprising the code is encrypted by the gaming device according to a key accessible by the remote processor.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the scrip dispense message is encrypted by the remote processor according to a second key accessible to the gaming device.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetically manifested code is pre-coded.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the cash-out message further comprises a cash-out balance.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of: 
 accepting the dispensed scrip in a second gaming device;    scanning the magnetically manifested code on the dispensed scrip;    transmitting a cash-in message comprising the magnetically manifested code to the remote processor;    receiving a credit message indicating the cash-out balance;    storing the scrip in the second gaming device for scanning and redistribution by the second gaming device; and    providing a number of credits in accordance with the cash-out balance.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the steps of: 
 accepting a second cash-out command in the second gaming device;    scanning the magnetically manifested code on the stored dispensed scrip in the second gaming device;    transmitting a second cash-out message comprising the scanned magnetically manifested code to the remote processor;    receiving a second scrip dispense message from the remote processor in the second gaming device; and    dispensing the scrip from the second gaming device.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: 
 obtaining a code uniquely identifying the scrip in the gaming device; and    recording a magnetic manifestation of the code on the scrip.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of generating a code uniquely identifying the scrip in the gaming device comprises the steps of: 
 transmitting a code request message to the remote processor; and    receiving a message comprising the code from the remote processor.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the code is generated using a cash-out value received from the gaming device.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of generating a code uniquely identifying the scrip in the gaming device comprises the steps of: 
 generating the code in the gaming device.    
     
     
         14 . A device for use in transferring game credits among a plurality of gaming devices, comprising: 
 a scrip storage unit;    a scrip dispensing unit having a scrip transducer for reading and recording a magnetically manifested code on a scrip retrieved the scrip storage unit; and    a processor, communicatively coupled to the scrip transducer and a remote processor having access to a database for storing and retrieving code information from the plurality of gaming devices.    
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , further comprising a scrip acceptance unit having a second scrip transducer communicatively coupled to the processor, the second scrip transducer for reading a magnetically manifested code on a scrip dispensed by one of the gaming devices.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the scrip dispensing unit further comprises a scrip acceptance unit drive system for depositing the scrip dispensed by one of the gaming devices in the scrip storage unit.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the second scrip transducer includes a read head for erasing the magnetically manifested code before depositing the scrip in the scrip storage unit.