Video gaming machine for casino games

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for the play of casino games. Casino games are played on a gaming machine that includes a processor and at least one video camera for detecting images of the user and a remote controlled electronic lock. A reader associated with the gaming machine detects a transponder circuit containing encoded user information. Using the detected information, the gaming machine may be used to play casino games or, if the user is authorized to gain access to the interior of the gaming machine, the electronic lock is activated to permit access to the interior of the cabinet. The decision to provide access is made at a casino server. If unauthorized play or access is detected, video images are transmitted by the casino server to wireless Internet cellular telephones so that security personnel can identify the individual attempting the unauthorized play or access.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A system for playing a casino game comprising: 
 a communication network;    a cabinet having processor, a user interface for initiating and controlling the play of a game of chance, a display, means for establishing a stake for the player, a reader for receiving information specific to a user and a network interface for establishing a network connection over said communication network;    a casino server coupled to said processor by said communication network, said casino server adapted to maintain an account for the user while said user is playing said casino game; and    means for securing said cabinet, said securing means including a reader for receiving a request by said user for access to the interior of said cabinet; said means for securing coupled to said processor so that in response to an access request, information regarding the identity of said person is transmitted to said casino server over said communication network so as to selectively enable remote determination whether access is authorized.    
     
     
         2 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a first video camera, coupled to said securing means and said processor, for generating an image of said user in response to receipt of said request.  
 
     
     
         3 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a non-contact reader adapted to detect information regarding said user; and  
 means for acquiring authenticating information from said user.  
 
     
     
         4 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 3  wherein said information is maintained on an RFID device, said RFID device comprising a transponder circuit encoded with information corresponding to said user.  
     
     
         5 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 3  wherein said authenticating information comprises biometrics information.  
     
     
         6 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 3  wherein said casino server is adapted to detect when said user is a casino employee authorized to gain access to the interior of said cabinet.  
     
     
         7 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 5  wherein said casino server is adapted to maintain a log file of each access to the interior of said cabinet, said log file including the identification of said employee, the time of access and the duration of access.  
     
     
         8 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 7  further comprising means for generating an alarm and for transmitting a video image of said person attempting to gain access to the interior of said cabinet to at least one wireless display unit.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein said wireless display unit comprises a cellular phone.  
     
     
         10 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 2  further comprising means for generating an alarm and for transmitting a video image of said person attempting to gain access to the interior of said cabinet to at least one wireless display unit.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein said wireless display unit comprises a portable Internet cellular phone.  
     
     
         12 . The system for playing a casino game of  claim 10  wherein said casino server is adapted to maintain a log file of all access to the cabinet including the identification of said user, the time of access and the duration of access.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said reader comprises a security access controller that detects information encoded on an RFID circuit when said RFID circuit is positioned proximate to said security access controller.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  further comprising an electronic lock controlled by said security access controller.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said security access controller requires authorized information from said RFID circuit and authorization from said casino server before activating said electronic lock.  
     
     
         16 . A method for controlling access to the interior of a gaming machine and for initiating play of a casino game at said gaming machine comprising the steps of: 
 A) detecting the presence of a person at said gaming machine;    B) if said person is a player, establishing a stake for said player;    C) initializing the play of said casino game;    D) maintaining a log file containing information regarding the play of said player;    E) monitoring the play of said player for alarm conditions; and    H) repeating steps A-E until said player terminates play at said gaming machine.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising the steps of: 
 I) if, in response to step A, it is determined that said person is authorized to gain access to the interior of said gaming machine, requesting authorization to provide such access;  
 J) if said authorization is granted, providing access to the interior of said gaming machine;  
 K) maintaining a log file containing information regarding the person and the duration of said access;  
 L) monitoring the gaming machine for a plurality of alarm conditions;  
 M) initiating a request for security response if at least one of said plurality of alarm conditions is detected; and  
 N) terminating access to the interior of said gaming machine.  
 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising the step of transmitting a video signal of the person attempting to access said gaming machine to a wireless portable device with video display.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said determining step comprises the steps of: 
 O) acquiring information from a transponder circuit containing encoded information regarding the person attempting to access the interior of the gaming machine; and  
 P) verifying that the encoded information corresponds to previously acquired biometric information.  
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said verifying step is performed by a casino server.