Gaming methods extending themes of play between scrip and gaming machines

Abstract

A scrip intended to support transactions with gaming machines that exhibit themes of play is printed with graphics that match the themes of play. The graphics are preferably high-quality images that generate interest in the scrip beyond its cash equivalence. The graphic patterns can be arranged in sets to encourage collection of the scrip or additional play.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method of relating themes of play exhibited by gaming machines to scrip dispensed from the machines for reflecting an outcome of the game comprising the steps of: 
 providing a gaming machine that exhibits a theme of play visible on the machine associated with a cultural experience independent of wagering;    loading the gaming machine with a scrip printed with a graphic pattern matching the theme of play of the gaming machine; and    arranging a printer within the gaming machine for printing an indicia of value on the scrip reflecting an outcome of the game.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  in which the graphic patterns are printed prior to said step of loading the gaming machine with scrip.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  in which the step of loading includes loading the gaming machine with scrip printed with a plurality of different graphic patterns matching the theme of play.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  including the further step of dispensing the scrip containing the plurality of different graphic patterns in a prescribed sequence.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  including a further step of arranging the gaming machine to accept scrip printed with the graphic pattern matching the machine's theme of play for credit.  
     
     
         6 . A method of enhancing a gaming experience comprising the steps of: 
 providing a scrip printed with a graphic pattern depicting a theme;    loading the scrip in a gaming machine that exhibits a theme of play visible on the machine matching the theme depicted by the graphic pattern printed on the scrip;    printing the scrip with a redeemable indicia of value related to the outcome of play; and    dispensing the scrip from the gaming machine at a conclusion of play to provide a player of the gaming machine with both the redeemable indicia of value and the graphic pattern for associating the scrip with the theme of play.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  in which the graphic pattern is printed by an in-line transfer printing technology.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  in which the graphic pattern is one of a set of different graphic patterns matching the theme of play.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  in which the step of dispensing includes dispensing the scrip with different graphic patterns in succession from the gaming machine.