Method and apparatus for playing a gaming machine with a secured audio channel

Abstract

An apparatus, method and system for providing substantially isolated sound from a game unit to a user of the game unit. The game unit includes an audio output element that is configured to an audio headset. The game unit includes a central processing unit (CPU), at least one display element, an audio card in communication with the CPU, and an audio output element in communication with the audio output element. The CPU of the game unit is configured to effect play of a game, video signals of which are shown on the at least one display element and audio signals of which are communicated to the audio card and video output element. The audio output element is configured to provide substantially isolated and secure sound to a headset in communication with the audio output element and worn by a user of the game unit.

1 . A game unit comprising: 
 at least one central processing unit configured to effect play of a game;    at least one display in communication with said at least one central processing unit;    at least one audio card in communication with said at least one game unit; and    an audio output element in communication with said at least one audio card, said audio output element configured to provide a user of the game unit with sound substantially isolated from ambient sound of an environment in which the game unit is located.    
   
   
       2 . A method of conducting a game of chance on a game unit, comprising: 
 providing a user of the game unit with an audio headset; and    transmitting at least one audio signal from the game unit to said audio headset during play of at least one game of chance on the game unit.    
   
   
       3 . A gaming system comprising: 
 a central controller;    a plurality of game units in communication with said central controller, each game unit of said plurality of game units configured to effect play of a game and comprising: 
 at least one central processing unit; 
 at least one display, said at least one display in communication with said at least one central processing unit and configured to display at least a portion of said game;  
 an audio card in communication with said central processing unit; and  
 an audio output element in communication with said audio card, said audio output element configured to provide a user of the game unit with sound substantially isolated from ambient sound in an environment in which the game unit is located.