Method of using non-monetary chattel in gaming machines

Abstract

The invention described herein includes a system for playing a game on a gaming machine using non-monetary chattel. The system includes a bank for storing, depositing, and withdrawing non-monetary chattel based upon play outcome on the gaming machine. The system also includes a mechanism for relaying data regarding the non-monetary chattel between the bank and the gaming machine; and redemption mechanism for converting the non-monetary chattel in the bank to an exchange medium.

1 . A system for playing a game on a gaming machine using non-monetary chattel, comprising: 
 a bank for storing, depositing, and withdrawing non-monetary chattel based upon play outcome on the gaming machine;    a mechanism for relaying data regarding the non-monetary chattel between the bank and the gaming machine; and    a converter for converting the non-monetary chattel in the bank to an exchange medium.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an activator for activating the gaming machine.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the converter converts the non-monetary chattel to points.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the activator comprises a credit card.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the activator comprises a frequent flyer card.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the activator comprises rewards based card.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the activator comprises a memory module.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the converter comprises a facility that enables the player to redeem non-monetary chattel for non-monetary chattel, cash or a combination of non-monetary chattel and cash.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the non-monetary chattel redeemed is the same type of non-monetary chattel as was deposited to initiate play.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the non-monetary chattel redeemed is different from the non-monetary chattel deposited to initiate play.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the non-monetary chattel is redeemed for cash.  
   
   
       12 . A method for playing a game on a gaming machine using non-monetary chattel, comprising: 
 depositing into a bank, a quantity of non-monetary chattel that enables the player to play the game on the gaming machine;    playing the game and including at least one wager comprising non-monetary chattel in the bank; and    converting non-monetary chattel to an exchange medium.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising activating the gaming machine with a card that includes data regarding an amount of non-monetary chattel that can be wagered.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the card is a credit card.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the card is a smart card.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the non-monetary chattel is redeemed for another type of non-monetary chattel.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the non-monetary chattel is redeemed for cash.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the non-monetary chattel is redeemed for a combination of cash and non-monetary chattel.  
   
   
       19 . A system for playing a game on a gaming machine using non-monetary chattel, comprising: 
 a computer readable storage medium storing quantitative information regarding non-monetary chattel; and    a bank for depositing and withdrawing non-monetary chattel from the computer readable storage medium, wherein deposits and withdrawals of non-monetary chattel are made based upon outcome of playing a game on a gaming machine.    
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , further comprising an activation mechanism that activates the gaming machine.  
   
   
       21 . A method for using non-monetary chattel to play a game on a gaming machine, comprising: 
 providing access to a computer readable storage medium storing non-monetary chattel information to a gaming establishment;    creating a balance of non-monetary chattel; and    setting a balance limit for the non-monetary chattel so that play on a gaming machine is stopped when the balance limit is met.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising providing a token, wherein the token stores identification information that associates a player to a balance of non-monetary currency.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the token further comprises a balance limit that deactivates the gaming machine when the limit is met.  
   
   
       24 . A system for playing a game on a gaming machine using non-monetary chattel, comprising: 
 a bank for storing, depositing, and withdrawing non-monetary chattel based upon play outcome on the gaming machine;    means for relaying data regarding the non-monetary chattel between the bank and the gaming machine; and    means for converting the non-monetary chattel in the bank to an exchange medium.