Gaming machine system and method

Abstract

A gaming machine system and associated method are provided involving a plurality of networked gaming machines. Each of the networked gaming machines is equipped with a display and/or a speaker for providing output, and a camera and/or a microphone for receiving input. In use, the communication devices are capable of being used by users of the gaming machines for two-way communication with at least one other party. Still yet, additional optional features are further described.

1 . A computer-implemented networked gaming machine system, comprising: 
 identifying a user of at least one gaming machine;    identifying at least one other party; and    allowing communication between the user and the at least one other party.    
     
     
         2 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , and further comprising identifying a status of the gaming machine relating to an aspect of gaming selected from the group consisting of a jurisdictional requirement, a cashless gaming mode, and an enhanced entertainment experience mode; and operating a gaming machine candle of the gaming machine based on the status; wherein the status of the gaming machine is indicated by the gaming machine candle.  
     
     
         3 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein further included is a plurality of the gaming machines each including at least one candle mounted thereon; a network in communication with the gaming machines; wherein a status of the candle is at least one of monitored and controlled via the network.  
     
     
         4 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein further included is a plurality of the gaming machines each including at least one candle mounted thereon; wherein the candle includes at least one light emitting diode.  
     
     
         5 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein further included is a plurality of the gaming machines each with a display and a speaker for providing output, and a camera and a microphone for receiving input; wherein the displays, speakers, cameras, and microphone are capable of being used by users of the gaming machines to communicate with at least one other party.  
     
     
         6 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein further included is a plurality of the gaming machines each with a display and a speaker for providing output, and a camera and a microphone for receiving input; wherein the displays, speakers, cameras, and microphone are capable of being used by users of the gaming machines to communicate with at least one other party.  
     
     
         7 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein further included is a plurality of the gaming machines each with at least one of a display and a speaker for providing output, and at least one of a camera and a microphone for receiving input; wherein the at least one of a display and a speaker, and the at least one of a camera and a microphone are capable of being used by users of the gaming machines for two-way communication with at least one other party.  
     
     
         8 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein further included is a plurality of the gaming machines, and a high-speed network, wherein the network couples the gaming machines in a daisy-chain configuration.  
     
     
         9 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein further included is a plurality of the gaming machines, and a high-speed network, wherein the network couples the gaming machines in a tapped configuration.  
     
     
         10 . A computer-implemented identification method for a gaming system, comprising: 
 receiving biometric information from a gaming machine user;    receiving personal identifier information or smart device information user;    reconciling the received biometric information, and the personal identifier information or smart device information; and    conditionally allowing a gaming transaction or use of the gaming machine based on the reconciliation.    
     
     
         11 . A centralized gaming system comprising: 
 a plurality of gaming clients each including a display and at least one input device; and    a centralized repository of computer processing units, each of the computer processing units connected to at least one of the game clients for executing a gaming application for play by a user utilizing the gaming client.    
     
     
         12 . A system as recited in  claim 11 , and further comprising logic for identifying a first user of a first gaming machine associated with a second user of a second gaming machine, and locating the first gaming machine for the second user of the second gaming machine.