Gaming machine having additional features for tracked players

Abstract

A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a value input device for receiving a wager from a player and at least one processor for executing gameplay on the gaming machine. The gaming machine further comprises a player information reader and a player tracking device detector operative to detect and signal the processor regarding the presence of a player tracking device in communication with the player information reader. The processor is operative to execute a modified portion of gameplay in response to the signal received from the detector.

1 . A gaming machine comprising: 
 a value input device for receiving a wager from a player;    a processor for executing a wagering game on the gaming machine;    a player information reader; and    a player tracking device detector operative to detect and signal the processor regarding the presence of a player tracking device in communication with the player information reader, the processor operative to customize at least one feature of the wagering game.    
   
   
       2 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the player tracking device is casino issued card bearing a magnetic stripe.  
   
   
       3 . The gaming machine of  claim 2 , wherein the player information reader is a magnetic stripe card reader in communication with a casino player tracking system.  
   
   
       4 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the feature is an audio feature.  
   
   
       5 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the feature includes symbols, graphics, downloaded images, image sizes, font sizes, speed, colors, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       6 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the player tracking device is operative to detect and signal the processor regarding a class of the player.  
   
   
       7 . The gaming machine of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one feature is associated with the class of the player.  
   
   
       8 . A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the method comprising: 
 receiving a wager from a player of the gaming machine;    providing a processor for executing a wagering game on the gaming machine;    detecting and signaling the processor regarding the presence of a player tracking device in communication with a player information reader of the gaming machine; and    in response to the detection, providing the player with at least one information improvement.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the information improvement includes audio advice, video advice, an advisor, a help screen, an assistant, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the information improvement includes a preview of an upcoming feature, a preview of an upcoming game, permitting the player to play unreleased games, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the information improvement includes game history information, casino information, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising detecting and signaling the processor regarding a class of the player.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the information improvement is associated with the class of the player.  
   
   
       14 . A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions for directing a gaming device to perform the method of  claim 8 .  
   
   
       15 . A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the method comprising: 
 receiving a wager from a player of the gaming machine;    providing a processor for executing a wagering game on the gaming machine;    receiving and detecting a player tracking card in a player information reader;    identifying a class of the player; and    modifying at least a portion of the wagering game based on the class of the player.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the player information reader is in communication with a casino player tracking system.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the class of the player is based on criteria including wager amounts, frequency of visits, length of play, loyalty to operator, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       18 . The method  claim 15 , further comprising the acts of awarding the player casino sponsored complimentary services utilizing a casino player tracking system, and displaying such award on either the gaming machine or another display in communication with casino player tracking system.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the act of modifying at least a portion of the wagering game comprises providing the player with at least one of a gameplay improvement, an information improvement, a customization improvement, an environmental improvement, or a gameplay variation.  
   
   
       20 . A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions for directing a gaming device to perform the method of  claim 15.