Gaming award notice system and method

Abstract

A wide area network that provides information with respect to casino properties and manufacturers including information with respect to awards, prizes, promotions, tournaments and the like to enable a player an independent source of information with respect to both different modes of entertainment that are available once one attends a casino property and the means by which an award, prize, etc. is to be pursued.

1 - A system for a player to call up and view casino related information, comprising: 
 (a) a display screen;    (b) a network in communication with said display screen;    (c) means for the player to log onto said network, said network configured to display at said screen a menu of options for the player including at least player status and a free play of a game of chance; and    (d) decision-making buttons for selection of an option by a player.    
   
   
       2 - The system of  claim 1 , wherein said network is configured to provide an award to a player of a free game where the free game results in a winning outcome.  
   
   
       3 - The system of  claim 1 , wherein said network is configured to display at said screen options of at least one of awards available for casino games, available gifts, and prizes, and further, wherein said network is configured to display additional information at said screen in response to a player's selection.  
   
   
       4 - The system of  claim 1 , wherein said network is configured to request a user identification number for the player to log onto the network.  
   
   
       5 - The system of  claim 1 , wherein said network is configured to display at said screen at least one player promotion.  
   
   
       6 - The system of  claim 1 , wherein said screen is a gaming device screen.  
   
   
       7 - The system of  claim 1 , wherein said network is configured to issue a gift or prize to the player after the player logs onto the network.  
   
   
       8 - The system of  claim 1 , wherein said display screen is a touch screen.  
   
   
       9 - The system of  claim 1 , wherein said network is configured to display at said screen prizes for purchase by a player.  
   
   
       10 - A system for a player to call up and view casino related information, comprising: 
 (a) a network;    (b) a gaming device in communication with said network;    (c) a touch screen display for a player to make selections;    (d) a log in device for the player to log onto said network, said network configured to display at said screen a menu of options for the player including at least player status and a free play of a game of chance, and further, wherein said network is configured to provide an award to a player of a free game where the free game results in a winning outcome.    
   
   
       11 - The system of  claim 10 , wherein said network and said gaming device are configured to download the award to said gaming device.  
   
   
       12 - A method for a player to interface with a gaming network, comprising: 
 (a) displaying at a touch screen display controlled by the network a menu of options for the player to select, said options including player status and player promotions;    (b) logging the player into the network; and    (c) the player selecting between said options by said touch screen.    
   
   
       13 - The method of  claim 12 , further comprising: displaying at said touch screen for selection by the player at least one of player status, player promotions, and a free game; playing the free game if selected by the player; and issuing an award to the player if the free game results in a winning outcome.  
   
   
       14 - The method of  claim 12 , further comprising issuing a gift or prize to the player when the player logs in.