System and method for tracking and rewarding gamblers based on relative wagering characteristics

Abstract

A gambler reward system wherein gamblers in a casino can use their comp card to be ranked by play data relative to other gamblers in the casino (or connected properties). Gamblers who rank the highest can be identified and can be given rewards. A rank can be determined by many characteristics, such as the number of comp points earned or the amount won.

1 . A method for rewarding gamblers, the method comprising: 
 receiving, from a gambler, cash wagers each of which can either be instantly lost or else result in an immediate cash award;    ranking the gambler with other gamblers based on at least one characteristic or outcome of the gambler's cash wagers to produce a list of ranks; and    giving a reward to a top ranked gambler on the list of ranks.    
   
   
       2 . The method recited in  claim 1 , further comprising identifying a gambler to a casino system by receiving the gambler's comp card in a comp card reader associated with a slot machine, prior to receiving the cash wagers.  
   
   
       3 . The method recited in  claim 1 , wherein the characteristic comprises comp points the gambler has earned.  
   
   
       4 . The method recited in  claim 1 , wherein the characteristic comprises a biggest jackpot the gambler has won.  
   
   
       5 . The method recited in  claim 1 , wherein the characteristic comprises a total net win for the gambler.  
   
   
       6 . The method recited in  claim 1 , wherein the characteristic comprises a total wager amount wagered by the gambler.  
   
   
       7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising displaying a result of the ranking on an output device in a casino.  
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the displaying is updated in real time.  
   
   
       9 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 associating the gambler with a group of competitors,    wherein the ranking is limited to be among other gamblers of the group.    
   
   
       10 . A method for rewarding gamblers, the method comprising: 
 communicating to a casino a group of gamblers;    determining that a gambler is a member of the group by using information on the gambler's comp card which is inserted in a comp card reader;    ranking the gambler among the group of gamblers according to respective play data; and    rewarding reward(s) based on the ranking.    
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 displaying a result of the ranking on an output device on a casino floor.    
   
   
       12 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the play data used for the ranking comprises each gambler's net win.  
   
   
       13 . A method for rewarding gamblers, the method comprising: 
 allowing two or more gamblers to compete against each other in two or more games of bingo;    ranking the gamblers based on at least one characteristic of each gambler's play data to produce a list of ranks; and    giving a reward to a gambler on the list of ranks.    
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising displaying the list of ranks.  
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the characteristic is each gambler's total winnings.  
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the characteristic is each gambler's smallest number of drawn balls to make bingo.  
   
   
       17 . A method for rewarding gamblers, the method comprising: 
 receiving, from a gambler, cash wagers on two or more wagering propositions with associated potential cash awards;    ranking the gambler with other gamblers based on at least one characteristic or outcome of the gambler's cash wagers to produce a list of ranks; and    giving a reward to a gambler on the list of ranks.    
   
   
       18 . The method recited in  claim 17 , wherein the at least one characteristic comprises comp points the gambler has earned.  
   
   
       19 . The method recited in  claim 17 , wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a total net win the gambler has won.  
   
   
       20 . The method recited in  claim 17 , wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a biggest jackpot the gambler has won.