Player communication options in a gaming machine

Abstract

A plurality of electronic gaming machines (EGMS) are connected within a network. Each gaming machine is provided with a communication system that allows the player to communicate any information to another player or to a casino representative. The player, while at the gaming machine, selects a communication option via a touch screen monitor and then enters a command or message via a keyboard or buttons. The communications network routes the player's message to a particular receiver address stored in a memory. The player may also communicate verbally using a microphone built into the gaming machine.

1 - 6 . (canceled)  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the information comprises a voice communication from the first player to the second player via a microphone in the first gaming machine.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising receiving by the first gaming machine a response from the second player entering a response into the second gaming machine.  
   
   
       9 . A method performed by at least one of a plurality of gaming machines connected to a network comprising: 
 displaying to a player, playing a first gaming machine, communication options for allowing the player to select one of a plurality of communication options for communicating personal information to a second person via the network, the communications options including ordering personal services, providing player comments to casino personnel about the game played on the gaming machine, and communications with another current player playing a second gaming machine;    receiving, by the first gaming machine, the player's personal information to be transmitted to the second person, the personal information being entered by the player; and    transmitting, by the first gaming machine, the personal information to the second person.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the step of receiving comprises receiving via a touch screen input by the player the player's personal information to be transmitted to the second person.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the touch screen input comprises a keyboard icon wherein the player touches keys to enter the personal information.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising receiving from the player the identity of a particular second person to be transmitted the persona information.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein, in response to the player identifying a particular second person, an address of a second gaming machine is generated associated with that particular second person, and the first gaming machine transmits the personal information to the second gaming machine.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the personal information is a request for a particular service.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the particular service comprises reservations for an event.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the personal information comprises a message for delivery to the second person.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the personal information comprises a voice communication from the player to the second person via a microphone in the first gaming machine.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 9  wherein transmitting the personal information to the second person comprises placing a telephone call to the second person.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising paying for a communication option using credits stored in the first gaming machine.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising receiving by the first gaming machine a response by the second person.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising receiving by the first gaming machine a request by the player to be matched with another person.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising automatically matching the player to another person based on criteria entered by the player.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein transmitting, by the first gaming machine, the personal information to the second person comprises transmitting personal information from the player to a person matched to the player based on criteria entered by the player.  
   
   
       24 . A gaming machine for connection to a network comprising: 
 a display for displaying a game of chance to a first player of a first gaming machine, wherein the first gaming machine is connected to a network;    a processing system for carrying out the following method: 
 displaying to the first player, playing the first gaming machine, communication options for allowing the first player to communicate personal information to an unknown second player via the network;  
 receiving by the first gaming machine a request by the first player to be matched with an unknown second player;  
 receiving by the first gaming machine personal information from the first player for being matched with personal information from the second player;  
 automatically matching the first player to the second player based on criteria entered by the player; and  
 identifying to the first player an identity of a gaming machine played by the second player who was matched with the first player.  
   
   
   
       25 . A method performed by a gaming system including at least one of a plurality of gaming machines connected to a network comprising: 
 displaying to a first player, playing a first gaming machine, communication options for allowing the first player to communicate personal information to an unknown second player via the network;    receiving by the first gaming machine a request by the first player to be matched with an unknown second player,    receiving by the first gaming machine personal information from the first player for being matched with personal information from the second player;    automatically matching the first player to the second player based on criteria entered by the player; and    identifying to the first player an identity of a gaming machine played by the second player who was matched with the first player.    
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein automatically matching the first player to the second player based on criteria entered by the player is for the purpose of dating.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 25  wherein automatically matching the first player to the second player based on criteria entered by the player is for the purpose of participation in an event.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising providing messaging between the first player and the second player after being matched.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising providing voice communication between the gaming machines played by the first player and the second player after being matched.