Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage.

1 . A player services system for use by a player having a player identification instrument to select services and make gaming financial transactions, said system comprising: 
 a touch screen display positioned for viewing by a player;    an instrument reader configured to receive from the player a player identification instrument and to read the player identified instrument and facilitate access to a player account; and    a controller configured to control said touch screen display to display images (1) for selection by the player touching said touch screen display, (2) for the player to access the player account and (3) for selection by the player of a player-offered service.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the player services system is housed in a kiosk.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , and further including a kiosk; and wherein the player services system is housed in a location separate and apart from said kiosk.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a data structure storing data corresponding to a player account.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the touch screen display includes a keypad.  
   
   
       6 . An interface system interconnected within a gaming network, comprising: 
 a data structure defining a player account for storing data related to account information for a player account;    a player instrument for use to identify said player account and authorize access;    a device for reading said player instrument to generate identification data;    a touch screen display allowing a player to generate input data; and    a processor controlling said touch screen display to display said player account information in response to said input data and said account identification data, and to display at least one image for selection by the player touching said touch screen display.    
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said at least one image includes a keypad.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said at least one image includes a multimedia or full motion image.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said at least one image for selection via said touch screen display corresponds to a player service.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus for a player to interact with a wagering system in a gaming environment, said apparatus comprising: 
 a data structure;    a touch screen display; and    a processor to control the touch screen display to display real-time data corresponding to a player account and images defining player selections at said touch screen display for a player to interact with the wagering system.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said apparatus is a free-standing terminal.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said images include a keypad.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said images include at least one button.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said images include at least one menu.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the touch screen display and processor enable the player to perform at least one of a balance inquiry, a receipt of funds and a deposit of funds with respect to the player account.  
   
   
       16 . A method for a player to interact with a gaming system having a gaming system display, said method comprising: 
 providing a gaming account system having account information;    registering the player with said gaming account system;    providing real-time access by the player to said account information via a gaming system display; and    modifying said account information including inputting by said player at said gaming system display.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the step of modifying the account information includes at least one of a balance inquiry, a receipt of funds and a deposit of funds.