Gaming machine candle system and method

Abstract

A gaming machine system and associated method are provided for operating a gaming machine candle. Initially, a status of a gaming machine is identified. Such status relates to an aspect of gaming such as a jurisdictional requirement, a cashless gaming mode, and/or an enhanced entertainment experience mode. In use, a gaming machine candle of the gaming machine is operated, based on the status. To this end, the status of the gaming machine is indicated by the gaming machine candle. Another gaming machine system and associated method are included for providing a networked gaming machine candle system. Included is a plurality of gaming machines each with at least one candle mounted thereon. Further included is a network in communication with the gaming machines. In use, a status of the candle is monitored and/or controlled via the network. Yet another gaming machine system and associated method are provided. Included is a gaming machine with at least one candle mounted thereon. Such candle includes at least one light emitting diode.

1 . A method for operating a gaming machine candle, comprising: 
 identifying a status of a gaming machine relating to an aspect of gaming selected from the group consisting of a jurisdictional requirement, a cashless gaming mode, and an enhanced entertainment experience mode; and    operating a gaming machine candle of the gaming machine based on the status;    wherein the status of the gaming machine is indicated by the gaming machine candle.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine includes an electronic gaming machine.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the status of the gaming machine is identified utilizing a local controller.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the local controller locally adjusts the status of the gaming machine.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the status of the gaming machine is identified utilizing a server computer.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the server computer is utilized for adjusting the status of the gaming machine via a network.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine candle is capable of displaying different indicators.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the status is indicated utilizing one of a plurality of different indicators.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the different indicators include lights.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the different indicators include colors.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the status of the gaming machine includes a mode of use in which the gaming machine is operating.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a multi-player play mode is indicated by a color of the gaming machine candle.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine candle is vertically mounted to an apex of a secondary gaming machine of the gaming machine.  
   
   
       14 . A networked gaming machine candle system, comprising: 
 a plurality of gaming machines each including at least one candle mounted thereon;    a network in communication with the gaming machines;    wherein a status of the candle is at least one of monitored and controlled via the network.    
   
   
       15 . The networked gaming machine candle system of  claim 14 , wherein the network utilizes a wireless transport medium.  
   
   
       16 . The networked gaming machine candle system of  claim 4 , wherein the network utilizes a fiber optic cable transport medium.  
   
   
       17 . The networked gaming machine candle system of  claim 14 , wherein controlling the status of the candle includes initiating a sequential candle firing.  
   
   
       18 . The networked gaming machine candle system of  claim 14 , wherein the sequential candle firing is initiated by a server computer.  
   
   
       19 . The networked gaming machine candle system of  claim 14 , wherein monitoring the status of the candle includes communicating failure of the candle to a server computer for initiating repair of the candle.  
   
   
       20 . A gaming machine candle system, comprising: 
 a gaming machines including at least one candle mounted thereon;    wherein the candle includes at least one light emitting diode.