Sentinel/guard for protecting a predefined gaming area

Abstract

Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for monitoring and authorizing communication and activity in a gaming environment. Certain embodiments provide a system for electronic gaming and monitoring. The system includes an electronic gaming chip capable of being activated or inactivated based at least in part on a command received at the chip. The chip stores value and identification information and provides the value and identification information when authorized as activated. The system further includes a sentinel monitoring communication in a certain monitored area and authorizing activation and use of the chip based on the identification information. Additionally, the system includes a table intelligence facilitating game play using the chip based on authorized received from the sentinel.

1 . A system for electronic gaming and monitoring, said system comprising:
 an electronic gaming chip capable of being activated or inactivated based at least in part on a command received at said chip, said chip storing value and identification information and providing said value and identification information when authorized as activated;   a sentinel monitoring communication in a certain monitored area and authorizing activation and use of said chip based on said identification information; and   a table intelligence facilitating game play using said chip based on authorized received from said sentinel.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a database including chip identification information for use by the sentinel in verifying and authorizing the chip. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a portable gaming table providing mobile game play to a user, said portable gaming table storing identification information and providing said identification information for mobile game play when authorized by said sentinel. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said chip comprises a morphable chip including a processor, a memory, and a morphable surface having at least one alterable characteristic. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sentinel turns said chip on within said monitored area and off when said chip leaves said monitored area. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said sentinel turns said portable gaming table on within said monitored area and off when said portable gaming table leaves said monitored area. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sentinel blocks data transmissions entering said monitored area that originate outside of said monitored area. 
     
     
         8 . A method for monitoring and authorizing electronic transmissions in a gaming environment including at least one electronic gaming chip, at least one sentinel adapted to monitor and authorize communication in a monitored area of the gaming environment, and at least one table intelligence adapted to facilitate game play using the at least one electronic gaming chip, said method comprising:
 monitoring communication in a certain monitored area;   receiving an identification signal from an electronic gaming chip at a sentinel, said identification signal comprising value and identification information for said electronic gaming chip;   identifying said electronic gaming chip based on said identification information;   verifying said value for said electronic gaming chip;   authorizing activation and use of said electronic gaming chip for game play with a table intelligence.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said authorizing step turns said chip on within said monitored area and off when said chip leaves said monitored area. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising blocking data transmissions entering said monitored area that originate outside of said monitored area. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising updating said value associated with said chip based on authorization from said sentinel. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 receiving a communication from said electronic gaming chip at said table intelligence; and   transmitting, from said table intelligence, a request for identification and authorization of said electronic gaming chip by said sentinel.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising authorizing, by said sentinel, activation of a portable gaming table providing mobile game play to a user in conjunction with said table intelligence, said portable gaming table storing identification information and providing said identification information for mobile game play when authorized by said sentinel. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said sentinel turns said portable gaming table on within said monitored area and off when said portable gaming table leaves said monitored area. 
     
     
         15 . A system for monitoring and regulating electronic devices in a gaming environment, said system comprising:
 a sentinel including a processor, a memory, a transmitter and a receiver, said sentinel adapted to 1) monitor communication in a certain area of the gaming environment; 2) identify an electronic gaming device based on identification information included in a received identification signal; and 3) authorize activation and use of said electronic gaming device based on said identification information, said sentinel generating an authorization signal to enable said activation and use.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said sentinel comprises an electronic gaming chip. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said sentinel comprises an electronic, portable gaming tablet. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the transmitter and receiver of said sentinel are combined as a transceiver. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of sentinels. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising a cage computer in communication with said sentinel, said cage computer including a database having identification information for use in identifying said electronic gaming device. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising a remote computer in communication with said sentinel, said remote computer including a database having identification information for use in identifying said electronic gaming device. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said certain area of the gaming environment comprises a casino gaining area. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said certain area of the gaming environment comprises at least one of a poolside area and a dining area. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said sentinel generates at least one of a field and a signal to interfere with unauthorized transmissions in said certain area.