Gaming smart card

Abstract

A system has been developed which employs a Smart Card which is approximately the size and shape of an ordinary credit card that an individual can carry in their wallet. It contains a Smart Card chip or similar information storage device which contains information by which the person may be identified. It also contains financial information so the user can make purchases and receive credits. Wireless technologies are employed to provide communication between the Smart Card and a card reader. This card can be used in place of chips or coins in casinos and for on-line wagering.

1 . A gaming system comprising:
 an account card, said account card storing personal information and biometric data of an individual;   an input device, said input device including a card reader for receiving said account card and accessing said personal information and said biometric data on said account card, said input device also including a biometric reader for receiving biometric data from an individual; and   means associated with said account card for comparing said biometric data stored on said account card with said biometric data entered into said input device to determine if access to said personal information on said account card should be granted.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said personal information includes complimentary amenities. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said gaming unit is at least one of a slot, roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat, caribbean-poker, video poker, bingo, lottery, keno, fantasy sports game, and wireless gaming device. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said personal information includes access to a financial institution whereby said individual can use said account card to gain access to an authorized account to purchase items or pay for services. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said personal information is a combination selected from the group consisting of an authorization number used to approve play at said gaming unit, a Personal Identification Number, a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the account card, player identification information, player tracking information, a encrypted combination used by a door access device to unlock a door, complimentary amenities, an authorization number that is used to authorize wireless gaming, an authorization number that is used to authorize sports wagering, an authorization number that is used to authorize fantasy sports wagering. 
   
   
       6 . In a gaming system comprising, a method of providing access to a gaming device, said method comprising:
 establishing communications with said gaming device utilizing an account card, said account card storing personal information and biometric data of an individual;   accessing said personal information and said biometric data on said account card utilizing an input device, said input device including a card reader for receiving said account card and accessing said personal information and said biometric data on said account card, said input device also including a biometric reader for accessing biometric data from an individual; and   comparing said biometric data stored on said account card with said biometric data entered into said input device utilizing means on said account card to determine if access to said personal information on said account card should be granted.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , including placing complimentary amenities in said personal information. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said gaming unit is at least one of a slot, roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat, Caribbean poker, video poker, bingo, lottery, keno, fantasy sports game, and wireless gaming device. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6 , including providing access to a financial institution whereby said individual can use said account card to access an authorized account to purchase items or pay for services. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said personal information is a combination selected from the group consisting of an authorization number used to approve play at said gaming unit, a Personal Identification Number, a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the account card, player identification information, player tracking information, a encrypted combination used by a door access device to unlock a door, complimentary amenities, an authorization number that is used to authorize wireless gaming, an authorization number that is used to authorize sports wagering, an authorization number that is used to authorize fantasy sports wagering. 
   
   
       11 . A method of issuing an authentication instrument for granting gaming privileges comprising:
 establishing communications with a gaming device utilizing an authentication instrument, said authentication instrument storing personal information and biometric data of an individual;   accessing said personal information and said biometric data on said authentication instrument utilizing an input device, said input device including a card reader for receiving said authentication instrument and accessing said personal information and said biometric data on said authentication instrument, said input device also including a biometric reader for accessing biometric data from an individual; and   comparing said biometric data stored on said authentication instrument with said biometric data entered into said input device utilizing means on said authentication instrument to determine if access to said personal information on said account card should be granted.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  including utilizing said authentication instrument to gain access to a locked door. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , including configuring said authentication instrument to grant specific gaming privileges. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , including placing complimentary amenities in said personal information. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said gaming device is at least one of a slot, roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat, caribbean poker, video poker, bingo, lottery, keno, fantasy sports game, and wireless gaming device. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , including providing access to a financial institution whereby said individual can use said account card to access an authorized account to purchase items or pay for services. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said personal information is a combination selected from the group consisting of an authorization number used to approve play at said gaming unit, a Personal Identification Number, a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the account card, player identification information, player tracking
 information, a encrypted combination used by a door access device to unlock a door, complimentary amenities, an authorization number that is used to authorize wireless gaming, an authorization number that is used to authorize sports wagering, an authorization number that is used to authorize fantasy sports wagering.