Cashier generated voucher system and method

Abstract

Systems and methods for generating a voucher in exchange for cash from a patron for use with a gaming machine are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving an amount of cash or cash equivalent from a patron and depositing the amount in a patron account stored on a server. A voucher in the amount of the deposited cash is printed and the voucher can be redeemed by the patron and applied to the gaming machine for play. Each voucher printed may include a unique voucher number. The cashier generated voucher system enhances customer service by providing high limit players with the ability to use vouchers or tickets rather than needing to insert multiple bills into the gaming machines.

1 . A method for generating a voucher for use with a gaming machine, the method comprising:
 receiving an amount of currency from a patron;   depositing the currency in a patron account stored on a server; and   printing a voucher in an amount requested by the patron, wherein the voucher is redeemed by the patron and applied to a meter on the gaming machine.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein printing the voucher in the amount requested by the patron, one voucher is printed in the total amount of currency received from the patron. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein printing the voucher in the amount requested by the patron, multiple vouchers are printed in different denominations totaling the amount of currency received from the patron. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein printing the voucher in the amount requested by the patron, the amount requested by the patron is less than the amount of currency received from the patron. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising storing a balance in the patron account after printing the voucher in the amount requested by the patron. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising updating or creating a patron account. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a voucher number on the voucher, wherein the gaming machine reads the voucher number and verifies a status of the voucher. 
     
     
         8 . A method for generating a voucher for use with a gaming machine, the method comprising:
 receiving cash from a patron;   depositing the cash in a patron account stored on a server; and   printing a unique voucher in an amount equal to the cash deposited in the patron account;   wherein the unique voucher is a non-promotional, cashable voucher for use in gaming machines.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein printing a unique voucher, the unique voucher includes a voucher number. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising storing the voucher number and the amount of the voucher in the patron account. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising completing a deposit and withdrawal application before printing the unique voucher. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising receiving casino chips from the patron and depositing the value of the casino chips in the patron account. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising receiving checks or wire transfers from the patron and depositing the amount of the checks or wire transfers into the patron account. 
     
     
         14 . A cashier generating voucher system, comprising:
 a cashier terminal located on the floor of a casino, the cashier terminal processes a transaction for generating a voucher in exchange for cash from a casino patron, and the voucher includes a voucher amount and a voucher number;   a voucher server in communication via a network with the cashier terminal, the voucher server stores a voucher database including the voucher amount and the voucher number; and   a gaming machine in communication via the network with the voucher server, the gaming machine having a voucher reader slot for accepting and reading the voucher inserted by the patron, the gaming machine transmits the voucher information to the voucher server to verify the status of the voucher, and the voucher server transmits the status of the voucher to the gaming machine, wherein the value of the voucher is applied to a meter on the gaming machine if the status of the voucher is active.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the voucher server stores a patron account in the voucher database. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the cashier terminal is used to complete a deposit and withdrawal application stored on the voucher server when generating the voucher in exchange for cash from the patron. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the cashier terminal generates one voucher for the total amount of cash deposited by the patron. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the cashier terminal generates multiple vouchers with amounts totaling the amount of cash deposited by the patron. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising a printer in communication with the cashier terminal for printing the voucher. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the cashier terminal can void the generated voucher.