In-casino mobile gaming

Abstract

Described embodiments enable casino patrons to play casino games with cash wagers using mobile devices while located at the casino. A player funds the game by providing cash or credit at a funding kiosk. A verification code is provided to the customer. The customer enters into a gaming mode on the mobile device, and inputs the verification code into the mobile device. The mobile device uses the verification code to retrieve the funding amount from a casino gaming system and makes it available to the customer for wagering. At the conclusion of the gaming session, the mobile device provides any remaining amount to the casino gaming system, and the customer can retrieve the cash or credit from the kiosk or other funding location, the mobile device may perform a geolocation function to confirm that its current location is at the casino or other authorized location.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for funding wagering on a mobile device, the method comprising:
 receiving, at a kiosk located at a casino property, funding for a wagering game, the funding having an amount;   generating, by the kiosk, a first validation code;   issuing, by the kiosk, the first validation code to a patron;   transmitting, by the kiosk to a gaming module, information describing the funding amount and the first validation code;   receiving, by the gaming module, the information describing the funding amount and the first validation code;   receiving, by the gaming module, a request from a mobile device for funding of a wagering game on the mobile device, the request including a second validation code;   responsive to the first validation code matching the second validation code, authorizing the mobile device to be funded in the amount of the funding for the wagering game.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the request from the mobile device for funding of the wagering game includes a location of the mobile device, and further comprising:
 determining, by the gaming module, whether the received location of the mobile device is within an authorized location; and 
 wherein authorizing the mobile device to be funded in the amount of the funding for the wagering game is further responsive to a determination that the mobile device is within the authorized location. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first validation code is issued by paper ticket. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first validation code is issued by the kiosk by electronic mail. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first validation code is issued by text message. 
     
     
         6 . A system for funding wagering on a mobile device, the system comprising:
 a kiosk located at a casino property and including a first processor, the first processor adapted to:
 receive funding for a wagering game, the funding having an amount; 
 generate a first validation code; 
 issue the first validation code to a patron; and 
 transmit information describing the funding amount and the first validation code to a gaming module; 
   a gaming module, communicatively coupled to the kiosk and including a second processor, the second processor adapted to:
 receive the information describing the funding amount and the first validation code; 
 receive a request from a mobile device for funding of a wagering game on the mobile device, the request including a second validation code; 
 responsive to the first validation code matching the second validation code, to authorize the mobile device to be funded in the amount of the funding for the wagering game. 
   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the request from the mobile device for funding of the wagering game includes a location of the mobile device, and wherein the second processor is further adapted to:
 determine whether the received location of the mobile device is within an authorized location; and 
 wherein the authorizing of the mobile device to be funded in the amount of the funding for the wagering game is further responsive to a determination that the mobile device is within the authorized location. 
 
     
     
         8 . A method for funding wagering at a casino, the method comprising:
 receiving, at a kiosk located at a casino property, funding for a wagering game, the funding having an amount;   generating, by the kiosk, a first validation code;   issuing, by the kiosk, the first validation code to a patron;   transmitting, by the kiosk to a gaming module, information describing the funding amount and the first validation code;   receiving, by the gaming module, the information describing the funding amount and the first validation code;   receiving, by the gaming module, a request from a terminal located at a table game within the casino for funding of a wagering game at the table, the request including a second validation code;   responsive to the first validation code matching the second validation code, authorizing dispensing of gaming chips to a patron associated with the terminal.