Electronic casino gaming system with improved play capacity, authentication and security

Abstract

The electronic casino gaming system consists of several system components, including a microprocessor ( 12 ), a main memory unit ( 13 ) that is typically a random access memory, and a system boot ROM ( 14 ). Also included in the electronic casino gaming system are a non-volatile RAM ( 17 ), a mass storage unit ( 18 ), a disk subsystem ( 19 ), and a PCI bus ( 20 ). The disk subsystem ( 19 ) preferably supports SCSI-2 with options of fast and wide. A video subsystem ( 22 ) is also included in the electronic casino gaming system and is coupled to the PCI bus ( 20 ) to provide full color still images and MPEG movies.

1. An electronic gaming system for providing authentication of a data set associated with a casino type game, said system comprising:
 (a) a first storage means for storing a game data set and a game signature comprising an encrypted version of a unique primary abbreviated game bit string computed from said game data set;  
 (b) a second storage means for storing, 
 an anchor application including a first authentication program capable of determining the validity of said game data set by, 
 computing a complementary abbreviated game bit string from said game data set,  
 decrypting said game signature set to recover said primary abbreviated game bit string,  
 comparing said complementary abbreviated game bit string with said primary abbreviated game bit string to determine whether a match is present, and  
 
 an anchor signature including an encrypted version of a unique primary abbreviated anchor bit string computed from said anchor application;  
 
 (c) a third storage means for storing (i) a second authentication program capable of determining the validity of said anchor application and ( ii )  an operating system for controlling access to at least one of the storage means wherein the operating system is authenticated prior to the game data set, the second authentication program capable of determining the validity of said anchor application  by, 
 computing a complementary abbreviated anchor bit string from said anchor application,  
 decrypting said anchor signature to recover said primary abbreviated anchor bit string, and  
 comparing said complementary abbreviated anchor bit string with said primary abbreviated anchor bit string to determine whether a match is present; and  
 
 (d) processing means for enabling said first authentication program to determine the validity of said game data set and for enabling said second authentication program to determine the validity of said anchor application.  
 
     
     
       2. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a fourth storage means for storing basic input/output system (BIOS) code. 
     
     
       3. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 2  wherein said fourth storage means is an unalterable ROM device. 
     
     
       4. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said third storage means further stores operating system code, operating system drivers, and  bootstrap code. 
     
     
       5. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means and said second storage means comprise a single mass storage means. 
     
     
       6. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means is a mass storage memory device. 
     
     
       7. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said third storage means is an unalterable read only memory. 
     
     
       8. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means is a CD ROM  an optical memory. 
     
     
       9. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means is a hard disk drive. 
     
     
       10. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means comprises a network storage system which is remote from the electronic gaming system. 
     
     
       11. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said second storage means comprises a network storage system which is remote from the electronic gaming system. 
     
     
       12. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said game data set is a game-modifying data set for changing game rules parameters of the casino type game. 
     
     
       13. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 12  wherein said game-modifying data set includes a money handler modifying data set for changing money handling parameters of the casino type game. 
     
     
       14. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 12  wherein said game-modifying data sets include a graphics modifying data set for changing graphics parameters of the casino type game. 
     
     
       15. An  The electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 12  wherein said game-modifying data sets include a sound driver modifying data set for changing sound parameters of the casino type game. 
     
     
       16. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a video subsystem coupled to the video display unit operable to display still images, motion video or combinations thereof;        a first memory providing an executable space for a processor, said first memory being disposed in said casino game console;        a second memory having gaming data relating to a casino game stored therein;        a third memory storing an operating system, said third memory being disposed in said casino game console, wherein the operating system is enabled to control access the second memory and wherein the operating system is authenticated prior to an authentication of the gaming data relating to the casino game stored on the second memory; and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, the video subsystem, said first memory, said second memory, said third memory and said nonvolatile memory,        said processor operable to cause said gaming data stored to be authenticated based on comparison of a message digest generated by performing a one - way hash function on said gaming data being authenticated with a message digest previously generated by performing a one - way hash function on known gaming data, each of said one - way hash functions producing a fixed - size string of bits, and        said processor operable to cause a remedial action to be taken if said gaming data is not authentic.     
     
     
       17. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein said second memory comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       18. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising at least one peripheral device coupled to the gaming console wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       19. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein said second memory comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       20. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein said second memory is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       21. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the second memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       22. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the second memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       23. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       24. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 23  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       25. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 23  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       26. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       27. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       28. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       29. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       30. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       31. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the second memory further having motion video for a movie stored therein separate from said gaming data. 
     
     
       32. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein the motion video is stored in an MPEG format. 
     
     
       33. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a first memory providing an executable space for a processor, said first memory being disposed in said casino game console;        a second memory having gaming data relating to a casino game stored therein;        a third memory storing an operating system, said third memory being disposed in said casino game console, wherein the operating system is enabled to control access to the second memory and wherein the operating system is authenticated prior to an authentication of the gaming data relating to the casino game stored on the second memory; and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said first memory, said second memory and said third memory;        said processor operable to cause only a portion of the gaming data relating to the casino game to be authenticated based on at least a comparison of a first hash value generated from the portion of the gaming data with a second hash value generated from known gaming data.     
     
     
       34. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein said second memory comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       35. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       36. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein said second memory comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       37. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein said second memory is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       38. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein the second memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       39. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein the second memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       40. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       41. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 40  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       42. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 40  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       43. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       44. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       45. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       46. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       47. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       48. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       49. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein the portion of the gaming data is a set of rules for a play of the casino game. 
     
     
       50. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein the portion of the gaming data is a video portion of the gaming data, an audio portion of the gaming data or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       51. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 33  wherein the portion of the gaming data is a subset of a set of rules for play of the casino game, a subset of a casino game video portion, a subset of a casino game audio portion or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       52. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a first memory providing an executable space for a processor said first memory being disposed in said casino game console;        a second memory having gaming data relating to a casino game stored therein;        a third memory storing system logic for reading files in a file system on the second memory wherein the system logic is authenticated prior to authenticating the gaming data said third memory being disposed in said casino game console; and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said first memory, said second memory and said third memory;        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be checked based on a comparison of data generated by said processor from only a portion of said gaming data with data generated from known gaming data corresponding to the portion of said gaming data.     
     
     
       53. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein said second memory comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       54. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       55. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein said second memory comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       56. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein said second memory is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       57. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein the second memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       58. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein the second memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       59. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       60. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 59  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       61. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 59  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       62. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       63. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       64. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       65. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a first casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the first casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       66. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       67. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       68. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein the portion of the gaming data is a set of rules for a play of the casino game. 
     
     
       69. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein the portion of the gaming data is a video portion of the gaming data, an audio portion of the gaming data or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       70. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 52  wherein the portion of the gaming data is a subset of a set of rules for play of the casino game, a subset of a casino game video portion, a subset of a casino game audio portion or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       71. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a first memory providing an executable space for a processor, said first memory being disposed in said casino game console;        a second memory operable to store gaming data relating to a plurality of different casino games;        a third memory storing an operating system, said third memory being disposed in said casino game console, wherein the operating system is enabled to control access to the second memory and wherein the operating system is authenticated prior to an authentication of the gaming data relating to the plurality of different casino games stored on the second memory;        an input mechanism for receiving a selection of one of the plurality of different casino games;        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said first memory, said second memory, said third memory and said input mechanism,        said processor operable to cause said gaming data relating to the selected casino game to be checked based on a comparison of data generated by said processor from said gaming data being checked with data generated from known gaming data.     
     
     
       72. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  wherein said second memory comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       73. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral devices includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       74. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  wherein said second memory comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       75. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  wherein said second memory is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       76. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  wherein the second memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       77. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  wherein the second memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       78. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the selected casino game. 
     
     
       79. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 78  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       80. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 78  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       81. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       82. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       83. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of the plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       84. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  wherein the input mechanism is a manually actuatable switch. 
     
     
       85. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       86. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 71  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       87. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a first memory providing an executable space for a processor, said first memory being disposed inside the casino game console;        a second memory having gaming data relating to a casino game stored therein;        a third memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and an initializing a fourth memory;        the fourth memory storing at least components of an operating system for reading files in a file system on the second memory wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the gaming data; and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said first memory, said second memory, said third memory; said fourth memory and said motherboard;        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be checked based on a comparison of data generated by said processor from said gaming data being checked with previously generated data, and        said processor operable to cause a remedial action to be taken based on an outcome of said checking of said gaming data.     
     
     
       88. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein said second memory comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       89. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       90. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein said second memory comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       91. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein said second memory is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       92. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein the second memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       93. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein the second memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       94. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       95. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 94  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       96. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 94  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       97. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       98. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       99. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       100. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       101. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       102. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       103. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 87  wherein the processor is operable to authenticate the gaming data using only a portion of the gaming data. 
     
     
       104. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 103  wherein the portion of the gaming data is a set of rules for a play of the casino game. 
     
     
       105. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a random access memory  ( RAM )  for providing an executable space for a processor, said RAM being disposed in said casino game console;        a mass storage unit having gaming data relating to a casino game stored therein;        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system for controlling the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the gaming data; and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said RAM, said mass storage unit, said first memory, said second memory and said motherboard;        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be checked based on a comparison of at least a first hash value generated from said gaming data being checked with a known hash value generated from previously generated data, and        said processor operable to cause a remedial action to be taken based on an outcome of said checking of said gaming data.     
     
     
       106. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       107. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       108. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       109. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  wherein said mass storage unit is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       110. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       111. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       112. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       113. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 112  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       114. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 112  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       115. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       116. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       117. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       118. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       119. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       120. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 105  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       121. A casino gaming apparatus, comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a random access memory  ( RAM )  for providing an executable space for a processor, said RAM being disposed in said casino game console;        a mass storage unit having gaming data relating to a plurality of different casino games stored therein; and        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system adapted for allowing access to files in a file system on the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the gaming data; and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said RAM, said mass storage unit, said first memory, said second memory and said motherboard;        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be checked based on a comparison of data generated from said gaming data with previously generated data.     
     
     
       122. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       123. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       124. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       125. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  wherein said mass storage unit is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       126. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       127. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       128. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       129. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 128  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       130. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 128  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       131. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       132. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       133. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       134. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from the plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       135. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       136. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 121  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       137. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a random access memory  ( RAM )  for providing an executable space for a processor, said RAM being disposed in said casino game console;        a mass storage unit having gaming data relating to a casino game stored therein, said mass storage unit being disposed in said casino game console;        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system for controlling the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the gaming data;        at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device; and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said RAM, said mass storage unit, said first memory, said second memory and said motherboard;        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be checked based on a comparison of at least a first hash value generated from said gaming data being checked with a known hash value generated from previously generated data;        said processor operable to authenticate contents of the memory device; and        said processor operable to cause a remedial action to be taken based on an outcome of said checking of said gaming data.     
     
     
       138. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       139. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       140. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  wherein said mass storage unit is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       141. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       142. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       143. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       144. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 143  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       145. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 143  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       146. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       147. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       148. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       149. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       150. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       151. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 137  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       152. A casino gaming apparatus comprising a casino game console;
   a video display unit;        a first memory providing an executable space for a processor, said first memory being disposed in said casino game console;        the second memory, said second memory having gaming data relating to a casino game stored therein wherein the gaming data is stored as files in a file system, said second memory being disposed in said casino game console,        a third memory, being disposed in said casino game console, storing system logic for reading the files in the file system wherein the system logic is authenticated prior to authenticating the gaming data relating the casino game stored on the second memory, and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said first memory, said second memory and said third memory;        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be checked while the gaming apparatus is operable to provide a play of the casino game;        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be checked based on a comparison of data generated by said processor from said gaming data being checked with data generated from previously generated data wherein said processor utilizes a hashing function in checking said gaming data, and        said processor operable to cause a remedial action to be taken based on an outcome of said checking of said gaming data.     
     
     
       153. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  wherein said second memory comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       154. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  further comprising at least one peripheral device wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       155. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  wherein said second memory comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       156. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  wherein said second memory is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       157. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game wherein the nonvolatile memory is coupled to the processor. 
     
     
       158. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       159. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       160. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       161. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       162. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       163. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  wherein the check is initiated in response to a command received from a remote device. 
     
     
       164. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  wherein the check is initiated in response to a detectable event related to game play. 
     
     
       165. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 152  wherein the check is initiated at random intervals.