WO2001046919A2 - Gaming machines - Google Patents

Gaming machines Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001046919A2
WO2001046919A2 PCT/US2000/042378 US0042378W WO0146919A2 WO 2001046919 A2 WO2001046919 A2 WO 2001046919A2 US 0042378 W US0042378 W US 0042378W WO 0146919 A2 WO0146919 A2 WO 0146919A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
card
slot machine
machine
lottery ticket
state lottery
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/042378
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2001046919A3 (en
Inventor
Jeno F. Paulucci
Daniel D. Kozlak
Joel Kozlak
Larry Nelson
Original Assignee
Paulucci Jeno F
Kozlak Daniel D
Kozlak
Larry Nelson
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Paulucci Jeno F, Kozlak Daniel D, Kozlak, Larry Nelson filed Critical Paulucci Jeno F
Priority to AU49035/01A priority Critical patent/AU4903501A/en
Publication of WO2001046919A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001046919A2/en
Publication of WO2001046919A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001046919A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/342—Cards defining paid or billed services or quantities
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/24—Rotary or oscillatory members
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0064—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for processing of food articles
    • G07F17/0078—Food articles which need to be processed for dispensing in a hot or cooked condition, e.g. popcorn, nuts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • G07F17/3251—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes involving media of variable value, e.g. programmable cards, programmable tokens
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
    • G07F7/025—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices by means, e.g. cards, providing billing information at the time of purchase, e.g. identification of seller or purchaser, quantity of goods delivered or to be delivered
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus

Definitions

  • gaming machines utilize paper and coin money payment systems.
  • ATM Automated Teller Machine
  • ATM Automated Teller Machine
  • the slot machine comprises a payment system adapted for use with a credit card
  • the customer uses a credit card or debit card to pay for his/her chances to
  • the slot machine of the first embodiment of the present invention may allow
  • a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a machine that dispenses state lottery tickets.
  • This state lottery ticket dispensing machine may dispense "quick pick” state lottery tickets, that is, state lottery tickets with numbers (usually randomly generated) assigned to an individual independent of any choice on the part of the individual. Further, this state lottery ticket dispensing machine may dispense state lottery tickets.
  • lottery tickets with numbers printed thereon which have been chosen by the customer This choice may be made by the customer by pressing numbers on a screen or key pad.
  • the lottery ticket dispensing machines of the second and third embodiments may
  • Fig. 1 shows a slot machine with a cashless payment mechanism.
  • Fig. 2A shows a front view of a control panel for a slot machine embodiment with
  • Fig. 2B shows a side view of a control panel for a slot machine embodiment
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between a processor, a
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart of acts performed to enable use of credit cards (and debit cards) in slot machines.
  • Fig. 5 shows a lottery ticket dispensing machine embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between a processor, a payment acceptor, and a communication unit for a lottery ticket dispensing machine embodiment.
  • Fig. 7 is a flow chart of acts performed to enable the use of credit cards (and debit cards) in lottery ticket dispensing machines.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 in conjunction with Fig. 2B shows a slot machine 310, that includes a control panel 314 with a payment acceptor 332, and a display 334, and control circuitry 328.
  • a slot machine 310 that includes a control panel 314 with a payment acceptor 332, and a display 334, and control circuitry 328.
  • One embodiment of this invention may be configured similar to an ATM machine used by banks.
  • the slot machine 310 may be designed to accept more than one method of payment via the payment acceptor 332.
  • the slot machine 310 may have a bill and/or coin acceptor payment system and/or a card payment system.
  • the credit card payment system may be designed to accept more than one method of payment via the payment acceptor 332.
  • the payment acceptor 332 on the control panel 314 of the slot machine 310 includes a card acceptor 380.
  • the card acceptor 380 may include a card reader 382 and the ability to obtain authorization for a charge to the credit card or a debit to the debit card used by the user.
  • the card reader 382 may be a card reader through which the user swipes his/her credit card or may be a card reader in which the customer inserts his/her credit card. In operation, a customer may use a credit card to pay for losses incurred on the slot machine 310 or to accept awards won on the slot machine 310.
  • each slot machine 310 may be equipped with a credit card reader that could conduct the
  • each slot machine would be equipped with a receipt printer 384 as part of the credit card transaction.
  • a thermal printer rather than a cutter printer is
  • each slot machine 310 would be equipped with a communications unit 390
  • the communications unit 390 would handle the transaction, the card verification, and
  • the communications unit may be used to report on the status of the slot machine to the slot machine operator at all times. For example, the
  • communications unit 390 may be used to call the operator and report if the machine
  • a coin award pay-out dispenser as those found on well known slot machines, may be used to let the operator know that additional change needs to be placed in the machine or that machine tampering is taking place.
  • a landline phone connection may also be used with the slot machine.
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the control circuitry 328.
  • the control circuitry 328 comprises processor 370 that is operably connected to payment acceptor 332, which may include a bill acceptor 360, a coin acceptor 362, a card acceptor 380, and a selection mechanism 330.
  • the processor 370 is
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart that describes the acts performed by the processor 370 to
  • processor may be used to control performance of these acts.
  • an amount to be authorized to be charged to the card is determined. This amount may be determined in
  • the user may choose an upper limit of money to play with by entering an amount on selection mechanism 330.
  • the upper limit may be a preset amount chosen by the venue.
  • the upper limit may be the limit authorized by a
  • the processor receives information relating to the limit, or receives instructions to use the limit authorized by the bank, the
  • processor confirms the limit amount with the user, and then proceeds with the acts to obtain authorization to charge the credit card amount.
  • a credit authorization facility is contacted.
  • authorization to charge the credit card may make this call via wireless technology such as cellular telephone technology, CDPD technology, or via land lines.
  • the confirmed amount is received and this amount is held on the user's credit card.
  • the amount may not be held at this time, and rather may be collected after the person has finished playing.
  • funds collection may be inititaed by batch processing at a specified time of day.
  • a message may be displayed at block 406
  • a message may be displayed to the user that
  • the card has been rejected. However, if authorization is granted then at block 412, the user is allowed to play the slot machine up to the authorized limit.
  • the authorization process involves ensuring that the card has an amount of money on the card to cover the limit selected by the user or preselected by the venue, or receiving information relating to
  • the processor computes the amount owed by the user.
  • funds collection for this amount is initiated. At this time, if an amount was held on the user's card and the full amount held
  • the present invention contemplates slot machines with a cashless
  • the slot machine 310 may also have a display 334.
  • the processor 370 may inform the user of the status of the award won or loss incurred or of the status when a charge to a credit card is being authorized.
  • This display 334 may be any display device.
  • the display 334 is a color monitor. In another embodiment, the display 334 is a scrolling display. Also, in one embodiment a touch screen would be used to allow a customer to make his/her choices by touching the screen. In this embodiment,
  • selection mechanism 330 is a touch pad on the display screen.
  • the selection mechanism may be any mechanism that enables a user to select a number amount, including a keypad.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B show another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs. 5A and 5B show another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs. 5A and 5B show another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5B show a lottery ticket dispensing machine 510, that includes a control panel 514 with a selection mechanism 530, a payment acceptor 532, a display 534, control circuitry 528, and a ticket dispensing unit 520.
  • a control panel 514 with a selection mechanism 530, a payment acceptor 532, a display 534, control circuitry 528, and a ticket dispensing unit 520 One embodiment of this invention may be configured
  • the lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 may be designed to accept more than one method of payment via the payment acceptor 532.
  • the lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 may have a bill and/or coin acceptor payment system and/or a card payment
  • the payment acceptor 532 on the lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 includes a card
  • the card acceptor which functions in the same manner as that disclosed for the slot machine.
  • the card acceptor may include a card reader and the ability to obtain authorization for a charge
  • the card reader may be a
  • a card reader through which the user swipes his/her credit card or may be a card reader in which the user inserts his/her credit card.
  • a user may use a credit card to
  • each slot machine 510 may be equipped with a credit card reader that could conduct the transaction. This credit card reader would apply to any credit card, including Visa and MasterCard. Also, each lottery ticket dispensing machine would be equipped
  • a receipt printer as part of the credit card transaction.
  • a thermal printer rather than a cutter printer is used for the required receipt, thus avoiding the frequent jamming associated with a cutter printer.
  • Each lottery ticket dispensing machine would be further equipped with a communications unit such as a cellular modem, any other wireless communication
  • a communications unit such as a cellular modem, any other wireless communication
  • the communications unit would handle the transaction, the card verification,
  • the communications unit may be used to report on the status of the lottery ticket dispensing machine to the machine operator at all times.
  • the communications unit may be used to call the operator and report if the
  • the communications unit may be used to let the operator know that additional change needs to be placed in the machine
  • a landline phone connection may also be used with the lottery ticket
  • Control Circuitry Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the control circuitry 528.
  • control circuitry 528 comprises processor 570 that is operably connected to payment acceptor 532, which may include a bill acceptor 560, a coin acceptor 562, a card acceptor 580, a selection mechanism 530, and a ticket dispensing
  • Fig. 7 is a flow chart that describes the acts performed by the processor 570 to enable the lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 to use a card payment mechanism. Software operable by the processor may be used to control performance of these acts.
  • the amount to be charged is determined. This amount is determined by
  • the amount is calculated for each type of lottery ticket and then a sum total is calculated to be charged to the card. Once the amount to be charged is determined, the processor confirms this amount with the user, and then proceeds with the acts to obtain authorization to charge the credit card.
  • a credit authorization facility is contacted.
  • CDPD Code Division Multiple Access
  • authorization to charge the credit card with the amount of purchase is received.
  • a message may be displayed at block 606 informing the user that authorization to charge the card is being obtained. If
  • the lottery tickets are dispensed.
  • funds collection may be initiated once authorization is granted, or funds collection may be initiated by batch processing at a specified time per day when rates are cheaper. If a debit card is used with an amount already on the card, the authorization process involves ensuring that there is a sufficient amount of money on the card to cover the amount of purchase, and upon completion of the transaction to reduce amount on the card by the cost of the purchase.
  • a lottery ticket dispensing machine either alone or in combination. Further, the present invention contemplates lottery ticket dispensing machines that may dispense more than one ticket or type of ticket for one payment transaction.
  • the lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 may also have a display 534.
  • the processor 570 may inform the user of the status when an amount to be charged to the
  • This display 534 may be any display device. In one embodiment, the display 534 is a color monitor. In another embodiment, the display 434
  • a scrolling display is a scrolling display. Also, in one embodiment a touch screen would be used to allow a
  • mechanism 530 is a touch pad on the display screen.
  • any standard ticket dispensing unit may be used. For example, any standard ticket dispensing unit may be used.
  • card dispensing units that are currently used for dispensing "scratch off cards in

Abstract

The present invention contemplates a slot machine with a card payment system. The slot machine may have a payment system adapted for use with a credit card or debit card such that a customer may use a credit card or debit card to pay for his/her chances to play. The present invention also contemplates a machine that dispenses state lottery tickets or 'scratch off' state lottery cards which may incorporate card technology, see figure 5A. In some venues, these gaming machines may have to be activated by a venue employee after viewing proof of the age of the customer. Further, the gaming machines may allow multiple chances to play per payment.

Description

Title: GAMING MACHINES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/167813, filed November 29, 1999.
BACKGROUND Currently, gaming machines utilize paper and coin money payment systems. For example, to use a slot machine a person has to either bring coin and paper money along to a casino or other venue with slot machines or stand in line at either an Automated Teller Machine ("ATM") or change desk at the venue. This situation inconveniences the customer and causes the slot machine operator to lose money while the customer has to spend time converting money rather than enjoying the use of the machines.
Clearly, gaming machines that would accept credit cards and debit cards rather
than just paper money and coin money would be desirable to many people.
SUMMARY A first embodiment of the present invention comprises a slot machine that
comprises a card payment system. That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the slot machine comprises a payment system adapted for use with a credit card
or debit card. The customer uses a credit card or debit card to pay for his/her chances to
play. The slot machine of the first embodiment of the present invention may allow
multiple chances to play per payment.
A second embodiment of the present invention comprises a machine that dispenses state lottery tickets. This state lottery ticket dispensing machine may dispense "quick pick" state lottery tickets, that is, state lottery tickets with numbers (usually randomly generated) assigned to an individual independent of any choice on the part of the individual. Further, this state lottery ticket dispensing machine may dispense state
lottery tickets with numbers printed thereon which have been chosen by the customer. This choice may be made by the customer by pressing numbers on a screen or key pad.
A third embodiment of the present invention comprises a machine that dispenses
"scratch off state lottery cards, that is, state lottery cards with a game in which a film over one or more spaces on the cards must be scratched off in order to view what, if any,
prize is associated with the card. Card payment technology is used in conjunction with the third embodiment. In some venues, the second and third embodiments of the present invention may
have to be activated by a venue employee after viewing proof of the age of the customer. The lottery ticket dispensing machines of the second and third embodiments may
allow multiple chances to play per payment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Fig. 1 shows a slot machine with a cashless payment mechanism. Fig. 2A shows a front view of a control panel for a slot machine embodiment with
a cashless payment mechanism.
Fig. 2B shows a side view of a control panel for a slot machine embodiment with
a cashless payment mechanism.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between a processor, a
payment acceptor, and a communication unit for a slot machine embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flow chart of acts performed to enable use of credit cards (and debit cards) in slot machines.
Fig. 5 shows a lottery ticket dispensing machine embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between a processor, a payment acceptor, and a communication unit for a lottery ticket dispensing machine embodiment.
Fig. 7 is a flow chart of acts performed to enable the use of credit cards (and debit cards) in lottery ticket dispensing machines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Non-Paper or Coin Money Operated Slot Machine
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 in conjunction with Fig. 2B shows a slot machine 310, that includes a control panel 314 with a payment acceptor 332, and a display 334, and control circuitry 328. One embodiment of this invention may be configured similar to an ATM machine used by banks.
Payment Acceptor
The slot machine 310 may be designed to accept more than one method of payment via the payment acceptor 332. The slot machine 310 may have a bill and/or coin acceptor payment system and/or a card payment system. The credit card payment system
will be described since bill and coin payment systems as used in slot machines are well
known.
As shown in Fig. 2A, the payment acceptor 332 on the control panel 314 of the slot machine 310 includes a card acceptor 380. The card acceptor 380 may include a card reader 382 and the ability to obtain authorization for a charge to the credit card or a debit to the debit card used by the user. The card reader 382 may be a card reader through which the user swipes his/her credit card or may be a card reader in which the customer inserts his/her credit card. In operation, a customer may use a credit card to pay for losses incurred on the slot machine 310 or to accept awards won on the slot machine 310. In order to implement a credit card payment system with a slot machine 310, each slot machine 310 may be equipped with a credit card reader that could conduct the
transaction. This credit card reader would apply to any credit card, including Visa and MasterCard. Also, each slot machine would be equipped with a receipt printer 384 as part of the credit card transaction. Preferably, a thermal printer rather than a cutter printer is
used for the required receipt, thus avoiding the frequent jamming associated with a cutter
printer.
Also, each slot machine 310 would be equipped with a communications unit 390
such as a cellular modem, any other wireless communication system, including but not limited to CDPD wireless communication technology offered by Cellgate. The communications unit 390 would handle the transaction, the card verification, and
ultimately, the acceptance. Also, the communications unit may be used to report on the status of the slot machine to the slot machine operator at all times. For example, the
communications unit 390 may be used to call the operator and report if the machine
experiences mechanical difficulties. In addition, the communications unit 390, if used
with a coin award pay-out dispenser as those found on well known slot machines, may be used to let the operator know that additional change needs to be placed in the machine or that machine tampering is taking place. As an alternative to or in addition to a wireless communications unit, a landline phone connection may also be used with the slot machine.
Control Circuitry
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the control circuitry 328. As shown in Fig. 3, the control circuitry 328 comprises processor 370 that is operably connected to payment acceptor 332, which may include a bill acceptor 360, a coin acceptor 362, a card acceptor 380, and a selection mechanism 330. The processor 370 is
also operably connected to a communication unit 390.
Fig. 4 is a flow chart that describes the acts performed by the processor 370 to
enable the slot machine 310 to use a card payment mechanism. Software operable by the
processor may be used to control performance of these acts. At block 400, an amount to be authorized to be charged to the card is determined. This amount may be determined in
several ways. For example, the user may choose an upper limit of money to play with by entering an amount on selection mechanism 330. Alternatively, the upper limit may be a preset amount chosen by the venue. Or, the upper limit may be the limit authorized by a
bank to be available to the card user at one time. Once the processor receives information relating to the limit, or receives instructions to use the limit authorized by the bank, the
processor confirms the limit amount with the user, and then proceeds with the acts to obtain authorization to charge the credit card amount.
At block 402, a credit authorization facility is contacted. The control circuitry
may make this call via wireless technology such as cellular telephone technology, CDPD technology, or via land lines. At block 404, authorization to charge the credit card with
the confirmed amount is received and this amount is held on the user's credit card. Alternatively, the amount may not be held at this time, and rather may be collected after the person has finished playing. Or, funds collection may be inititaed by batch processing at a specified time of day. During authorization, a message may be displayed at block 406
informing the user that authorization to charge the card is being obtained. If authorization is not given at block 408, then, at block 410, a message may be displayed to the user that
the card has been rejected. However, if authorization is granted then at block 412, the user is allowed to play the slot machine up to the authorized limit.
If a debit card is used with an amount already on the card, the authorization process involves ensuring that the card has an amount of money on the card to cover the limit selected by the user or preselected by the venue, or receiving information relating to
the amount of money available on the card. At block 414, play is stopped because the user has played up to the authorized upper limit or has indicated the user wishes to stop playing. At block 416, the processor computes the amount owed by the user. At block 418, funds collection for this amount is initiated. At this time, if an amount was held on the user's card and the full amount held
was not used by the user, the unused portion of this amount is released. Several payment mechanisms may be used with the slot machine either alone or in combination. The present invention contemplates slot machines with a cashless
alternative, such as allowing the use of a credit card or debit card.
Display
The slot machine 310 may also have a display 334. The processor 370 may inform the user of the status of the award won or loss incurred or of the status when a charge to a credit card is being authorized. This display 334 may be any display device.
In one embodiment, the display 334 is a color monitor. In another embodiment, the display 334 is a scrolling display. Also, in one embodiment a touch screen would be used to allow a customer to make his/her choices by touching the screen. In this embodiment,
selection mechanism 330 is a touch pad on the display screen. However, the selection mechanism may be any mechanism that enables a user to select a number amount, including a keypad.
State Lottery Ticket Dispensing Machine
Figs. 5A and 5B show another embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 5A and
5B show a lottery ticket dispensing machine 510, that includes a control panel 514 with a selection mechanism 530, a payment acceptor 532, a display 534, control circuitry 528, and a ticket dispensing unit 520. One embodiment of this invention may be configured
similar to an ATM machine used by banks.
Payment Acceptor
The lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 may be designed to accept more than one method of payment via the payment acceptor 532. The lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 may have a bill and/or coin acceptor payment system and/or a card payment
system. Similar to the payment acceptor 332 on the slot machine 310 as shown in Fig. 10,
the payment acceptor 532 on the lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 includes a card
acceptor which functions in the same manner as that disclosed for the slot machine. The card acceptor may include a card reader and the ability to obtain authorization for a charge
to the credit card or a debit to the debit card used by the user. The card reader may be a
card reader through which the user swipes his/her credit card or may be a card reader in which the user inserts his/her credit card. In operation, a user may use a credit card to
purchase lottery tickets from the lottery ticket dispensing machine 510. In order to implement a credit card payment system with a lottery ticket dispensing machine 510, each slot machine 510 may be equipped with a credit card reader that could conduct the transaction. This credit card reader would apply to any credit card, including Visa and MasterCard. Also, each lottery ticket dispensing machine would be equipped
with a receipt printer as part of the credit card transaction. Preferably, a thermal printer rather than a cutter printer is used for the required receipt, thus avoiding the frequent jamming associated with a cutter printer.
Each lottery ticket dispensing machine would be further equipped with a communications unit such as a cellular modem, any other wireless communication
system, including but not limited to CDPD wireless communication technology offered by Cellgate. The communications unit would handle the transaction, the card verification,
and ultimately, the acceptance. Also, the communications unit may be used to report on the status of the lottery ticket dispensing machine to the machine operator at all times.
For example, the communications unit may be used to call the operator and report if the
machine experiences mechanical difficulties. In addition, the communications unit, may be used to let the operator know that additional change needs to be placed in the machine
or that machine tampering is taking place. As an alternative to or in addition to a wireless communications unit, a landline phone connection may also be used with the lottery ticket
dispensing machine.
Control Circuitry Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the control circuitry 528.
As shown in Fig. 6, the control circuitry 528 comprises processor 570 that is operably connected to payment acceptor 532, which may include a bill acceptor 560, a coin acceptor 562, a card acceptor 580, a selection mechanism 530, and a ticket dispensing
unit 520. The processor 570 is also operably connected to a communication unit 590. Fig. 7 is a flow chart that describes the acts performed by the processor 570 to enable the lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 to use a card payment mechanism. Software operable by the processor may be used to control performance of these acts. At block 600, the amount to be charged is determined. This amount is determined by
multiplying the number of tickets selected for purchase by the user on the selection mechanism by the price associated with the type of ticket selected. If the lottery ticket dispensing machine offers a variety of types of lottery tickets for sale which are valued at
different prices, the amount is calculated for each type of lottery ticket and then a sum total is calculated to be charged to the card. Once the amount to be charged is determined, the processor confirms this amount with the user, and then proceeds with the acts to obtain authorization to charge the credit card.
At block 602, a credit authorization facility is contacted. The control circuitry
may make this call via wireless technology such as cellular telephone technology, CDPD
technology, or via land lines. At block 604, authorization to charge the credit card with the amount of purchase is received. During authorization, a message may be displayed at block 606 informing the user that authorization to charge the card is being obtained. If
authorization is not given at block 608, then, at block 610, a message may be displayed to the user that the card has been rejected. However, if authorization is granted then at block
612, the lottery tickets are dispensed.
In this embodiment, funds collection may be initiated once authorization is granted, or funds collection may be initiated by batch processing at a specified time per day when rates are cheaper. If a debit card is used with an amount already on the card, the authorization process involves ensuring that there is a sufficient amount of money on the card to cover the amount of purchase, and upon completion of the transaction to reduce amount on the card by the cost of the purchase.
Several payment mechanisms may be used with a lottery ticket dispensing machine either alone or in combination. Further, the present invention contemplates lottery ticket dispensing machines that may dispense more than one ticket or type of ticket for one payment transaction.
Display
The lottery ticket dispensing machine 510 may also have a display 534. The processor 570 may inform the user of the status when an amount to be charged to the
credit card is being authorized. This display 534 may be any display device. In one embodiment, the display 534 is a color monitor. In another embodiment, the display 434
is a scrolling display. Also, in one embodiment a touch screen would be used to allow a
customer to make his/her choices by touching the screen. In this embodiment, selection
mechanism 530 is a touch pad on the display screen.
Ticket Dispensing Unit
To dispense a lottery ticket, any standard ticket dispensing unit may be used. For
example, card dispensing units that are currently used for dispensing "scratch off cards in
conjunction with bill and coin payment mechanisms may be utilized.

Claims

1. A slot machine, comprising:
a card payment system.
2. The slot machine of claim 1 , wherein the card payment system is adapted to accept debit cards.
3. The slot machine of claim 1, wherein the card payment system is adapted to accept credit cards.
4. The slot machine of claim 3, wherein the card payment system further comprises a card reader.
5. The slot machine of claim 3, further comprising a receipt printer.
6. The slot machine of claim 3, further comprising a selection mechanism wherein
the user may select a monetary limit that may be charged to the card.
7. The slot machine of claim 3, wherein the card payment system further comprises a
credit card authorization system.
8. A method of operation for a slot machine, comprising: accepting a card in a credit card payment acceptor, obtaining authorization for a monetary limit that may be charged to the card,
allowing a user to play the slot machine up to the authorized monetary limit.
9. The method of operation for the slot machine of claim 8, wherein the monetary
limit is selected by the user.
10. The method of operation for the slot machine of claim 8, wherein the monetary
limit is pre-selected by the venue.
11. The method of operation for the slot machine of claim 8, wherein the monetary limit is
the amount the bank authorizes to be charged to the card.
12. A method of operation for a slot machine, comprising: accepting a card in a debit card payment acceptor, obtaining authorization for a monetary limit that may be debited to the account, allowing a user to play the slot machine up to the authorized monetary limit.
13. The method of operation for the slot machine of claim 12, wherein the monetary
limit is selected by the user.
14. The method of operation for the slot machine of claim 12, wherein the monetary
limit
is pre-selected by the venue.
15. The method of operation for the slot machine of claim 12, wherein the monetary
limit is the amount in the account that the bank authorizes to be debited to the account.
16. A state lottery ticket dispensing machine, comprising:
a payment acceptor, a dispensing unit dispensing state lottery tickets.
17. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 16, wherein the payment
acceptor is
adapted to accept credit cards.
18. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 16, wherein the payment acceptor is
adapted to accept debit cards.
19. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 16, wherein the dispensing unit dispenses "quick pick" state lottery tickets.
20. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 16, further comprising a selection mechanism for entering choices for lottery ticket numbers.
21. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 17, wherein the dispensing
unit dispenses "quick pick" state lottery tickets.
22. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 18, wherein the dispensing
unit dispenses "quick pick" state lottery tickets.
23. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 20, wherein the dispensing
unit dispenses state lottery tickets bearing numbers entered by the user via the selection
mechanism.
24. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 20, wherein the payment
acceptor is
adapted to accept credit cards.
25. The state lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 20, wherein the payment
acceptor is adapted to accept debit cards.
26. A lottery ticket dispensing machine comprising: a card payment system,
a dispensing unit dispensing "scratch off lottery tickets.
27. The lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 26, wherein the card payment system is a debit card payment system.
28. The lottery ticket dispensing machine of claim 26, wherein the card payment system is a
credit card payment system.
PCT/US2000/042378 1999-11-29 2000-11-29 Gaming machines WO2001046919A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU49035/01A AU4903501A (en) 1999-11-29 2000-11-29 Gaming machines

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16781399P 1999-11-29 1999-11-29
US60/167,813 1999-11-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001046919A2 true WO2001046919A2 (en) 2001-06-28
WO2001046919A3 WO2001046919A3 (en) 2001-12-27

Family

ID=22608944

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Status (2)

Country Link
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WO (1) WO2001046919A2 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5119295A (en) * 1990-01-25 1992-06-02 Telecredit, Inc. Centralized lottery system for remote monitoring or operations and status data from lottery terminals including detection of malfunction and counterfeit units
US5156397A (en) * 1989-09-15 1992-10-20 Valenza Jr Samuel W Apparatus for automated marking of a bet slip
US5457306A (en) * 1989-12-19 1995-10-10 Scotch Twist, Inc. Gaming machine system operable with general purpose charge cards
US5657899A (en) * 1995-09-14 1997-08-19 Cory Consultants, Inc. System for and method of dispensing lottery tickets
US5772510A (en) * 1995-10-26 1998-06-30 Loto Mark Incorporated Lottery ticket and system
US5959277A (en) * 1989-12-19 1999-09-28 Scotch Twist, Inc. Gaming machine system operable with general purpose charge cards

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5156397A (en) * 1989-09-15 1992-10-20 Valenza Jr Samuel W Apparatus for automated marking of a bet slip
US5457306A (en) * 1989-12-19 1995-10-10 Scotch Twist, Inc. Gaming machine system operable with general purpose charge cards
US5959277A (en) * 1989-12-19 1999-09-28 Scotch Twist, Inc. Gaming machine system operable with general purpose charge cards
US5119295A (en) * 1990-01-25 1992-06-02 Telecredit, Inc. Centralized lottery system for remote monitoring or operations and status data from lottery terminals including detection of malfunction and counterfeit units
US5657899A (en) * 1995-09-14 1997-08-19 Cory Consultants, Inc. System for and method of dispensing lottery tickets
US5772510A (en) * 1995-10-26 1998-06-30 Loto Mark Incorporated Lottery ticket and system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001046919A3 (en) 2001-12-27
AU4903501A (en) 2001-07-03

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