초록 ▼

A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electr

A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands. The gaming device reconfigures its payout schedule responsive to the reconfiguration commands to provide a variety of promotional bonuses such as multiple jackpot bonuses, mystery jackpot bonuses, progressive jackpot bonuses, or player specific bonuses.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer having a user-generated input device comprising:associating each gaming device with a unique address code;selecting less than all of the gaming devices interconnected by the hos

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer having a user-generated input device comprising:associating each gaming device with a unique address code;selecting less than all of the gaming devices interconnected by the host computer responsive to a user-effected action at the input device which identifies the selected gaming devices with the respective associated address codes;using the network to track the amount of money played on the selected gaming devices;allocating a predefined percentage of the money played to a bonus pool;providing data establishing at least one criterion to cause a bonus to be paid from the pool via at least one of said selected gaming devices upon the occurrence of a predefined event;storing the data in a memory connected to a controller associated with only one of the gaming devices;transmitting data indicative of gaming device activity from the gaming device to the controller;transmitting a pay command from the controller to the gaming device upon the occurrence of the predefined event; andpaying money from the bonus pool via the gaming device responsive to receipt of the pay command.