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A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced periphe

A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.

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1. A gaming machine comprising: a secure gaming cabinet including first security monitoring circuitry configured to detect when an interior of the secure gaining cabinet is accessed;a game controller, located within an interior of the secure gaming cabinet, configured to 1) control a wager-based gam

1. A gaming machine comprising: a secure gaming cabinet including first security monitoring circuitry configured to detect when an interior of the secure gaining cabinet is accessed;a game controller, located within an interior of the secure gaming cabinet, configured to 1) control a wager-based game on the gaming machine, 2) output video content associated with the play of the wager-based game to a touch screen video display, 3) communicate with a value input device and a value output device and 4) receive data from the first security monitoring circuitry;the touch screen video display, coupled to the secure gaming cabinet;a value input device (VID) coupled to the secure gaming cabinet, configured to 1) communicate and receive commands from the game controller and with a gaming enhancement module (GEM) controller and 2) transfer a value amount to the gaming machine that can be used for wagers on the wager-based game;a value output device (VOD) coupled to the secure gaming cabinet, configured 1) to communicate and receive commands from the game controller and with the gaming enhancement module (GEM) controller and 2) transfer a value amount from the gaming machine;a gaming enhancement module (GEM), added during a retrofit of the gaining machine, configured to operate in conjunction with existing software executed by the game controller prior to the retrofit such that modifications to the existing software are not required, said comprising: a secure housing located within the interior of the secure gaming cabinet;second security monitoring circuitry, coupled to the secure housing, configured to detect when the secure housing of the GEM is accessed, said second security monitoring circuitry only monitored by the GEM controller, wherein the second security monitory circuitry is separate from first security monitoring circuitry;the GEM controller including a processor and memory, disposed within the secure housing and separate from the game controller, configured to 1) receive from the VID and the VOD transactional information; 2) encrypt the transactional information, 3) send the encrypted transactional information to a remote server; 4) control output of secondary video content on the touch screen video display, separate from the wager-based game; and 5) receive an process inputs from the touch screen video display, 6) receive information from the game controller; 7) receive information associated with the first security monitoring circuitry and 8) receive information associated with the second security monitoring circuitry; anda video processing board, controlled only by the GEM controller, for outputting the secondary video content to the touch screen video display;a first communication interface, coupled to a first communication pathway added during the retrofit, for communicating with the VID controller on the VID;a second communication interface, coupled to a second communication pathway added during the retrofit, for communicating with the VOD controller on the VOD;a third communication interface for wirelessly communicating with the remote server via an antenna added during the retrofit;a fourth communication interface, coupled to a third communication pathway added during the retrofit, for allowing the output of the secondary video content on the video display; anda fifth communication interface, coupled to a fourth wired communication pathway added during the retrofit, for receiving the inputs from the touch screen video display; and;a sixth communication interface, coupled to a fifth communication pathway added during the retrofit, for communicating with the game controller. 2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the value input device is a bill acceptor. 3. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the transactional information includes image data of instruments accepted by the bill acceptor and image data of instruments rejected by the bill acceptor. 4. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the GEM controller is further configured to receive firmware, software or data for VID or the VOD from the remote server via the third communication interface and send it to the VID via the first communication interface or the VOD via the second communication interface. 5. The gaming machine of claim 1, the GEM controller is further designed or configured based upon the transaction information to an initiate a maintenance operation on the VID or the VOD. 6. The gaming machine of claim 5, wherein the maintenance operation is a power reset of the VID or the VOD. 7. The gaming machine of claim 5, wherein the maintenance operation is a request from a remote server for a download of new firmware for the VID or the VOD. 8. The gaming machine of claim 5 wherein the maintenance operation is a request for a technician visit to the gaming machine. 9. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the secondary video content is a presentation of a game. 10. The gaming machine of claim 9, wherein an outcome of the game includes an award that affects credits available for wagering on the gaming machine. 11. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the video processing board is separate from a board including the processor and memory for the GEM controller. 12. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the VID or the VOD is a dual-port device configured to communicate with the GEM controller via a first communication channel and to communicate with the game controller via a second communication channel. 13. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the GEM controller is further configured to establish communications with a hand-held electronic device and send the transactional information to the hand-held device.