Methods and systems for anonymous player profile storage and retrieval

Abstract

A method and personal instrument for players to store and retrieve their game and player preference profile without registering for a named personal player account therefore retaining their anonymity. When playing multilevel games, the described embodiments allow storing and retrieving the game level and / or other player or game information such that the game may be subsequently resumed at the same or a different gaming machine. Gaming machines may be configured to offer Anonymous Player Profile Storage and Retrieval using personal readable storage instruments such as machine readable Player Profile Tickets, personal memory devices, PIN-based keypad or modalities. Active anonymous players may be monitored while retaining their anonymity and consequently may earn loyalty bonuses and be prompted with promotional offers. Monitored active anonymous players may even be invited to join a conventional named player tracking scheme for additional benefits, if they wish to reveal their identity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application No. 60 / 889,923, filed Feb. 14, 2007, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present inventions relate generally to the field of regulated pay computer-controlled games, either pay-for-play (e.g. entertainment arcades, amusement arcades) or pay-for-wager (e.g. casino, video lottery, Fixed Odds Betting terminals or FOBT).[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art and Related Information[0005]No group has exerted more influence on the contemporary casino slot floor than the WWII and “baby boom” generations. A demographic that is at or is nearing the age of retirement, these generation represents a dominant segment of the casino gaming market, largely because of their disposable income and because of the wealth of time they have available to devote to recre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention is a method, including providing a first network-connected regulated gaming machine configured to enable a player to change personal parameters associated with the player during a game session on the first gaming machine, the first gaming machine including a first ticket printer and a first ticket reader; providing a first memory accessible by the network; enabling the player to start a first game session on the first gaming machine with default personal parameters; changing the default personal parameters; enabling a player to end the game session on the first gaming machine; storing the changed personal parameters and an anonymous unique identifier in the first memory for later retrieval, the stored personal parameters being referenced by the anonymous unique identifier; printing, by the first ticket printer, a first ticket including at least the anonymous unique identifier; providing a second network-connected regulated gaming machine that includes a second ticket printer and a second ticket reader; reading, by the second ticket reader, at least the anonymous unique identifier printed on the first ticket upon presentation of the first ticket by the player to the second gaming machine; retrieving from the first memory via the network the stored personal parameters referenced by the read anonymous unique identifier, and enabling the player to start, on the second gaming machine, a second game session configured with the retrieved personal parameters.

[0013]According to another embodiment thereof, the present invention is a method of enabling regulated game play. The method may include steps of reading, by a first gaming machine, a player profile instrument provided by a player having initiated a first game on the first gaming machine; retrieving, by the first gaming machine, player information from the read player profile instrument and using the retrieved player information to retrieve player profile information and configuring the first gaming machine according to the retrieved player profile information; enabling the player to play the initiated first game on the configured first gaming machine; responsive to one of a selected plurality of events, ending the first game and updating the player profile information with game information from the played first game; reading, by a second gaming machine, the player profile instrument provided by the player having initiated a second game on the second gaming machine; retrieving, by the second gaming machine, the player information from the read player profile instrument and using the retrieved player information to retrieve the updated player profile information and configuring the second gaming machine according to the retrieved updated player profile information, and enabling the player to play the initiated second game on the configured second gaming machine.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, since the WWII and baby boom generation players did not grow up playing console video games, little motivation has existed and few inroads have been made in bringing console style video games to the casino floor.

Because of its reluctance to evolve, the casino gaming marketplace faces a number of risks in the coming years.

While the process of changing game symbols and icons to better suit the next generation of players should not prove difficult, the process of changing the very essence of casino games will undoubtedly prove to be a more challenging endeavor.

Spinning reels are not likely to entertain a player who grew up commanding armies, fulfilling mythical quests, winning super bowls, and rescuing princesses in distress amidst dazzling colors and rich graphics and sound.

Current casino games are also not adequately equipped to handle player preferences storage and retrieval.

Currently, no reliable and convenient mechanism exists to “remember” a player's game preferences each time he or she begins a game within casinos.

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