Gaming establishment ticket voucher system that reclaims ticket voucher numbers for association with future ticket vouchers

Abstract

Systems and methods that, responsive to an occurrence of a ticket voucher validation number reclamation event, determine a first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers that are associated with a first plurality of issued ticket vouchers. For each of the determined first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers, the systems and methods associate that ticket voucher validation number with a reclaimed state. Each ticket voucher validation number associated with a reclaimed state is available to be associated with another ticket voucher upon an occurrence of a ticket voucher issuance event. validation number with a reclaimed state. Each ticket voucher validation number associated with ticket voucher issuance event. 20 26 20 24 34 31 M ar 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 4 3 4 3 1 M a r 2 0 2 6 v a l i d a t i o n n u m b e r w i t h a r e c l a i m e d s t a t e . E a c h t i c k e t v o u c h e r v a l i d a t i o n n u m b e r a s s o c i a t e d w i t h 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 4 3 4 3 1 M a r 2 0 2 6 v a l i d a t i o n n u m b e r w i t h a r e c l a i m e d s t a t e . E a c h t i c k e t v o u c h e r v a l i d a t i o n n u m b e r a s s o c i a t e d w i t h 1 / 6 Current Ticket Voucher States Doesn't Issued Pending Redeemed Exist FIG. 1A 1 / 6 Reclaimed Ticket Voucher States Doesn't Issued Pending Redeemed Exist Reclaimed FIG. 1B 20 26 20 24 34 31 M ar 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 4 3 4 3 1 M a r 2 0 2 6 Current Ticket Voucher States 1 / 6 Reclaimed Ticket Voucher States R e c l a i m e d 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 4 3 4 3 1 M a r 2 0 2 6 Current Ticket Voucher States Reclaimed Ticket Voucher States R e c l a i m e d

Description

This application claims priority from US Application No. 19 / 178,488 filed on 14 April 2025, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference. BACKGROUND

[0001] Gaming machines may provide players awards in primary games. Gaming machines generally require the player to place a wager of cashable credits to activate the primary game. The award of cashable credits may be based on the player obtaining a winning symbol or symbol combination and on the amount of the wager. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Figure 1A is a flow chart of the lifecycle of a ticket voucher prior to the system of the present disclosure.

[0003] Figure 1B is a flow chart of the lifecycle of a ticket voucher afforded by the system of the present disclosure.

[0004] Figure 2A is a flow chart of an example process which enables an electronic gaming machine to reuse certain ticket voucher identifying information subject to approval by a ticket voucher system.

[0005] Figure 2B is a flow chart of an example process which enables a ticket voucher system to reuse certain ticket voucher identifying information based on a listing of certain other non-reclaimable ticket voucher identifying information.

[0006] Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an electronic configuration of an example electronic gaming machine of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of example alternative embodiments of electronic gaming machines of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 4C is a front view of an example personal gaming device of the present disclosure. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In various embodiments, responsive to an occurrence of a ticket voucher validation number reclamation event, the systems and methods of the present disclosure determine a first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers that are associated with a first plurality of issued ticket vouchers. In these embodiments, for each of the determined first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers, the systems and methods associate that ticket voucher validation number with a reclaimed state. Each ticket voucher validation number associated with a reclaimed state is available to be associated with another ticket voucher upon an occurrence of a ticket voucher issuance event.

[0010] In certain embodiments, following a request to procure a ticket voucher (e.g., an anonymous bearer instrument associated with an amount of funds and redeemable for cash via a kiosk, a cashier and / or game play on a gaming establishment device, such as an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”)) in instances when certain ticket voucher identifying information is no longer available to be uniquely generated for the requested ticket voucher, the system employs a reclamation of part or all of such previously used ticket voucher identifying information. In these embodiments, the system issues a ticket voucher associated with certain attributes shared with a previously issued ticket voucher (e.g., the recently issued ticket voucher and the previously issued ticket voucher share certain ticket voucher identifying information) and further associated with certain attributes that differ from the previously issued ticket voucher (e.g., the recently issued ticket voucher and the previously issued ticket voucher have different ticket voucher states and / or are associated with different fund amounts). In certain such embodiments, in instances when each ticket voucher validation number (i.e., a number used by the ticket voucher system to identify a ticket voucher in a ticket voucher database) available to be associated with a ticket voucher issued by an EGM has been (or will shortly be) previously used by that EGM, the system reclaims certain of these used ticket voucher validation numbers such that the EGM reuses these ticket voucher validation numbers in association with newly issued ticket vouchers. In these embodiments, following a determination that a ticket voucher validation number qualifies to be reused (i.e., an occurrence of a ticket voucher validation number reclamation event), the system operates to issue another ticket voucher associated with the same ticket voucher validation number (that matches the ticket voucher validation number from another ticket voucher previously issued) and associated 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 with a different ticket voucher state (that differs from the ticket voucher state of the other ticket voucher previously issued). In other words, upon a determination to reuse certain previously used ticket voucher identifying information, the system generates a ticket voucher associated with the same used ticket voucher identifying information (as another ticket voucher previously issued) and associated with one or more additional designations to identify at least one of the ticket vouchers as being associated with reused or reclaimed ticket voucher identifying information.

[0011] Specifically and in view of the limited amount of certain available ticket voucher identifying information available to employ to uniquely identify each issued ticket voucher, the present disclosure offers a technological avenue to maintain the seamless operation of ticket voucher systems when this limited amount of available ticket voucher identifying information is used up or otherwise extinguished. That is, since a ticket voucher is associated with unique ticket voucher validation number encoded by a bar code (which is read during the redemption process to enable a determination of, amongst other attributes, a state of the ticket voucher and further enable, if warranted, an amount of a ticket voucher to be provided to / by the redemption device) and since there is a limited size to each ticket voucher validation number, the algorithmically calculated ticket voucher validation numbers will eventually reach a maximum value. For example, in ticket voucher systems that employ a slot accounting system (“SAS”) protocol, based on the limited quantity of digits available for ticket voucher validation numbers and how the SAS protocol defines how ticket voucher validation numbers are created, there is a limit of 524,288 (or (2A24) / 32) ticket voucher validation numbers available per EGM. In this example, the algorithm in SAS defines using a one-up incrementing sequence number to create part of the ticket voucher validation number and an EGM number as the other part of the ticket voucher validation number. And while over half a million unique ticket voucher validation numbers available per EGM of this example appears to be adequate, if an EGM creates, on average, fifty ticket vouchers per day, there is about 28 to 29 years before the one-up incrementing sequence reaches a maximum value (and ticket voucher validation numbers would need to be repeated).

[0012] In view of the finite quantity of unique ticket voucher validation numbers available and considering that ticket vouchers have been widely employed in the casino industry for more than 20 years, it is only a matter of time before each available ticket voucher validation number is used and ticket voucher validation numbers will automatically begin to repeat. When repeating of 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 ticket voucher validation numbers occurs, instances of inconsistencies between multiple ticket vouchers associated with the same ticket validation number will potentially lead to operational malfunctions by ticket voucher systems. Accordingly, the system of the present disclosure offers a solution to reusing certain ticket voucher identifying information which avoids certain malfunctions of ticket voucher systems unable to account for inconsistencies between multiple ticket vouchers associated with the same ticket validation identifying information.

[0013] In certain embodiments, to avoid instances in which certain inconsistences between two ticket vouchers associated with the same ticket voucher identifying information may lead to system errors, the system employs an additional ticket voucher state (i.e., a ticket voucher state in addition to at least a paid state and an unpaid state) to enable the relative quick and seamless identification of any ticket vouchers that share ticket voucher identifying information with any previously issued ticket vouchers. In certain such embodiments, the system associates a reclaimed or reused state with a previously issued ticket voucher such that a newly issued ticket voucher (that reuses the ticket voucher validation number of the previously issued ticket voucher) can coexist with the previously issued ticket voucher. In certain other embodiments, the system associates a reclaimed or reused state with a newly issued ticket voucher (that reuses a ticket voucher validation number of a previously issued ticket voucher) such that the newly issued ticket voucher can coexist with the previously issued ticket voucher. Such a configuration of these embodiments avoids certain system malfunctions that would otherwise occur when two (or more) ticket vouchers with certain matching ticket voucher identifying information have different attributes, such as being associated with different amounts or being in conflicting ticket voucher states of paid versus unpaid.

[0014] In certain embodiments, in reusing ticket voucher identifying information from one ticket voucher to another ticket voucher, the system selectively determines which previously issued ticket vouchers may participate in having their associated ticket voucher identifying information reused or reclaimed for additional ticket vouchers and which previously issued ticket vouchers should not participate in or otherwise be prohibited from having their associated ticket voucher identifying information reused or reclaimed for additional ticket vouchers. In these embodiments, the system employs certain limits or guards on the reuse of certain ticket voucher identifying information with newly issued ticket vouchers to avoid potential conflicts with existing ticket 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 vouchers. That is, following the one up counted sequence of available ticket voucher validation numbers reaching a maximum value and resetting to one, rather than automatically reusing each previously used ticket voucher validation number by automatically issuing the next requested ticket voucher with the next ticket voucher validation number in the sequence (which, as described above, may result in certain operational errors), the system determines, based on one or more ticket voucher reuse eligibility criteria, which ticket voucher validation numbers to reuse and which ticket voucher validation numbers to skip, at least for the time being, being reused.

[0015] In certain such embodiments, in determining which previously issued ticket vouchers are associated with ticket voucher identifying information that may or may not be reused or reclaimed for additional ticket vouchers, the system employs a state of the previously issued ticket voucher. For example, ticket vouchers associated with a state of paid may share a ticket voucher validation number with a newly issued ticket voucher (and correspondingly ticket vouchers associated with a state of unpaid may not share any ticket voucher validation numbers with any newly issued ticket voucher). In certain other embodiments, in determining which previously issued ticket vouchers are associated with ticket voucher identifying information that may or may not be reused or reclaimed for additional ticket vouchers, the system additionally or alternatively employs an issue date of that ticket voucher. For example, ticket vouchers that have been in a state of paid for more than ten years may share a ticket voucher validation number with a newly issued ticket voucher (and correspondingly ticket vouchers associated with a state of unpaid or that have been in a state of paid for less than ten years may not share any ticket voucher validation numbers with any newly issued ticket voucher). In certain other embodiments, in determining which previously issued ticket vouchers are associated with ticket voucher identifying information that may or may not be reused or reclaimed for additional ticket vouchers, the system additionally or alternatively employs an associated value of the previously issued ticket voucher. For example, ticket vouchers in a state of paid and associated with a value of less than $100 may share a ticket voucher validation number with a newly issued ticket voucher (and correspondingly ticket vouchers associated with a state of unpaid or in a state of paid and associated with a value of $100 or more may not share any ticket voucher validation numbers with any newly issued ticket voucher). It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the system concurrently employs multiple of these reuse factors in determining which ticket voucher identifying information may 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 be reused and which ticket voucher identifying information must remain unique to a particular ticket voucher.

[0016] Accordingly, in view of ticket voucher system malfunctions that will potentially occur when certain ticket voucher identifying information, such as ticket voucher validation numbers, are repeated (resulting in ticket voucher inconsistencies), the systems of the present disclosure enable the safe reuse of such ticket voucher identifying information that minimizes or avoids occurrences of these malfunctions. Such a configuration represents a solution to a unique problem found in ticket voucher computing systems and specifically accounts for such ticket voucher computing systems being ill-equipped to handle the repeated utilization of certain otherwise unique identifying information.

[0017] In various embodiments, a system of the present disclosure includes (or is otherwise in communication with) various components or sub-systems operating together to offer the selective reuse of certain ticket voucher identifying information associated with one or more ticket vouchers. In certain embodiments, the system is in communication with one or more gaming establishment devices, such as one or more EGMs (e.g., a slot machine, a video poker machine, a video lottery terminal, a terminal associated with an electronic table game, a terminal associated with a live table game, a video keno machine, a video bingo machine, a historical horse racing terminal and / or a sports betting terminal (offering sports betting opportunities and, in certain instances, wagering games)) operable to issue a ticket voucher for an amount corresponding to a cashed out credit balance of the EGM and / or receive a ticket voucher for an increase of a credit balance of the EGM; one or more ticket voucher redemption kiosks operable to receive a ticket voucher and dispense an amount of currency; and / or one or more retail point-of-sale terminals operable to receive a ticket voucher at part of a payment for a product and / or service.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the system is in communication with a distinct and independently operating ticket voucher system. In certain embodiments, the system includes a ticket voucher system. In these different embodiments, the ticket voucher system includes one or more servers which store, in one or more databases, information or data associated with each ticket voucher maintained by the ticket voucher system, such as identifying information, value information, and / or activity information. In certain embodiments, each ticket voucher includes or is otherwise associated with different information which is identifiable to a holder of the ticket 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 voucher, such as a ticket voucher validation number, and an amount of funds associated with the ticket voucher. In different embodiments, the ticket voucher database and / or the ticket voucher includes or is otherwise associated with various fields of information or data including, but not limited to: a primary key (i.e., an index for a record in a table); a ticket voucher validation number; a ticket state (e.g., a state of a ticket as being in an issued state, a redeemed state and / or a reclaimed state); an issuance date / time (i.e., the date / time when the ticket voucher was issued); a property address associated with the ticket voucher issuance; an amount of funds associated with the ticket voucher; any expiration date associated with the ticket voucher; a device identification associated with the issuance of the ticket voucher; an image of the ticket voucher (e.g., an image of a front of the ticket voucher and / or an image of a back of the ticket voucher); a reclamation date / time (i.e., the date / time when a reclamation state was assigned to a ticket voucher); a property address associated with the ticket voucher reclamation; a device identification associated with the reclamation of the ticket voucher; any redemption date (i.e., the date the ticket voucher was redeemed at (if the ticket voucher is in the redeemed state)); redeemed at (i.e., the device where the ticket voucher was redeemed (if the ticket voucher is in the redeemed state)); a data signature (i.e., a signature of the data associated with the ticket voucher to prevent tampering by casino employees); and / or a machine identification (i.e., an asset or machine number of the device that issued, such as printed, the ticket voucher).

[0019] In addition to maintaining information associated with each ticket voucher, in certain embodiments wherein the ticket voucher takes the form of a paper ticket voucher, the ticket voucher system includes one or more ticket voucher system components, such as a ticket voucher printer configured to print paper ticket vouchers and / or a ticket voucher acceptor configured to receive paper ticket vouchers. For example, a ticket voucher printer is associated with a gaming establishment device that prints ticket vouchers. In certain other embodiments wherein a ticket voucher takes the form of a virtual ticket voucher, the ticket voucher system includes one or more interfaces operable to communicate, to a mobile device, data associated with a virtual ticket voucher. It should be appreciated that in different embodiments, the system utilizes a mobile device running a mobile device application, a kiosk, a gaming establishment device (e.g., an EGM), an externally controlled interface (e.g., a service window displayed by an EGM or by a display device associated with a slot machine interface board (“SMIB”)), and / or a gaming 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 establishment interface, such as a casino desk, to interface with one or more users to facilitate interactions with the system and / or the ticket voucher system.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the system of the present disclosure introduces an additional ticket voucher state, such as a reclaimed state to enable the processing of certain ticket vouchers that share ticket voucher identifying information with other ticket vouchers. In these embodiments, rather than a ticket voucher identified via a ticket voucher validation number cycling, as seen in Fig. 1A, from being issued and associated with an unpaid state (in which the amount of funds associated with the ticket voucher can still be accessed) to being redeemed and associated with a terminal paid state (in which the amount of funds associated with the ticket voucher are not longer accessible), as seen in Fig. 1B, following the redemption of a ticket voucher, the system employs an additional state of reclaimed to free the ticket voucher validation number to be reused with another ticket voucher. Such a reclaimed state enables the same ticket voucher validation number to be associated with multiple ticket vouchers and potentially be in multiple different states (depending on the different individual ticket vouchers that singular ticket voucher validation number is associated with). For example, while a ticket voucher validation number associated with a single ticket voucher may be redeemed and associated with a paid state or issued and associated with an unpaid state, a ticket voucher validation number associated with two different ticket vouchers may be associated with different states for each of the ticket vouchers. In this example, the first issued ticket voucher associated with the reclaimed ticket voucher validation number is associated with a paid state and the second issued ticket voucher associated with the reclaimed ticket voucher validation number is associated with an unpaid state. As illustrated by this example, once a reclaimed status is attached or otherwise assigned to a ticket voucher validation number, the system enables multiple, concurrently issued ticket vouchers to exist with the same ticket voucher validation number.

[0021] In certain embodiments, upon a determination of a ticket voucher identifying information reuse event, the system identifies or otherwise designates certain ticket voucher identifying information associated with certain ticket vouchers to reclaim or otherwise mark for reclamation. In certain such embodiments, a ticket voucher identifying information reuse event occurs upon a determination that each of the ticket voucher validation numbers available to be assigned to ticket vouchers have been assigned. In certain other embodiments, a ticket voucher 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 identifying information reuse event occurs upon a determination that a limited quantity of ticket voucher validation numbers remain available to be assigned (e.g., when less than one-thousand unique ticket voucher validation numbers are available). In certain other embodiments, a ticket voucher identifying information reuse event occurs upon a determination of an amount of time has elapsed since a ticket voucher was issued (e.g., fifteen years after a ticket voucher is issued). In certain other embodiments, a ticket voucher identifying information reuse event occurs upon a determination of an amount of time has elapsed since a ticket voucher was placed in a certain state (e.g., ten years after a ticket voucher was placed in a paid state).

[0022] In certain embodiments, to reclaim ticket voucher identifying information for reuse (i.e., to reclaim a ticket voucher validation number to identify another ticket voucher), the system combines the ticket voucher identifying information, such as the ticket voucher validation number, with the ticket voucher state and a reclamation field, such as a date of reclamation and / or a sequence number that equals the number of times a ticket voucher has been reclaimed. Such a combination enables the ticket voucher identifying information, such as the ticket voucher validation number, to be reused by enabling the system to relatively quickly and easily identify reclaimed ticket vouchers and thus avoid error states upon a determination that the same ticket voucher identifying information is associated with multiple ticket vouchers (which is contrary to how ticket voucher systems are otherwise designed to operate).

[0023] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, following a ticket voucher database storing data including a first ticket voucher issued by a gaming establishment device and identified by first ticket voucher identifying information and responsive to a ticket voucher identifying information reuse event, the system designates, in the ticket voucher database, the first ticket voucher identifying information as reclaimed. In these embodiments, responsive to a ticket voucher issuance event occurring in association with the gaming establishment device, the system stores, in the ticket voucher database, data including a second ticket voucher identified by the reclaimed first ticket voucher identifying information, and causes the second ticket voucher to be issued.

[0024] In certain embodiments, in identifying which ticket voucher identifying information, such as which ticket voucher validation numbers, are eligible to be reclaimed and reused with another ticket voucher, the system employs certain ticket voucher reuse eligibility criteria. In these embodiments, in recognition that not all ticket voucher identifying information 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 warrants being reused, the system filters out (or alternatively filters in) certain ticket voucher identifying information associated with certain ticket vouchers from eligibility of being reused or reclaimed.

[0025] In certain embodiments, ticket voucher identifying information used to identify a ticket voucher associated with a first state or status is ineligible to be reclaimed (and correspondingly ticket voucher identifying information used to identify a ticket voucher associated with a second, different state or status is eligible to be reclaimed). For example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers associated with an unpaid state are ineligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher. In this example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers associated with a paid state are eligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher. In another example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers associated with an error state are ineligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher.

[0026] In certain additional or alternative embodiments, ticket voucher identifying information used to identify a ticket voucher associated with a value at or over a threshold amount is ineligible to be reclaimed (and correspondingly ticket voucher identifying information used to identify a ticket voucher associated with a value below the threshold amount is eligible to be reclaimed). For example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers associated with values of $250 or more are ineligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher. In this example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers associated with values less than $250 are eligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher.

[0027] In certain additional or alternative embodiments, ticket voucher identifying information used to identify a ticket voucher associated with an issue date below a threshold length of time since issuance is ineligible to be reclaimed (and correspondingly ticket voucher identifying information used to identify a ticket voucher associated with an issue date at or above the threshold length of time since issuance is eligible to be reclaimed). For example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers issued less than ten years ago are ineligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher. In this example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers issued at least ten years ago are eligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026

[0028] It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the system combines such ticket voucher reuse eligibility criteria to determine which ticket voucher identifying information qualifies for reclamation to be reused. For example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers in an unpaid state for less than ten years are ineligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher. In this example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers in an unpaid state for more than ten years are eligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher. In another example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers in an unpaid state for less than ten years are ineligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher independent of the associated value of the ticket voucher. In this example, ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers in an unpaid state for more than ten years and associated with a value of more than $250 are ineligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher while ticket voucher validation numbers used to identify ticket vouchers in an unpaid state for more than ten years and associated with a value of less than $250 are eligible to be reused to identify another ticket voucher.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the system reclaims ticket voucher identifying information on a per ticket voucher basis. In such embodiments, a ticket voucher identifying information reuse event occurs per ticket voucher such that a reclamation occurs on a just-in-time basis when a request for a new ticket voucher associated with a ticket voucher validation number occurs. For example, upon a request for a new ticket voucher associated with a ticket voucher validation number, the system checks that the last ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number is in the paid state and is greater than ten years old. In this example, if the last ticket voucher associated with the same ticket voucher validation number is in the paid state and is greater than ten years old, the system associates that last ticket voucher associated with the same ticket voucher validation number with a reclaimed state and then accepts the new ticket voucher with the same ticket voucher validation number as being in an unpaid state. On the other hand, if the last ticket voucher associated with the same ticket voucher validation number of this example is not in the paid state or less than ten years old, the system bypasses reclaiming that ticket voucher validation number.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the system reclaims ticket voucher identifying information for a batch of ticket vouchers. In such embodiments, a ticket voucher identifying information 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 reuse event occurs for a group of ticket vouchers such that upon the occurrence of such an event, the system determines, in bulk, a quantity of ticket vouchers to reclaim. For example, the system employs a configurable time, such as ten years since issuance and periodically runs a batch process in which all ticket vouchers older than ten years (or all ticket vouchers older than ten years old and in a paid state) are designated as eligible to be reclaimed or otherwise associated with a reclaimed state.

[0031] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, responsive to an occurrence of a ticket voucher validation number reclamation event, the system determines a first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers that are associated with a first plurality of issued ticket vouchers and, for each of the determined first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers, associates that ticket voucher validation number with a reclaimed state. In these embodiments, each ticket voucher validation number associated with a reclaimed state is available to be associated with another ticket voucher upon an occurrence of a ticket voucher issuance event. Additionally, in certain such embodiments, the system determines a second, different plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers that are associated with a second, different plurality of issued ticket vouchers, and for each of the determined second, different plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers, prohibits that ticket voucher validation number from being associated with the reclaimed state.

[0032] It should be appreciated that using or otherwise associating a reclaimed state with a ticket voucher not only reclaims the ticket voucher validation number (or other ticket voucher identifying information being reclaimed) but also reclaims the sequence number used to derive subsequently created ticket voucher validation numbers. That is, since, in certain instances, the gaming establishment device that issues the ticket voucher generates the ticket voucher validation number and further since, when the gaming establishment device comes online, the system alerts the gaming establishment device where to start the sequence number for the next ticket voucher the gaming establishment device creates, the reclamation of a ticket voucher validation number operates to restart the sequence number.

[0033] In certain embodiments in which certain ticket voucher identifying information is (or will be) reclaimed to enable the reuse of such information, in association with a requested issuance of a ticket voucher from a gaming establishment device, the gaming establishment device employs a SAS defined one-up incrementing sequence to determine a ticket voucher validation 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 number to be assigned the requested ticket voucher. In these embodiments, the gaming establishment device utilizes a listing of ticket voucher validation numbers that cannot be reused in determining the ticket voucher validation number to be assigned. That is, since, as described above, certain ticket voucher validation numbers are ineligible to be reclaimed, the sequence of available ticket voucher validation numbers to be reassigned includes non-consecutive validation numbers corresponding to the validation numbers ineligible to be reclaimed. As such, the gaming establishment device of these embodiments proceeds with determining a ticket voucher validation number for the requested ticket voucher that specifically accounts for (i.e., avoids using or otherwise skips) these unavailable validation numbers. For example, upon a user of an EGM cashing out a credit balance in exchange for a ticket voucher associated with an amount of funds of the cashed out credit balance, the EGM assigns a ticket voucher validation number to a ticket voucher to be associated with the amount of funds of the cashed out credit balance. In this example, the EGM determines such a ticket voucher validation number by utilizing the SAS defined one-up incrementing sequence and further aware of any unavailable validation numbers based on any issued validation numbers ineligible to be reclaimed.

[0034] In certain other embodiments, in association with a requested issuance of a ticket voucher from a gaming establishment device, the gaming establishment device employs a SAS defined one-up incrementing sequence to determine a ticket voucher validation number to be assigned the requested ticket voucher. In these embodiments, the gaming establishment device communicates the determined ticket voucher validation number to the system which checks that determined ticket voucher validation against any non-reclaimable ticket voucher validation numbers. In such instances, since the voucher validation number reclamation process creates certain holes in the ticket voucher sequence number listing for certain ticket voucher validation numbers that cannot, at least presently, be reused, after generating a ticket voucher validation number but prior to assigning that determined ticket voucher validation number to a ticket voucher, the gaming establishment device attempts to obtain an approval of the determined ticket voucher validation number from the system. In these embodiments, if the system accepts the determined ticket voucher validation number (i.e., the determined ticket voucher validation number correspond to a reclaimed validation number or a validation number eligible to be reclaimed), the system alerts the gaming establishment device of such an acceptance and the gaming establishment 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 device proceeds with assigning the generated ticket voucher validation number to the ticket voucher. On the other hand, if the system rejects the determined ticket voucher validation number (i.e., the determined ticket voucher validation number corresponds to a validation number ineligible to be reclaimed), the system communicates to the gaming establishment device the sequence number to use for the next voucher. The gaming establishment device then recreates the ticket voucher with a new ticket voucher validation number based on the system provided number and sends that ticket voucher to the system for acceptance. For example, as seen in Fig. 2A, upon a user of an EGM cashing out a credit balance in exchange for a ticket voucher associated with an amount of funds of the cashed out credit balance, the EGM determines, utilizing the SAS defined one-up incrementing sequence, a ticket voucher validation number to be assigned to a ticket voucher associated with the amount of funds of the cashed out credit balance. In this example, the EGM communicates the ticket voucher validation number to a ticket voucher system which accepts the ticket voucher validation number or rejects the ticket voucher validation number and provides an alternative ticket voucher validation number to employ.

[0035] In certain other embodiments, the ticket voucher system periodically alerts the EGM ahead of time of which sequence numbers can be used. In these embodiments, the ticket voucher system maintains a whitelist of sequence numbers to use which the ticket voucher system periodically updates and provides to the EGM. In certain other embodiments, the ticket voucher system periodically alerts the EGM ahead of time of which sequence numbers to avoid using. In these embodiments, the ticket voucher system maintains a blacklist of sequence numbers not to us which the ticket voucher system periodically updates and provides to the EGM.

[0036] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, responsive to an occurrence of a cashout event, an EGM creates a first ticket voucher associated with a ticket voucher validation number and an amount of funds of a credit balance, and communicates data associated with the first ticket voucher to a component of a ticket voucher system. In these embodiments, responsive to a receipt, from the component of the ticket voucher system, of an approval based on a second ticket voucher associated with the ticket voucher validation number being associated with a reclaimed state, the EGM issues the first ticket voucher. In certain such embodiments, responsive to a receipt, from the component of the ticket voucher system, of a disapproval based on the second ticket voucher associated with the ticket voucher validation number not being associated with the reclaimed state, 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 the EGM creates a third ticket voucher associated with another ticket voucher validation number and the amount of funds of the credit balance.

[0037] In certain other embodiments, in association with a requested issuance of a ticket voucher from a gaming establishment device, the system employs a SAS defined one-up incrementing sequence to determine a ticket voucher validation number to be assigned the requested ticket voucher. In these embodiments, the gaming establishment device presents a ticket voucher to be issued to the system and the system utilizes a listing of ticket voucher validation numbers that cannot be reused in determining a ticket voucher validation number to be assigned to the present ticket voucher. The system then informs the gaming establishment device what ticket voucher validation number to use with the ticket voucher. In such embodiments, since the sequence of available ticket voucher validation numbers to be reassigned includes certain validation numbers ineligible to be reclaimed, upon receiving a request for a ticket voucher validation number from a gaming establishment device, the system of these embodiments proceeds with determining a ticket voucher validation number for the requested ticket voucher that specifically accounts for (i.e., avoids using or otherwise skips) these unavailable validation numbers. In other words, in instances in which the system controls the validation number to be use, the system will pick from an unused sequence number (or a properly reclaimed sequence number) and send that to the gaming establishment device to be used for the ticket voucher validation number. For example, as seen in Fig. 2B, upon a user of an EGM cashing out a credit balance in exchange for a ticket voucher associated with an amount of funds of the cashed out credit balance, the EGM requests, from the ticket voucher system, a ticket voucher validation number to be assigned to a ticket voucher to be associated with the amount of funds of the cashed out credit balance. In this example, the ticket voucher system determines such a ticket voucher validation number (by utilizing the SAS defined one-up incrementing sequence and further aware of any unavailable validation numbers based on any issued validation numbers ineligible to be reclaimed) and communicates the ticket voucher validation number to the EGM.

[0038] Accordingly and in view of the limited amount of available ticket voucher identifying information available to employ to uniquely identify each issued ticket voucher, the present disclosure offers a technological avenue to maintain the seamless operation of ticket voucher systems when this limited amount of available ticket voucher identifying information is 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 used up or otherwise extinguished. Put differently, since there is a limited size to each ticket voucher validation number, ticket voucher validation numbers will eventually reach a maximum value and reset resulting in certain ticket vouchers having duplicate ticket voucher validation numbers (which could result in operational malfunctions by existing ticket voucher systems). As such and in light of instances of inconsistencies between multiple ticket vouchers associated with the same ticket validation number potentially causing certain ticket voucher system errors, the system of the present disclosure offers a solution to reusing certain ticket voucher identifying information which avoids certain malfunctions of ticket voucher systems unable to account for inconsistencies between multiple ticket vouchers associated with the same ticket validation identifying information. Such a configuration thus enables two (or more) ticket vouchers to have certain matching ticket voucher identifying information and different attributes (e.g., being associated with different amounts or being in conflicting ticket voucher states) to offer new ticket voucher system operational efficiencies (i.e., avoiding the inability to process multiple partially matching ticket vouchers).

[0039] It should be further appreciated that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with or in conjunction with one or more of a variety of different types of systems, such as, but not limited to, those described below.

[0040] The present disclosure contemplates a variety of different systems each having one or more of a plurality of different features, attributes, or characteristics. A “system” as used herein refers to various configurations of: (a) one or more servers; (b) one or more electronic gaming machines such as those located on a casino floor; and / or (c) one or more personal gaming devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers or computing devices, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, and other mobile computing devices.

[0041] Thus, in various embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes: (a) one or more electronic gaming machines in combination with one or more servers; (b) one or more personal gaming devices in combination with one or more servers; (c) one or more personal gaming devices in combination with one or more electronic gaming machines; (d) one or more personal gaming devices, one or more electronic gaming machines, and one or more servers in combination with one another; (e) a single electronic gaming machine; (f) a plurality of electronic gaming machines in combination with one another; (g) a single personal gaming device; (h) a 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 plurality of personal gaming devices in combination with one another; (i) a single server; and / or (j) a plurality of servers in combination with one another. For brevity and clarity and unless specifically stated otherwise, “EGM” as used herein represents one EGM or a plurality of EGMs, “personal gaming device” as used herein represents one personal gaming device or a plurality of personal gaming devices, and “server” as used herein represents one server or a plurality of servers.

[0042] As noted above, in various embodiments, the system includes an EGM (or personal gaming device) in combination with a server. In such embodiments, the EGM (or personal gaming device) is configured to communicate with the server through a data network or remote communication link. In certain such embodiments, the EGM (or personal gaming device) is configured to communicate with another EGM (or personal gaming device) through the same data network or remote communication link or through a different data network or remote communication link.

[0043] In certain embodiments in which the system includes an EGM (or personal gaming device) in combination with a server, the server is any suitable computing device (such as a server) that includes at least one processor and at least one memory device or data storage device. As further described herein, the EGM (or personal gaming device) includes at least one EGM (or personal gaming device) processor configured to transmit and receive data or signals representing events, messages, commands, or any other suitable information between the EGM (or personal gaming device) and the server. The at least one processor of that EGM (or personal gaming device) is configured to execute the events, messages, or commands represented by such data or signals in conjunction with the operation of the EGM (or personal gaming device). Moreover, the at least one processor of the server is configured to transmit and receive data or signals representing events, messages, commands, or any other suitable information between the server and the EGM (or personal gaming device). The at least one processor of the server is configured to execute the events, messages, or commands represented by such data or signals in conjunction with the operation of the server. One, more than one, or each of the functions of the server may be performed by the at least one processor of the EGM (or personal gaming device). Further, one, more than one, or each of the functions of the at least one processor of the EGM (or personal gaming device) may be performed by the at least one processor of the server. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026

[0044] In certain such embodiments, as indicated above, computerized instructions for controlling any games (such as any primary or base games and / or any secondary or bonus games) displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device) are executed by the server. In such “thin client” embodiments, the server remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device), and the EGM (or personal gaming device) is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and to receive one or more inputs or commands. In other such embodiments, computerized instructions for controlling certain games displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device) are communicated from the server to the EGM (or personal gaming device) and are stored in at least one memory device of the EGM (or personal gaming device). In such “thick client” embodiments, the at least one processor of the EGM (or personal gaming device) executes the computerized instructions to control such games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device).

[0045] In various embodiments in which the system includes a plurality of EGMs (or personal gaming devices), one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are thin client EGMs (or personal gaming devices) and one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are thick client EGMs (or personal gaming devices). In other embodiments in which the system includes one or more EGMs (or personal gaming devices), certain functions of one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are implemented in a thin client environment, and certain other functions of one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment in which the system includes an EGM (or personal gaming device) and a server, computerized instructions for controlling any primary or base games displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device) are communicated from the server to the EGM (or personal gaming device) in a thick client configuration, and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary or bonus games or other functions displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device) are executed by the server in a thin client configuration.

[0046] In certain embodiments in which the system includes: (a) an EGM (or personal gaming device) configured to communicate with a server through a data network; and / or (b) a plurality of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is a local area network (LAN) in which the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are located substantially proximate to one another and / or the server. In 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 one example, the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) and the server are located in a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment.

[0047] In other embodiments in which the system includes: (a) an EGM (or personal gaming device) configured to communicate with a server through a data network; and / or (b) a plurality of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are not necessarily located substantially proximate to another one of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) and / or the server. For example, one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are located: (a) in an area of a gaming establishment different from an area of the gaming establishment in which the server is located; or (b) in a gaming establishment different from the gaming establishment in which the server is located. In another example, the server is not located within a gaming establishment in which the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are located. In certain embodiments in which the data network is a WAN, the system includes a server and an EGM (or personal gaming device) each located in a different gaming establishment in a same geographic area, such as a same city or a same state. Systems in which the data network is a WAN are substantially identical to systems in which the data network is a LAN, though the quantity of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) in such systems may vary relative to one another.

[0048] In further embodiments in which the system includes: (a) an EGM (or personal gaming device) configured to communicate with a server through a data network; and / or (b) a plurality of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is an internet (such as the Internet) or an intranet. In certain such embodiments, an Internet browser of the EGM (or personal gaming device) is usable to access an Internet game page from any location where an Internet connection is available. In one such embodiment, after the EGM (or personal gaming device) accesses the Internet game page, the server identifies a player before enabling that player to place any wagers on any plays of any wagering games. In one example, the server identifies the player by requiring a player account of the player to be logged into via an input of a unique username and password combination assigned to the player. The server may, however, identify the player in any other suitable manner, such as by validating a player tracking identification number associated with the player; by reading a 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 player tracking card or other smart card inserted into a card reader (as described below); by validating a unique player identification number associated with the player by the server; or by identifying the EGM (or personal gaming device), such as by identifying the MAC address or the IP address of the Internet facilitator. In various embodiments, once the server identifies the player, the server enables placement of one or more wagers on one or more plays of one or more primary or base games and / or one or more secondary or bonus games, and displays those plays via the Internet browser of the EGM (or personal gaming device).

[0049] The server and the EGM (or personal gaming device) are configured to connect to the data network or remote communications link in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, such a connection is accomplished via: a conventional phone line or other data transmission line, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a T-1 line, a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, a wireless or wired routing device, a mobile communications network connection (such as a cellular network or mobile Internet network), or any other suitable medium. The expansion in the quantity of computing devices and the quantity and speed of Internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to use a variety of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) to play games from an ever-increasing quantity of remote sites. Additionally, the enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with players.

[0050] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example EGM 1000 and Figures 4A and 4B include two different example EGMs 2000a and 2000b. The EGMs 1000, 2000a, and 2000b are merely example EGMs, and different EGMs may be implemented using different combinations of the components shown in the EGMs 1000, 2000a, and 2000b. Although the below refers to EGMs, in various embodiments personal gaming devices (such as personal gaming device 2000c of Figure 4C) may include some or all of the below components.

[0051] In these embodiments, the EGM 1000 includes a master gaming controller 1012 configured to communicate with and to operate with a plurality of peripheral devices 1022.

[0052] The master gaming controller 1012 includes at least one processor 1010. The at least one processor 1010 is any suitable processing device or set of processing devices, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit, or one or more 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), configured to execute software enabling various configuration and reconfiguration tasks, such as: (1) communicating with a remote source (such as a server that stores authentication information or game information) via a communication interface 1006 of the master gaming controller 1012; (2) converting signals read by an interface to a format corresponding to that used by software or memory of the EGM; (3) accessing memory to configure or reconfigure game parameters in the memory according to indicia read from the EGM; (4) communicating with interfaces and the peripheral devices 1022 (such as input / output devices); and / or (5) controlling the peripheral devices 1022. In certain embodiments, one or more components of the master gaming controller 1012 (such as the at least one processor 1010) reside within a housing of the EGM (described below), while in other embodiments at least one component of the master gaming controller 1012 resides outside of the housing of the EGM.

[0053] The master gaming controller 1012 also includes at least one memory device 1016, which includes: (1) volatile memory (e.g., RAM 1009, which can include non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, and any other suitable forms); (2) non-volatile memory 1019 (e.g., disk memory, FLASH memory, EPROMs, EEPROMs, memristor-based non-volatile solidstate memory, etc.); (3) unalterable memory (e.g., EPROMs 1008); (4) read-only memory; and / or (5) a secondary memory storage device 1015, such as a non-volatile memory device, configured to store gaming software related information (the gaming software related information and the memory may be used to store various audio files and games not currently being used and invoked in a configuration or reconfiguration). Any other suitable magnetic, optical, and / or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the EGM of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the at least one memory device 1016 resides within the housing of the EGM (described below), while in other embodiments at least one component of the at least one memory device 1016 resides outside of the housing of the EGM.

[0054] The at least one memory device 1016 is configured to store, for example: (1) configuration software 1014, such as all the parameters and settings for a game playable on the EGM; (2) associations 1018 between configuration indicia read from an EGM with one or more parameters and settings; (3) communication protocols configured to enable the at least one processor 1010 to communicate with the peripheral devices 1022; and / or (4) communication transport protocols (such as TCP / IP, USB, Firewire, IEEE1394, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11x (IEEE 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 802.11 standards), hiperlan / 2, HomeRF, etc.) configured to enable the EGM to communicate with local and non-local devices using such protocols. In one implementation, the master gaming controller 1012 communicates with other devices using a serial communication protocol. A few non-limiting examples of serial communication protocols that other devices, such as peripherals (e.g., a bill validator or a ticket printer), may use to communicate with the master game controller 1012 include USB, RS-232, and Netplex (a proprietary protocol developed by IGT).

[0055] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated and described herein in any of a number of patentable classes or context including any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented entirely hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0056] Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Scala, Smalltalk, Eiffel, JADE, Emerald, C++, C#, VB.NET, Python or the like, conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language, Visual Basic, Fortran 2003, Perl, COBOL 2002, PHP, ABAP, dynamic programming languages such as Python, Ruby and Groovy, or other programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) or in a cloud computing environment or offered as a service such as a Software as a Service (SaaS).

[0057] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems) and computer program 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0058] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that when executed can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions when stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which when executed, cause a computer to implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable instruction execution apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatuses or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the at least one memory device 1016 is configured to store program code and instructions executable by the at least one processor of the EGM to control the EGM. The at least one memory device 1016 of the EGM also stores other operating data, such as image data, event data, input data, random number generators (RNGs) or pseudo-RNGs, paytable data or information, and / or applicable game rules that relate to the play of one or more games on the EGM. In various embodiments, part or all of the program code and / or the operating data described above is stored in at least one detachable or removable memory device including, but not limited to, a cartridge, a disk, a CD ROM, a DVD, a USB memory device, or any other suitable non-transitory computer readable medium. In certain such embodiments, an operator (such as a gaming establishment operator) and / or a player uses such a removable memory device in an EGM to implement at least part of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, part or all of the program 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 code and / or the operating data is downloaded to the at least one memory device of the EGM through any suitable data network described above (such as an Internet or intranet).

[0060] The at least one memory device 1016 also stores a plurality of device drivers 1042. Examples of different types of device drivers include device drivers for EGM components and device drivers for the peripheral components 1022. Typically, the device drivers 1042 utilize various communication protocols that enable communication with a particular physical device. The device driver abstracts the hardware implementation of that device. For example, a device driver may be written for each type of card reader that could potentially be connected to the EGM. Non-limiting examples of communication protocols used to implement the device drivers include Netplex, USB, Serial, Ethernet 175, Firewire, I / O debouncer, direct memory map, serial, PCI, parallel, RF, Bluetooth™, near-field communications (e.g., using near-field magnetics), 802.11 (WiFi), etc. In one embodiment, when one type of a particular device is exchanged for another type of the particular device, the at least one processor of the EGM loads the new device driver from the at least one memory device to enable communication with the new device. For instance, one type of card reader in the EGM can be replaced with a second different type of card reader when device drivers for both card readers are stored in the at least one memory device.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the software units stored in the at least one memory device 1016 can be upgraded as needed. For instance, when the at least one memory device 1016 is a hard drive, new games, new game options, new parameters, new settings for existing parameters, new settings for new parameters, new device drivers, and new communication protocols can be uploaded to the at least one memory device 1016 from the master game controller 1012 or from some other external device. As another example, when the at least one memory device 1016 includes a CD / DVD drive including a CD / DVD configured to store game options, parameters, and settings, the software stored in the at least one memory device 1016 can be upgraded by replacing a first CD / DVD with a second CD / DVD. In yet another example, when the at least one memory device 1016 uses flash memory 1019 or EPROM 1008 units configured to store games, game options, parameters, and settings, the software stored in the flash and / or EPROM memory units can be upgraded by replacing one or more memory units with new memory units that include the upgraded software. In another embodiment, one or more of the memory devices, such as the hard drive, may be employed in a game software download process from a remote software server. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026

[0062] In some embodiments, the at least one memory device 1016 also stores authentication and / or validation components 1044 configured to authenticate / validate specified EGM components and / or information, such as hardware components, software components, firmware components, peripheral device components, user input device components, information received from one or more user input devices, information stored in the at least one memory device 1016, etc.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the peripheral devices 1022 include several device interfaces, such as: (1) at least one output device 1020 including at least one display device 1035; (2) at least one input device 1030 (which may include contact and / or non-contact interfaces); (3) at least one transponder 1054; (4) at least one wireless communication component 1056; (5) at least one wired / wireless power distribution component 1058; (6) at least one sensor 1060; (7) at least one data preservation component 1062; (8) at least one motion / gesture analysis and interpretation component 1064; (9) at least one motion detection component 1066; (10) at least one portable power source 1068; (11) at least one geolocation module 1076; (12) at least one user identification module 1077; (13) at least one player / device tracking module 1078; and (14) at least one information filtering module 1079.

[0064] The at least one output device 1020 includes at least one display device 1035 configured to display any game(s) displayed by the EGM and any suitable information associated with such game(s). In certain embodiments, the display devices are connected to or mounted on a housing of the EGM (described below). In various embodiments, the display devices serve as digital glass configured to advertise certain games or other aspects of the gaming establishment in which the EGM is located. In various embodiments, the EGM includes one or more of the following display devices: (a) a central display device; (b) a player tracking display configured to display various information regarding a player’s player tracking status (as described below); (c) a secondary or upper display device in addition to the central display device and the player tracking display; (d) a credit display configured to display a current quantity of credits, amount of cash, account balance, or the equivalent; and (e) a bet display configured to display an amount wagered for one or more plays of one or more games. The example EGM 2000a illustrated in Figure 4A includes a central display device 2116, a player tracking display 2140, a credit display 2120, and a bet display 2122. The example EGM 2000b illustrated in Figure 4B includes a central display 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 device 2116, an upper display device 2118, a player tracking display 2140, a credit display 2120, and a bet display 2122.

[0065] In various embodiments, the display devices include, without limitation: a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and / or reflected image, or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In certain embodiments, as described above, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0066] The display devices of the EGM are configured to display one or more game and / or non-game images, symbols, and indicia. In certain embodiments, the display devices of the EGM are configured to display any suitable visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects; dynamic lighting; video images; images of people, characters, places, things, and faces of cards; and the like. In certain embodiments, the display devices of the EGM are configured to display one or more video reels, one or more video wheels, and / or one or more video dice. In other embodiments, certain of the displayed images, symbols, and indicia are in mechanical form. That is, in these embodiments, the display device includes any electromechanical device, such as one or more rotatable wheels, one or more reels, and / or one or more dice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols, or indicia.

[0067] In various embodiments, the at least one output device 1020 includes a payout device. In these embodiments, after the EGM receives an actuation of a cashout device (described below), the EGM causes the payout device to provide a payment to the player. In one embodiment, the payout device is one or more of: (a) a ticket printer and dispenser configured to print and dispense a ticket or credit slip associated with a monetary value, wherein the ticket or credit slip may be redeemed for its monetary value via a cashier, a kiosk, or other suitable redemption system; (b) a bill dispenser configured to dispense paper currency; (c) a coin dispenser configured to dispense coins or tokens (such as into a coin payout tray); and (d) any suitable combination thereof. The example EGMs 2000a and 2000b illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B each include a ticket printer and dispenser 2136. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026

[0068] In certain embodiments, rather than dispensing bills, coins, or a physical ticket having a monetary value to the player following receipt of an actuation of the cashout device, the payout device is configured to cause a payment to be provided to the player in the form of an electronic funds transfer, such as via a direct deposit into a bank account, a casino account, or a prepaid account of the player; via a transfer of funds onto an electronically recordable identification card or smart card of the player; or via sending a virtual ticket having a monetary value to an electronic device of the player.

[0069] While any credit balances, any wagers, any values, and any awards are described herein as amounts of monetary credits or currency, one or more of such credit balances, such wagers, such values, and such awards may be for non-monetary credits, promotional credits, of player tracking points or credits.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the at least one output device 1020 is a sound generating device controlled by one or more sound cards. In one such embodiment, the sound generating device includes one or more speakers or other sound generating hardware and / or software configured to generate sounds, such as by playing music for any games or by playing music for other modes of the EGM, such as an attract mode. The example EGMs 2000a and 2000b illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B each include a plurality of speakers 2150. In another such embodiment, the EGM provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display fullmotion video with sound to attract players to the EGM. In certain embodiments, the EGM displays a sequence of audio and / or visual attraction messages during idle periods to attract potential players to the EGM. The videos may be customized to provide any appropriate information.

[0071] The at least one input device 1030 may include any suitable device that enables an input signal to be produced and received by the at least one processor 1010 of the EGM.

[0072] In one embodiment, the at least one input device 1030 includes a payment device configured to communicate with the at least one processor of the EGM to fund the EGM. In certain embodiments, the payment device includes one or more of: (a) a bill acceptor into which paper money is inserted to fund the EGM; (b) a ticket acceptor into which a ticket or a voucher is inserted to fund the EGM; (c) a coin slot into which coins or tokens are inserted to fund the EGM; (d) a reader or a validator for credit cards, debit cards, or credit slips into which a credit card, debit card, 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 or credit slip is inserted to fund the EGM; (e) a player identification card reader into which a player identification card is inserted to fund the EGM; or (f) any suitable combination thereof. The example EGMs 2000a and 2000b illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B each include a combined bill and ticket acceptor 2128 and a coin slot 2126.

[0073] In one embodiment, the at least one input device 1030 includes a payment device configured to enable the EGM to be funded via an electronic funds transfer, such as a transfer of funds from a bank account. In another embodiment, the EGM includes a payment device configured to communicate with a mobile device of a player, such as a mobile phone, a radio frequency identification tag, or any other suitable wired or wireless device, to retrieve relevant information associated with that player to fund the EGM. When the EGM is funded, the at least one processor determines the amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on a credit display or any other suitable display as described below.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the at least one input device 1030 includes at least one wagering or betting device. In various embodiments, the one or more wagering or betting devices are each: (1) a mechanical button supported by the housing of the EGM (such as a hard key or a programmable soft key), or (2) an icon displayed on a display device of the EGM (described below) that is actuatable via a touch screen of the EGM (described below) or via use of a suitable input device of the EGM (such as a mouse or a joystick). One such wagering or betting device is as a maximum wager or bet device that, when actuated, causes the EGM to place a maximum wager on a play of a game. Another such wagering or betting device is a repeat bet device that, when actuated, causes the EGM to place a wager that is equal to the previously-placed wager on a play of a game. A further such wagering or betting device is a bet one device that, when actuated, causes the EGM to increase the wager by one credit. Generally, upon actuation of one of the wagering or betting devices, the quantity of credits displayed in a credit meter (described below) decreases by the amount of credits wagered, while the quantity of credits displayed in a bet display (described below) increases by the amount of credits wagered.

[0075] In various embodiments, the at least one input device 1030 includes at least one game play activation device. In various embodiments, the one or more game play initiation devices are each: (1) a mechanical button supported by the housing of the EGM (such as a hard key or a programmable soft key), or (2) an icon displayed on a display device of the EGM (described 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 below) that is actuatable via a touch screen of the EGM (described below) or via use of a suitable input device of the EGM (such as a mouse or a joystick). After a player appropriately funds the EGM and places a wager, the EGM activates the game play activation device to enable the player to actuate the game play activation device to initiate a play of a game on the EGM (or another suitable sequence of events associated with the EGM). After the EGM receives an actuation of the game play activation device, the EGM initiates the play of the game. The example EGMs 2000a and 2000b illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B each include a game play activation device in the form of a game play initiation button 2132. In other embodiments, the EGM begins game play automatically upon appropriate funding rather than upon utilization of the game play activation device.

[0076] In other embodiments, the at least one input device 1030 includes a cashout device. In various embodiments, the cashout device is: (1) a mechanical button supported by the housing of the EGM (such as a hard key or a programmable soft key), or (2) an icon displayed on a display device of the EGM (described below) that is actuatable via a touch screen of the EGM (described below) or via use of a suitable input device of the EGM (such as a mouse or a joystick). When the EGM receives an actuation of the cashout device from a player and the player has a positive (i.e., greater-than-zero) credit balance, the EGM initiates a payout associated with the player’s credit balance. The example EGMs 2000a and 2000b illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B each include a cashout device in the form of a cashout button 2134.

[0077] In various embodiments, the at least one input device 1030 includes a plurality of buttons that are programmable by the EGM operator to, when actuated, cause the EGM to perform particular functions. For instance, such buttons may be hard keys, programmable soft keys, or icons icon displayed on a display device of the EGM (described below) that are actuatable via a touch screen of the EGM (described below) or via use of a suitable input device of the EGM (such as a mouse or a joystick). The example EGMs 2000a and 2000b illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B each include a plurality of such buttons 2130.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the at least one input device 1030 includes a touch-screen coupled to a touch-screen controller or other touch-sensitive display overlay to enable interaction with any images displayed on a display device (as described below). One such input device is a conventional touch-screen button panel. The touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 connected to a video controller. In these embodiments, signals are input to the EGM by touching the touch screen at the appropriate locations.

[0079] In embodiments including a player tracking system, as further described below, the at least one input device 1030 includes a card reader in communication with the at least one processor of the EGM. The example EGMs 2000a and 2000b illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B each include a card reader 2138. The card reader is configured to read a player identification card inserted into the card reader.

[0080] The at least one wireless communication component 1056 includes one or more communication interfaces having different architectures and utilizing a variety of protocols, such as (but not limited to) 802.11 (WiFi); 802.15 (including Bluetooth™); 802.16 (WiMax); 802.22; cellular standards such as CDMA, CDMA2000, and WCDMA; Radio Frequency (e.g., RFID); infrared; and Near Field Magnetic communication protocols. The at least one wireless communication component 1056 transmits electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams or analog signals representing various types of information.

[0081] The at least one wired / wireless power distribution component 1058 includes components or devices that are configured to provide power to other devices. For example, in one embodiment, the at least one power distribution component 1058 includes a magnetic induction system that is configured to provide wireless power to one or more user input devices near the EGM. In one embodiment, a user input device docking region is provided, and includes a power distribution component that is configured to recharge a user input device without requiring metal-to-metal contact. In one embodiment, the at least one power distribution component 1058 is configured to distribute power to one or more internal components of the EGM, such as one or more rechargeable power sources (e.g., rechargeable batteries) located at the EGM.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the at least one sensor 1060 includes at least one of: optical sensors, pressure sensors, RF sensors, infrared sensors, image sensors, thermal sensors, and biometric sensors. The at least one sensor 1060 may be used for a variety of functions, such as: detecting movements and / or gestures of various objects within a predetermined proximity to the EGM; detecting the presence and / or identity of various persons (e.g., players, casino employees, etc.), devices (e.g., user input devices), and / or systems within a predetermined proximity to the EGM. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026

[0083] The at least one data preservation component 1062 is configured to detect or sense one or more events and / or conditions that, for example, may result in damage to the EGM and / or that may result in loss of information associated with the EGM. Additionally, the data preservation system 1062 may be operable to initiate one or more appropriate action(s) in response to the detection of such events / conditions.

[0084] The at least one motion / gesture analysis and interpretation component 1064 is configured to analyze and / or interpret information relating to detected player movements and / or gestures to determine appropriate player input information relating to the detected player movements and / or gestures. For example, in one embodiment, the at least one motion / gesture analysis and interpretation component 1064 is configured to perform one or more of the following functions: analyze the detected gross motion or gestures of a player; interpret the player’s motion or gestures (e.g., in the context of a casino game being played) to identify instructions or input from the player; utilize the interpreted instructions / input to advance the game state; etc. In other embodiments, at least a portion of these additional functions may be implemented at a remote system or device.

[0085] The at least one portable power source 1068 enables the EGM to operate in a mobile environment. For example, in one embodiment, the EGM 300 includes one or more rechargeable batteries.

[0086] The at least one geolocation module 1076 is configured to acquire geolocation information from one or more remote sources and use the acquired geolocation information to determine information relating to a relative and / or absolute position of the EGM. For example, in one implementation, the at least one geolocation module 1076 is configured to receive GPS signal information for use in determining the position or location of the EGM. In another implementation, the at least one geolocation module 1076 is configured to receive multiple wireless signals from multiple remote devices (e.g., EGMs, servers, wireless access points, etc.) and use the signal information to compute position / location information relating to the position or location of the EGM.

[0087] The at least one user identification module 1077 is configured to determine the identity of the current user or current owner of the EGM. For example, in one embodiment, the current user is required to perform a login process at the EGM in order to access one or more 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 features. Alternatively, the EGM is configured to automatically determine the identity of the current user based on one or more external signals, such as an RFID tag or badge worn by the current user and that provides a wireless signal to the EGM that is used to determine the identity of the current user. In at least one embodiment, various security features are incorporated into the EGM to prevent unauthorized users from accessing confidential or sensitive information.

[0088] The at least one information filtering module 1079 is configured to perform filtering (e.g., based on specified criteria) of selected information to be displayed at one or more displays 1035 of the EGM.

[0089] In various embodiments, the EGM includes a plurality of communication ports configured to enable the at least one processor of the EGM to communicate with and to operate with external peripherals, such as: accelerometers, arcade sticks, bar code readers, bill validators, biometric input devices, bonus devices, button panels, card readers, coin dispensers, coin hoppers, display screens or other displays or video sources, expansion buses, information panels, keypads, lights, mass storage devices, microphones, motion sensors, motors, printers, reels, SCSI ports, solenoids, speakers, thumbsticks, ticket readers, touch screens, trackballs, touchpads, wheels, and wireless communication devices.

[0090] As generally described above, in certain embodiments, such as the example EGMs 2000a and 2000b illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the EGM has a support structure, housing, or cabinet that provides support for a plurality of the input devices and the output devices of the EGM. Further, the EGM is configured such that a player may operate it while standing or sitting. In various embodiments, the EGM is positioned on a base or stand, or is configured as a pub-style tabletop game (not shown) that a player may operate typically while sitting. As illustrated by the different example EGMs 2000a and 2000b shown in Figures 4A and 4B, EGMs may have varying housing and display configurations.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the EGM is a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission, and in other embodiments, the EGM is a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission.

[0092] The EGMs described above are merely three examples of different types of EGMs. Certain of these example EGMs may include one or more elements that may not be included in all 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 systems, and these example EGMs may not include one or more elements that are included in other systems. For example, certain EGMs include a coin acceptor while others do not.

[0093] In various embodiments, an EGM may be implemented in one of a variety of different configurations. In various embodiments, the EGM may be implemented as one of: (a) a dedicated EGM in which computerized game programs executable by the EGM for controlling any primary or base games (referred to herein as “primary games”) and / or any secondary or bonus games or other functions (referred to herein as “secondary games”) displayed by the EGM are provided with the EGM before delivery to a gaming establishment or before being provided to a player; and (b) a changeable EGM in which computerized game programs executable by the EGM for controlling any primary games and / or secondary games displayed by the EGM are downloadable or otherwise transferred to the EGM through a data network or remote communication link; from a USB drive, flash memory card, or other suitable memory device; or in any other suitable manner after the EGM is physically located in a gaming establishment or after the EGM is provided to a player.

[0094] As generally explained above, in various embodiments in which the system includes a server and a changeable EGM, the at least one memory device of the server stores different game programs and instructions executable by the at least one processor of the changeable EGM to control one or more primary games and / or secondary games displayed by the changeable EGM. More specifically, each such executable game program represents a different game or a different type of game that the at least one changeable EGM is configured to operate. In one example, certain of the game programs are executable by the changeable EGM to operate games having the same or substantially the same game play but different paytables. In different embodiments, each executable game program is associated with a primary game, a secondary game, or both. In certain embodiments, an executable game program is executable by the at least one processor of the at least one changeable EGM as a secondary game to be played simultaneously with a play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or otherwise stored on the at least one changeable EGM), or vice versa.

[0095] In operation of such embodiments, the server is configured to communicate one or more of the stored executable game programs to the at least one processor of the changeable EGM. In different embodiments, a stored executable game program is communicated or delivered to the 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 at least one processor of the changeable EGM by: (a) embedding the executable game program in a device or a component (such as a microchip to be inserted into the changeable EGM); (b) writing the executable game program onto a disc or other media; or (c) uploading or streaming the executable game program over a data network (such as a dedicated data network). After the executable game program is communicated from the server to the changeable EGM, the at least one processor of the changeable EGM executes the executable game program to enable the primary game and / or the secondary game associated with that executable game program to be played using the display device(s) and / or the input device(s) of the changeable EGM. That is, when an executable game program is communicated to the at least one processor of the changeable EGM, the at least one processor of the changeable EGM changes the game or the type of game that may be played using the changeable EGM.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the system randomly determines any game outcome(s) (such as a win outcome) and / or award(s) (such as a quantity of credits to award for the win outcome) for a play of a primary game and / or a play of a secondary game based on probability data. In certain such embodiments, this random determination is provided through utilization of an RNG, such as a true RNG or a pseudo RNG, or any other suitable randomization process. In one such embodiment, each game outcome or award is associated with a probability, and the system generates the game outcome(s) and / or the award(s) to be provided based on the associated probabilities. In these embodiments, since the system generates game outcomes and / or awards randomly or based on one or more probability calculations, there is no certainty that the system will ever provide any specific game outcome and / or award.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the system maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes and / or awards. In certain such embodiments, upon generation or receipt of a game outcome and / or award request, the system independently selects one of the predetermined game outcomes and / or awards from the one or more pools or sets. The system flags or marks the selected game outcome and / or award as used. Once a game outcome or an award is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from its respective pool or set; that is, the system does not select that game outcome or award upon another game outcome and / or award request. The system provides the selected game outcome and / or award. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026

[0098] In certain embodiments, the system determines a predetermined game outcome and / or award based on the results of a bingo, keno, or lottery game. In certain such embodiments, the system utilizes one or more bingo, keno, or lottery games to determine the predetermined game outcome and / or award provided for a primary game and / or a secondary game. The system is provided or associated with a bingo card. Each bingo card consists of a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated with separate indicia. After a bingo card is provided, the system randomly selects or draws a plurality of the elements. As each element is selected, a determination is made as to whether the selected element is present on the bingo card. If the selected element is present on the bingo card, that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards. After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards, game outcome and / or award is determined based, at least in part, on the selected elements on the provided bingo cards.

[0099] In certain embodiments in which the primary game is a slot or spinning reel type game, the system includes one or more reels in either an electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or in a video form with simulated reels and movement thereof. Each reel displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars, or other images that typically correspond to a theme associated with the system. In certain such embodiments, the system includes one or more paylines associated with the reels. The example EGM 2000b shown in Figure 4B includes a payline 2152 and a plurality of reels 2154. In certain embodiments, one or more of the reels are independent reels or unisymbol reels. In such embodiments, each independent reel generates and displays one symbol.

[00100] In various embodiments, one or more of the paylines is horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled, or any suitable combination thereof. In other embodiments, each of one or more of the paylines is associated with a plurality of adjacent symbol display areas on a requisite number of adjacent reels. In one such embodiment, one or more paylines are formed between at least two symbol display areas that are adjacent to each other by either sharing a common side or sharing a common corner (i.e., such paylines are connected paylines). The system enables a wager to be placed on one or more of such paylines to activate such paylines. In other embodiments in 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 which one or more paylines are formed between at least two adjacent symbol display areas, the system enables a wager to be placed on a plurality of symbol display areas, which activates those symbol display areas.

[00101] In various embodiments, the system provides one or more awards after a spin of the reels when specified types and / or configurations of the indicia or symbols on the reels occur on an active payline or otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on the requisite number of adjacent reels, and / or occur in a scatter pay arrangement.

[00102] In certain embodiments, the system employs a ways to win award determination. In these embodiments, any outcome to be provided is determined based on a number of associated symbols that are generated in active symbol display areas on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol combinations). If a winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol combination is provided.

[00103] In various embodiments, the system includes a progressive award. Typically, a progressive award includes an initial amount and an additional amount funded through a portion of each wager placed to initiate a play of a primary game. When one or more triggering events occurs, the system provides at least a portion of the progressive award. After the system provides the progressive award, an amount of the progressive award is reset to the initial amount and a portion of each subsequent wager is allocated to the next progressive award.

[00104] As generally noted above, in addition to providing winning credits or other awards for one or more plays of the primary game(s), in various embodiments the system provides credits or other awards for one or more plays of one or more secondary games. The secondary game typically enables an award to be obtained addition to any award obtained through play of the primary game(s). The secondary game(s) typically produces a higher level of player excitement than the primary game(s) because the secondary game(s) provides a greater expectation of winning than the primary game(s) and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the primary game(s). The secondary game(s) may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the primary game.

[00105] In various embodiments, the system automatically provides or initiates the secondary game upon the occurrence of a triggering event or the satisfaction of a qualifying 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 condition. In other embodiments, the system initiates the secondary game upon the occurrence of the triggering event or the satisfaction of the qualifying condition and upon receipt of an initiation input. In certain embodiments, the triggering event or qualifying condition is a selected outcome in the primary game(s) or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device for a play of the primary game(s), such as a “BONUS” symbol appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline following a spin of the reels for a play of the primary game. In other embodiments, the triggering event or qualifying condition occurs based on a certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, amount of time) being exceeded, or based on a specified number of points being earned during game play. Any suitable triggering event or qualifying condition or any suitable combination of a plurality of different triggering events or qualifying conditions may be employed.

[00106] In other embodiments, at least one processor of the system randomly determines when to provide one or more plays of one or more secondary games. In one such embodiment, no apparent reason is provided for providing the secondary game. In this embodiment, qualifying for a secondary game is not triggered by the occurrence of an event in any primary game or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, qualification is provided without any explanation or, alternatively, with a simple explanation. In another such embodiment, the system determines qualification for a secondary game at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on play of a primary game.

[00107] In various embodiments, after qualification for a secondary game has been determined, the secondary game participation may be enhanced through continued play on the primary game. Thus, in certain embodiments, for each secondary game qualifying event, such as a secondary game symbol, that is obtained, a given number of secondary game wagering points or credits is accumulated in a “secondary game meter” configured to accrue the secondary game wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in the secondary game. In one such embodiment, the occurrence of multiple such secondary game qualifying events in the primary game results in an arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of secondary game wagering credits awarded. In another such embodiment, any extra secondary game wagering credits may be redeemed during the secondary game to extend play of the secondary game. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026

[00108] In certain embodiments, no separate entry fee or buy-in for the secondary game is required. That is, entry into the secondary game cannot be purchased; rather, in these embodiments entry must be won or earned through play of the primary game, thereby encouraging play of the primary game. In other embodiments, qualification for the secondary game is accomplished through a simple “buy-in.” For example, qualification through other specified activities is unsuccessful, payment of a fee or placement of an additional wager “buys-in” to the secondary game. In certain embodiments, a separate side wager must be placed on the secondary game or a wager of a designated amount must be placed on the primary game to enable qualification for the secondary game. In these embodiments, the secondary game triggering event must occur and the side wager (or designated primary game wager amount) must have been placed for the secondary game to trigger.

[00109] In various embodiments in which the system includes a plurality of EGMs, the EGMs are configured to communicate with one another to provide a group gaming environment. In certain such embodiments, the EGMs enable players of those EGMs to work in conjunction with one another, such as by enabling the players to play together as a team or group, to win one or more awards. In other such embodiments, the EGMs enable players of those EGMs to compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such embodiment, the EGMs enable the players of those EGMs to participate in one or more gaming tournaments for one or more awards.

[00110] In various embodiments, the system includes one or more player tracking systems. Such player tracking systems enable operators of the system (such as casinos or other gaming establishments) to recognize the value of customer loyalty by identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. Such a player tracking system is configured to track a player’s gaming activity. In one such embodiment, the player tracking system does so through the use of player tracking cards. In this embodiment, a player is issued a player identification card that has an encoded player identification number that uniquely identifies the player. When the player’s playing tracking card is inserted into a card reader of the system to begin a gaming session, the card reader reads the player identification number off the player tracking card to identify the player. The system timely tracks any suitable information or data relating to the identified player’s gaming session. The system also timely tracks when the player tracking card is removed to conclude play for that gaming session. In another embodiment, rather than requiring 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 insertion of a player tracking card into the card reader, the system utilizes one or more portable devices, such as a mobile phone, a radio frequency identification tag, or any other suitable wireless device, to track when a gaming session begins and ends. In another embodiment, the system utilizes any suitable biometric technology or ticket technology to track when a gaming session begins and ends.

[00111] In such embodiments, during one or more gaming sessions, the system tracks any suitable information or data, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts, and / or the time at which these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the player tracking system includes the player’s account number, the player’s card number, the player’s first name, the player’s surname, the player’s preferred name, the player’s player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the player’s player tracking card, the player’s address, the player’s birthday, the player’s anniversary, the player’s recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data. In various embodiments, such tracked information and / or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed on a player tracking display. In various embodiments, such tracked information and / or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed via one or more service windows that are displayed on the central display device and / or the upper display device.

[00112] In various embodiments, the system includes one or more servers configured to communicate with a personal gaming device—such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a laptop computer—to enable web-based game play using the personal gaming device. In various embodiments, the player must first access a gaming website via an Internet browser of the personal gaming device or execute an application (commonly called an “app”) installed on the personal gaming device before the player can use the personal gaming device to participate in web-based game play. In certain embodiments, the one or more servers and the personal gaming device operate in a thin-client environment. In these embodiments, the personal gaming device receives inputs via one or more input devices (such as a touch screen and / or physical buttons), the personal gaming device sends the received inputs to the one or more servers, the one or more servers make various determinations based on the inputs and determine content to be displayed (such as a randomly determined game outcome and corresponding award), the one or 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 more servers send the content to the personal gaming device, and the personal gaming device displays the content.

[00113] In certain such embodiments, the one or more servers must identify the player before enabling game play on the personal gaming device (or, in some embodiments, before enabling monetary wager-based game play on the personal gaming device). In these embodiments, the player must identify herself to the one or more servers, such as by inputting the player’s unique username and password combination (or in any other manners described above.

[00114] Once identified, the one or more servers enable the player to establish an account balance from which the player can draw credits usable to wager on plays of a game. In certain embodiments, the one or more servers enable the player to initiate an electronic funds transfer to transfer funds from a bank account to the player’s account balance. In other embodiments, the one or more servers enable the player to make a payment using the player’s credit card, debit card, or other suitable device to add money to the player’s account balance. In other embodiments, the one or more servers enable the player to add money to the player’s account balance via a peer-to-peer type application, such as PayPal or Venmo. The one or more servers also enable the player to cash out the player’s account balance (or part of it) in any suitable manner, such as via an electronic funds transfer or by initiating creation of a paper check that is mailed to the player.

[00115] In certain embodiments, the one or more servers include a payment server that handles establishing and cashing out players’ account balances and a separate game server configured to determine the outcome and any associated award for a play of a game. In these embodiments, the game server is configured to communicate with the personal gaming device and the payment device, and the personal gaming device and the payment device are not configured to directly communicate with one another. In these embodiments, when the game server receives data representing a request to start a play of a game at a desired wager, the game server sends data representing the desired wager to the payment server. The payment server determines whether the player’s account balance can cover the desired wager (i.e., includes a monetary balance at least equal to the desired wager).

[00116] If the payment server determines that the player’s account balance cannot cover the desired wager, the payment server notifies the game server, which then instructs the personal gaming device to display a suitable notification to the player that the player’s account balance is 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 too low to place the desired wager. If the payment server determines that the player’s account balance can cover the desired wager, the payment server deducts the desired wager from the account balance and notifies the game server. The game server then determines an outcome and any associated award for the play of the game. The game server notifies the payment server of any nonzero award, and the payment server increases the player’s account balance by the nonzero award. The game server sends data representing the outcome and any award to the personal gaming device, which displays the outcome and any award.

[00117] In certain embodiments, the one or more servers enable web-based game play using a personal gaming device only if the personal gaming device satisfies one or more jurisdictional requirements. In one embodiment, the one or more servers enable web-based game play using the personal gaming device only if the personal gaming device is located within a designated geographic area (such as within certain state or county lines). In this embodiment, the geolocation module of the personal gaming device determines the location of the personal gaming device and sends the location to the one or more servers, which determine whether the personal gaming device is located within the designated geographic area. In various embodiments, the one or more servers enable non-monetary wager-based game play if the personal gaming device is located outside of the designated geographic area.

[00118] In various embodiments, the system includes an EGM configured to communicate with a personal gaming device—such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a laptop computer—to enable tethered mobile game play using the personal gaming device. Generally, in these embodiments, the EGM establishes communication with the personal gaming device and enables the player to play games on the EGM remotely via the personal gaming device. In certain embodiments, the system includes a geo-fence system that enables tethered game play within a particular geographic area but not outside of that geographic area.

[00119] In certain embodiments, the system is configured to communicate with a social network server that hosts or partially hosts a social networking website via a data network (such as the Internet) to integrate a player’s gaming experience with the player’s social networking account. This enables the system to send certain information to the social network server that the social network server can use to create content (such as text, an image, and / or a video) and post it to the player’s wall, newsfeed, or similar area of the social networking website accessible by the 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 player’s connections (and in certain cases the public) such that the player’s connections can view that information. This also enables the system to receive certain information from the social network server, such as the player’s likes or dislikes or the player’s list of connections. In certain embodiments, the system enables the player to link the player’s player account to the player’s social networking account(s). This enables the system to, once it identifies the player and initiates a gaming session (such as via the player logging in to a website (or an application) on the player’s personal gaming device or via the player inserting the player’s player tracking card into an EGM), link that gaming session to the player’s social networking account(s). In other embodiments, the system enables the player to link the player’s social networking account(s) to individual gaming sessions when desired by providing the required login information.

[00120] For instance, in one embodiment, if a player wins a particular award (e.g., a progressive award or a jackpot award) or an award that exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., an award exceeding $1,000), the system sends information about the award to the social network server to enable the server to create associated content (such as a screenshot of the outcome and associated award) and to post that content to the player’s wall (or other suitable area) of the social networking website for the player’s connections to see (and to entice them to play). In another embodiment, if a player joins a multiplayer game and there is another seat available, the system sends that information to the social network sever to enable the server to create associated content (such as text indicating a vacancy for that particular game) and to post that content to the player’s wall (or other suitable area) of the social networking website for the player’s connections to see (and to entice them to fill the vacancy). In another embodiment, if the player consents, the system sends advertisement information or offer information to the social network server to enable the social network server to create associated content (such as text or an image reflecting an advertisement and / or an offer) and to post that content to the player’s wall (or other suitable area) of the social networking website for the player’s connections to see. In another embodiment, the system enables the player to recommend a game to the player’s connections by posting a recommendation to the player’s wall (or other suitable area) of the social networking website.

[00121] Certain of the systems described herein, such as EGMs located in a casino or another gaming establishment, include certain components and / or are configured to operate in 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 certain manners that differentiate these systems from general purpose computing devices, i.e., certain personal gaming devices such as desktop computers and laptop computers.

[00122] For instance, EGMs are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, EGMs are configured to award monetary awards up to multiple millions of dollars. To satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and / or software architectures are implemented in EGMs that differ significantly from those of general purpose computing devices. For purposes of illustration, a description of EGMs relative to general purpose computing devices and some examples of these additional (or different) hardware and / or software architectures found in EGMs are described below.

[00123] At first glance, one might think that adapting general purpose computing device technologies to the gaming industry and EGMs would be a simple proposition because both general purpose computing devices and EGMs employ processors that control a variety of devices. However, due to at least: (1) the regulatory requirements placed on EGMs, (2) the harsh environment in which EGMs operate, (3) security requirements, and (4) fault tolerance requirements, adapting general purpose computing device technologies to EGMs can be quite difficult. Further, techniques and methods for solving a problem in the general purpose computing device industry, such as device compatibility and connectivity issues, might not be adequate in the gaming industry. For instance, a fault or a weakness tolerated in a general purpose computing device, such as security holes in software or frequent crashes, is not tolerated in an EGM because in an EGM these faults can lead to a direct loss of funds from the EGM, such as stolen cash or loss of revenue when the EGM is not operating properly or when the random outcome determination is manipulated.

[00124] Certain differences between general purpose computing devices and EGMs are described below. A first difference between EGMs and general purpose computing devices is that EGMs are state-based systems. A state-based system stores and maintains its current state in a nonvolatile memory such that, in the event of a power failure or other malfunction, the state-based system can return to that state when the power is restored or the malfunction is remedied. For instance, for a state-based EGM, if the EGM displays an award for a game of chance but the power to the EGM fails before the EGM provides the award to the player, the EGM stores the pre-power failure state in a non-volatile memory, returns to that state upon restoration of power, and provides 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 the award to the player. This requirement affects the software and hardware design on EGMs. General purpose computing devices are not state-based machines, and a majority of data is usually lost when a malfunction occurs on a general purpose computing device.

[00125] A second difference between EGMs and general purpose computing devices is that, for regulatory purposes, the software on the EGM utilized to operate the EGM has been designed to be static and monolithic to prevent cheating by the operator of the EGM. For instance, one solution that has been employed in the gaming industry to prevent cheating and to satisfy regulatory requirements has been to manufacture an EGM that can use a proprietary processor running instructions to provide the game of chance from an EPROM or other form of non-volatile memory. The coding instructions on the EPROM are static (non-changeable) and must be approved by a gaming regulators in a particular jurisdiction and installed in the presence of a person representing the gaming jurisdiction. Any changes to any part of the software required to generate the game of chance, such as adding a new device driver used to operate a device during generation of the game of chance, can require burning a new EPROM approved by the gaming jurisdiction and reinstalling the new EPROM on the EGM in the presence of a gaming regulator. Regardless of whether the EPROM solution is used, to gain approval in most gaming jurisdictions, an EGM must demonstrate sufficient safeguards that prevent an operator or a player of an EGM from manipulating the EGM’s hardware and software in a manner that gives him an unfair, and in some cases illegal, advantage.

[00126] A third difference between EGMs and general purpose computing devices is authentication—EGMs storing code are configured to authenticate the code to determine if the code is unaltered before executing the code. If the code has been altered, the EGM prevents the code from being executed. The code authentication requirements in the gaming industry affect both hardware and software designs on EGMs. Certain EGMs use hash functions to authenticate code. For instance, one EGM stores game program code, a hash function, and an authentication hash (which may be encrypted). Before executing the game program code, the EGM hashes the game program code using the hash function to obtain a result hash and compares the result hash to the authentication hash. If the result hash matches the authentication hash, the EGM determines that the game program code is valid and executes the game program code. If the result hash does 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 not match the authentication hash, the EGM determines that the game program code has been altered (i.e., may have been tampered with) and prevents execution of the game program code.

[00127] A fourth difference between EGMs and general purpose computing devices is that EGMs have unique peripheral device requirements that differ from those of a general purpose computing device, such as peripheral device security requirements not usually addressed by general purpose computing devices. For instance, monetary devices, such as coin dispensers, bill validators, and ticket printers and computing devices that are used to govern the input and output of cash or other items having monetary value (such as tickets) to and from an EGM have security requirements that are not typically addressed in general purpose computing devices. Therefore, many general purpose computing device techniques and methods developed to facilitate device connectivity and device compatibility do not address the emphasis placed on security in the gaming industry.

[00128] To address some of the issues described above, a number of hardware / software components and architectures are utilized in EGMs that are not typically found in general purpose computing devices. These hardware / software components and architectures, as described below in more detail, include but are not limited to watchdog timers, voltage monitoring systems, statebased software architecture and supporting hardware, specialized communication interfaces, security monitoring, and trusted memory.

[00129] Certain EGMs use a watchdog timer to provide a software failure detection mechanism. In a normally-operating EGM, the operating software periodically accesses control registers in the watchdog timer subsystem to “re-trigger” the watchdog. Should the operating software fail to access the control registers within a preset timeframe, the watchdog timer will timeout and generate a system reset. Typical watchdog timer circuits include a loadable timeout counter register to enable the operating software to set the timeout interval within a certain range of time. A differentiating feature of some circuits is that the operating software cannot completely disable the function of the watchdog timer. In other words, the watchdog timer always functions from the time power is applied to the board.

[00130] Certain EGMs use several power supply voltages to operate portions of the computer circuitry. These can be generated in a central power supply or locally on the computer board. If any of these voltages falls out of the tolerance limits of the circuitry they power, 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 unpredictable operation of the EGM may result. Though most modern general purpose computing devices include voltage monitoring circuitry, these types of circuits only report voltage status to the operating software. Out of tolerance voltages can cause software malfunction, creating a potential uncontrolled condition in the general purpose computing device. Certain EGMs have power supplies with relatively tighter voltage margins than that required by the operating circuitry. In addition, the voltage monitoring circuitry implemented in certain EGMs typically has two thresholds of control. The first threshold generates a software event that can be detected by the operating software and an error condition then generated. This threshold is triggered when a power supply voltage falls out of the tolerance range of the power supply, but is still within the operating range of the circuitry. The second threshold is set when a power supply voltage falls out of the operating tolerance of the circuitry. In this case, the circuitry generates a reset, halting operation of the EGM.

[00131] As described above, certain EGMs are state-based machines. Different functions of the game provided by the EGM (e.g., bet, play, result, points in the graphical presentation, etc.) may be defined as a state. When the EGM moves a game from one state to another, the EGM stores critical data regarding the game software in a custom non-volatile memory subsystem. This ensures that the player’s wager and credits are preserved and to minimize potential disputes in the event of a malfunction on the EGM. In general, the EGM does not advance from a first state to a second state until critical information that enables the first state to be reconstructed has been stored. This feature enables the EGM to recover operation to the current state of play in the event of a malfunction, loss of power, etc. that occurred just before the malfunction. In at least one embodiment, the EGM is configured to store such critical information using atomic transactions.

[00132] Generally, an atomic operation in computer science refers to a set of operations that can be combined so that they appear to the rest of the system to be a single operation with only two possible outcomes: success or failure. As related to data storage, an atomic transaction may be characterized as series of database operations which either all occur, or all do not occur. A guarantee of atomicity prevents updates to the database occurring only partially, which can result in data corruption.

[00133] To ensure the success of atomic transactions relating to critical information to be stored in the EGM memory before a failure event (e.g., malfunction, loss of power, etc.), memory 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 that includes one or more of the following criteria be used: direct memory access capability; data read / write capability which meets or exceeds minimum read / write access characteristics (such as at least 5.08 Mbytes / sec (Read) and / or at least 38.0 Mbytes / sec (Write)). Memory devices that meet or exceed the above criteria may be referred to as “fault-tolerant” memory devices.

[00134] Typically, battery-backed RAM devices may be configured to function as fault-tolerant devices according to the above criteria, whereas flash RAM and / or disk drive memory are typically not configurable to function as fault-tolerant devices according to the above criteria. Accordingly, battery-backed RAM devices are typically used to preserve EGM critical data, although other types of non-volatile memory devices may be employed. These memory devices are typically not used in typical general purpose computing devices.

[00135] Thus, in at least one embodiment, the EGM is configured to store critical information in fault-tolerant memory (e.g., battery-backed RAM devices) using atomic transactions. Further, in at least one embodiment, the fault-tolerant memory is able to successfully complete all desired atomic transactions (e.g., relating to the storage of EGM critical information) within a time period of 200 milliseconds or less. In at least one embodiment, the time period of 200 milliseconds represents a maximum amount of time for which sufficient power may be available to the various EGM components after a power outage event has occurred at the EGM.

[00136] As described previously, the EGM may not advance from a first state to a second state until critical information that enables the first state to be reconstructed has been atomically stored. After the state of the EGM is restored during the play of a game of chance, game play may resume and the game may be completed in a manner that is no different than if the malfunction had not occurred. Thus, for example, when a malfunction occurs during a game of chance, the EGM may be restored to a state in the game of chance just before when the malfunction occurred. The restored state may include metering information and graphical information that was displayed on the EGM in the state before the malfunction. For example, when the malfunction occurs during the play of a card game after the cards have been dealt, the EGM may be restored with the cards that were previously displayed as part of the card game. As another example, a bonus game may be triggered during the play of a game of chance in which a player is required to make a number of selections on a video display screen. When a malfunction has occurred after the player has made one or more selections, the EGM may be restored to a state that shows the graphical presentation 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 just before the malfunction including an indication of selections that have already been made by the player. In general, the EGM may be restored to any state in a plurality of states that occur in the game of chance that occurs while the game of chance is played or to states that occur between the play of a game of chance.

[00137] Game history information regarding previous games played such as an amount wagered, the outcome of the game, and the like may also be stored in a non-volatile memory device. The information stored in the non-volatile memory may be detailed enough to reconstruct a portion of the graphical presentation that was previously presented on the EGM and the state of the EGM (e.g., credits) at the time the game of chance was played. The game history information may be utilized in the event of a dispute. For example, a player may decide that in a previous game of chance that they did not receive credit for an award that they believed they won. The game history information may be used to reconstruct the state of the EGM before, during, and / or after the disputed game to demonstrate whether the player was correct or not in the player’s assertion.

[00138] Another feature of EGMs is that they often include unique interfaces, including serial interfaces, to connect to specific subsystems internal and external to the EGM. The serial devices may have electrical interface requirements that differ from the “standard” EIA serial interfaces provided by general purpose computing devices. These interfaces may include, for example, Fiber Optic Serial, optically coupled serial interfaces, current loop style serial interfaces, etc. In addition, to conserve serial interfaces internally in the EGM, serial devices may be connected in a shared, daisy-chain fashion in which multiple peripheral devices are connected to a single serial channel.

[00139] The serial interfaces may be used to transmit information using communication protocols that are unique to the gaming industry. For example, IGT’s Netplex is a proprietary communication protocol used for serial communication between EGMs. As another example, SAS is a communication protocol used to transmit information, such as metering information, from an EGM to a remote device. Often SAS is used in conjunction with a player tracking system.

[00140] Certain EGMs may alternatively be treated as peripheral devices to a casino communication controller and connected in a shared daisy chain fashion to a single serial interface. In both cases, the peripheral devices are assigned device addresses. If so, the serial controller 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 circuitry must implement a method to generate or detect unique device addresses. General purpose computing device serial ports are not able to do this.

[00141] Security monitoring circuits detect intrusion into an EGM by monitoring security switches attached to access doors in the EGM cabinet. Access violations result in suspension of game play and can trigger additional security operations to preserve the current state of game play. These circuits also function when power is off by use of a battery backup. In power-off operation, these circuits continue to monitor the access doors of the EGM. When power is restored, the EGM can determine whether any security violations occurred while power was off, e.g., via software for reading status registers. This can trigger event log entries and further data authentication operations by the EGM software.

[00142] Trusted memory devices and / or trusted memory sources are included in an EGM to ensure the authenticity of the software that may be stored on less secure memory subsystems, such as mass storage devices. Trusted memory devices and controlling circuitry are typically designed to not enable modification of the code and data stored in the memory device while the memory device is installed in the EGM. The code and data stored in these devices may include authentication algorithms, random number generators, authentication keys, operating system kernels, etc. The purpose of these trusted memory devices is to provide gaming regulatory authorities a root trusted authority within the computing environment of the EGM that can be tracked and verified as original. This may be accomplished via removal of the trusted memory device from the EGM computer and verification of the secure memory device contents is a separate third party verification device. Once the trusted memory device is verified as authentic, and based on the approval of the verification algorithms included in the trusted device, the EGM is enabled to verify the authenticity of additional code and data that may be located in the gaming computer assembly, such as code and data stored on hard disk drives.

[00143] In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the trusted memory devices / sources may correspond to memory that cannot easily be altered (e.g., “unalterable memory”) such as EPROMS, PROMS, Bios, Extended Bios, and / or other memory sources that are able to be configured, verified, and / or authenticated (e.g., for authenticity) in a secure and controlled manner. 2026202434   31 Mar 2026

[00144] According to one embodiment, when a trusted information source is in communication with a remote device via a network, the remote device may employ a verification scheme to verify the identity of the trusted information source. For example, the trusted information source and the remote device may exchange information using public and private encryption keys to verify each other’s identities. In another embodiment, the remote device and the trusted information source may engage in methods using zero knowledge proofs to authenticate each of their respective identities.

[00145] EGMs storing trusted information may utilize apparatuses or methods to detect and prevent tampering. For instance, trusted information stored in a trusted memory device may be encrypted to prevent its misuse. In addition, the trusted memory device may be secured behind a locked door. Further, one or more sensors may be coupled to the memory device to detect tampering with the memory device and provide some record of the tampering. In yet another example, the memory device storing trusted information might be designed to detect tampering attempts and clear or erase itself when an attempt at tampering has been detected.

[00146] Mass storage devices used in a general purpose computing devices typically enable code and data to be read from and written to the mass storage device. In a gaming environment, modification of the gaming code stored on a mass storage device is strictly controlled and would only be enabled under specific maintenance type events with electronic and physical enablers required. Though this level of security could be provided by software, EGMs that include mass storage devices include hardware level mass storage data protection circuitry that operates at the circuit level to monitor attempts to modify data on the mass storage device and will generate both software and hardware error triggers should a data modification be attempted without the proper electronic and physical enablers being present.

[00147] It should be appreciated that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. For example, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In another example, the terms “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups 2026202434   31 Mar 2026 thereof. Additionally, a listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive nor does a listing of items imply that any or all of the items are collectively exhaustive of anything or in a particular order, unless expressly specified otherwise. Moreover, as used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should be further appreciated that headings of sections provided in this document and the title are for convenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way. Furthermore, unless expressly specified otherwise, devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other and may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

[00148] Various changes and modifications to the present embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required, or that each of the disclosed components must communicate with every other component. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure. As such, these changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended technical scope. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising:a processor; anda memory device that stores a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processor responsive to an occurrence of a ticket voucher validation number reclamation event, cause the processor to:determine a first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers that are associated with a first plurality of issued ticket vouchers, andfor each of the determined first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers, associate that ticket voucher validation number with a reclaimed state, wherein each ticket voucher validation number associated with a reclaimed state is available to be associated with another ticket voucher upon an occurrence of a ticket voucher issuance event.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the memory device stores a plurality of furtherinstructions that, when executed by the process responsive to the occurrence of the ticket voucher validation number reclamation event, cause the processor to determine a second, different plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers that are associated with a second, different plurality of issued ticket vouchers, and for each of the determined second, different plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers, prohibit that ticket voucher validation number from being associated with the reclaimed state.

3. The system of Claim 2, wherein each of the second, different plurality of ticketvoucher validation numbers is determined based on an error status of the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number.

4. The system of Claim 2, wherein each of the second, different plurality of ticketvoucher validation numbers is determined based on an unpaid state of the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number.2026202434   31 Mar 20265.     The system of Claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of ticket vouchervalidation numbers is determined based on an amount of time since the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number was issued.

6. The system of Claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of ticket vouchervalidation numbers is determined based on an amount of funds of the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number.

7. The system of Claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of ticket vouchervalidation numbers is determined based on a paid state of the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number.

8. The system of Claim 1, wherein the ticket voucher validation number reclamationevent occurs when each available ticket voucher validation number is assigned to a respective ticket voucher.

9. The system of Claim 1, wherein the ticket voucher validation number reclamationevent occurs when less than a threshold quantity of ticket voucher validation numbers are available to be assigned to ticket vouchers.2026202434   31 Mar 202610. A system comprising:a processor; anda memory device that stores a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processor responsive to a first occurrence of a ticket voucher reclamation event, cause the processor to:responsive to a determination to reclaim a ticket voucher at a first point in time, assign a reclaimed state to ticket voucher identifying information associated with the ticket voucher, wherein the ticket voucher identifying information assigned the reclaimed state is available to be associated with another ticket voucher upon an occurrence of a ticket voucher issuance event, andresponsive to a determination not to reclaim the ticket voucher at the first point in time, prohibit the ticket voucher identifying information associated with the ticket voucher from being associated with another ticket voucher upon the occurrence of the ticket voucher issuance event.

11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the memory device stores a plurality of further instructions that, when executed by the processor responsive to a second occurrence of the ticket voucher reclamation event, responsive to the determination not to reclaim the ticket voucher at the first point in time and responsive to a determination to reclaim the ticket voucher at a second, subsequent point in time, assign the reclaimed state to the ticket voucher identifying information associated with the ticket voucher.2026202434   31 Mar 202612. A method of operating a system, the method comprising:responsive to an occurrence of a ticket voucher validation number reclamation event: determining, by a processor, a first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbersthat are associated with a first plurality of issued ticket vouchers, andfor each of the determined first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers, associating, by the processor, that ticket voucher validation number with a reclaimed state, wherein each ticket voucher validation number associated with a reclaimed state is available to be associated with another ticket voucher upon an occurrence of a ticket voucher issuance event.

13. The method of Claim 12, further comprising, responsive to the occurrence of the ticket voucher validation number reclamation event, determining, by the processor, a second, different plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers that are associated with a second, different plurality of issued ticket vouchers, and for each of the determined second, different plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers, prohibit that ticket voucher validation number from being associated with the reclaimed state.

14. The method of Claim 13, wherein each of the second, different plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers is determined based on an error status of the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number.

15. The method of Claim 13, wherein each of the second, different plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers is determined based on an unpaid state of the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number.

16. The method of Claim 12, wherein each of the first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers is determined based on an amount of time since the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number was issued.2026202434   31 Mar 202617. The method of Claim 12, wherein each of the first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers is determined based on an amount of funds of the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number.

18. The method of Claim 12, wherein each of the first plurality of ticket voucher validation numbers is determined based on a paid state of the issued ticket voucher associated with that ticket voucher validation number.

19. The method of Claim 12, wherein the ticket voucher validation number reclamation event occurs when each available ticket voucher validation number is assigned to a respective ticket voucher.

20. The method of Claim 12, wherein the ticket voucher validation number reclamation event occurs when less than a threshold quantity of ticket voucher validation numbers are available to be assigned to ticket vouchers.

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