Apparatus and system for payment entry and game fund transfer

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a system for payment entry and game fund transfer. A game fund transaction device is disclosed that includes a user interface device, and in some embodiments includes a keypad portion with input keys and a display, by which players can obtain game tickets with increased value by their use of credit or debit cards. The gaming fund transaction device may have a communication link to a financial institution or another verification service to obtain verification of a request to charge a credit card or debit card. The user interface device may be connected to the input and print portions by flexible arms, or may be an integrated component.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application number of 202080046351.X, a filing date of September 18, 2020, and an invention title of "Devices and Systems for Payment Entry and Gaming Funds Transfer". Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to electronic gaming devices or machines, as well as electronic cash, credit / debit card, or game ticket input / output devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to electronic devices and systems for facilitating payments made by players to obtain casino game tickets or credits for use in a casino gaming environment on an electronic gaming machine. Background Art

[0003] Game industry entities such as casinos typically operate multiple electronic gaming machines. Such electronic gaming machines can accept various forms of payment from users, such as casino-issued game tokens, credit cards, casino-issued game tickets having barcodes, magnetic strips, or other printed forms, or another form.

[0004] While casino-issued game tokens are convenient for users located at electronic gaming machines such as slot machines, other value records may be smaller in size and offer other conveniences. For example, a game ticket containing a magnetic strip or barcode with a recorded available cash value can be accepted by an electronic gaming machine and can provide the player with the convenience of transferring or reloading the cash value. The cash value can be reloaded or transferred to the game ticket, for example, from a kiosk located in the casino and connected (such as via an Internet connection) to a bank or credit card company and the casino's accounting service (or "casino management system"). At such a kiosk, a user may be able to enter cash (paper money or coins), casino game tokens, a game ticket with some remaining cash value, or other sources and obtain a new game ticket with an increased cash value or an existing game ticket with an updated cash value. The kiosk can also provide other services, such as exchanging casino game tokens.

[0005] The kiosk may need to be large enough to incorporate various components, such as bill handling equipment, credit card readers, game ticket printers, computers or processing equipment, network connections, etc. As such, while the game ticket itself may be convenient, players of the gaming machines may not have easy access to the kiosk for obtaining game tickets or adding value to game tickets. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Some embodiments described herein generally relate to an electronic device or system for obtaining a game ticket in a gaming establishment.

[0007] In a first embodiment, a gaming funds transaction device is disclosed. A first part of three parts includes: a credit / debit card reader; a printer assembly operable to print and eject a gaming ticket; and a processor operably connected to the credit / debit card reader and the printer assembly. The processor is operable to exchange messages with a verification service via a communication link. A second part is a keypad part, which includes a numeric keypad, operation keys, and a display. A third part includes a connecting arm linking the first part and the keypad part, and the connecting arm contains an electronic link between the first part and the keypad part. The processor is operable to receive an entry from the keypad part via the electronic link, send instructions to the keypad part, the instructions causing the display to show a corresponding response to the entry, obtain an effective response from the verification service for a charge request for a first cash value received from the credit / debit card reader and applied to the gaming ticket, and cause the printer assembly to print and eject a gaming ticket having a second cash value related to the charge request.

[0008] The keypad part may include a view shield, or may have a directional viewing screen. The connecting arm may be flexible and may extend through the housing of the gaming funds transaction device. The gaming funds transaction device may further include a cash acceptor. The first part of the gaming funds transaction device may further include a gaming ticket acceptor operably linked to the processor and configured to accept a used gaming ticket; the processor may further be operable to apply an amount related to the remaining cash value of the used gaming ticket to the gaming ticket.

[0009] The processor may further be operable to receive an invalidation response to the charge request from the verification service and send corresponding instructions to the keypad part so that the display shows a message related to the invalidation response. The processor may further be operable to exchange information about the cash value of the gaming ticket with an accounting service separate from the verification service.

[0010] In another embodiment, a system for dispensing electronic game tickets is disclosed. The system can include a credit / debit card reader, a user interface device, a game ticket printing device, and a processing component. The user interface device can include a keypad and a display. The game ticket printing device can be configured to print game tickets that can be used in a gaming machine. The processing component is operably linked to the credit / debit card reader, the user interface device, and the game ticket printing device, and includes a communication link with a verification service. The processing component can include a processor and a non-transitory memory containing instructions that can cause the processor to receive a charge request from the credit / debit card reader, generate a prompt message on the display for entering user input using the keypad, send the user input to the verification service, obtain at least one of a valid response and an invalid response from the verification service, print a game ticket with a cash value based on the charge request in the case of obtaining a valid response, and generate an invalid message on the display in the case of obtaining an invalid response.

[0011] In the system, the communication link of the processing component with the verification service can be an Internet connection. The credit / debit card reader and the user interface device can be included in a common housing. The credit / debit card reader can include a magnetic stripe reader and / or a chip reader. The user interface can include a QR code reader. The system can include a casino game token entry device operably linked to the processing component, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to apply an additional cash value to the game ticket based on casino game tokens received in the casino game token entry device. The system can include a cash acceptor operably linked to the processing component, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to apply an additional cash value of the game ticket in an amount related to the money received in the cash acceptor.

[0012] The instructions can further cause the processor to exchange information about the cash value of the game ticket with an accounting service separate from the verification service. The system can be attached to a mobile device.

[0013] In another embodiment, an electronic credit / debit card reader is disclosed, which includes a card insertion reader, a display, a keypad, a gaming console link, an Internet link separate from the gaming console link, a processor, and a non-transitory memory. The card insertion reader has an external opening on one side of the credit / debit card reader and is configured to read information from at least one of a credit card or a debit card inserted into the external opening. The processor is operably connected to the card insertion reader, the keypad, the display, the gaming console link, and the Internet link. The non-transitory memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a charging request from the card from the card insertion reader, generate a prompt message on the display for entering user input using the keypad, send the user input and the charging request to a verification service using the Internet link, obtain one of a valid response or an invalid response from the verification service, and send a message to the computing unit of the gaming console using the gaming console link.

[0014] In additional embodiments, the electronic credit / debit card reader may further include a wireless receiver configured to receive a charging request wirelessly transmitted from a user's mobile communication device. When an invalid response is received from the verification service, the instructions may further cause the processor to send an alert message to the computing unit of the gaming console. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Reference will now be made to representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to one included embodiment. Instead, the disclosure provided herein is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments and as defined by the appended claims.

[0016] Figure 1A A block diagram shows various electronic devices that can operate in conjunction with a casino gaming device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 1B Two examples of game tickets that can operate with a casino gaming device according to various embodiments are illustrated.

[0018] Figure 1C An example of a game funds transaction device configured to receive different types of payment inputs according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 1D A casino gaming device having an attached credit / debit card reader for increasing payment credit according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 2 A block diagram shows components that can be included in various embodiments of a game funds transaction device linked to an external service.

[0021] Figure 3AIllustrated is a gaming funds transaction device operable to accept debit or credit card payments according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3B Illustrated is a gaming funds transaction device connected to a keypad and operable to accept payments by multiple methods according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3C Illustrated is a gaming funds transaction device having an attached keypad and operable to accept payments by multiple methods according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3D Illustrated is a gaming funds transaction device having a keypad mounted externally and operable to accept payments by multiple methods according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3E Illustrated is a keypad having a field of view obstruction according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4A Illustrated is a configuration of a casino gaming device having a modified credit / debit card reader according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4B Illustrated is a block diagram of components of a credit / debit card reader that can be included in a casino gaming device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Like or similar reference numerals are used in different figures to indicate like, related, or identical items.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and their collections and groupings) and the boundary, separation, and positional relationships presented between them are provided in the drawings only to facilitate the understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and thus are not necessarily presented or illustrated to scale and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for the illustrated embodiments to the exclusion of reference to the embodiments described herein. Detailed Description

[0030] The embodiments described herein refer to gaming funds transaction devices and systems for issuing gaming tickets. Such devices provide gaming tickets to users for use as payment inputs for electronic gaming machines or gaming services (e.g., slot machines, table games, etc.) associated with a casino gaming environment.

[0031] For simplicity of description, the specification of this document refers to a "casino" as an example gaming industry entity that controls a casino gaming environment, but it should be recognized that this is merely an example. Similarly, for simplicity of description, phrases such as "electronic gaming machine", "electronic gaming device", or simply "gaming device" as used herein are generally understood to refer to a fixed coin-operated machine within a casino. However, it can be understood that this is merely an example of an electronic gaming machine or gaming service. In other words, in some embodiments, other gaming industry entities and / or other fixed, portable, and / or digital (e.g., software-based) electronic gaming machines and / or services may be suitable for use with the various embodiments described herein and their equivalents.

[0032] A casino may have multiple electronic gaming machines of various types located throughout the casino. A player or user may pay for each game on such an electronic gaming machine. Payment may be made with game tokens (special coins dedicated to the casino) or with electronic game tickets. Such electronic game tickets may be printed with a coded pattern (such as a barcode, QR code, or another code pattern) that allows the electronic gaming machine to read a cash value or other information from the coded pattern. Electronic game tickets may also be implemented virtually, where an electronic signal or message is received from a gaming funds transaction device where the user has supplied a cash value or equivalent. Once the user inputs the electronic game ticket (whether physical or virtual) into the electronic gaming device, the cash value of the electronic game ticket may be credited for payment. The purchase and input of the electronic game ticket into the electronic gaming device may be implemented virtually in one process, where the user makes an electronic payment (such as by credit / debit card) at a gaming funds transaction device (which may be part of the electronic gaming device itself), and the payment is recorded by an accounting service in a user account or record on the electronic gaming device that the user can use for payment.

[0033] The gaming device may accept such game tickets and make their cash value available to the user for payment on that gaming device. The cash value of a single game ticket may allow the user to make one or more payments on the gaming device. At the end of a series of payments, depending on the game result, there may be some remaining or residual cash value, which may be greater than the initial cash value of the game ticket if the user has played the game successfully. The user may then cause the gaming device to eject the same game ticket with a modified code indicating the remaining cash value, a new game ticket, or another form of reimbursement of the residual cash value.

[0034] For simplicity and safety of operation, a casino can have a limited number of game fund transaction devices at which a user can obtain game tickets. A user typically pays for a game ticket by inserting a cash bill or coin ("money") into a cash acceptor of the game fund transaction device and receiving a game ticket printed by the game fund transaction device. Such game fund transaction devices can also have a casino token entry device that accepts casino tokens as input for increasing the cash value to be encoded on the game ticket. Also, such game fund transaction devices can have a game ticket acceptor that can allow the remaining cash value of a used game ticket to be added (or transferred) to a new game ticket. A game fund transaction device that accepts cash, tokens, or used game tickets can be configured with storage space or mechanisms for such inputs, and this increases mechanical complexity and its size.

[0035] The embodiments described below include an entry configured to receive a credit card or debit card to allow a convenient payment option for a user to obtain a game ticket. Hereinafter, such an entry will be referred to as a "credit / debit card reader". The credit / debit card reader can be configured to accept some or all of various brands of credit cards ( etc.), or just debit cards, or both credit cards and debit cards. The game fund transaction device can have a user interface associated with the credit / debit card reader, such as a keypad or a touchpad. A user can enter a request to charge a certain amount to the credit card or debit card on the user interface, and that amount will be added to the cash value of the game ticket to be printed by the game fund transaction device.

[0036] As a security measure, the game fund transaction device can require verification or validation of such a charge request from the user. As can be displayed on the user interface, this can involve requesting the user to enter a PIN or another identifier (such as a password). Some embodiments of the game fund transaction device can use biometric authentication from the user. Examples of devices for such biometric authentication include, but are not limited to, voice / speech recognition hardware (e.g., a microphone and a signal processor), a camera for performing a retina scan or facial recognition of the user's eyes, a fingerprint reader, or other biometric authentication devices.

[0037] To obtain verification, the game fund transaction device can have a communication link with a verification service such as a credit card company, the issuer of the debit card, a third-party verifier (such as etc.). The charge request can be submitted by the game fund transaction device to the verification service through the communication link. The game fund transaction device can then receive an effective response that the charge request is valid and accepted or that it is invalid (such as due to exceeding the value of the debit card or the credit limit of the credit card, the card account being closed, the card being reported stolen, etc.).

[0038] A gaming funds transaction device having a credit / debit card reader can be installed on a mobile platform to provide easier accessibility for users in a casino's gaming hall. In one example, the gaming funds transaction device can include only a credit / debit card reader and a printer component and be configured to be carried by a casino representative. The gaming funds transaction device can have a wireless communication link (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, etc.) to one or more receivers in the casino, where the receivers are communicatively linked to a verification service.

[0039] In some embodiments, the gaming funds transaction device can be a component of the electronic gaming device itself, either as a designed-in component or as a separate component installed or retrofitted. In such embodiments, the gaming funds transaction device can be connected to the buttons of the electronic gaming device that are commonly used to play on the electronic gaming device. When a user wishes to obtain a game ticket, the gaming funds transaction device can be activated or accessed, and then those buttons can allow access to the user interface of the gaming funds transaction device. In such embodiments, the gaming funds transaction device can also be connected to the game display screen of the electronic gaming device that is commonly used to present the games of the electronic gaming device. When a user wishes to obtain a game ticket, the gaming funds transaction device can be activated or accessed, and the game display screen can be used for information exchange between the user and the gaming funds transaction device.

[0040] The gaming funds transaction device can also be communicatively linked to the accounting services of the casino such that payments received and disbursed at the gaming funds transaction device (but made by the user) are accurately recorded to comply with regulations.

[0041] In various embodiments, the gaming funds transaction device can be configured with a credit / debit card reader and a printer component in a first section and a keypad or user interface in another section, and be configured with a connecting arm (or cable, wire, or another connector) to provide a power and / or communication link between the first section and the user interface section. This can allow for easier installation or retrofit, such as installation into an older model game ticket machine that does not have a credit / debit card reader. It can also allow the keypad or user interface to be placed in a location on the gaming funds transaction device that is less visible to others in the casino.

[0042] Reference is made below Figure 1A -4 to discuss these and other embodiments.

[0043] Figure 1AFIG. 100 shows a relationship diagram of various devices and machines, such as those that may be located in a casino, such as on a gaming floor. User 101 may interact with an electronic gaming device 102, which may be a coin-operated machine, a video poker machine, or another gaming device that accepts payments from user 101. The electronic gaming device 102 may have various entrances for receiving payments. One such payment entrance is a game ticket reader 104a, which accepts printed game tickets that the user may obtain from a game funds transaction device 106a. The electronic gaming device 102 may also include a casino token entrance 104b that accepts casino tokens as payment.

[0044] The game funds transaction device 106a may be located in a position within the casino that is convenient for user 101 to access. The game funds transaction device 106a may be configured to accept various payments from user 101 and print game tickets having a cash value associated with the received payment. Due to the fee charged for printing the game ticket, the cash value may be less than the received payment. Alternatively, to incentivize user 101 to use game tickets rather than casino tokens, the cash value may be greater than the received payment.

[0045] The game funds transaction device 106a is shown as having a credit / debit card reader 106b, which may accept credit cards and / or debit cards to receive payment for the game tickets. The game funds transaction device 106a also has a dispenser slot 106c through which the printed game tickets are dispensed to user 101. The game funds transaction device 106a may include various other components, as will be explained in more detail. Figure 2 As will be explained in more detail.

[0046] The game funds transaction device 106a may have a communication link 112 with a casino accounting service 110. The casino accounting service 110 may receive, via the communication link 112, messages from the game funds transaction device 106a regarding payments received by the game funds transaction device 106a, the cash value of the printed game tickets, and other operations. The casino accounting service 110 may be separate from the gaming floor within the casino or may be located in a location separate from the casino. The casino accounting service 110 may also maintain or access a casino credit account of user 101. User 101 at the game funds transaction device 106a may be able to access that casino credit account via a message from the casino accounting service 110 via the communication link 112 that is used as payment for the game tickets.

[0047] The game funds transaction device 106a may also have a communication link 114 with the verification service 108. The verification service 108 may provide authentication or verification of a request to charge a credit or debit card (or simply a "charge request") received by the game funds transaction device 106a. The verification service 108 may be located at a facility separate from the casino and may be a separate business entity. Examples of the verification service 108 include a debit card data center, a credit card data center, or another financial service. The verification service 108 may optionally have a communication link 116 with the casino accounting service 110 to provide information regarding the verification (or invalidation) of charge requests received from the game funds transaction device 106a.

[0048] The communication links 112 and 114 may be wireless links, cables (such as coaxial cables, twisted pair, fiber optic, etc.), or any other means. Messages sent on either of the communication links 112 and 114 may use encryption or other security measures.

[0049] Figure 1B Two specific types of game tickets that may be provided by the game funds transaction device 106a are illustrated. The game ticket 120 may be paper or another material on which a barcode 122 is printed. The game ticket 124 may be paper or another material on which a QR code 126 is printed. It will be understood that another coding type may be used.

[0050] The barcode 122 on the game ticket 120 or the QR code 126 on the game ticket 124 may be generated by a printer device that is part of the game funds transaction device 106a. The printer may be a thermal printer, a dot matrix printer, an inkjet or laser printer, or another type. The barcode 122 or QR code 126 may contain information related to the cash value to be read by the electronic game device 102 and may also include other information (such as the time and / or date of issuance, the identifier of the game funds transaction device 106a, or other information).

[0051] Figure 1C A configuration 150 of the game funds transaction device 152 is shown as it may be located within a larger payment and redemption device 160, such as a ticket vending machine. Figure 1C Also shown is how the game funds transaction device 152 may be positioned within an electronic game device. The payment and redemption device 160 may include mechanical and electronic components for handling money and casino tokens (such as a secure cash box, a tamper-proof token container, etc.).

[0052] The gaming funds transaction device 152 includes a paper currency (cash) acceptor 156 and a coin acceptor slot 158. The paper currency acceptor 156 can act as a banknote validator to test whether the inserted paper currency is counterfeit or in another state that impedes its acceptance. The gaming funds transaction device 152 can also include another slot (not shown) for accepting casino tokens. The gaming funds transaction device 152 includes a game ticket entrance 154a and a game ticket dispensing slot 154b. The gaming funds transaction device 152 can be capable of accepting previously issued game tickets, as well as paper currency, coins, or casino tokens as payment for game tickets at the game ticket entrance 154a, and it can print and then eject game tickets through the game dispensing slot 154b.

[0053] The embodiments described below illustrate variations of the gaming funds transaction device 152 configured with a credit / debit card reader. Such a credit / debit card reader can allow for a reduction in the size of the payment and redemption device 160, as less cash and / or casino token storage capacity may be required. This can allow for more payment and redemption devices 160 to be located in the casino gaming hall, thereby improving the user experience.

[0054] Figure 1D FIG. 170 shows a relationship diagram of a gaming machine 172, such as may be located in a casino gaming hall, with other devices and machines. The gaming machine 172 can be a coin-operated machine, a video poker machine, another type of electronic gaming machine, etc. The gaming machine 172 can include a visual display 180, such as may display a hand of cards on a video poker machine, three results of a game on an electronic coin-operated machine, the value in a user account, or other information. It should be understood that the gaming machine 172 can include other components (not shown) that may be required for its operation, such as a power supply, cash or casino token handling equipment, a processor, a communication link, etc.

[0055] The gaming machine 172 can have been manufactured with a game ticket entrance 184a and a game ticket dispensing slot 184b. Moreover, the gaming machine 172 can have been manufactured with additional components for receiving payment from a user to play on the gaming machine 172. As an example, the gaming machine 172 includes a paper currency (cash) validator 182. In some embodiments, the gaming machine 172 can also be manufactured with a casino token acceptor (not shown).

[0056] The game ticket entrance 184a and the game ticket dispensing slot 184b can be components of the gaming funds transaction device, which can itself be a component of the gaming machine 172. As such, the gaming funds transaction device can also have a credit / debit card reader 174 as a component, as described below.

[0057] In Figure 1DIn the embodiment shown, the gaming machine 172 has been modified to include a credit / debit card reader 174. In an alternative embodiment, the gaming machine 172 may have been manufactured to include a credit / debit card reader 174. As a separate component, the credit / debit card reader 174 can be compact and capable of being placed within the gaming machine 172, separate from other payment entry components such as the game ticket entry 184a and the game ticket dispensing slot 184b. This can allow for easy manufacture of the gaming machine 172 or easy modification of the gaming machine 172 to include a credit / debit card reader 174. More details of the credit / debit card reader 174 will be given below.

[0058] The credit / debit card reader 174 can include a credit or debit card slot 176 into which the user inserts the card. The credit or debit card slot 176 can be configured to read a magnetic stripe or an electronic chip on the credit or debit card. The credit / debit card reader 174 can also include a magnetic stripe reader across which the user slides the card. The credit / debit card reader 174 can also be configured with an antenna or other hardware for communicating with the user by means of radio frequency identification technology or other types of near field communication technology.

[0059] The credit / debit card reader 174 can also include a display 178 on which information such as instructions for use, the dollar amount the user has requested to be charged to the credit or debit card, a request for a PIN or other input, and other information can be presented to the user. The display 178 can be or include a touch screen on which the user can enter information. The display 178 can be an existing component of the gaming machine 172, such as a service display through which an authorized casino employee can access and interact with the gaming machine 172. The credit / debit card reader 174 (or a game funds transaction device having the credit / debit card reader 174 as a component) can then communicate with such a pre-existing display 178 to reduce complexity. The credit / debit card reader 174 can also include a keypad (not shown) separate from the display 178 on which the user can enter information.

[0060] In some embodiments, the credit / debit card reader 174 may be connected to the game display 179 of the gaming machine 172 in place of or in addition to the display 178. The game display 179 may be the means by which the gaming machine 172 presents its games to the user. The credit / debit card reader 174 may be connected to the game display 179 via one or more coaxial cables, wires, optical fibers, near-field electromagnetic links, or other connections. The credit / debit card reader 174 may be equipped with one or more processors or processing components that cause a visual output and / or a request for input to be shown on the game display 179. The game display 179 itself may be a touchscreen display that is capable of accepting a press input from the user, which can then be sent as a signal to the processor or processing components.

[0061] The credit / debit card reader 174 may be configured to connect to the communication link 114. As previously described, the communication link 114 may be an Internet link to the credit or debit card verification service 108. The credit / debit card reader 174 may also be configured to send a verification request or other information to the credit or debit card verification service 108 via the communication link 114 and receive an approval or denial response or other information from the credit or debit card verification service 108.

[0062] The credit / debit card reader 174 may be configured to send information about the user's charge request (whether approved or denied by the verification service 108) and other information about the user's account to the casino accounting service 110 via the communication link 112. The credit / debit card reader 174 may provide this information to a processor within the gaming machine 172, which then provides the information to the casino accounting service 110 via the communication link 112.

[0063] Figure 2 A block diagram of a system 200 for a game funds transaction device 202 is shown. It will be understood that Figure 2 is exemplary and is intended to show some operational interconnections between components, and various embodiments of such systems may not include all of the components now to be described.

[0064] As previously described, the game funds transaction device 202 may have a communication link 226 to the casino accounting service 222. Also, as previously described, the game funds transaction device 202 may have a communication link 224 to the credit / debit card verification service 220.

[0065] The game funds transaction device 202 has a game ticket printer 210 that is operable to print and dispense game tickets to the user. The game tickets may be as described with respect to Figure 1BAs described. The game ticket printer 210 can be a thermal printer, dot matrix printer, inkjet or laser printer, or another type. In a first configuration, the game funds transaction device 202 can cause the game ticket printer 210 to print a physical game ticket and eject it to the user. As part of controlling the printing of such a physical game ticket, the game funds transaction device 202 can (e.g., for regulatory compliance) send a signal to the casino accounting service 222 providing information about the cash value of the ejected game ticket. In a second configuration, the game funds transaction device 202 can cause the game ticket printer 210 to physically print a game ticket but not eject it and retain it internally. Such a retained game ticket can then be treated as the equivalent of inserted paper money. For example, if the game funds transaction device 202 is a component of an electronic gaming device, the second configuration can be used. The user may wish to directly apply the cash value of the game ticket to an account stored on the electronic gaming device for payment rather than having to receive a physical game ticket. In a third configuration, instead of printing and retaining a game ticket, when the user wishes to apply the cash value to an account stored on the electronic gaming device for payment, the game funds transaction device 202 can directly send corresponding signals to the electronic gaming device and the casino accounting service 222. In a fourth configuration, the user can pay an amount to the game funds transaction device 202 using a credit / debit card. The game funds transaction device 202 can then credit that payment amount to the electronic gaming device for the user to use for payment and send a signal equivalent to having received cash.

[0066] The game funds transaction device 202 can have any of a variety of inputs through which the user can apply a payment to a game ticket. These inputs can include a cash input 212a, which can receive paper money and / or coins (money) that are received into a secure container 212b. There can also be a casino game token input 214a, where casino game tokens are received into another secure container 214b. There can also be a used game ticket input 216a, which places used game tickets into another secure container 216b.

[0067] The game funds transaction device 202 includes a credit / debit card reader 204. The credit / debit card reader 204 can be configured to read either or both a magnetic stripe on a credit or debit card or an electronic chip on a credit or debit card. A credit or debit card (or simply "card") can be read by the credit / debit card reader 204 by swiping the card through a magnetic stripe reader, by partially inserting the electronic chip end of the card into a slot, or by fully receiving the card into a slot of the credit / debit card reader 204. In the last configuration, a stolen or cancelled card can be retained by the game funds transaction device 202 and not returned to the user.

[0068] The game fund transaction device 202 may have a user interface 208 through which a user can interact with the game fund transaction device 202 and through which the game fund transaction device 202 can display messages to the user. The display can be any of the following: a dedicated display screen of the game fund transaction device 202, the game display screen 179 of an electronic game device, the service display screen of an electronic game device, or another display. The user interface 208 may include a keypad that may have physical keys or buttons for the user to press, or may include a touch screen that displays virtual keys or icons for the user to press. As previously mentioned, the buttons can be the buttons of an electronic game device. As previously mentioned, the user interface 208 may include a biometric authentication component for verifying the user's identity.

[0069] The user interface 208 can be implemented through electromagnetic communication between the game fund transaction device and the user's mobile electronic device (such as a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, etc.).

[0070] The game fund transaction device 202 may also have a QR code reader 218 through which a user can visually present a QR code (such as from a cellular phone display) to the QR code reader 218 for payment, user identification, or entry of other information. The QR code reader 218 can alternatively or additionally be configured to read a visual bar code, or be configured to read another visually presented code. The QR code reader 218 can be included as part of the user interface 208.

[0071] The game fund transaction device 202 may also include other components or devices through which a user can make a payment. Examples include near field communication technology devices, such as those that can be included in the user's cellular phone. Other technologies for contactless payment and / or mobile payment can also be used. These can be included as part of the user interface 208.

[0072] The game fund transaction device 202 includes a processing component 206 linked to a credit card / debit card reader 204, a cash input 212a, a casino game token input 214a, a used game ticket input 216a, a QR code reader 218, a user interface 208, and a game ticket printer 210 to coordinate their respective operations. The processing component 206 may include or be communicatively coupled to circuitry and / or logic components, such as a processor and a memory. The processing component 206 can be implemented as any device capable of processing, receiving, or sending data or instructions. For example, the processor can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, a digital signal processor, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or a combination of such devices. The processor can be a single-threaded or multi-threaded processor. The processor can be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0073] Thus, as described herein, the term "processor" or more generally "processing component" or "controller" refers to a hardware-implemented data processing device or circuit that is physically structured to perform a specific transformation of data, including data operations represented as code and / or instructions contained in a program that can be stored in and accessed from a memory. The term is intended to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, analog or digital circuits, or other suitably configured computing elements or combinations of elements.

[0074] Operations that may be performed by processing component 206 include recording payments received from a user via any of credit / debit card reader 204, cash input 212a, casino token input 214a, used game ticket input 216a, and QR code reader 218. Processing component 206 may cause user interface 208 to display the value of the received payment and prompt the user for further entry or action, such as printing a game ticket, entering further payment, entering other information, or other entry from the user.

[0075] The user may insert a credit or debit card into credit / debit card reader 204 to enter a charge request. The processor may detect the insertion of the card and cause user interface 208 to display a request for the user to enter specific information. This may include requesting the user to enter a personal identification number (PIN) associated with the card or another form of security or identification information, such as an answer to a security question. Further information that may be requested from the user includes the amount to be charged to the credit or debit card.

[0076] After the user has entered the requested information, processing component 206 may obtain authorization or verification of the charge request by sending a message to credit / debit card verification service 220. In the case where the charge request can be applied to the account associated with the card, credit / debit card verification service 220 may return a valid response to processing component 206. The corresponding result may be displayed to the user on user interface 208. Processing component 206 may send a message indicating the amount to be charged to the card to casino accounting service 222.

[0077] If there is a problem with the charge request, such as an incorrect PIN or security information, or the requested charge amount exceeds the card limit, then credit / debit card verification service 220 may return an invalid response to processing component 206. Processing component 206 may then cause user interface 208 to display an error message and / or prompt the user for further entry, such as re-entry of the PIN, a different charge amount, or other information.

[0078] As will now be described, embodiments of system 200 may be implemented in a variety of physical configurations.

[0079] Figure 3A A game fund transaction device 300 having three connected components is shown. The game fund transaction device 300 includes a first part 302, a keypad part 310, and a connecting arm 308 that links the first part 302 and the keypad part 310.

[0080] The game fund transaction device 300 is configured such that it can be a component of a larger payment and redemption device (such as the payment and redemption device 160 described above), or a smaller unit in itself.

[0081] The first part 302 may include a game ticket ejection slot 304a through which game tickets can be ejected to the user. A printer component (not shown) may be included within the housing of the first part 302. The printer and the game tickets it produces may be as described with respect to Figure 1B as described.

[0082] The first part 302 may also include a game ticket acceptor / reader 304b that can receive game tickets and read any remaining value on the received game tickets and apply it to the value available for new game tickets.

[0083] The first part 302 may include a credit / debit card reader 306 into which a user can insert a credit or debit card in whole or in part. The credit / debit card reader 306 may include one or both of a card chip reader or a magnetic stripe reader.

[0084] The keypad part 310 may include a numeric keypad 314 and operation keys BACK 316a and ENTER 316b. These two operation keys are exemplary: in various embodiments, the keypad part 310 may include more or fewer operation keys to allow additional and / or alternative input commands from the user. Additionally, the keypad part 310 may include alphabetic keys. The keypad part 310 also includes a display 312 on which an image or message can be presented to the user. The message may be an indication of an entered PIN (e.g., a series of asterisks), the amount in the user's account, the current cash value available for game tickets, or another message.

[0085] The keypad portion 310 is electrically linked to the first portion 302 via a connecting arm 308. The connecting arm 308 can be rigid or flexible. The connecting arm 308 can include electrical wires, fiber optic cables, or other communication connections between the first portion 302 and the keypad portion 310. Having a connecting arm that links the first portion 302 to the keypad portion 310 allows for multiple configurations of the gaming funds transaction device 300 as a whole. For example, via a flexible connecting arm, the gaming funds transaction device 300 can be added to a larger payment unit in the gaming hall of a casino, with the first portion 302 in a first position of the payment unit and the keypad portion 310 in a second position. It is possible that neither position can accommodate both the keypad portion 310 and the first portion 302, or it is possible that the second position of the keypad portion 310 is at eye level while the first position of the first portion 302 is lower.

[0086] The first portion 302 can include a processing component or processor as described above to coordinate the operations with the keypad portion 310, the printer component, and the credit / debit card reader 306. The processor can receive entries from and send instructions to the keypad portion 310 via an electronic link within the connecting arm 308.

[0087] As described above, the processor can have a first communication link with a verification service to receive verification of a charge request for a credit or debit card inserted into the credit / debit card reader 306 entered by the user on the keypad portion 310. As previously mentioned, the processor can have a second communication link with the casino accounting service.

[0088] The gaming funds transaction device 300 can be mounted as a single unit on a mobile platform (such as a wheeled cart) to allow a user to obtain a new gaming ticket using only a credit or debit card and / or a current gaming ticket. Such a single unit can have a battery power supply, and the first portion 302 can have a wireless transceiver to connect to a fixed receiver in the casino to obtain communication links to the verification service and the casino accounting service. Such a self - contained unit can allow the casino operator to move the gaming funds transaction device 300 near more crowded parts of the gaming hall. In yet another embodiment, the gaming funds transaction device 300 can be contained within a single housing that can be easily carried by casino employees to provide the user with the ability to obtain a gaming ticket without leaving the gaming machine.

[0089] Figure 3B An embodiment of a gaming funds transaction device 320 is shown. The gaming funds transaction device 320 is similar to the embodiment described with respect to Figure 3A There is a first portion 322, a keypad portion 330, and a connecting arm 338.

[0090] The keypad section 330 includes a display 332 on which messages can be displayed to the user, a numeric keypad 334, and operation keys 336a and 336b. As described above with respect to Figure 3A as described, the keypad section 330 can include more or fewer operation keys that can perform additional and / or alternative operations, and can also include alphabetic keys. The keypad section 330 can be implemented with physical keys or as a touchpad screen on which icons or keys are visually displayed.

[0091] The connecting arm 338 can be implemented in any of the ways described above for the connecting arm 308. As desired for a particular application, the connecting arm 338 can be rigid or flexible.

[0092] The first section 322 can include components similar to those described above for the first section 302 of the gaming funds transaction device 300. There can be a game ticket ejection slot 324a through which game tickets produced by a printer component (not shown) can be ejected to the user. The first section 322 can also include a game ticket acceptor / reader 324b that can receive a game ticket and read any remaining value on the received game ticket and apply it to the value available for a new game ticket. The first section 322 can include a credit / debit card reader 340 into which a user can insert a credit or debit card in whole or in part. The credit / debit card reader 340 can include one or both of a card chip reader or a magnetic stripe reader.

[0093] The first section 322 can also include a cash acceptor 326 to accept currency. The first section 322 can also include a coin acceptor 328. Alternatively or additionally, the first section 322 can include a casino token acceptor.

[0094] The first section 322 can include a processor as described above to coordinate the operations with the keypad section 330, the printer component, the credit / debit card reader 340, and the cash acceptor 326 and coin acceptor 328. The processor can receive inputs from the keypad section 330 via an electronic link within the connecting arm 338 and send instructions to the keypad section 330.

[0095] As described above, the processor can have a first communication link with a verification service to receive verification of a charge request for a credit or debit card inserted into the credit / debit card reader 340 entered by the user on the keypad section 330. As previously described, the processor can have a second communication link with a casino accounting service.

[0096] The game funds transaction device 320 can be configured to be included as part of a larger payment and redemption device or ticket vending machine in a casino. Alternatively, the game funds transaction device 320 can form a smaller self - contained unit, which can occupy less space in the casino hall and thus allow the casino to deploy more such smaller units.

[0097] Figure 3C An embodiment of a game funds transaction device 350 configured with a larger housing 368 is shown. The larger housing 368 can include other components, parts, or devices.

[0098] The game funds transaction device 350 includes a first part 352 and an attached keypad part 360. In this embodiment, no connecting arm is required to link the first part 352 and the keypad part 360, although there is an electrical connection between them.

[0099] The first part 352 includes a game ticket ejection slot 354a through which game tickets generated by a printer assembly (not shown) can be ejected to the user. The first part 352 can also include a game ticket acceptor / reader 354b that can receive a game ticket and read any remaining value on the received game ticket and apply it to the value available for a new game ticket. The first part 352 can include a credit / debit card reader 366 into which a user can insert a credit or debit card in whole or in part. The credit / debit card reader 366 can include one or both of a card chip reader or a magnetic stripe reader. These components can be as described above with respect to Figure 3A -B. Similar to the embodiment described with respect to Figure 3B the first part 352 can also include a cash acceptor 356 to accept currency. The first part 352 can also include a coin acceptor 358. Alternatively or additionally, the first part 352 can include a casino game token acceptor.

[0100] The keypad part 360 includes a display 362 on which messages can be shown to the user, a numeric keypad 364, and operation keys 364a to 364n. As described above with respect to Figure 3A -B, the keypad part 360 can contain more or fewer operation keys that can perform additional and / or alternative operations and can also include alphabetic keys. The keypad part 360 can be implemented with physical keys or as a touchpad screen on which icons or keys are visually displayed.

[0101] The first portion 352 may include a processor as described above to coordinate the operation with the keypad portion 360, the printer assembly, the credit / debit card reader 366, the cash acceptor 356, and the coin acceptor 358. The processor may receive entries from the keypad portion 360 and send instructions to the keypad portion 360 via an electrical connection.

[0102] As described above, the processor may have a first communication link with a verification service to receive verification of a charge request for a credit or debit card inserted into the credit / debit card reader 366 entered by the user on the keypad portion 360. As previously mentioned, the processor may have a second communication link with the casino accounting service.

[0103] Figure 3D An embodiment of a gaming funds transaction device 370 is shown, which includes a first portion 372 and a keypad portion 380 mounted outside the housing 388. The first portion 372 is electrically connected to the keypad portion 380 through a first connecting arm 386a inside the housing 388 and through a second connecting arm 386c. The first connecting arm 386a extends from the first portion 372 to a joint 386b on the housing 388, and the second connecting arm 386c extends from the joint 386b to the keypad portion 380. The joint 386b may allow the second connecting arm 386c to pivot and move. For example, the joint 386b may be a ball-and-socket joint, and the ball at the end of the second connecting arm 386c fits into the ball-and-socket joint. Such an embodiment may allow the user to position the keypad portion 380 at a comfortable level and position the keypad portion 380 for privacy.

[0104] The first portion 372 may include some or all of the components described above for Figure 3A -C. In particular, the first portion 372 includes a game ticket ejection slot 374a through which game tickets generated by a printer assembly (not shown) can be ejected to the user. The first portion 372 may also include a game ticket acceptor / reader 374b, which can receive game tickets and read any remaining value on the received game tickets and apply it to the value available for new game tickets. The first portion 372 may include a credit / debit card reader 384 into which a user can insert a credit or debit card in whole or in part. The credit / debit card reader 384 may include one or both of a card chip reader or a magnetic stripe reader. The first portion 372 may also include a cash acceptor 376 to accept currency. The first portion 372 may also include a coin acceptor 378. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion 372 may include a casino gaming token acceptor.

[0105] The keypad portion 380 may be similar to that regardingFigure 3C The described keypad portion 360. In this embodiment, the keypad portion 380 may also include a magnetic stripe reader 382 to allow a user to swipe a credit or debit card. In additional and / or alternative embodiments, the keypad portion 380 may also include a credit / debit card chip reader (not shown).

[0106] The first portion 372 may include a processor as described above to coordinate the operation with the keypad portion 380, the printer assembly, the credit / debit card reader 384, the cash acceptor 376, and the coin acceptor 378. The processor may receive entries from the keypad portion 380 and send instructions to the keypad portion 380 via electronic connections included within the first connecting arm 386a and the second connecting arm 386c.

[0107] As described above, the processor may have a first communication link with a verification service to receive verification of a charge request for a credit or debit card inserted into the credit / debit card reader 384 entered by the user on the keypad portion 380. As previously mentioned, the processor may have a second communication link with the casino accounting service.

[0108] Figure 3E An embodiment of an obscured keypad 390 is shown. The obscured keypad 390 includes a housing 392, and the housing 392 may include circuitry for receiving input from various keys. The obscured keypad 390 may include a numeric keypad 396a and one or more operation keys, such as a backspace key 396b, an enter key 396c, and a clear / undo key 396d. In other embodiments, the obscured keypad 390 may include additional and / or alternative operation keys.

[0109] The obscured keypad 390 includes an external view obstruction 394 extending from the housing 392. In the illustrated embodiment, the external view obstruction 394 extends around three sides of the housing 392 and reduces the direction of the hand or fingers that can be observed on any of the keys 396a - c. The obscured keypad 390 also includes a display 398 in alphanumeric or other format, on which key entries or encrypted symbols may be displayed.

[0110] In various embodiments, the obscured keypad 390 may be implemented as a touchpad that displays virtual keys instead of physical keys. Such a touchpad embodiment may include a one - way display that allows the displayed image to be seen from a limited viewing angle. Such a one - way display may be implemented by a directional viewing screen placed on the touchpad. These embodiments may also include the external view obstruction 394.

[0111] Figure 4AConfiguration 400 is shown that illustrates how credit card / debit card reader 402 can be placed within gaming device 412. It should be understood that configuration 400 is exemplary and is intended to illustrate the relationship of credit card / debit card reader 402 to other components within gaming device 412. Other configurations will be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0112] Gaming device 412 can include one or more components 414 that can implement various functions of gaming device 412. These components can include various payment portals, such as game ticket input / output ports, bill acceptors, casino token ports, various electronic computing and communication components, a display for showing the game being played, etc., as previously described. These components can be separate or incorporated within a single electronic housing within gaming device 412.

[0113] Credit card / debit card reader 402 can be a component separate from (one or more of) components 414 to allow for retrofit into an existing gaming device 412, or to facilitate manufacturing when manufacturing gaming device 412 itself, or for easier removal for maintenance and / or upgrade.

[0114] Credit card / debit card reader 402 can include any combination of features now to be described. Credit card / debit card reader 402 can include a card insertion reader 404 into which a user can insert a debit card or credit card (hereinafter simply referred to as a "card"). Card insertion reader 404 can be configured to read the magnetic stripe on the card or read information from a chip on the card. Additionally and / or alternatively, credit card / debit card reader 402 can include a magnetic stripe reader 410 over which a user can slide the card.

[0115] Credit card / debit card reader 402 can include or be connected to a touchpad 406a through which a user can enter information. Touchpad 406a can be implemented as a keypad with physical buttons, such as keypad section 310, or can be implemented as a touchscreen display. Credit card / debit card reader 402 can include or be connected to a display 406b on which information can be shown to the user. Touchpad 406a and display 406b can be a single unit or separate parts of credit card / debit card reader 402. In various embodiments, touchpad 406a and / or display 406b can be separate components of the electronic gaming device and connected (such as by wires, optical means or other connections) to credit card / debit card reader 402. For example, touchpad 406a can be visually presented on a touch-enabled display screen of an electronic gaming machine, such as that described previously with respect to Figure 1D the game display screen 179 of gaming device 172 as shown therein.

[0116] The credit card / debit card reader 402 may optionally include a visual reader 408 operable to read a QR code symbol or other visual input from a user. The credit card / debit card reader 402 may also include an antenna (not shown) operable to detect and receive a near-field electromagnetic signal, such as from a cellular phone application linked to the user's bank account.

[0117] The credit card / debit card reader 402 may include a first communication link 418 to other components 414 of the gaming device 412, such as to a processor or computing unit of the gaming device. Such a computing unit may maintain a user's gaming account and update it based on a verified charge to the user's debit account. The credit card / debit card reader 402 may send an alert message via the communication link that an invalid attempt has been made to charge the card. In one example, this may occur after reporting the card stolen. The alert message may instruct the computing unit of the gaming device 412 to alert security personnel at the casino without alerting unauthorized users. The first communication link 418 may be a physical connection, such as a twisted pair, serial or parallel cable, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or another physical connection. Alternatively, the first communication link 418 may be a wireless electromagnetic transmission link, such as via WiFi, a laser light link, or another electromagnetic technology.

[0118] The credit card / debit card reader 402 may include a second communication link 416 connected to a credit card or debit card verification service, such as the verification service 108 described previously. The second communication link 416 may be different from the first communication link 418. Embodiments in which the second communication link 416 is different from the first communication link 418 may allow resistance to hacking or other types of computer program attacks on the gaming device 412 by separating or "encapsulating" the user's electronic access to his or her debit card account from access to the casino's network. The second communication link 416 may be a physical connection, such as an optical cable or another type of physical link, or a combination of multiple types. The second communication link 416 may also use a wireless electromagnetic transmission link, either fully or in part.

[0119] Figure 4BFIG. 420 is a block diagram showing components that may be included in a credit / debit card reader 422 configured to be included as part of an electronic gaming device. The credit / debit card reader 422 may include a card / chip / RFID (radio frequency identification component) reader 424 into which a user may insert a debit or credit card (or simply a “card”) to make a charge request for that card. The card / chip / RFID reader 424 may include an opening on the exterior of the credit / debit card reader 422. The card / chip / RFID reader 424 may have internal components configured to read information about an account from any one of a magnetic stripe on the card, an RFID component, or an integrated circuit chip. The information may include the card's account number and other user information, as well as privacy protection.

[0120] The credit / debit card reader 422 may also include a keypad 426a and a display 426b. The keypad 426a and the display 426b may be separate devices or a combined unit, such as a touchpad that displays icons at locations for the user to press or touch. The user may enter information on the keypad 426a, which may include a standard numeric keypad, an alphanumeric keypad, or buttons for other types of input. The display 426b may show information to the user, such as information about an entry made on the keypad 426a, a prompt for further entry, or other information.

[0121] The credit / debit card reader 422 may also include a wireless receiver 428 operable to receive a wireless transmission from a user's mobile communication device (such as a smart phone, a smart watch, etc.). Such a transmission from the user's mobile communication device may be a charge request. The wireless receiver 428 may also include a wireless transmitter / receiver component or be part of a wireless transmitter / receiver component that is also operable to transmit a wireless signal to the user's mobile communication device.

[0122] The credit / debit card reader 422 may include a processor 430 and a memory 432. The memory 432 may be a component of the processor 430 or a separate component communicatively linked to the processor 430. The memory may be non-transitory memory, such as a disk, ROM, non-volatile RAM, or another form of non-transitory memory. The processor 430 may be operably linked to the card / chip / RFID reader 424, the keypad 426a, the display 426b, and the wireless receiver 428 and be configured to control their operations.

[0123] In the example, the processor 430 can receive inputs or signals from the card / chip / RFID reader 424 or the wireless receiver 428, and these inputs or signals contain a charging request from the user to charge an amount to the user's credit or debit account. The processor 430 can then execute an instruction to cause the display 426b to show a message to the user for entering the required information (such as the amount to be charged, PIN code or other information) using the keypad 426a. Such a dialogue can continue until the processor receives sufficient information to send a completed charging request to the verification service.

[0124] To send a charging request to the verification service, the processor 430 can connect to the Internet link component 436 in the credit / debit card reader 422, and the Internet link component 436 can format the charging request (or other information) and send it to the verification service via the Internet communication link 416. The Internet link 436 can also be operable to receive signals on the Internet communication link 416 and format the information for use by the processor 430.

[0125] In the case where the verification service sends a reply that the charging request is valid, the processor 430 can cause the display 426b to show a corresponding message. The processor 430 can then use the gaming machine link component 434 to send a message to the computing unit of the gaming machine (such as the gaming device 412) via the first communication link 418. The computing unit of the gaming machine can then credit the user account available for payment on the gaming machine.

[0126] In the case where the verification service sends a reply that the charging request is invalid, the processor 430 can, in some cases, cause the display 426b to indicate a corresponding message, such as that there is not enough funds in the user's debit account to authorize the charging request. In still other cases, such as when the card has been reported lost or stolen to the verification service, the processor 430 can alternatively use the gaming machine link 434 to send an alert message to the computing unit of the gaming machine. The gaming machine can then send a corresponding alert to the security personnel of the casino operating the gaming machine.

[0127] The foregoing embodiments and their various alternatives and variations depicted in the figures cited above are generally presented for purposes of explanation and to facilitate understanding of the various configurations and constructs of the network architecture that facilitates communication between the various components of the bill handling system (such as those described herein). However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some of the specific details presented herein may not be required to practice the particular described embodiments or their equivalents.

[0128] Accordingly, it should be understood that the foregoing description of specific embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms set forth herein. On the contrary, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above teachings.

[0129] It will be recognized that while many embodiments have been disclosed above, the operations and steps presented with respect to the methods and techniques described herein are intended to be exemplary and thus not exhaustive. It will also be recognized that alternative step sequences or fewer or additional operations may be required or desired for a particular embodiment.

[0130] While the foregoing disclosure has been described in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects, and functionalities described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited to their applicability to the particular embodiments in which they are described, but rather may be applied singly or in various combinations to one or more of some embodiments of the present invention, whether or not those embodiments are described and whether or not those features are presented as part of the embodiments described. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, but rather are defined by the claims given herein.

[0131] In addition, it should be understood that organizations and / or entities responsible for the access, aggregation, verification, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage, or other use of private data, such as that described herein, including private financial data, will preferably adhere to published and industry-established privacy, data, and network security policies and practices. For example, it should be understood that data and / or information obtained from remote or local data sources should be accessed and / or aggregated only for legitimate, agreed-upon, and reasonable purposes, and only with the informed consent of the subject of such data and / or information.

Claims

1. A game fund transaction device, the game fund transaction device being located in a game hall of a casino to allow a user to obtain new game tickets using a credit card or debit card, and / or a current game ticket; Wherein, The game fund transaction device is installed as a single unit together with a battery power supply on a wheeled trolley to allow a casino operator to move the game fund transaction device near a more crowded part of the game hall of the casino; The game fund transaction device includes a housing, a first part in the housing, a keypad part installed outside the housing, and a first rigid connecting arm and a second rigid connecting arm connecting the first part and the keypad part; The first part includes a credit card / debit card reader, a printer assembly operable to print and eject game tickets, and a processor operably linked to the credit card / debit card reader and the printer assembly, the processor being operable to exchange messages with a verification service via a communication link; The keypad part includes a numeric keypad, operation keys, a display, and a vision shield; The second rigid connecting arm is movably connected to the first rigid connecting arm at one end and movably connected to the keypad part at the second end, thereby allowing adjustment of the position of the keypad part; wherein: The first rigid connecting arm and the second rigid connecting arm contain an electronic link between the keypad part and the first part; The first part is electrically connected to the keypad part through the first rigid connecting arm inside the housing and through the second rigid connecting arm, the first rigid connecting arm extending from the first part to a joint on the housing, and the second rigid connecting arm extending from the joint to the keypad part; The first part has a wireless transceiver to connect to a fixed receiver in the casino to obtain a communication link to a verification service and a casino accounting service; The joint is a ball-and-socket joint, and the ball at the end of the second rigid connecting arm fits into the ball-and-socket joint; The keypad part is in a second position level with the user's eyes, and the first part is in a first position lower than the second position; The processor is operable to: Receive an entry from the keypad part through the electronic link; Send an instruction through the electronic link to the keypad part to cause the display to show a corresponding response to the entry; Obtain a valid response from the verification service for a charge request received from the credit card / debit card reader and applied as a first cash value to a game ticket; and Cause the printer assembly to print and eject a game ticket having a second cash value related to the charge request.

2. The game fund transaction device according to claim 1, further comprising a vision shield extending from the keypad part.

3. The game fund transaction device according to claim 1, further comprising a directional viewing screen on the keypad part.

4. The game fund transaction device according to claim 1, wherein the first rigid connecting arm includes a flexible part extending through the housing of the game fund transaction device.

5. The game fund transaction device according to claim 1, wherein: the first part further includes a cash acceptor operably linked to the processor; and the processor is further operable to apply an amount related to the money received in the cash acceptor to a first cash value of the game ticket.

6. The game fund transaction device according to claim 1, wherein: the first part further includes a game ticket acceptor operably linked to the processor and configured to accept used game tickets; and the processor is further operable to apply an amount related to the remaining cash value of the used game ticket to the game ticket.

7. The game fund transaction device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further operable to: receive a failure response to the charging request from the verification service; and send a corresponding instruction to the keypad section to cause the display to show a message related to the failure response.

8. The game fund transaction device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further operable to exchange information about a second cash value of the game ticket with the casino accounting service separate from the verification service.

Images