Casino system

Abstract

To strengthen the security management of casino articles to which identification information is given.SOLUTION: A casino system in a casino using a gaming chip (72) to which an RFID tag (721) storing identification information is attached includes a registration device (325) that registers the identification information of the gaming chip used in the casino, and a database (326) that stores a list of the identification information registered by the registration device (325), wherein the list includes status information indicating whether the gaming chip (72) is usable, and the registration device (325) makes the status information usable for the gaming chip (72) already registered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Patent Application No. 2020-176900, filed in Japan on October 21, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates to a casino system applied to a casino that uses casino items, casino items that can be used in a casino, and a method for manufacturing casino items. [Background technology]

[0003] Casino equipment used in casinos requires high security and should be strictly managed. For example, casino equipment is manufactured in a manufacturing factory, but there is a risk that it may be stolen by malicious individuals during the process from the manufacturing factory to the casino and before it is used on the floor area. There is also a risk that counterfeit casino equipment may be used on the floor area of ​​the casino to unfairly win games.

[0004] Casino equipment requiring high security is typically gaming chips. Each gaming chip is given identification information that uniquely identifies it. The gaming chip has a built-in RFID tag, and the identification information is stored in the RFID tag. The casino system also uses a database that stores the identification information of the gaming chips. At multiple casino equipment handling locations within a casino, various security management can be performed by reading the identification information from the RFID tags of the gaming chips and referencing the database (see, for example, International Application Publication No. WO2008 / 120749). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to strengthen the security management of casino items that have been given identification information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the casino system is a casino system in a casino that uses casino items equipped with RFID tags that store identification information, and is equipped with a registration device that registers the identification information of the casino items that can be used in the casino, and a storage device that stores a list of the identification information registered by the registration device, and when the casino item whose identification information is stored in the storage device as the usable casino item satisfies predetermined conditions, the registration device performs an invalidation process to invalidate the registration of the identification information of the casino item.

[0007] With this configuration, it is possible to invalidate the registration of casino items that meet predetermined conditions for invalidating registration, and to perform invalidation processing on casino items that were once registered but later became a state that they should not be registered. Note that the invalidation processing includes deleting the casino item from the list in the storage device, storing information that the casino item is invalid in the list in the storage device, and further includes storing information that the casino item is suspicious, requires attention, or is a candidate for invalidation in the list in the storage device.

[0008] The above casino system may further include a reading device that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item to be registered, and the registration device may determine the authenticity of the casino item by checking whether the identification information provided by the manufacturer of the casino item matches the identification information read from the RFID tag of the casino item by the reading device, and may register the identification information of the casino item that is determined to be authentic as the identification information of the usable casino item.

[0009] This configuration ensures that the casino items being registered are genuine.

[0010] The above casino system may further include a reading device that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item to be registered, and the registration device may register the identification information read by the reading device.

[0011] This configuration can prevent erroneous registrations where the identification information stored in the RFID tag of the casino item differs from the identification information stored in the storage device by the registration device.

[0012] The above casino system may further include a reading device that reads the RFID tags of the multiple casino items contained in the case, and the registration device may register the multiple pieces of identification information read by the reading device.

[0013] This configuration allows the registration process to be carried out quickly and smoothly.

[0014] In the casino system, the registration device may store the identification information of the usable casino items with a flag indicating that the items are usable.

[0015] With this configuration, the invalidation process can be performed by updating the flag.

[0016] The above casino system may further include a reading device that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item, and the registration device may perform the invalidation process for the casino item whose identification information cannot be effectively read by the reading device.

[0017] This configuration allows the registration of casino equipment with malfunctioning RFID tags to be invalidated.

[0018] The above casino system may further include a reading device that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item, and the casino item may carry information for identifying the casino item by a method other than the RFID tag, and the registration device may identify the casino item whose registration should be invalidated using the information for identifying the casino item for which the identification information cannot be read by the reading device, and perform the invalidation process.

[0019] With this configuration, even if the RFID tag is broken and its identification information cannot be read, the casino item that should be deactivated can be identified by relying on identification information carried by another method.

[0020] In the above casino system, the registration device may perform the invalidation process on the casino items that are related to or suspected of being related to fraudulent gaming.

[0021] With this configuration, game equipment that is (or is suspected of being) involved in the fraudulent game is invalidated, so even if game fraud is discovered but the problematic game equipment cannot be identified, the possibility of inappropriate game equipment continuing to be used can be reduced.

[0022] The above casino system may further include a reading device that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item, and the casino item may carry information for identifying the casino item by a method other than the RFID tag, and if the identification information read by the reading device from the RFID tag of the casino item is not registered in the registration device as identification information of the usable casino item, the registration device may use the information for identifying the casino item to identify the casino item whose registration should be invalidated and perform the invalidation process.

[0023] With this configuration, if the identification information read from the RFID tag is not registered (for example, it is assumed that the identification information on the RFID tag has been fraudulently rewritten), the correct identification information of the casino item can be identified using identification information carried in other ways, and the invalidation process can be performed.

[0024] In the above casino system, the RFID tag may store manufacturing information indicating the manufacturing status of the casino item, type information indicating the type of the casino item, and / or information about the casino where the casino item is used, and the storage device may store the identification information along with the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information corresponding to the identification information, and the registration device may perform the invalidation process on the casino item having the identification information if the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information stored in the RFID tag do not match the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information stored in the storage device.

[0025] With this configuration, if the combination of the identification information and other manufacturing information stored in the RFID tag differs from the combination stored in the storage device, registration invalidation processing can be performed on such casino equipment.

[0026] In the above casino system, the registration device may store information indicating the year and month of registration for the identification information of the usable casino items in the storage device, and by referring to the storage device, perform the invalidation process for casino items for which a predetermined period of time has passed since the year and month of registration.

[0027] With this configuration, it is possible to set a usable period for casino items, and to perform invalidation processing for casino items that have exceeded the usable period.

[0028] The above casino system may include a management device at each of a plurality of casino equipment handling locations within the casino that notifies the registration device of the identification information of the casino equipment whose registration should be invalidated, and the registration device may perform the invalidation process for the corresponding casino equipment based on the notification from the management device.

[0029] With this configuration, the casino equipment handling location can determine whether the casino equipment meets the conditions for invalidating the registration and have the registration device perform the invalidation process. Note that the management device may determine and notify the operator (e.g., dealer) that the casino equipment should be invalidated by performing predetermined information processing on the detection values ​​of various sensors (including cameras), or may receive instructions from the operator and notify the operator accordingly.

[0030] The above casino system may further include a storage tray for storing the casino items owned by the casino at the casino item handling location, and a reading device for monitoring the casino items by periodically reading the RFID tags of the casino items stored in the storage tray, and the reading device may perform the invalidation process on any casino items that have been illegally removed from the storage tray.

[0031] This configuration makes it possible to invalidate casino items that have been illegally removed from the storage tray, making them unusable.

[0032] In the above casino system, the casino may use multiple types of casino equipment, the registration device may store the type of casino equipment along with the identification information for each of the multiple types of casino equipment in the storage device, and the registration device may perform the invalidation process for a specific type of casino equipment.

[0033] With this configuration, when a new version of a particular type of casino equipment (e.g., a $10 gaming chip) is introduced and the use of the old version is discontinued, the old version can be simultaneously invalidated (e.g., after a certain notice and grace period).

[0034] The above casino system may be provided with a reading device at each of a plurality of casino equipment handling locations within the casino that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment, and the registration device may perform the invalidation process on the casino equipment having the identification information when the same identification information is read by the reading devices at a plurality of casino equipment handling locations and the combination of the readings satisfies the conditions for determining fraud.

[0035] This configuration makes it possible to identify fraudulent casino items and perform invalidation processing on the identified casino items. For example, if the same identification information is read at two casino item handling locations that are far apart from each other within a very short time interval, it can be determined that there are multiple casino items with that identification information, and invalidation processing can be performed. Also, if the identification information of casino items collected by a dealer and stored in a chip tray is read as the identification information of gaming chips subsequently bet in the betting area of ​​a table, it can be determined that there are multiple casino items with that identification information, or that the gaming chips have been stolen from the chip tray, and invalidation processing can be performed.

[0036] The above casino system may be equipped with a reading device at each of a plurality of casino equipment handling locations within the casino that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment, and the registration device may perform the deactivation process on casino equipment whose identification information cannot be read by the reading device at any of the casino equipment handling locations within the casino for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0037] This configuration allows for invalidation processing to be performed on casino items that have not been used by players for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0038] The above casino system may further include a reading device that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item to be invalidated, and the registration device may perform the invalidation process on the identification information read by the reading device.

[0039] With this configuration, it is possible to correctly grasp the identification information of the casino item to be invalidated and perform the invalidation process.

[0040] The above casino system may be equipped with a detection device at the entrance of the casino that detects casino items brought in from outside the casino, and the registration device may perform the invalidation process on the casino items detected by the detection device.

[0041] With this configuration, when casino items are prohibited from being brought onto the casino floor and casino items are brought in through the entrance, the casino items can be invalidated.

[0042] The above casino system may further include a reading device installed at a casino equipment handling location within the casino, which reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment, and a matching device which matches the identification information read from the casino equipment by the reading device with the identification information stored in the memory device.

[0043] With this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether the casino items being sold at a casino item handling location are registered items.

[0044] In the above casino system, the verification device typically compares the identification information read by the reading device with the identification information read immediately before by the reading device, and if there is a difference between the two, it may verify the identification information read by the reading device with the identification information stored in the memory device.

[0045] This configuration reduces the load of the verification process compared to when verification is performed with the registration device every time.

[0046] In the above casino system, when the identification information read by the reading device contains new identification information that is not included in the identification information previously read by the reading device, the matching device may match the new identification information with the identification information stored in the memory device.

[0047] This configuration allows verification to be performed on casino items newly brought into a casino item handling location, thereby reducing the verification processing load compared to when verification is performed on all casino items.

[0048] In the above casino system, the verification device typically compares the identification information read by the reading device with the identification information read immediately before by the reading device, and may verify, under specified conditions, the identification information read by the reading device with the identification information of the casino equipment stored in the memory device.

[0049] This configuration allows for matching of casino items based on changes in casino items at casino item handling locations.

[0050] In the above casino system, the identification information may include tag identification information assigned by the manufacturer of the RFID tag and equipment identification information assigned by the manufacturer of the casino equipment to which the RFID tag is assigned.

[0051] This configuration enhances the security of casino equipment.

[0052] In the above casino system, the matching device typically matches the item identification information read from the casino item by the reading device with the item identification information most recently read by the reading device, and may match the tag identification information read from the casino item by the reading device with the tag identification information of the casino item stored in the memory device at a predetermined timing and / or under predetermined conditions.

[0053] With this configuration, a plurality of security levels can be set for the verification, and verification that prioritizes security level and verification that prioritizes speed can be used separately.

[0054] In the above casino system, the registration device may, as the invalidation process, delete the identification information in the list stored in the storage device, mark the identification information in the list stored in the storage device with a flag indicating that it is invalid, or mark the identification information in the list stored in the storage device with a flag indicating that it may need to be invalidated.

[0055] With this configuration, the casino item can be given a suspicious status as an invalidation process, and although it cannot be confirmed that the casino item is fraudulent, a warning can be issued if there is suspicion.

[0056] In the above casino system, if the identification information of the casino item identified as one that should be invalidated has not been registered, the registration device may prohibit subsequent registration of that identification information.

[0057] With this configuration, once fraud-related identification information is generated, future registration of that identification information can be prevented.

[0058] In the above casino system, the registration device may prohibit subsequent registration of the invalidated identification information.

[0059] This configuration makes it possible to prevent future registration of identification information that has once been invalidated.

[0060] In the above casino system, the casino items may be usable by players in the casino for betting on games and may be redeemable for cash.

[0061] This configuration provides increased security for cashable casino items.

[0062] One aspect of the casino equipment is a casino equipment that is used in any of the above casino systems and is provided with an RFID tag that stores identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the manufacturing and use process of a casino item according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming chip as a casino item according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information stored in the RFID tag of the gaming chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the casino system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of information about each gaming chip recorded in the database according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the table system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gaming chip (with decal removed) as a casino item according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a procedure room system according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a procedure room system according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a casino according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gaming chip according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gaming chip management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game table according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a manner of movement of gaming chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the first method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the second method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the fourth method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the fifth method of movement management of gaming chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the fourth method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] The casino system and the manufacturing method of casino items according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art or that are substantially the same.

[0065] (First embodiment) In the following, an example will be described in which the casino items are gaming chips serving as gaming tokens. However, the casino items may be items other than gaming chips, such as gaming tokens called plaques, jetons, or tokens that can be used for betting on games or exchanged for cash. Furthermore, the casino items are not limited to gaming tokens, and may be, for example, shuffled playing card packages in which multiple decks of playing cards are shuffled and packaged. Furthermore, the casino items do not have to be items that are circulated within casinos like gaming chips, or items that are consumed and discarded in large quantities like shuffled playing card packages, and may be, for example, membership cards held by players. The casino items that are subject to management in this embodiment are sometimes referred to as security items.

[0066] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the manufacturing and use process of casino equipment according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming chip as a casino equipment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Gaming chips 72 have different colors for different values. That is, the color of the gaming chip 72 represents the value of the gaming chip 72. As shown in FIG. 2, a pattern representing the value of the gaming chip 72 appears on the side of the gaming chip 72. In this embodiment, a striped pattern including a color representing the value appears on the side, and the value of the gaming chip 72 can be determined simply by observing the side by this color. In addition, a decal 723 is affixed to the center of the front and back surfaces of the gaming chip 72, and a number representing the price of the gaming chip 72 is written on the decal 723. In addition, an RFID tag 721 is built into the gaming chip 72.

[0067] 1, chip manufacturing factory 200, which serves as a chip manufacturer, purchases RFID tags 721 from RFID tag manufacturing factory 100, uses the RFID tags to manufacture gaming chips 72 with built-in RFID tags 721, and provides them to casino 300. Casino 300 purchases gaming chips 72 with built-in RFID tags 721 from chip manufacturing factory 200, and operates games using gaming chips 72 in floor area 302.

[0068] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing information stored in the RFID tag of the gaming chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the RFID tag 721 includes, as storage areas, a TID area 211 for storing tag identification information assigned by the manufacturer (RFID tag factory 100) of the RFID tag 721, and an EPC area 212 for storing product identification information assigned by the manufacturer (chip manufacturing factory 200) of the gaming chip 72 incorporating the RFID tag 721. The tag identification information is stored in the TID area 211 by the RFID tag manufacturing factory 100 that manufactures the RFID tag 721, and the product identification information is stored in the EPC area 212 by the chip manufacturing factory 200 that manufactures the gaming chip 72.

[0069] The TID area 211 stores a tag ID unique to the RFID tag 721 as tag identification information, and the EPC area 212 stores a chip ID unique to the gaming chip 72 as equipment identification information. The tag ID and the chip ID can be used alone as identification information to identify the gaming chip 72, or a combination of the tag ID and the chip ID can also be used as identification information. In addition to the chip ID, the EPC area 212 stores the gaming chip's attributes (whether it is a non-redeemable NN chip or a redeemable cash chip) and value (10 dollars, 100 dollars, 1000 dollars, etc.) as type information, a manufacturing plant ID for identifying the manufacturing plant that manufactured the gaming chip 72, a manufacturing equipment ID, and the manufacturing date as manufacturing information, a casino ID for identifying the casino where the gaming chip 72 is used, and a status ("usable" or "unusable") and its update date and time as activation information. When the gaming chip 72 is manufactured at the chip manufacturing factory 200, its status is set to "unusable."

[0070] The status may be expressed by a flag. In this case, if the flag is set, it is interpreted as "usable," and if the flag is not set, it is interpreted as "unusable." The "unusable" status may be further subdivided. For example, "unusable" may include statuses such as "suspect," "caution required," and "candidate for release," which are used when a fraudulent chip is suspected. In addition, some or all of the type information, manufacturing information, casino ID, chip ID (item identification information), and activation information may be stored in a user area (not shown) of the RFID tag 721, rather than in the EPC area 212.

[0071] In order to manufacture the gaming chip 72 incorporating the RFID tag 721 at the chip manufacturing factory 200, the RFID tag 721 is first manufactured at the RFID tag manufacturing factory 100. At this time, tag identification information for identifying the RFID tag 721 is written in the TID area 211 of the RFID tag 72. The RFID tag 72 manufactured at the RFID tag manufacturing factory 100 is provided to the chip manufacturing factory 200. The chip manufacturing factory 200 manufactures the gaming chip 72 incorporating this RFID tag 721. Then, at the chip manufacturing factory 200, a chip ID and other information (see FIG. 3) are written in the EPC area 212 of this RFID tag 721.

[0072] In parallel with the manufacture of gaming chips 72, the chip manufacturing factory 200 prepares a data file 73 in which a combination of a tag ID and a chip ID (hereinafter, the tag ID and the chip ID are collectively referred to as "identification information"). The chip manufacturing factory 200 supplies the manufactured gaming chips 72 to the casino 300, and also provides the data file 73 to the casino 300 via a separate route. The data file 73 may be sent by email from the manufacturer of the gaming chip 72 to the casino 300, or may be recorded on a portable storage medium and passed from the manufacturer of the gaming chip 72 to the casino 300, or may be stored in cloud storage by the manufacturer of the gaming chip 72 and downloaded by the casino 300. At this time, the data file 73 is provided from the chip manufacturing factory 200 to the casino 300 in an appropriately encrypted state.

[0073] The casino 300 has a security area 301 that players 74 cannot enter, and a floor area 302 where players 74 can play games. The security area 301 is equipped with a warehouse 31 that is a storage location for storing gaming supplies including gaming chips 72, a procedure room 32 where procedures for registering and activating gaming chips 72 are carried out, and a cashier 33 and a bank 34 that are connected to the floor area 302.

[0074] The cashier 33 has a window that is connected to the floor area 302. The cashier 33 provides gaming chips 72 to players 74 in the floor area 302 in exchange for cash, and provides cash to players 74 in exchange for gaming chips 72 provided by players 74 in the floor area 302. In other words, players 74 can purchase gaming chips 72 using cash through the window of the cashier 33, and can exchange the gaming chips 72 for cash.

[0075] The bank 34 fills and credits gaming chips 72 between it and the pit 35. In a fill, if the pit 35 does not have enough gaming chips 72 to supply to the table 36, the bank 34 supplies gaming chips 72 to the pit 35. In a credit, if the pit 35 has enough gaming chips 72, the gaming chips 72 are returned from the pit 35 to the bank 34. For this purpose, the bank 34 is provided with a passage or window for inserting and retrieving gaming chips 72 between it and the floor area 302. Note that in a fill, the gaming chips 72 may be supplied directly from the bank 34 to the table 36 without going through the pit 35, and in a credit, the gaming chips 72 may be returned from the table 36 to the bank 34 without going through the pit 35.

[0076] The gaming chips 72 supplied to the casino 300 from the chip manufacturing factory 200 are first stored in the warehouse 31 in the security area 301. In the procedure room 32, registration and activation procedures are performed for the gaming chips 72 stored in the warehouse 31. The gaming chips 72 that have undergone the registration and activation procedures are brought into the floor area 302 via the cashier 33 or the bank 34. Note that the gaming chips 72 that have undergone the registration and activation procedures may be temporarily stored in the warehouse 31 and then provided from the warehouse 31 to the cashier 33 or the bank 34, or may be temporarily stored in the warehouse 31 after only undergoing the registration procedures, and then the activation procedures may be performed when the gaming chips 72 are provided from the warehouse 31 to the cashier 33 or the bank 34.

[0077] A player 74 can purchase gaming chips 72 from the cashier 33 or the table 36. The player 74 bets the gaming chips 72 on a game played at the table 36. If the player 74 wins the game, the dealer 75 redeems the gaming chips 72 for them. If the player 74 loses the game, the dealer 75 collects the gaming chips 72 that the player 74 bet on. In this way, the number of gaming chips 72 owned by the dealer 75 at the table 36 increases or decreases depending on the game. If the table 36 runs short of gaming chips 72, gaming chips 72 are replenished from the pit 35 to the table 36. If the table 36 has an excess of gaming chips 72, the gaming chips 72 are moved from the table 36 to the pit 35. The player 74 can enter and exit the floor area 302 via the gate 38. Some casinos allow players 74 to enter and exit the floor area 302 while still possessing their gaming chips 72.

[0078] The warehouse 31, procedure room 32, cashier 33, bank 34, pits 35, tables 36, and gate 38 in casino 300 are all locations that handle gaming chips 72 as casino supplies, and hereinafter these are collectively referred to as casino supply handling locations. Gaming chips 72 are either present at one of the casino supply handling locations in casino 300, or are owned by players.

[0079] The registration device 325, central verification device 323, cashier verification device 333, bank verification device 343, pit verification device 353, and table verification device 363 are all configured as computing systems each including a processor for processing information and a memory storing a program to be executed by the processor. The program may be provided to the computing system via a non-transitory storage medium or via a network.

[0080] 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a casino system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The casino system 30 includes a procedure room system 320 provided in a procedure room 32, a cashier system 330 provided in a cashier 33, a bank system 340 provided in a bank 34, a pit system 350 provided in each pit 35, and a table system 360 provided in each table 36.

[0081] The processing room system 320, cashier system 330, bank system 340, pit system 350, and table system 360 are communicatively connected to one another. Communication between these systems may be wired or wireless. In this manner, the casino system 30 is a network system including multiple subsystems (i.e., processing room system 320, cashier system 330, bank system 340, pit system 350, and table system 360) installed at each casino equipment handling location.

[0082] The procedure room system 320 includes an antenna 321 and an activation reader / writer 322 for reading the RFID tag 721 embedded in the gaming chip 72 brought into the procedure room 32, a central verification device 323 for verifying whether the gaming chip 72 at each casino equipment handling location is registered and activated, an input device 324 for inputting data, a registration device 325 for registering and activating the gaming chip 72, and a database 326 as a memory device for storing information about each gaming chip 72, including identification information and status.

[0083] The cashier system 330 includes an antenna 331 and a cashier reader / writer 332 for reading the RFID tag 721 of a gaming chip 72 brought to the cashier 33 or a gaming chip 72 taken from the cashier 33 to the floor area 302 (purchased by a player), and a cashier verification device 333 for verifying the gaming chip 72 using the information read by the cashier reader / writer 332.

[0084] The bank system 340 includes an antenna 341 and a bank reader / writer 342 for reading the RFID tag 721 of a gaming chip 72 brought into the bank 34 or a gaming chip 72 taken out of the bank 34 to the floor area 302, and a bank verification device 343 for verifying the gaming chip 72 using the information read by the bank reader / writer 342.

[0085] The pit system 350 includes an antenna 351 and a pit reader / writer 352 for reading the RFID tag 721 of a gaming chip 72 brought into the pit 350 from the table 36 or the bank 34, or a gaming chip 72 taken out from the pit 350 to the table 36 or the bank 34, and a pit verification device 353 for verifying the gaming chip 72 using the information read by the pit reader / writer 352.

[0086] The table 36 is provided with a chip tray, storage tray, or chip float (hereinafter simply referred to as a "chip tray") for storing the dealer's gaming chips 72. The table 36 is also provided with a betting area for betting gaming chips 72 for each player position. The table system 360 is equipped with an antenna 361a and a chip tray reader / writer 362a provided on the chip tray to read the RFID tags 721 of the gaming chips 72 stored in the chip tray, and an antenna 361b and a betting chip reader / writer 362b arranged in the betting area of ​​the table 36 to read the RFID tags 721 of the gaming chips 72 placed (betted) in the betting area of ​​the table 36.

[0087] The table system 360 further includes a pit verification device 363 for verifying the gaming chip 72 using information read by the chip tray reader / writer 362a and the bet chip reader / writer 362b, and a table storage device 364 for storing the information read by the chip tray reader / writer 362a and the bet chip reader / writer 362b. The gate 38 may also be provided with a gate system similar to the above-mentioned subsystems.

[0088] (Registration and Activation) The following describes the registration and activation procedures carried out in the procedure room 32. The gaming chips 72 manufactured in the chip manufacturing factory 200 are brought into the security area 301 of the casino 300 and stored in the warehouse 31. In the procedure room 32, the gaming chips 72 to be registered that are stored in the warehouse 31 are taken out, and the registration and activation procedures for the gaming chips 72 are carried out using the procedure room system 320.

[0089] The procedure room system 320 is provided with a data file 73 recording identification information from the chip manufacturing factory 200 (manufacturer of the gaming chip 72), and the procedure room system 320 receives this data file 73 via an input device 324. Since the data file 73 is encrypted, the input device 324 decrypts this data file 73. In addition to the identification information, this data file 73 may also record some or all of the other information stored in the RFID tag 721 of each gaming chip 72 (see FIG. 3).

[0090] The antenna 321 and the activation reader / writer 322 read the tag ID and chip ID, which are identification information, from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 to be activated. The registration device 325 determines (verifies) whether the identification information read from the gaming chip 72 by the activation reader / writer 322 is present among the identification information stored in the data file 73 decrypted by the input device 324, thereby determining whether the gaming chip 72 is a genuine one officially manufactured at the chip manufacturing factory 200, or a counterfeit one not officially manufactured at the chip manufacturing factory 200, or one with a faulty RFID tag 721. In other words, the registration device 325 determines the authenticity of the gaming chip 72 based on whether the identification information stored in the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 matches the identification information stored in the data file 73.

[0091] If the registration device 325 determines that the gaming chip 72 is genuine in the authenticity determination, it registers the gaming chip 72 by recording its identification information (tag ID and chip ID) in the database 326. At this time, if other information such as manufacturing information is recorded in the RFID 721 and / or data file 73 of the gaming chip 72, this information is also associated with the identification information and recorded in the database 326. Furthermore, the registration device 325 records activation information of each gaming chip 72 in the database 326.

[0092] Note that instead of or in addition to the validation at the casino, validation may be performed at the chip manufacturing factory 200. In this case, the registration device 325 registers the gaming chips 72 that have been validated at the top manufacturing factory 200 and determined to be genuine.

[0093] In this specification, the creation by the registration device 325 of a new record of the gaming chip 72 in the database 326 is referred to as "registration," and the enabling of the activation status of the registered gaming chip is referred to as "activation." Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the time of registration, an authenticity check is performed to confirm whether the gaming chip 72 is a genuine one officially manufactured at the chip manufacturing factory 200. This authenticity check is referred to as "first validation," and the process of comparing the information read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 with the database 326 at each gaming goods handling location is referred to as "validation." In this embodiment, the first validation, registration, and activation are performed at the same time. Note that "deactivation," as described below, refers to making the activation status unusable without deleting the registration (leaving the record of the gaming chip 72 in question in the database 326), and reactivating a gaming chip 72 that has been deactivated is called "reactivation."

[0094] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of information about each gaming chip recorded in a database according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the database 326 records, for each gaming chip 72, a tag ID as tag identification information 261, attributes and value as type information 262, a manufacturing factory ID and manufacturing date as manufacturing information 263, a chip ID and chip notation ID as chip identification information 264, activation status and update date and time as activation information 265, and a history of combinations of location and read date and time as location history information 266. The database 326 has a lookup table (LUT) that records information about multiple gaming chips 72, with the information about each gaming chip 72 shown in FIG. 5 being one record. This LUT is a list of identification information.

[0095] When registering a new gaming chip 72, the registration device 325 checks whether the identification information to be registered has already been registered in the database 326. This prevents the same identification information from being registered twice in the database 326. Note that, at the time of deactivation, which will be described later, i.e., after setting the status to unusable while leaving the record intact, the registration device 325 may update the status from unusable to usable if a predetermined condition is met.

[0096] Furthermore, the registration device 325 may store in the database 326 the identification information of gaming chips 72 that satisfy predetermined conditions among the gaming chips 72 that have undergone the release process (e.g., gaming chips 72 to be discarded) as identification information that cannot be registered, and may prohibit new registration if the identification information of the gaming chip 72 to be registered is stored in the database 326 as identification information that cannot be registered. For example, when the registration device 325 erases the record of a gaming chip 72 from the database 326, the database 326 may have a blacklist that stores the identification information of gaming chips whose records have been erased. In this case, the registration device 325 checks whether the identification information to be registered is stored on the blacklist at the time of registration, and prohibits registration of identification information that is on the blacklist. This prevents identification information that has been erased from the database 326 from being newly registered again.

[0097] When registering the identification information read by the activation reader / writer 322 in the database 326 for a gaming chip 72 that has been successfully verified and determined to be authentic, the registration device 325 records the status of the activation information 265 as "usable" and records the date and time at that time as the update date and time, thereby registering the gaming chip 72 as usable. This makes it possible to determine whether the status of each gaming chip 72 is "usable" or "unusable" by referring to the database 326, and also to know when the activation was performed (when the gaming chip was registered).

[0098] In this embodiment, since activation information is also recorded in the EPC area 212 of the RFID 721 of the gaming chip 72, the registration device 325 controls the writer function of the activation reader / writer 322 to rewrite the status recorded in the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 that has been successfully verified and determined to be authentic from "unusable" to "usable" via the antenna 321 as part of the registration process for the usable gaming chip 72. This allows the systems 330 to 360 at each gaming goods handling location to know whether the status of the gaming chip 72 is "usable" or "unusable" simply by reading the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72.

[0099] As described above, the gaming chip 72 is registered in the database 326 by the registration device 325 after being transported from the chip manufacturing factory 200 to the casino 300. Even if the gaming chip 72 is stolen during transportation, the stolen gaming chip 72 will not be registered in the database 326, and will be discovered as unregistered through a verification process described below. Therefore, such a gaming chip 72 cannot be effectively used in the floor area 302 of the casino 300. The casino only needs to strictly manage the gaming chip 72 after it has been made usable through the activation procedure, which increases the level of security and reduces security costs compared to when strict management is required from the stage when the gaming chip 72 is manufactured.

[0100] In the above example, when activating the gaming chip 72, a new record for the gaming chip 72 is created in the database 326 and its status is set to "available," thereby activating the gaming chip 72. Alternatively, the registration device 325 may register a newly received gaming chip 72 by creating a record in the database 326, setting the status to "unusable" at this time, and then rewriting the status to "available" through a subsequent activation procedure. In this case, creating a record may be referred to as registration, and rewriting the status to "available" may be referred to as activation.

[0101] (Verification at casino equipment handling locations) At the casino equipment handling locations, cashier 33, bank 34, pit 35, and table 36, the identification information of the gaming chips 72 handled there is verified and the status is confirmed using a cashier system 330, bank system 340, pit system 350, and table system 360, respectively. Each casino equipment handling location will be explained below.

[0102] At the cashier 33, the antenna 331 and cashier reader / writer 332 of the cashier system 330 read the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 in the cashier 33 to obtain the tag ID, chip ID, and status. If the status read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 is "unusable," the cashier verification device 333 first outputs an error signal indicating this. When the error signal is output, the cashier 33 stops handling the gaming chip 72.

[0103] The cashier verification device 333 further transmits the identification information (tag ID and chip ID) acquired by the cashier reader / writer 332 to the procedure room system 320. The central verification device 323 in the procedure room 32 verifies whether the identification information received from the cashier system 330 is stored in the database 326, and also verifies whether the status associated with the identification information is available.

[0104] If the corresponding identification information is stored in the database 326 (i.e., is authentic) and its status is usable, the central verification device 323 determines that the gaming chip 72 is authentic and usable and transmits a response signal to that effect to the cashier system 330. On the other hand, if the inquired gaming chip 72 is not authentic, the central verification device 323 transmits an error signal to the cashier system 330 indicating that it is not authentic. If the inquired gaming chip 72 is authentic but its status is unusable, the central verification device 323 transmits an error signal to the cashier system 330 indicating that it is authentic but unusable. Upon receiving the response signal, the cashier verification device 333 may issue an alert that is perceptible only to staff or that is perceptible to many people including players. Note that the response signal may also be returned to the cashier system 330 if the gaming chip is authentic and usable, in which case the cashier verification device 333 may notify that there is no problem or that the chip has been "passed."

[0105] If the status read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 by the cashier verification device 333 is usable but the status of the gaming chip 72 is recorded as unusable in the database 326, the cashier verification device 333 determines that the gaming chip 72 is counterfeit and controls the writer function of the cashier reader / writer 332 to rewrite the status of the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 to "unusable" via the antenna 331. Alternatively, the cashier verification device 333 may rewrite the status to "unknown" or "doubtful."

[0106] Furthermore, if the status is recorded as "usable" in the database 326 but the status read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 by the cashier verification device 333 is "unusable", it may be determined that the status stored in the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 has been rewritten for some reason, and the status stored in the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 may be rewritten to "usable". Alternatively, the status of such a gaming chip 72 may be rewritten to "unusable", "unknown", or "doubtful", and its handling may be discontinued.

[0107] The gaming chips 72 brought to the cashier 33 directly from the procedure room 32 or via the warehouse 31 have already been registered and activated in the procedure room 32 and have not left the security area 301, so there is a low possibility that they are counterfeit or fraudulent gaming chips. However, there is a possibility that the gaming chips 72 brought to the cashier 33 by users from the floor area 302 and exchanged for cash may be counterfeit or fraudulent. Therefore, the cashier verification device 333 may verify the identification information and check the status, particularly for gaming chips 72 related to exchange, and show the results to the player 74 and the staff of the cashier 33. Alternatively, when the player 74 purchases a gaming chip 72, if the value information stored in the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 is read and shown to the player 74, the identification information may also be verified and the status may be verified at the same time, and the results may be shown to the player 74 together with the value information.

[0108] The bank system 340 basically operates in the same manner as the cashier system 330. The gaming chips 72 to be filled are carried from the bank 34 to the pit 35 in the floor area 302. Since these gaming chips 72 have been activated in the procedure room 32 and have not left the security area 301, it is unlikely that counterfeit or fraudulent gaming chips 72 have been mixed in. However, the gaming chips 72 brought from the floor area 302 to the bank 34 when crediting include those that have been handed over to players 74 and then collected by dealers, so there is a possibility that counterfeit or fraudulent gaming chips 72 have been mixed in. Therefore, the bank system 340 may verify the identification information and check the status of the gaming chips 72 brought from the floor area 302 in particular.

[0109] The pit system 350 basically operates in the same way as the cashier system 330. Gaming chips 72 filled from the bank 34 and excess gaming chips 72 at the table 36 are brought into the pit 35. The pit system 350 collates the gaming chips 72 brought into the pit 35 in this way. Furthermore, excess gaming chips 72 at the pit 35 are moved (credited) to the bank 34, or, if there is a shortage of gaming chips 72 at the table 36, gaming chips 72 are replenished from the pit 35 to the table 36. The pit system 350 also collates the gaming chips 72 leaving the pit 35 in this way.

[0110] The operation of the table system 360 is as follows. At the table 36, the dealer 75 redeems gaming chips 72 from a chip tray to a player 74 who has won a game. The antenna 361a is provided on the chip tray, and the chip tray reader / writer 362a reads identification information and status from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 held in the chip tray. The identification information read by the chip tray reader / writer 362a is collated by a table collation device 363 and stored in a table memory device 364. When multiple gaming chips 72 are held in the chip tray, multiple pieces of identification information corresponding to the multiple gaming chips 72 are stored in the table memory device 364.

[0111] The table collation device 363 first compares the latest past identification information stored in the table storage device 364 with the current identification information read by the chip tray reader / writer 362a to determine whether or not they match.

[0112] If the identification information read by the chip tray reader / writer 362a contains identification information that is not included in the latest identification information stored in the table memory device 364, the table comparison device 363 performs a similar check as the cashier comparison device 333 described above for such gaming chip 72 to check whether the identification information is stored in the database 326 and whether the status corresponding to the identification information in the database is "available."

[0113] Specifically, the table comparison device 363 normally compares the chip ID read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 with the previous chip ID registered in the table memory device 364, and when a new chip ID that was not read during the previous reading is read, it compares the identification information including the tag ID read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 with the identification information including the tag ID recorded in the database 326, and also confirms the status.

[0114] 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the table system in the first embodiment of the present invention. The antenna 361a and the chip tray reader / writer 362a read chip IDs from the RFID tags 721 of all gaming chips 72 in the chip tray (step S61). The table comparison device 363 compares these read sets of chip IDs with sets of chip IDs stored in the table storage device 364 as the most recent chip IDs in the past, and determines whether or not there is a new chip ID among the read chip IDs that is not stored in the table storage device 364 (step S62).

[0115] If a new chip ID is read (YES in step S62), the antenna 361a and chip tray reader / writer 362a specify the new chip ID, read the tag ID from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 having the new chip ID, and transmit the combination of this chip ID and tag ID to the procedure room system 320, where it is collated with the information stored in the database 326 and it is confirmed whether the status is "usable" (step S63). Then, all the read chip ID pairs are stored in the table storage device 364 as new past chip ID pairs (step S64).

[0116] If no new chip IDs are read, i.e., if no new gaming chips 72 have been added to the chip tray since the previous reading, the table comparison device 363 compares the set of read chip IDs with the most recent set of chip IDs stored in the table memory device 364 to determine whether or not there is a chip ID that was read in the previous reading but is no longer read in the current reading (step S65).

[0117] If there is a chip ID that can no longer be read, that is, if the gaming chips 72 have been removed from the chip tray (YES in step S65), the set of all read chip IDs is stored in the table storage device 364 as the most recent set of chip IDs (step S64). On the other hand, if there is no chip ID that can no longer be read (NO in step S65), that is, if there has been no increase, decrease, or change in the gaming chips 72 in the chip tray, the table storage device 364 is not updated.

[0118] As described above, in the present embodiment, the chip tray of the table 36 normally reads the chip ID stored in the EPC area 212 at predetermined time intervals to monitor any changes, and when there is a change in the chip ID, particularly when a new chip ID is read, the gaming chip 72 with the new chip ID is checked against the database 326 and the status of the database 326 is confirmed. This reduces the processing load and shortens the processing time required for one cycle (improving the processing speed).

[0119] The table checking device 363 may check the database 326 and confirm the status of the database 326 at a predetermined timing and / or under predetermined conditions, regardless of whether or not there is a newly read chip ID.

[0120] When a player 74 places a bet on a game, the player places the gaming chips 72 to be bet in a predetermined betting area on the game table. The antenna 361b is arranged below the betting area on the table surface of the game table, and the betting chip reader / writer 362b reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 of the betted gaming chip 72. The identification information read by the betting chip reader / writer 362b is collated by the table collation device 363 and stored in the table storage device 364. When multiple gaming chips 72 are bet in the betting area, multiple pieces of identification information corresponding to the multiple gaming chips 72 are stored in the table storage device 364.

[0121] The antenna 361b and the bet chip reader / writer 362b read the RFID tags 721 of not only the gaming chips 72 bet by the player 74 in the betting area, but also the gaming chips 72 dispensed from the chip tray by the dealer 75, and the table memory device 364 also stores the identification information of the gaming chips 72 dispensed in this way.

[0122] The table verification device 363 also checks the status and collates the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 by the bet chip reader / writer 362b in the same way as for the gaming chips 72 accommodated in the chip tray. Specifically, the table verification device 363 does not always check the identification information read by the bet chip reader / writer 362b against the database 326, but when new identification information that is not included in the latest identification information stored in the table storage device 364 as having been read from the bet chip reader / writer 362b is read by the antenna 361b and the bet chip reader / writer 362b, the table verification device 363 checks the status stored in the database 326 through the central verification device 323 against the identification information stored in the database 326.

[0123] In particular, when the table verification device 363 receives a response signal from the central verification device 323 as a result of the verification indicating that the gaming chips 72 are not authentic or unusable, it issues an alert, and the dealer can take action on the spot to prevent the use of fraudulent or unusable gaming chips 72 and collect such gaming chips 72 from the player. For example, if the gaming chips 72 bet by the player are read by the bet chip reader / writer 36 and found to have an unusable status, the dealer can collect the gaming chips 72 before starting the game, distinguish them from other usable gaming chips 72, and manage them for later disposal. Alternatively, if there are unusable chips among the chips collected in the chip float, the dealer can follow the alert and store them separately for later processing.

[0124] In the verification in the first embodiment described above, information read from the RFID tag 72 of the gaming chip 72 at each casino equipment handling location is transmitted to the central verification device 323 of the procedure room system 320, and the central verification device 323 performs verification against the data in the database 326 of the procedure room system 320. In other words, the information on the gaming chip 72 is centrally managed in the database 326 of the procedure room system 320. Alternatively, the subsystems 330, 340, 350, 360 of each casino equipment handling location may perform verification without communicating with the procedure room system 320.

[0125] In this case, each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360 includes a database. In this case, each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360 may be configured as an integrated device, including the database. Furthermore, the device may be portable and not fixed to each casino equipment handling location, and may even be battery-powered. In this way, if the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360 of each casino equipment handling location are used standalone, even if a fraudulent or suspected chip is detected, such information cannot be shared with other casino equipment handling locations. However, at least, the information can be compared with the database provided at each casino equipment handling location. In other words, it is at least possible to determine whether the identification information of the gaming chip 72 is registered in the database.

[0126] In this case, each table 36 may perform the above-mentioned matching using the chip tray reader / writer 362a or the bet chip reader / writer 362b, but a dedicated reader may be provided in addition to these readers / writers for matching with a local database.

[0127] In this case, each subsystem may be configured to grasp the number of gaming chips 72 whose RFID tags 721 are read by the antenna. As an example of such a configuration, a holding means for holding the gaming chips 72 whose RFID tags 721 are read may be configured to be able to accommodate a predetermined number of gaming chips 72 (e.g., 20 or 100). The holding means may be, for example, a chip holding mechanism having a semi-tubular shape that can hold a predetermined number of gaming chips 72 stacked together, or a gaming chip stand having a predetermined number of chip placement areas on which the predetermined number of gaming chips 72 are placed one by one. In this case, the verification devices 333, 343, 353, and 363 inspect the gaming chips 72 by comparing the number of gaming chips read from the RFID tags 721 with the maximum number, assuming that the maximum number of gaming chips 72 that can be held in the holding mechanism is actually held.

[0128] Furthermore, the configuration for determining the number of gaming chips 72 may be optical detection means that optically detects the gaming chips 72 whose RFID tags 721 are read. The optical detection means may be an optical sensor that detects the gaming chips 72 whose RFID tags 721 are read one by one, or may be a combination of a camera that takes a picture of the gaming chips 72 whose RFID tags 721 are read and generates an image, and an image analysis device that analyzes the image to determine the number of gaming chips 72. The verification devices 333, 343, 353, and 363 of each subsystem may inspect the gaming chips 72 by comparing the number of read RFID tags 721 with the actual number of gaming chips 72 optically determined.

[0129] Furthermore, each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360 may be equipped with a display device. In this case, the display device may display all of the values ​​of the gaming chips 72 stored in the RFID tags 721 read by each reader / writer, or may display the total value of the multiple gaming chips 72 read by each reader / writer. Alternatively, the display device may display the comparison result between the number of RFID tags 721 and the actual number of chips as the collation result.

[0130] In this way, it may be possible to perform inspections by checking the information read from RFID tags 721 against a database, and by comparing the number of RFID tags 721 read with the number optically determined. In particular, by having a database in each subsystem 330, 340, 350, 360, these two types of inspections can be performed simultaneously at each casino equipment handling location without the need for communication with a network.

[0131] In this case, the database of each table may be updated periodically (for example, once a week) or when new gaming chips 72 are introduced into the casino. When updating, the database 326 of the procedure room system 360 may be updated, and at the same time, the database 326 of each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360 may be updated remotely by communicating from the procedure room system 320 to each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360. Alternatively, when updating, the update data may be stored in a portable storage medium, and the update data may be read from this storage medium in each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360, thereby updating the database of each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360.

[0132] It may also be possible to switch between the above-described method of centralized management and communication-based verification by the database 326 of the procedure room system 320 (network-based type) and a standalone verification method (standalone type) in each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360. For example, verification may be performed using the network-based type under normal circumstances, and switched to standalone verification in the event of a power outage or other problem. Also, each time the database entries are updated, the network may be used to access the databases of each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360 in real time, but verification may still be performed using the databases of each of the subsystems 330, 340, 350, and 360.

[0133] (Gaming chip tracking) As described above, the information for each gaming chip 72 in the database 326 includes location history information 266. Each time the central verification device 323 receives a request for identification information from a casino equipment location, it updates the location history information 266 corresponding to the identification information. Specifically, when the central verification device 323 receives a request for identification information from a casino equipment location, it records information identifying the casino equipment location as location information and the date and time of the request as the read date and time in the location history information 266 corresponding to the identification information. The database 326 can store a predetermined number of pieces of information as this location history information, and after the predetermined number of pieces of location history information have been recorded, the oldest information is overwritten.

[0134] Location history information is a history of location information. Location information is information that identifies each casino equipment handling location or each player. For example, if the cashier 33 has multiple counters, the location information may be a counter ID that identifies each counter. If there are multiple pits 35 and tables 36, the location information may be a pit ID and a table ID that identify which pit 35 and which table.

[0135] Furthermore, when the gaming chips 2 are handed over to the player 74, the location information records the player ID of the player 74. For example, when an antenna 361b is provided for each player position at the table 36, the player ID of each player position can be identified by the member card held by the player 74 or by facial recognition of an image of the player playing at the table 36.

[0136] Then, by detecting to which player position the gaming chips 72 are paid out to a player, it is possible to know to which player ID the gaming chips 72 have been paid out. Furthermore, when a player 74 purchases gaming chips 72 at the cashier 33, the player ID of the player 74 is identified and the player ID is recorded as location information.

[0137] In this way, by recording the history of location information and the information on the date and time of reading in the database 326 as location history information, it is possible to know how the gaming chip 72 has moved by referring to the database 326.

[0138] (Deactivation) As described above, the registration device 325 registers and activates a new gaming chip 72 acquired from a factory in the database 326 by storing information including the identification information of the gaming chip 72 in the database 326. On the other hand, for a malfunctioning gaming chip 72 or an old gaming chip 72, the registration device 325 changes the status of the gaming chip 72 that was once usable to unusable (cancellation process).

[0139] At each casino equipment handling station, gaming chips 72 from which information cannot be read from the RFID tag 721 (i.e., gaming chips 72 with damaged RFID tags 721 or gaming chips 72 without RFID tags 721) are excluded from the gaming chips 72 that can be used at that time. Gaming chips 72 that fail to match the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 are also excluded from the gaming chips 72 that can be used at that time. Gaming chips 72 whose status is not usable are also excluded. Furthermore, if fraud has been committed or is suspected at a casino equipment handling location (particularly at the table 36), the dealer will exclude the gaming chips 72 involved in the fraud or the gaming chips 72 suspected of being involved in the fraud from the gaming chips 72 that can be used at that time. These problematic gaming chips 72 are brought from each casino equipment handling location to the procedure room 32, where the registration device 325 performs a cancellation process to cancel their registration as usable gaming chips 72.

[0140] When a gaming chip 72 is removed from the gaming chips 72 available at a casino equipment location and brought into the procedure room 32, the activation reader / writer 322 reads out identification information from the gaming chip 72. The registration device 325 performs a release process on the identification information read out by the activation reader / writer 322.

[0141] Furthermore, for gaming chips 72 for which a predetermined period (e.g., one year) has passed since the date and time of initial activation, even if there is no problem, a release process is performed to discard the gaming chip 72. That is, as a credit process, in the bank 34, the bank reader / writer 342 reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 brought to the bank 34 from the pit 35, and requests an inquiry from the central verification device 323. At this time, the central verification device 323 refers to the database 326 to check the date and time of activation of the gaming chip 72, and if a predetermined period of time or more has passed since that date and time, the registration device 325 performs a release process for the gaming chip 72. Similarly, in the cashier 33, the cashier reader / writer 332 reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 brought to the cashier by the player to redeem the gaming chip 72, and requests an inquiry from the central verification device 323. At this time, the central verification device 323 refers to the database 326 to check the date and time of activation of the gaming chip 72, and if a predetermined time or more has passed since that date and time, the registration device 325 performs a release process for the gaming chip 72.

[0142] Note that gaming chips 72 that have been brought to the bank 34 or a cashier in this way and for which a predetermined time or more has passed since the activation date and time may then be discarded (destroyed), and the record of the discarded gaming chips 72 may be deleted from the database 326, or the record may be retained and the activation status may be set to "discarded," which is a type of unusable status, as a cancellation process. Subsequent registration of the identification information of the discarded gaming chips 72 may be prohibited, or the activation status of a gaming chip 72 whose activation status has been set to "discarded" may be prohibited from being updated to "usable."

[0143] In the release process, the registration device 325 updates the status of the gaming chip 72 recorded in the database 326 to "unusable" and records the date and time of the update. If the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 is faulty, the identification information to be released cannot be read from such a gaming chip 72. Therefore, the registration device 325 releases the registration of such a gaming chip 72 as a usable gaming chip as follows.

[0144] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gaming chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the decal removed. The gaming chip 72 carries information for identifying the gaming chip 72 by a method other than the RFID tag 721. The gaming chip 72 has a circular recess in its center, and a decal 723 is affixed to the bottom surface 722 of the recess. A number representing the value of the gaming chip 72 is written on the decal 723. When the decal 723 is removed, a chip notation ID is written on the bottom surface (decal attachment surface) 722 as identification information unique to the gaming chip 72. The chip notation ID may be written on the bottom surface 722 of the recess of the gaming chip 72 by laser engraving, or may be printed on the decal attachment surface 722 with some kind of ink. The chip notation ID may also be printed on the surface of the decal 723. In this case, the chip marking ID may be printed using visible ink, or the chip marking ID may be printed on the surface of the decal 723 using invisible ink that is invisible under normal conditions, such as UV luminescent ink that glows when exposed to UV light or infrared absorbing ink that absorbs infrared light.

[0145] For a gaming chip 72 whose identification information cannot be read from the RFID tag 721, the registration device 325 uses the chip notation ID for identifying the gaming chip 72 to identify the identification information to be deregistered as a usable gaming chip 72, and performs deregistration processing. For a gaming chip 72 whose RFID tag 721 is broken and whose identification information cannot be read, when performing deregistration processing for that gaming chip 72, an operator peels off the decal 723, visually confirms the chip notation ID written on the decal attachment surface 722, and inputs it into the registration device 325 via the input device 324. The registration device 325 refers to the database 326 to identify the identification information corresponding to the input chip notation ID (see FIG. 5). As a result, even for a gaming chip 72 whose RFID tag 721 is broken, the gaming chip 72 can be identified in the database 326 and deregistration processing can be performed.

[0146] As described above, the gaming chips 72 given to the player 74 are transferred between multiple players 74 and tables 36 in response to bets by the player 74 or payouts by the dealer 75, and are finally returned to the bank 34 via the pit 35. At this time, the registration device 325 performs a release process on the gaming chips 72 that have been removed from each casino equipment handling location as described above.

[0147] Furthermore, for gaming chips 72 that are collected by the bank 34 through credit processing without being excluded as problematic, the bank system 34 checks the identification information and confirms the status, and further determines whether a predetermined period has passed since the initial activation. At this time, if gaming chips 72 whose identification information fails to be checked, gaming chips 72 whose status is not "usable", or gaming chips 72 whose predetermined period has passed since the initial activation are detected, release processing is performed on those gaming chips 72.

[0148] Furthermore, as described above, type information, manufacturing information, and casino ID are stored in the database 326 and the gaming chip 72 in association with identification information, but even if this information stored in the database 326 does not match the information stored in the gaming chip 72, a release process may be performed on such gaming chip 72.

[0149] In addition, in each casino equipment handling location, as a result of comparing the read identification information with the database 326, for a gaming chip 72 that is not registered in the database 326 or a gaming chip 72 whose status is not "usable", the registration device 325 may immediately perform a procedure to cancel the registration of the gaming chip 72 as a usable gaming chip 72, without waiting for the gaming chip 72 to return to the security area 301. Furthermore, if the status of such a gaming chip 72 is "usable", the reader / writer in each casino equipment handling location may rewrite the status to "unusable".

[0150] When a gaming chip 72 is read at each casino equipment handling location, the central verification device 323 may check the location history of the gaming chip 72 based on information in the database 326. If the location history is inappropriate in light of predetermined criteria, the central verification device 323 may determine that the gaming chip 72 is a suspicious gaming chip 72 and disable its status. For example, if the location history shows that the gaming chip 72 has been moved directly from one player 74 to another player 74 without passing through the chip tray 36a, the location history of the gaming chip 72 is determined to be suspicious (possibly related to money laundering). Alternatively, the database 326 may create a list (blacklist) of suspicious gaming chips 72 in advance, and if the gaming chip 72 subject to verification is listed on the blacklist, the registration device 325 may actually perform a release process for the gaming chip 72.

[0151] As described above, in the chip tray of the table 36, the chip tray reader / writer 362a periodically reads the RFID tags 721 of the gaming chips 72. In addition, in the table 36, the bet chip reader / writer 362b reads the RFID tags 721 of the gaming chips 72 paid from the chip tray. The gaming chips 72 in the chip tray are moved to the pit 35 at an appropriate time. Therefore, the gaming chips 72 that are no longer read in the chip tray should be read by the bet chip reader / writer 362b or the pit reader / writer 352 thereafter.

[0152] Therefore, the table collation device 363 stores the identification information that can no longer be read by the chip tray reader / writer 362a in the table storage device 364, and then determines whether the identification information is read by the bet chip reader / writer 362b within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 seconds). If the identification information is not read by the bet chip reader / writer 362b within the predetermined time, the table collation device 363 transmits the identification information and the time when the identification information could no longer be read to the central collation device, and inquires whether the identification information has been read by the pit 35.

[0153] When an inquiry is made, the registration device 325 checks whether the identification information related to the inquiry has been reported from the pit reader / writer 352 to the central verification device 323 within a predetermined time (for example, within three minutes). If the identification information has not been reported within the predetermined time, the registration device 325 determines that the gaming chip 72 having the identification information has been lost from the chip tray (stolen by a player or dealer), and performs a release process for the gaming chip 72.

[0154] Furthermore, even if it is discovered that gaming chips 72 have been stolen by a method other than those described above, the registration device 325 performs the release process after identifying the identification information of the stolen gaming chips 72. For example, if gaming chips 72 are stolen together with a chip holder such as a chip tray on the table 36, the registration device 325 may perform the release process for all gaming chips 72 whose identification information was read as being in the chip holder immediately before that. Chips in the chip holder may be read continuously.

[0155] As described above, the type of gaming chip 72 is defined by its attribute (whether it is an NN chip that cannot be redeemed for cash or a cash chip that can be redeemed for cash) and value (10 dollars, 100 dollars, 1000 dollars, etc.), but when, for example, the design of a particular type of these types is revamped, the casino collects and deactivates the old gaming chips 72 that are in circulation. In this case, the casino sets a deadline and notifies players of this, and when the deadline arrives, the registration device 325 sets the status of all old gaming chips 72 to unusable. Specifically, the database 326 stores type information 262 of each gaming chip 72 as shown in FIG. 5, and the registration device 325 refers to this database 326 and performs deactivation processing for the gaming chips 72 of the corresponding type.

[0156] As will be described later, the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 is read by a reader / writer at each gaming equipment handling location in the casino, and the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 is sent from each gaming equipment handling location to the central verification device 323. Furthermore, the table 36 identifies each player to identify the player who owns the gaming chip 72. The database 326 records the history of location information of the gaming chip 72 (any gaming equipment handling location or any player in the casino). The registration device 325 checks the history of location information in the database 326, and if the same identification information is read by reader / writers at multiple casino equipment handling locations, and the combination of the reads satisfies the condition for determining fraud, the registration device 325 performs a release process on the gaming chip 72 having that identification information.

[0157] Here, as described above, the casino system 30 tracks each gaming chip 72. This function of tracking the location of the gaming chip 72 makes it possible to know where each gaming chip 72 is located in the casino, and if a player owns it, to know which player owns it.

[0158] The condition for determining fraud may be the location history information for each gaming chip 72. Specifically, when the location of a gaming chip 72 is updated, the registration device 325 may determine that fraud has occurred if the relationship between the current location and the most recent past location satisfies, for example, any of the following combinations: 1) When a gaming chip 72 that has been recognized as being owned by a player is subsequently recognized as being owned by another player, 2) When a gaming chip 72 that has been recognized as being present in the chip tray of one table 36 is then recognized as being present in another table 36, 3) If a gaming chip 72 recognized as existing in the bank 34 is subsequently recognized as being owned by a player, 4) When the gaming chips 72 recognized as being present at the cashier 33 are subsequently recognized as being present in the chip tray of the table 36, 5) When a gaming chip 72 that has been recognized as existing in the bank 34 is next recognized as existing in the cashier 33, 6) When the gaming chip 72 recognized as existing in the cashier 33 is recognized as existing in the bank 34 next, and 7) When a gaming chip 72 that is recognized as being present in the cashier 33, the bank 34, or the table 36 is recognized as being present in the gate 38 next.

[0159] If the above 1) to 7) apply, there is a suspicion that gaming chips 72 have been transferred between players (money laundering is suspected), that a player has illegally stolen gaming chips 72 owned by the casino, or that there is a suspicion that there are multiple gaming chips 72 with the same identification information. Therefore, the registration device 325 performs a release process for gaming chips 72 that are suspected of such.

[0160] Furthermore, the registration device 325 performs a deactivation process on a gaming chip 72 having identification information that cannot be read by any reader / writer at any casino equipment handling location in the casino for a predetermined period of time or more. In this case, the registration device 325 also references the location history information in the database 326 to determine that the gaming chip 72 cannot be read by any reader / writer at any casino equipment handling location for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0161] 4, if it is prohibited to take gaming chips 72 out of the floor area 302 and therefore prohibited to bring gaming chips 72 into the floor area 302 from outside, a gate system similar to the cashier system 330, bank system 340, and pit system 350 may be provided at the gate 38. In this case, at the gate 38, players entering or exiting the floor area 302 are exposed to electromagnetic waves for detecting the RFID tags 72 along with their belongings. These electromagnetic waves are emitted from an antenna provided at the entrance / exit, and an RFID reader is connected to the antenna.

[0162] Any gaming chips 72 that are attempted to be taken out or brought in at the gate 38 are deemed unusable and are confiscated by the gate security staff. The confiscated gaming chips 72 are then brought from the gate 38 to the procedure room system 320, where they are deregistered by the registration device 325.

[0163] Furthermore, for gaming chips 72 that are credited from the floor area 302 to the bank 34, before the start of movement for credit, the registration device 325 performs a release process on the gaming chips 72 to be moved. For example, for gaming chips 72 that are moved (credited) from the pit 35 to the bank 34, the pit reader / writer 352 reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 and transmits it to the registration device 325. The registration device 325 performs a release process on the gaming chips 72 identified by the transmitted identification information and sets their status to "unusable."

[0164] In the above example, the registration device 325 changes the status of the gaming chip 72 to "unusable" while leaving the record of the gaming chip 72 in the database 326 in the cancellation process, but instead, the registration device 325 may delete information about the gaming chip 72 that is to be cancelled as a usable gaming chip 72 from the database 326. Also, the registration device 325 may selectively both delete the record from the database 326 and cancel the status. In this case, deleting the record from the database 326 is called deregistration or destroy, and changing the status to unusable is called deactivation.

[0165] When the release process involves deleting the record of the gaming chip 72 from the database 326 instead of changing the status to unusable, the database 326 does not need to have status information for each gaming chip 72. In this case, the existence of a record of the gaming chip 72 in the database 326 (being registered) means that the gaming chip 72 is usable, and the absence of a record of the gaming chip 72 in the database 326 (not being registered) means that the gaming chip 72 is unusable.

[0166] If the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 is not stored in the database 326, the registration device 325 may add the identification information to a blacklist to prevent the identification information from being registered in the future. In this case, the chip indicia ID of the gaming chip 72 may be further confirmed and the confirmed chip indicia ID may be recorded on the blacklist. This is because in this situation, there is a high possibility that the identification information is counterfeit, while the chip indicia ID may be genuine.

[0167] In the procedure room 32, a destruction measure may be taken for the gaming chips 72 whose status has been made unusable and the gaming chips 72 whose records have been erased from the database 326. That is, the gaming chips 72 whose registration has been cancelled may be shredded with a shredder to prevent them from being used fraudulently. When the registration device 325 selectively erases the records from the database 326 and changes the status to unusable, a destruction measure may be taken for the gaming chips 72 whose records have been erased from the database 326. Also, the device for performing the release process and the shredder may be integrated, and the gaming chips to be shredded may be shredded after being made unusable.

[0168] (Reactivation) A gaming chip 72 that has been deactivated, that is, whose registration as a usable gaming chip 72 has been cancelled by updating the activation status from "usable" to "unusable," "doubtful," "needs attention," etc., may be reactivated by the registration device 325 when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the activation status of the deactivated gaming chip 72 may be returned to "usable" again.

[0169] For example, a gaming chip 72 suspected of being faulty may be deregistered as a usable gaming chip 72 (its activation status may be set to "unusable"), and after it is confirmed that there is no fault or it is repaired, the activation status of the gaming chip may be returned to "usable."

[0170] Alternatively, gaming chips 72 that are moved from the table to bank 34 on credit may be deregistered as usable gaming chips 72 and then activated by registration device 325 after the gaming chips 72 reach bank 34 on credit before being used again in floor area 302.

[0171] In addition, after the activation status of a gaming chip 72 involved in fraud has been set to "suspect" or "cautionary," if it is confirmed that there is no problem with the gaming chip 72, the activation status of the gaming chip 72 may be returned to "usable."

[0172] In this way, the gaming chip 72 can be arbitrarily switched between an available state and an unavailable state by the registration device 325 and the database 326. This allows the activation status to be changed flexibly according to the circumstances, such as setting the gaming chip 72 to an unavailable state only while moving, or setting the gaming chip 72 to an unavailable state in the case of doubt until it is confirmed that there is no problem, as described above.

[0173] (Variation 1) 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a procedure room system according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. The procedure room system 320' of Modification 1 simultaneously registers and activates multiple gaming chips 72. The multiple gaming chips 72 are registered and activated while housed in a chip case 71. A barcode 722 is attached to the chip case 71 as case identification information that identifies the chip case 71.

[0174] In the data file 73 provided to the casino 300 by the manufacturer of gaming equipment, information on each gaming chip 72 is associated with code information represented by a barcode 722. The procedure room system 320' further includes a barcode reader 327. The barcode reader 327 reads the barcode 722 on the chip case 71 containing the gaming chip 72 related to activation.

[0175] The antenna 321 and activation reader 322 simultaneously read the RFID tags 721 of the multiple gaming chips 72 housed in the chip case 720. The registration device 325 receives as input the multiple pieces of identification information read from the RFID tags 721 of the multiple gaming chips 72 by the antenna 321 and activation reader 322, information in the data file 73′ decoded by the input device 324, and code information of the barcode 722 of the chip case 71 read by the barcode reader 327. The registration device 325 first determines whether the code information of the chip case 71 provided by the manufacturer of the gaming chip 72 matches the code information of the chip case 71 read by the barcode reader 327. That is, the registration device 325 first determines whether the chip case 71 itself is the chip case that should be there.

[0176] Next, the registration device 325 identifies, from the data file 73', the identification information of the gaming chips 72 corresponding to the code information of the barcode 722, i.e., the multiple gaming chips 72 related to registration and activation. The registration device 325 determines the authenticity of those gaming chips 72 by comparing the identification information of the identified gaming chips 72 with the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 related to activation by the activation reader / writer 322. If the comparison is successful for all gaming chips 72 related to registration and activation, the registration device 325 sets the status of those gaming chips 72 to "usable" and stores information about those gaming chips 72 in the database 326, thereby registering those gaming chips 72.

[0177] According to this configuration, the gaming chips 72 can be stored and managed in the chip case 720 from manufacturing to activation, and it can be guaranteed that there are no more or less gaming chips 72 that should be stored in each chip case 720.

[0178] (Variation 2) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a procedure room system according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. The procedure room system 320" according to the second modification also simultaneously performs registration and activation procedures for multiple gaming chips 72. The gaming chips 72 store type information in addition to identification information. The procedure room system 320" includes a camera 3291 that photographs the side of the multiple gaming chips 72 whose RFID tags 721 are read by the antenna 321, and an image recognition device 3292 that performs image recognition on the image generated by the camera 329.

[0179] The multiple gaming chips 72 are photographed by the camera 329 in a stacked state. The camera 3291 generates image data by photographing. The image recognition device 3292 performs image recognition on the image data and determines the types of the multiple gaming chips 72 based on the patterns that appear on the sides. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the side of the gaming chip 72 has a center line as a pattern, and the color of the center line indicates the type of the gaming chip 72. Therefore, the image recognition device 3292 recognizes the center line from within the image and determines the type of the gaming chip 3292 in the image based on its color.

[0180] The registration device 325 determines whether the types of multiple gaming chips read by the activation reader 322, i.e., the number of each type, match the types of multiple gaming chips recognized by the image recognition device 3292, i.e., the number of each type.

[0181] According to this configuration, it is possible to check whether the type of gaming chip 72 related to registration and activation determined from its appearance matches the type stored in the RFID tag 721. It is also possible to check whether the number of gaming chips 72 visible from its appearance matches the number of gaming chips 72 read from the RFID tag 721.

[0182] In this modified example 2, the type of the gaming chip 72 is identified from the appearance and it is determined whether or not it matches the type stored in the RFID tag 721, but instead of determining the type using the image and the RFID tag 721, the gaming chips 72 may be inspected by having the image recognition device 3292 recognize the number of chips based on the image and determining whether the number corresponds to the number of RFID tags 721 read by the activation reader 322. In addition, in this modified example 2, it is not necessary to inspect multiple gaming chips 72 simultaneously, and they may be inspected one by one.

[0183] In the above-mentioned modified example 1, for the multiple gaming chips 72 housed in the chip case 720, the RFID tags 721 are read to ascertain the identification information and other information of the gaming chips 72 housed in the chip case 720, while the barcodes 722 are read with the barcode reader 327 and the data file 73' is referenced to ascertain the identification information and other information of the gaming chips 72 housed in the chip case 720, and the gaming chips 72 are inspected by comparing the ascertained information. In the above-mentioned modified example 2, for the multiple gaming chips 72, the RFID tags 721 are read to ascertain the types of the gaming chips 72, while the side faces of the multiple gaming chips 72 are photographed with the camera 329 and image recognition is performed to ascertain the types of the gaming chips 72 housed in the chip case 720, and the gaming chips 72 are inspected by comparing the ascertained information.

[0184] As another example, the gaming chips 72 may be inspected based on the number of gaming chips 72 housed in the chip case 720, without using the barcode reader 327 or the camera 329. That is, the procedure room system 320 may use a known case as the chip case 720, thereby making the number of gaming chips 72 housed in the chip case 720 known, and may inspect the gaming chips 72 by checking whether the number of RFID tags 721 read by the antenna 321 and the activation reader 322 is the known number.

[0185] Furthermore, instead of using the camera 3291 and the image recognition device 3292, the inspection may be performed based on information input by an operator of the activation procedure from the operation device 328. The operator may, for example, visually check the multiple gaming chips 72 to identify their type information and input it into the input device. In this case, the registration device 325 may inspect the gaming chip 72 by determining whether the type information of the gaming chip 72 input by the operator to the operation device 328 matches the type information read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 by the activation reader 322.

[0186] The registration device 325 may also inspect the gaming chip 72 by determining whether the type information entered by the operator into the operation device 328 matches the type information recorded in the data file 73 provided by the manufacturer of the casino equipment.

[0187] (Variation 3) In the first embodiment described above, the status is stored as activation information in the database 326 and in the RFID tag 721 built into the gaming chip 72, but it is also possible not to record the activation information in the RFID tag 721. Alternatively, the activation information may not be recorded in the database 326 either, and a table including only activated and usable gaming chips 72 may be created in the database 326, and the central verification device 323 may determine whether the gaming chip 72 is an activated and usable gaming chip 72 depending on whether or not identification information corresponding to identification information read from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 to be verified is present in the table.

[0188] Alternatively, the status of the activation information may be recorded only in the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 without using the database 326. In this case, at the time of activation, the registration device 325 records the status as "usable" in the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 (before that, i.e., at the time of shipment from the factory, it is set to "unusable"). At each casino equipment handling location, by reading the status from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72, it can immediately determine whether the gaming chip 72 is usable or unusable.

[0189] (Variation 4) In the first embodiment described above, the cancellation process involves changing the activation information status to "unusable" or deleting the record from the database 326. However, the cancellation process is not limited to this. In addition to "usable" and "unusable," other activation information statuses, such as "suspicious" and "unknown," may be prepared, and the registration device 325 may record these statuses as the cancellation process. In this case, the casino 300 may confiscate gaming chips 72 with an "unusable" status, and may take measures according to the status if the status is "suspicious," "unknown," or the like. For example, if the status is "suspicious," the casino 300 may interview the player who owns the gaming chip 72 or review video footage captured by a camera. If the suspicion is cleared, the casino 300 may allow the gaming chip 72 to be exchanged for a gaming chip 72 with an "usable" status.

[0190] Because gaming chips 72 can be exchanged for cash and are the property of players, it may not be appropriate to immediately change the status of the gaming chips 72 to "unusable" and make the gaming chips 72 unexchangeable for cash when there is suspicion. On the other hand, it is also not appropriate to leave the status as "usable" and allow the gaming chips 72 to be used freely (for betting on games, exchanging for cash, etc.) when there is suspicion of fraud. Therefore, as described above, by setting a status such as "suspected" that is neither "usable" nor "unusable," it is possible to take appropriate measures when there is suspicion of fraud.

[0191] In this way, by making it possible to change the status of the activation information to "suspect" rather than "unusable" as a release process, it is possible to update the status of various gaming chips 72 suspected of being fraudulent. For example, the release process may be performed on gaming chips 72 related to a dealer or player involved in fraud, i.e., all gaming chips 72 read from the chip tray or betting area of ​​a table 36 handled by such a dealer or played by a player, or all gaming chips 72 owned by such a player. Furthermore, when fraudulent gaming chips 72 are found, the game in which the fraudulent gaming chips 72 were used at the table 36 may be traced back to identify the game, and all gaming chips 72 related to that game (that were bet or redeemed at the same time) may be released. Furthermore, for a game in which payment or collection at the table 36 was not properly performed, the release process may be performed on all gaming chips 72 involved in that game. The release process may also be performed on all gaming chips 72 involved in a game in which a player won big. In these cases, the registration device 325 may update the status of the activation information to "suspect" as a cancellation process.

[0192] (Variation 5) As described above, multiple attributes may be defined for the gaming chips 72, and some of the attributes include NN chips, such as rolling chips, which can be bet on but are restricted in that they cannot be converted into cash at the cashier 33, but which offer benefits such as cash back when purchased. If a player bets NN chips and loses a game, the dealer collects the NN chips from the player. These NN chips will not be paid as payouts to players who win subsequent games at the table 36.

[0193] Therefore, the status of an NN chip may be set to "unusable" when it is collected in the chip tray. Specifically, when an NN chip is newly collected in the chip tray, the table verification device 363 sends its identification information to the central verification device 323. When the central verification device 323 receives the identification information of the rolling chip read by the chip tray reader / writer 362a, the registration device 325 correspondingly performs a release process for the identification information. As a result, the NN chip collected in the chip tray is immediately made unusable, and thereafter remains unusable until the registration device 325 performs activation processing again.

[0194] (Variation 6) In the first embodiment described above, the device for registering gaming chips and the device for performing the release process for gaming chips are the same device, but they may be separate devices. Also, while the device for registering and the device for performing the release process are provided in the procedure room 32 in the security area 301, one or both of these devices may be provided in a casino equipment handling location in the floor area 302. For example, the registration device 325 may be installed in each pit 35 instead of the procedure room 32. In each pit 35, the pit reader / writer 352 may perform the same registration process as described above for gaming chips 72 filled from the bank 34 and / or perform the release process for gaming chips 72 credited to the bank 34.

[0195] With this configuration, a new gaming chip 72 is registered and activated only when it is brought to the pit 35 near the table 36, so even if a gaming chip 72 is stolen by a player or casino staff while moving from the security area 301 to the pit, such gaming chip 72 will not yet be activated, and therefore it is possible to prevent the use of the stolen gaming chip 72. Furthermore, by providing a registration device 325 at the table 36, when any suspected fraudulent activity occurs, the status of the gaming chip 72 suspected of being involved in the fraud can be immediately changed at the table 36 to "suspect" or "unusable."

[0196] (Variation 7) As described above, each casino equipment handling location is provided with a reader / writer that reads and writes from and to the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72. Therefore, the casino system 30 may manage the movement of the gaming chip 72 within the casino. The casino system 30 may particularly manage the movement of the gaming chip 72 within the security area 301. The security area 301 is divided into multiple locations, including the cashier 33. The gaming chip 72 has an RFID tag 721 that stores identification information. The casino system 30 is configured to include a first reader that reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 that moves between multiple casino equipment handling locations, a second reader that reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 that moves from the security area 301 to the floor area 302, and a recording device that records the identification information read by the first reader and the second reader as a movement history of the gaming chip 72. This configuration makes it possible to manage the movement of the gaming chip 72 within the casino.

[0197] In the casino system 30, the recording device may record the destination and / or origin of the movement together with the identification information in the movement history. This configuration makes it possible to know whether the movement is being carried out accurately.

[0198] The casino system 30 may further include a management device that determines whether a movement is appropriate based on the movement history. This configuration makes it possible to detect inappropriate movement.

[0199] In the casino system 30, the management device may record in the recording device that a gaming chip 72 having a movement history that does not match a predetermined possibility of movement history is fraudulent or suspected of fraud.

[0200] The casino system 30 may further include a third reader that reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72 entering the security area 301 from the floor area 302. This configuration allows complete management of the gaming chips 72 within the casino.

[0201] In the casino system 30, when a destination is recorded in the movement history of the gaming chips 72 leaving the floor area 302, the management device may issue an alert or record if the gaming chips 72 are not received at the destination. With this configuration, it is possible to detect that movement from the security area 301 to a predetermined location in the floor area 302 has not been completed normally.

[0202] In the casino system 30, the management device may issue an alert or record if the gaming chips 72 are not received at the destination within a predetermined time. With this configuration, it can be determined that an abnormality exists if the transfer is not completed within the predetermined time.

[0203] Furthermore, a chip management system may be configured including the above casino system. The chip management system has a configuration including the above casino system and a fourth reader that is installed on a gaming table and reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 of the gaming chip 72. With this configuration, the gaming chips 72 in the casino, including the security floor 302, can be managed.

[0204] In the chip management system, the management device may calculate the total amount of gaming chips 72 held by players in the casino. With this configuration, the total amount of debt to the casino can be known in real time.

[0205] In the chip management system, the management device may record date and time information in the movement history. This configuration allows the movement history to be recorded in more detail.

[0206] In the chip management system, the management device may use date and time information to detect suspicious movements of the gaming chips 72. This configuration makes it possible to detect various types of suspicious movements.

[0207] In the tip management system, the management device may record information about the staff member involved in the movement in the movement history. With this configuration, if an inappropriate movement occurs, the staff member involved can be identified.

[0208] (Other variations) In the first embodiment described above, the floor area 302 is provided with a pit 35 for managing a plurality of tables 36, but the pit 35 may not be necessary. In this case, the table 36 may be provided with a cabinet for storing new gaming items (playing card packages, gaming chips, dice, etc.). This cabinet may be provided with an antenna and a reader for reading RFID tags attached to the gaming items stored therein.

[0209] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the gaming equipment is a gaming chip 72 incorporating an RFID tag 721, but the gaming equipment is not limited to a gaming chip. The gaming equipment may be, for example, playing cards, and in particular, a playing card package containing multiple decks of randomly shuffled playing cards. Furthermore, each individual playing card may be managed as a gaming equipment.

[0210] In the first embodiment described above, identification information is given to each gaming chip 72, which is a gaming item, and the gaming chip 72 has the identification information assigned by means of the RFID tag 721. Alternatively, the identification information may be written on the surface (preferably the side) of the gaming chip 72 in a form that is difficult to see with the naked eye. For example, a dot pattern may be formed on the side with dots that are difficult to see with the naked eye, and the identification information of the gaming chip 72 may be recorded using this dot pattern. In this case, a camera or scanner is provided at a location that handles casino items, such as the table 36. At the location that handles casino items, the side of the gaming chip 72 may be photographed and the identification information of the gaming chip 72 may be obtained by performing image analysis on the photographed image.

[0211] The procedure room system 320 may present a list of all gaming chips 72 whose status is available and / or calculate the total amount by referring to the database 326. In addition, the procedure room system 320 may calculate the total amount for each type of location (for example, the total amount of the gaming chips 72 present at the cashier 33, the total amount of the gaming chips 72 present at the tables 36, the total amount of the gaming chips owned by the player, etc.) by referring to the latest location information of the gaming chips 72 whose status is available in the database 326.

[0212] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment relates to a cage system for managing gaming chips in a cage in a casino and a chip management system including the cage system.

[0213] A known system for managing gaming chips in casinos is a gaming chip tracing system that embeds an RFID tag that stores at least a gaming chip ID in the gaming chip and associates the gaming chip ID with a user ID to monitor which user owns which gaming chip.

[0214] There is also a known gaming chip security system that stores valid gaming chip IDs in a database, reads the gaming chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip within the casino (e.g., at a table), and compares it with the database to determine the validity or authenticity of the gaming chip (see, for example, Patent Publication No. 2019-5565).

[0215] Gaming chips are brought into the casino through a cage within the casino, and discarded gaming chips are also taken out from the cage. Conventional gaming chip tracing systems cannot necessarily monitor the movement of all gaming chips within the casino, including the movement of gaming chips within the cage and the movement between the cage and each location within the casino.

[0216] Therefore, this embodiment provides a cage system for monitoring the movement of gaming chips in a cage and between the cage and each location within a casino, and a gaming chip management system that includes the cage system and manages gaming chips within a casino.

[0217] A cage system according to one aspect of the present embodiment is a cage system that manages the movement of gaming chips within a cage in a casino hall, the cage being divided into a plurality of locations including a cashier, the gaming chips having RFID tags that store chip IDs, and the cage system is configured to include a first reading means that reads the chip IDs from the RFID tags of the gaming chips that move between the plurality of locations, a second reading means that reads the chip IDs from the RFID tags of the gaming chips that leave the cage and the casino hall, and a recording means that records the chip IDs read by the first reading means and the second reading means as a movement history of the gaming chips. This configuration makes it possible to manage the movement of gaming chips within the cage.

[0218] In the cage system, the recording means may record the destination and / or origin of the movement together with the chip ID in the movement history. With this configuration, it is possible to know whether the movement is being carried out accurately.

[0219] The cage system may further include a management unit that determines whether a movement is appropriate based on the movement history. With this configuration, inappropriate movements can be detected.

[0220] In the above cage system, the management means may record in the recording means that a gaming chip having a movement history that does not match a predetermined possible movement history is fraudulent or suspected of being fraudulent.

[0221] The cage system may further include a third reader for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip entering the cage from the casino hall. This configuration allows complete management of the gaming chips in the cage.

[0222] In the cage system described above, when the destination of the gaming chip leaving the casino hall is recorded in the movement history of the gaming chip, the management means may issue an alert or record if the gaming chip is not received at the destination. With this configuration, it is possible to detect that the movement from the cage to a predetermined location in the casino hall has not been completed normally.

[0223] In the cage system described above, the management means may issue the alert or record the event if the gaming chips are not received at the destination within a predetermined time. With this configuration, it is possible to determine that an abnormality exists if the movement is not completed within the predetermined time.

[0224] A chip management system according to one aspect of the present embodiment includes any one of the cage systems described above and a fourth reader that is installed on a gaming table and reads the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip. This configuration allows management of gaming chips within a casino hall, including cages.

[0225] In the chip management system, the management means may calculate the total amount of gaming chips held by players in the casino hall. With this configuration, the total amount of debt to the casino can be known in real time.

[0226] In the above chip management system, the management means may record date and time information in the movement history. With this configuration, the movement history can be recorded in more detail.

[0227] In the chip management system, the management means may detect any suspicious movements of the gaming chips based on the date and time information. With this configuration, various suspicious movements can be detected.

[0228] In the tip management system, the management means may record information about staff members involved in the movement in the movement history. With this configuration, if an inappropriate movement occurs, the staff member involved can be identified.

[0229] The cage system and gaming chip management system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and the components in the following embodiment include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art or that are substantially the same.

[0230] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a casino according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A casino hall 1 is equipped with a cage 10 and a plurality of game tables 42 to 45. The floor on which the game tables 42 to 45 are provided may be divided into a VIP floor and a public floor. The cage 10 is a room that only security staff can enter. The cage 10 is divided into a vault 11, a main bank room 12, an F / C bank room 13, and a cashier room 14.

[0231] A gate 21 leading to the outside of the cage 10 is provided in the vault 11, a gate 22 is provided between the vault 11 and the main bank room 12, a gate 23 is provided between the main bank room 12 and the F / C bank room 13, and a gate 24 is provided between the main bank room 12 and the cashier room 14. The F / C bank room 13 is also provided with a gate 24 leading to the casino hall 1 in which game tables 42-45 are located. The cashier room 14 is provided with gates (windows) 26-28 leading to the casino hall 1. Each of the gates 21-25 may allow people and gaming chips to pass through, or alternatively, only gaming chips may be allowed to pass through, and a door for people to enter and exit may be provided separately from the gate. The windows 26-28 are open enough to allow gaming chips to be exchanged for cash.

[0232] Vault staff 831 is stationed in vault 11, main bank staff 832 is stationed in main bank 12, F / C bank staff 833 is stationed in F / C bank room 13, and cashier staff 834-836 are stationed in cashier room 14 corresponding to windows 26-28.

[0233] Game tables 42 to 45 are installed in the casino hall 1, and one dealer 52 to 55 is assigned to each of the game tables 42 to 45. Although only four game tables are shown in the example of Fig. 10, more game tables are actually assigned to the casino hall 1. In addition, a pit manager 56 is assigned to each of the adjacent game tables 42.

[0234] In the example of FIG. 10, there are players 61 to 69 in the casino hall 1. Players in the casino hall 1, like player 61 shown in FIG. 10, can purchase gaming chips or exchange them for cash through one of windows 26 to 28. Players who purchase gaming chips in the cage 10 can bet the gaming chips at game tables 42 to 45 and enjoy games. If a player loses a game, the dealer collects the gaming chips from the player, and if the player wins a game, the dealer reimburses the player in accordance with the game rules and the amount bet. In this way, the number of gaming chips held by the player increases or decreases depending on the game. When a player runs out of gaming chips, he or she can purchase more gaming chips (buy-in) in the cage 10. Furthermore, when the player finishes playing, he or she can exchange the gaming chips for cash (buy-out) in the cage.

[0235] At the game tables 42-45, gaming chips are collected from players who lose a game and paid to players who win a game. As a result, the number of gaming chips held by the dealer (casino) at the game table increases or decreases. When a game table runs out of gaming chips, the gaming chip transport staff 51 receives gaming chips from the gate 24 of the F / C bank room 13, transports them to the game table, and replenishes them. This replenishment of gaming chips for table games is also called a "fill." Furthermore, when a game table has an excess of gaming chips, the gaming chip transport staff 51 transports the gaming chips from the game table to the cage 10, where they are stored in the F / C bank room 13 through the gate 24. This return of gaming chips from the game table to the cage 10 is also called a "credit."

[0236] When managing the movement history of gaming chips in the game hall 1, the movement source, movement destination, and possible locations between them are hereinafter referred to as locations. In the example of Figure 10, for example, each room and each game table in the cage 10 is called a location.

[0237] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gaming chip according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a $100 gaming chip. The gaming chip 70 has a disk shape and has a face value ("$100" in the case of FIG. 10) printed on both sides. Multiple layers are stacked in the thickness direction in the order of a white layer, a colored layer, and a white layer, and the sides have a striped pattern with colored layers sandwiched between white layers. The color of the colored layers varies depending on the face value, so the face value of the chip can be determined by distinguishing the color of the colored layers.

[0238] An RFID tag 71 is built into the gaming chip 70. The RFID tag 71 stores information about the chip ID and face value of the chip. The RFID tag 71 may be writable, in which case the RFID tag 71 may record information about the current location or owner of the gaming chip, and may also record the history of past locations or owners. The gaming chip 70 may be made by pressing multiple plates together, or may be made by resin molding.

[0239] 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a chip management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The chip management system 1000 includes a cage system 501 and multiple table systems 502. A table system 502 is provided for each game table. The cage system 501 includes a chip management computer 100 and a chip management database 101 for comprehensively managing chips in the cages 10 and the casino hall 1.

[0240] The cage system 501 also includes a vault computer 111 installed in the vault 11, and a vault card reader 112 and a vault chip reader 113 connected thereto. The cage system 501 also includes a main bank computer 121 installed in the main bank room 12, and a main bank card reader 122 and a main bank chip reader 123 connected thereto. The cage system 501 also includes an F / C bank computer 131 installed in the F / C bank room 13, and an F / C bank card reader 132 and an F / C bank chip reader 133 connected thereto. The cage system 501 also includes cashier computers 141 installed in the cashier room 14 corresponding to each of the windows 26 to 28, and a cashier card reader 142 and a cashier chip reader 143 connected thereto.

[0241] The table system 502 includes a table computer 151, and connected thereto a table card reader 152, a table chip reader 153, a chip tray chip reader 154, and a plurality of bet area chip readers 155. Although only one table system 502 is shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of table systems 502 are provided corresponding to a plurality of game tables.

[0242] The vault computer 111, the main bank computer 121, the F / C bank computer 131, the cashier computer 141, the table computer 151, and the chip management database 101 are each connected to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 may be connected to other computers and the chip management database 101 via a local network, either wired or wirelessly. Alternatively, the chip management computer 101 and the chip management database 101 may be installed on a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) and connected to other computers via the wide area network. In other words, the chip management computer 100 and the chip management database 101 may be installed in the cloud rather than in the casino.

[0243] An input device (not shown) is connected to each of the computers 100, 111, 121, 131, 141, and 151 to receive operational input from the corresponding staff member. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, mouse, button, touchpad, touch panel, and voice input device. Note that the functions of each computer may be consolidated into the chip management computer 100, with only these input devices and communication devices remaining at the corresponding locations. In this case, various signals (e.g., input signals input to the input device, signals read by the chip reader, etc.) may be transmitted directly between the input device, card reader, chip reader at each location and the management computer 100.

[0244] The card readers 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 at each location read the staff ID or player ID from the ID card held by the staff or player. Specifically, the vault card reader 112, main bank card reader 122, and F / C bank card reader 132 read the staff ID from the ID card of the corresponding staff member, and the cashier card reader 142 reads the staff ID from the ID card of the cashier staff member and also reads the player ID of the player who purchases gaming chips at the cashier or redeems gaming chips for cash. In addition, the table card reader 152 reads the staff ID of the corresponding dealer and the player ID of the player who will be playing.

[0245] The chip readers 113, 123, 133, 143, 153, and 155 at each location read information from the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 and write information to the RFID tag 71. In particular, each chip reader 113, 123, 133, 143, and 153 reads the RFID tag 71 when the gaming chip 70 moves from another location to that location and when the gaming chip moves from that location to another location (i.e., when the gaming chip 70 moves away from that location).

[0246] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game table according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 illustrates a game table 42. The game table 42 is provided with a plurality of play positions. The game table 42 is provided with, on the table surface, a plurality of betting areas corresponding to the plurality of play positions, a chip tray for accommodating dealer chips, a dealer area for reading and writing information from and to the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70, and an ID card area for reading the ID cards of the dealer and players.

[0247] The chip tray is provided with a tray antenna 514 for reading the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 accommodated therein. Each of the multiple betting areas is provided with a betting area antenna 515a-515e inside the table surface for reading the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 placed therein. The dealer area is provided with a dealer antenna 513 inside the table surface for reading the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 placed therein. The ID card area is provided with an ID card antenna 512 inside the table surface.

[0248] Each of the antennas 512 to 515 is connected to the table computer 151 and transmits the read signal to the table computer 151. The table computer 151 obtains various pieces of information stored in the RFID tag 71 and the ID card by decoding the signal from each antenna.

[0249] Staff members assigned to each location begin work after having their card IDs read by the corresponding card reader. The computer at each location transmits the read staff ID and the date and time to the tip management computer 100. The tip management computer 100 stores the staff ID read by the card reader at each location in the tip management database 101 together with information on the location and date and time.

[0250] The chip management database 101 stores a player table, a chip table, a game table table, a staff table, and a movement history table. The player table stores registration information for the player. The player table stores, for each player, a player ID, various player attributes, and player status such as VIP, suspect, blacklist, etc. The chip table stores a chip ID, face value, type, manufacturing information, and chip status such as valid, missing, stolen, invalid, etc. The game table table stores a table ID, game type, etc. The staff table stores a staff ID, various staff attributes, etc. The movement history table stores the location or owner history of the gaming chip 70.

[0251] (Gaming chip movement management) Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the manner of movement of gaming chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 14, at each location except the vault, there are multiple possible sources from which gaming chips can move when they enter, and multiple possible destinations to which they can leave. The chip management system of this embodiment recognizes these movements. To this end, the following methods can be employed.

[0252] (First method) In the first method, when a gaming chip 70 enters a computer at each location, the computer at that location specifies the source of the movement and reports this specification to the chip management computer 100 along with the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that entered, and when a gaming chip 70 leaves a location, information about the location, i.e., the source of the movement, and the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 are reported to the chip management computer 100.

[0253] For example, when a gaming chip 70 moves from the main bank chamber 12 to the F / C bank chamber 13, the main bank computer 121 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the main bank chip reader 123 and reports the read chip ID to the chip management computer 100 that the gaming chip 70 is leaving the main bank chamber 12. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0254] Then, in the F / C bank room 13 that receives the gaming chip 70 from the main bank room 12, the F / C bank staff 33 operates the input device of the F / C bank computer 131 to input a designation that the gaming chip 70 is the gaming chip 70 that came from the main bank room 12 (transfer source), and reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the F / C bank chip reader 133. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip ID to the chip management computer 100, along with a designation that the transfer destination is the main bank room 12. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0255] 15 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the first method of gaming chip movement management according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The example in FIG. 15 shows the movement history of a gaming chip 70 with a chip ID of "24825." The chip management database 101 stores, as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70, the chip ID 601 of the gaming chip, entry / exit information 602, movement source information 603, movement destination information 604, and date / time 605.

[0256] According to the first method, as shown in FIG. 15, for gaming chips 70 leaving a location, information on the source of the movement is obtained (history H61), and for gaming chips 70 entering a location, information on the source and destination of the movement is obtained (history H62). Therefore, based on history H61 and history H62, it can be confirmed that the gaming chips 70 have indeed left the main bank chamber 12 and been received in the F / C bank chamber 13.

[0257] (Second method) In the second method, when a gaming chip 70 leaves a location, the computer at that location specifies its destination and reports the specification to the chip management computer 100 along with the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 leaving, and when a gaming chip 70 enters a location, information about the location, i.e., the destination, and the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 are reported to the chip management computer 100.

[0258] For example, when gaming chips 70 are to be moved (credits) from table-4 to the F / C bank room 13, the dealer reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the table chip reader 153 of the game table and operates the input device of the table computer 151 to specify the F / C bank room 13 as the destination (specify credits). The table computer 151 reports this chip ID, the F / C bank room 13 as the destination, and the table ID of table-4 as the source of the transfer to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0259] When the gaming chip 70 is received at the F / C bank room 13, the destination, the F / C bank staff 33 reads the chip ID of this gaming chip 70 with the F / C bank chip reader 133. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip ID and the fact that the gaming chip 70 will be entering the F / C bank room 13 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0260] 16 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the second method of gaming chip movement management according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The example in FIG. 16 also shows the movement history of a gaming chip 70 with a chip ID of "24825." The chip management database 101 stores, as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70, the chip ID 601 of the gaming chip, entry / exit information 602, movement source information 603, movement destination information 604, and date / time 605.

[0261] According to the second method, as shown in FIG. 16, for gaming chips 70 leaving a location, information on their origin and destination is obtained (history H71), and for gaming chips 70 entering a location, information on their destination is obtained (history H72). Based on history H71 and history H72, it can be confirmed that the gaming chips 70 have indeed left table-4 and been received in the F / C bank room 13.

[0262] (Third Method) The third method is a combination of the first and second methods. That is, in the computer at each location, when gaming chips 70 are received, the source of the chips is designated, and when gaming chips 70 are sent out, the destination of the chips is designated.

[0263] (Fourth Method) In the fourth method, the staff at each location uses an input device of the computer at each location to specify whether the gaming chip 70 is coming in or going out, and reports this specification together with the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 read by a chip reader to the chip management computer 100. Based on this report, the chip management computer 100 updates the entry / exit information and location information in the chip management database 101.

[0264] 17 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the fourth method of gaming chip movement management according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The chip management database 101 stores, as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70, the chip ID 601 of the gaming chip, entry / exit information 602, location information 603, and date / time 604.

[0265] According to the fourth method, as shown in FIG. 17, entry / exit information 602 and location information 603 are recorded, so that it is possible to confirm based on history H81 and history H82 that the gaming chip 70 has indeed been taken out of the vault 11 and received in the main bank room 12.

[0266] (5th method) In the fifth method, only location information is recorded. That is, when the gaming chip 70 is in that location, the staff at each location reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with a chip reader at that location and reports this to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report. The staff at each location may read the chip ID when the gaming chip 70 is moved to that location, or when the gaming chip 70 is moved from that location, or may read the chip ID at any timing.

[0267] 18 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the fifth method of gaming chip movement management according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The chip management database 101 stores, as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70, the chip ID 601, location information 603, and date and time 604 of the gaming chip.

[0268] The fifth method also records location information 603 as shown in FIG. 18, so that it is possible to confirm that the gaming chip 70 has indeed left the vault 11 and been received in the main bank room 12 based on the history 91 and history 92.

[0269] It is also possible to determine which of the above-mentioned methods 1 to 5 to use for each combination of the source and destination. For example, the fourth or fifth method may be used for the movement of gaming chips 70 within the cage 11, the second method in which the destination is specified at the source may be used for the movement from the F / C bank chamber 13 to the game table, and the first method in which the source is specified at the destination may be used for the movement from the game table to the F / C bank chamber 13.

[0270] (Purchases and redemptions at the cashier) Furthermore, when gaming chips 70 are transferred from the cashier room 14 to a player (when a player purchases gaming chips 70 at the cashier), the cashier computer 141 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the cashier chip reader 143, reads the player ID from the player's ID card with the cashier card reader 142, and reports the read chip ID together with the designation of the player to whom the gaming chips are to be transferred to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0271] When the gaming chips 70 are transferred from the player to the cashier room 14 (when the player exchanges the gaming chips 70 for cash at the cashier), the cashier computer 141 reads the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 with the cashier chip reader 143, reads the player ID from the player's ID card with the cashier card reader 142, and reports the read chip ID and the designation of the player who is the transfer source to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0272] 19 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by a fourth method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 19, player 5 purchases gaming chips 70 from cashier 2 (history H101, H102), and then player 5 cashes those gaming chips 70 at cashier 3 (history H103, H104). Note that when the first to third methods are used, the receipt / withdrawal information 602 may be set to N / A, and only information on the source (cashier) and destination (player) of the movement may be recorded.

[0273] Also, for example, at the cashier, when the cashier staff receives a gaming chip 70 from a player, they may specify that they will receive it and then read the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 using the cashier chip reader 143, and when they hand over the gaming chip 70 to the player, they may specify that they will hand over it and then read the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 using the cashier chip reader 143.

[0274] This makes it possible to use one chip reader to clarify whether the gaming chip 70 whose chip ID has been read by that chip reader is entering or leaving that location. Also, when exchanging chips, it is possible to clearly distinguish between the gaming chip 70 received from the player and the gaming chip 70 given to the player, and to identify the chip ID using the chip reader.

[0275] (Recovery and Redemption) A player who has purchased gaming chips 70 can play a game at a game table. At this time, the game table first reads the player's ID card with a table card reader 152 equipped with an ID card antenna 512. When the table card reader 152 reads the player's ID card, the playing position of the player is specified. This makes it possible to identify which player is in which betting area. Note that the betting area antennas 515a to 515e may be one or more antennas that group multiple betting areas together as a single betting area without distinguishing between the player positions and read the gaming chips 70 placed in that single betting area. Also, the betting area antenna may not be provided.

[0276] When a player loses a game at a table, the gaming chips 70 that the player bets are collected. In this case, the chip tray antenna 514 reads the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 stored in the chip tray before collection, and also reads the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 stored in the chip tray after collection. The table computer 151 compares the chip IDs of the chip tray before and after collection to recognize the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 that have been newly brought to the chip tray (i.e., collected from the player).

[0277] The table computer 151 reports to the chip management computer 100 the chip ID read by the chip tray antenna 14 regarding the gaming chips 70 collected from the player, along with specifying that they are to be moved to the chip tray of the game table. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0278] Note that, when the table computer 151 can determine whether each gaming chip 70 betted should be collected by recognizing the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 and the game results using the betting area antennas 515a-515e, and when it determines that the gaming chips 70 should be collected, the chip management database 101 may update the movement history of the gaming chips 70 in accordance with the determination to indicate that the gaming chips 70 have been removed from the player and moved to the game table. By updating the movement history and then updating the movement history to indicate that the gaming chips 70 have been accepted by the chip tray, it is possible to confirm whether the gaming chips 70 to be collected have been properly collected by the chip tray. In other words, if a movement history indicating that the gaming chips 70 should be collected is recorded with the entry / exit information 602 set to "OUT" and the location information 603 set to a player, but no subsequent movement history indicating acceptance by the chip tray is recorded, it becomes clear that the gaming chips 70 to be collected have not been properly collected.

[0279] In addition, in this embodiment, the chip IDs read from the chip tray before and after collection are compared to determine the chip IDs newly brought into the chip tray through collection, but instead, a special collected chip area may be provided in the chip tray to temporarily store the collected chip trays, and an antenna independent of other chip tray portions may be provided in this collected chip area, thereby determining the chip IDs of the collected gaming chips 70.

[0280] Alternatively, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be collected may be identified by having the dealer antenna read the RFID 71 of the gaming chip 70 while it is being moved from the betting area to the chip tray.

[0281] When a player wins a game, the player receives redemption of the gaming chips 70. The dealer first places the gaming chips 70 to be paid out to the player from the chip tray in the dealer area of ​​the game table. At this time, the dealer antenna 513 reads the chip ID from the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 in the dealer area. The table computer 151 knows which player is playing in each betting area, and therefore can link the gaming chips 70 to be redeemed with the player receiving the redemption (the location information of the gaming chips 70 to be redeemed is set to that player).

[0282] The method of identifying the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed and linking it to the player is not limited to the above. For example, the table computer 151 may identify the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed and link it to the player receiving the redemption by reading the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 contained in the chip tray before and after redemption.

[0283] Furthermore, when the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed is placed in a betting area, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 may be read by the betting area antenna 515 of the betting area. In this case, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 (linked to the dealer or casino) of the redeemed gaming chip 70 as well as the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that was bet (linked to the player) will be read, and the chip management computer 100 links the chip ID of the redeemed gaming chip 70 to the player that was linked to the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that was bet.

[0284] Also, an antenna and a reading area for reading the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed may be provided for each player position. Such an antenna and reading area may be installed between the betting area of ​​each player position and the dealer. In this case, since it is known which player is at each player position, the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed can be linked to the player ID. In this case, the dealer may first place the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed in the reading area of ​​the corresponding player position, have it read by the antenna there, and then move the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed next to the betting chip in the betting area, or the corresponding player may pick up the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed that the dealer has placed in the reading area.

[0285] The table computer 151 reports the combination of the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed and the player ID of the player receiving the redemption to the chip management computer 100. In response to this report, the chip management computer 100 updates the transfer history in the chip management database 101 to indicate that the gaming chip 70 at the game table has been transferred to the player.

[0286] At the time of redemption, the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 removed from the chip tray may be read by the dealer antenna once, thereby identifying the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed.

[0287] 15 to 19, the movement history of each gaming chip 70 may record not only location information but also the staff ID of the staff member involved in the movement at that location. Furthermore, each movement history may record status information of the gaming chip 70, such as "valid," "invalid," "missing," "suspect," "unredeemable," or "unplayable." Furthermore, whether a gaming chip is valid or invalid may be indicated by a flag. Furthermore, in the examples of FIGS. 15 to 19, the movement history record may include the chip ID of each gaming chip 70 as well as information on its face value.

[0288] As described above, by reading the chip ID at each location, it is possible to record the movement history of each gaming chip 70 in the chip management database 101. This allows the chip management computer 100 to realize various functions described below.

[0289] (Time limit and incorrect destination detection) In this function, the chip management computer 100 monitors the movement of gaming chips 70 between the F / C bank room 13 and the game tables and issues an alert if there is a problem. That is, the chip management computer 100 starts timing when it receives a report from the F / C bank computer 131 that a certain gaming chip 70 has left the F / C bank room 13 with its destination gaming table as its destination. Then, if the chip management computer 100 does not receive a report from the table computer 151 of the destination gaming table within a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) that the gaming chip 70 has been received, it may issue an alert. This alert may be sent to the dealer of the relevant gaming table, the pit manager who manages the relevant gaming table, or the like. At this time, the chip management computer 100 may update the status of the gaming chip 70 in the chip management database 101 to "missing," "unredeemable," "unplayable," or the like.

[0290] Furthermore, when the chip management computer 100 receives a report from the F / C bank computer 131 that a gaming chip 70 has been designated as a destination and left the F / C bank room 13, the chip management computer 100 may also issue an alert if it receives a report from the table computer 151 of a game table other than the designated destination that the gaming chip 70 has been received. In this case, the chip management computer 100 may update the status of the gaming chip 70 in the chip management database 101 to "wrong destination," "cannot be cashed out," "cannot be played," etc.

[0291] (Detection of inappropriate movements) In this function, the chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 and issues an alert if there is an inappropriate movement of the gaming chips 70. Movements of the gaming chips 70 are limited to the patterns shown in Figure 14, and any other movement patterns are inappropriate. Therefore, every time the chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101, it determines whether the movement related to the update is appropriate.

[0292] For example, if the cage 10 has the configuration shown in Fig. 10, gaming chips 70 will not be moved directly from the vault 11 to the cashier room 14, and gaming chips 70 that have not been moved from the cashier room 14 to a player will not be collected at a game table. If such a movement history is discovered, the chip management computer 100 will determine this as an inappropriate movement. Also, if gaming chips 70 that should belong to one player are converted into cash at the cashier by another player, money laundering may be suspected. In this way, the chip management computer 100 detects inappropriate movements and issues an alert.

[0293] (Real-time player chip totals) In this function, the chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101, extracts only the gaming chips 70 held by any player in the latest movement history information, and calculates the total amount of these, thereby determining the total amount of gaming chips 70 held by all players at that time, i.e., the casino's outstanding debt at that time.

[0294] In addition, the total amount of player chips may be calculated as the total amount of all gaming chips managed in the chip management database 101 minus the total amount of all gaming chips 70 in the cage 10 and the total amount of all gaming chips 70 at the game table.

[0295] (Central management of fills / credits) In this function, the chip management computer 100 extracts the gaming chips 70 at each game table and detects the number of each denomination by referring to the chip management database 101. If there are gaming chips 70 of a denomination for which there are insufficient numbers, the chip management computer 100 may issue a notification to the F / C bank computer 131 in the F / C bank room 13 and the table computer 151 of that game table to replenish (fill) gaming chips 70 of that denomination. This notification specifies the number of gaming chips 70 of each denomination to be replenished, or the total amount of gaming chips 70 of each denomination to be replenished.

[0296] Furthermore, the chip management computer 100 references the chip management database 101 to extract the gaming chips 70 at each game table and detect the total number of gaming chips 70 at that game table. If the total number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number that is close to the upper limit that can be accommodated at the game table, the chip management computer 100 may issue a notification to the F / C bank computer 131 in the F / C bank room 13 and the table computer 151 of that game table to collect (credit) the gaming chips 70 from that table. This notification specifies the number of gaming chips 70 per denomination to be replenished or the total amount of gaming chips 70 per denomination to be replenished.

[0297] A similar notification may also be issued regarding the movement of gaming chips 70 within the cage 10. For example, if the number of gaming chips 70 in a window in the cashier room 14 becomes low, a notification may be issued to the cashier computer 141 and the main bank computer 121 to urge them to replenish the cashier room 14 with gaming chips 70.

[0298] In the above example, a notification urging the user to move is issued to both the destination and source locations, but instead, a notification may be issued to only one of the destination and source locations. At a location that receives a notification urging the user to move, a staff member may instruct the computer at that location via an input device whether or not to accept the proposal to move, and if either the destination or source location accepts the proposal, the computer at that location may notify the other location of a move command.

[0299] (Movement management of multiple gaming chips) The above describes a method of managing movement by updating the movement history in the chip management database 101 for each gaming chip 70, but when multiple gaming chips 70 move between locations, it is also possible to manage whether those multiple gaming chips 70 have moved in the correct amount.

[0300] The following describes an example of a case where multiple gaming chips 70 are moved (filled) from the F / C bank room 13 to a gaming table. When gaming chips 70 are moved from the F / C bank room 13 to a predetermined gaming table, the F / C bank staff 33 uses the F / C bank chip reader 133 in the F / C bank room 13 to read the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 to be moved. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the chip IDs (source chip IDs) of the multiple gaming chips 70 involved in the fill, and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of those chip IDs and determine the total amount of the gaming chips 70 involved in the fill (source total amount). As a result, the chip management computer 100 determines the source chip IDs, the total number of gaming chips 70 involved in the fill (source total number), and the source total amount based on the information from the F / C bank computer 131.

[0301] When the gaming chips 70 are carried to the gaming table, the dealer reads the chip IDs of the carried gaming chips 70 using the table chip reader of the gaming table, and the table computer 151 reports the read multiple chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the multiple chip IDs (transfer destination chip IDs) and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of the chip IDs and determine the total amount of the gaming chips 70 related to the fill (transfer destination total amount). As a result, the chip management computer 100 determines the transfer destination chip ID, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to the fill (transfer destination total number), and the transfer destination total amount based on the information from the table computer 151.

[0302] The tip management computer 100 compares the source chip ID with the destination chip ID to determine whether they match exactly. The tip management computer 100 also compares the source total amount with the destination total amount to determine whether they match. The tip management computer 100 also compares the source total number of coins with the destination total number of coins to determine whether they match. If there is a mismatch in any of the above comparisons, the tip management computer 100 determines that the transfer was not performed correctly and issues an alert.

[0303] The case where multiple gaming chips 70 are transferred (credit) from a gaming table to the F / C bank room 13 is as follows. When gaming chips 70 are transferred from a gaming table to the F / C bank room 13, the dealer uses the table chip reader 153 of the gaming table to read the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 to be transferred. The table computer 151 reports the read chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the chip IDs (source chip IDs) of the multiple gaming chips 70 related to credit, and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of those chip IDs and determine the total amount of the gaming chips 70 related to credit (source total amount). As a result, the chip management computer 100 determines the source chip ID, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to credit (source total number), and the source total amount based on the information from the table computer 151.

[0304] When the gaming chips 70 are carried to the F / C bank room 13, the F / C bank staff 33 reads the chip IDs of the carried gaming chips 70 using the F / C bank chip reader 133, and the F / C bank computer 131 reports the read multiple chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the multiple chip IDs (transfer destination chip IDs) and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of the chip IDs and determine the total amount of gaming chips 70 related to credit (transfer destination total amount). As a result, the chip management computer 100 determines the transfer destination chip ID, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to credit (transfer destination total number), and the transfer destination total amount based on the information from the F / C bank computer 131.

[0305] The tip management computer 100 compares the source chip ID with the destination chip ID to determine whether they match exactly. The tip management computer 100 also compares the source total amount with the destination total amount to determine whether they match. The tip management computer 100 also compares the source total number of coins with the destination total number of coins to determine whether they match. If there is a mismatch in any of the above comparisons, the tip management computer 100 determines that the transfer was not performed correctly and issues an alert.

[0306] In the above, the chip ID, total amount, and total number of chips are compared, but it is also possible to determine whether the transfer was carried out correctly by comparing only one of them. The total amount and total number may be calculated and compared for each face value of the gaming chips 70. For example, the total amount from which the transfer was made and the total amount to which the transfer was made may be calculated as "$600 for $10 chips, $400 for $100 chips."

[0307] In addition, when the chip management computer 100 sends a notification to the destination or source of the transfer prompting a transfer, it may be possible to determine whether the transfer was carried out accurately by comparing the notification with the total amount from the source, the total amount from the destination, the total number from the source, or the total number from the destination.

[0308] (Management of fills by increasing the amount at the gaming table) When gaming chips 70 are carried from the F / C bank room 13 to a game table and the gaming chips 70 are replenished (filled) to the game table, the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 carried to the game table are read by the F / C bank chip reader 133, and these chip IDs are reported from the F / C bank computer 131 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 to calculate the total amount of the reported gaming chips 70 (total fill amount).

[0309] The chip management computer 100 extracts the gaming chips 70 at the game table before the fill and calculates the total amount (existing total amount) by referring to the chip management database 101. Then, the chip management computer 100 adds the fill total amount to the calculated existing total amount to calculate the theoretical total amount of gaming chips 70 at the game table after the fill (theoretical post-fill total amount).

[0310] At the gaming table, when gaming chips 70 are carried from the F / C bank room 13, the table chip reader 153 of the gaming table reads the chip ID of the carried gaming chip 70, and the table computer 151 reports this to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 for the reported chip ID to obtain the face value, and calculates the actual total amount of the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray (actual post-fill total amount).

[0311] In addition, if the game table is provided with a cabinet or has a double chip tray, i.e., if the game table has a place to store chips other than the chip tray, the table computer 151 calculates the total amount of gaming chips 70 on the entire game table, including the chip tray and such storage place (however, does not include the player's gaming chips placed in the betting area), as the total amount after actual fill.

[0312] The chip management computer 100 compares the theoretical post-fill total amount with the actual post-fill total amount, and issues an alert if the two do not match. This configuration makes it possible to confirm whether the gaming chips 70 at the gaming table are correctly increased by filling.

[0313] Furthermore, the F / C bank room 13 keeps track of the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 leaving the F / C bank room 13, and the game table also detects the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 moved from the F / C bank room 13, so if the theoretical post-fill total amount does not match the actual post-fill total amount, it is possible to keep track of the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy. The chip management computer 100 changes the status of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy to a status such as "invalid," "cannot be redeemed for cash," or "cannot be played."

[0314] In the above, the theoretical total amount after fill was compared with the actual total amount after fill, but in addition to or instead of the amount (total amount) of the gaming chips 70, the number (total number) may be used to determine whether the fill was completed without any surplus or deficiency by comparing the theoretical total number of gaming chips 70 after fill at the game table (theoretical total number after fill) with the actual total number of gaming chips 70 after fill at the game table (actual total number after fill).

[0315] (Management of credits by deduction at gaming tables) When excess gaming chips 70 at a game table are carried from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 (credits), the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 carried toward the F / C bank room 13 are read by the table chip reader 153, and these chip IDs are reported from the table computer 151 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 to calculate the total amount of the reported gaming chips 70 (total credits).

[0316] The chip management computer 100 extracts the gaming chips 70 at the game table before the credit and calculates the total amount (existing total amount) by referring to the chip management database 101. Then, the chip management computer 100 calculates the theoretical total amount of gaming chips 70 at the game table after the credit (theoretical post-credit total amount) by subtracting the total credit amount from the calculated existing total amount.

[0317] At the game table, when the gaming chips 70 are carried toward the F / C bank room 13, the chip tray chip reader 154 of the game table reads the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 stored at the game table, and the table computer 151 reports this to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 for the reported chip ID to obtain the face value, and calculates the actual total value of the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray (total value after actual credit).

[0318] In addition, if the game table is provided with a cabinet or has a double chip tray, that is, if the game table has a place to store chips other than the chip tray, the table computer 151 calculates the total amount of gaming chips 70 on the entire game table, including the chip tray and such storage place (however, excluding the player's gaming chips placed in the betting area), as the total amount after actual credit.

[0319] The chip management computer 100 compares the theoretical post-credit total amount with the actual post-credit total amount, and issues an alert if the two do not match. This configuration makes it possible to confirm whether the gaming chips 70 are being correctly deducted by credits at the gaming table.

[0320] Furthermore, the game table grasps the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 carried from the game table to the F / C bank room 13, and the F / C bank room 13 also detects the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 moved from the game table, so that when the theoretical post-credit total amount and the actual post-credit total amount do not match, it is possible to grasp the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy. The chip management computer 100 changes the status of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy to a status such as "invalid," "cannot be redeemed for cash," or "cannot be played."

[0321] In the above, the theoretical total amount after crediting was compared with the actual total amount after crediting, but in addition to or instead of the amount (total amount) of the gaming chips 70, the number (total number) may be used to determine whether the crediting has been completed without any surplus or deficiency by comparing the theoretical total number of gaming chips 70 after crediting at the game table (theoretical total number after crediting) with the actual total number of gaming chips 70 after crediting at the game table (actual total number after crediting).

[0322] In the above description, the gaming chips 70 carried to the F / C bank room 13 are read by the table chip reader 153 to determine the total credit amount, and the theoretical post-credit total is calculated by subtracting the total credit amount from the existing total amount (the total amount of gaming chips 70 on the game table before crediting). However, the following may be done instead. That is, when the chip management computer 100 issues a notice to the game table prompting crediting and the game table makes a credit in response to this notice, the total amount or total number of gaming chips 70 related to the credit specified in this notice (either of which may be specified by face value) may be set as the total credit amount, and this total credit amount may be subtracted from the existing total amount to calculate the theoretical post-credit total. After calculating the theoretical credit total, the chip management computer 100 compares this theoretical post-credit total with the actual post-credit total amount (the total amount of actual gaming chips 70 on the game table after crediting), as described above, to confirm whether the specified amount or number of gaming chips 70 have been removed from the game table for crediting.

[0323] (Verification according to staff work shifts) The cage 10 has a locked door to prevent people from entering at will, and staff can enter and exit by meeting security conditions. Similar entry and exit security is also implemented between each room within the cage 10. Staff working within the cage 10 are required to authenticate when entering and exiting the cage 10 or their assigned room. When authenticating a staff member to exit, the chip management computer 100 verifies whether there has been any improper movement of gaming chips 70 since the staff member entered. The chip management computer 100 works in conjunction with the locking system, and will not permit exit if there has been any improper movement of gaming chips 70.

[0324] Similarly, at a gaming table, when a dealer leaves the gaming table, he or she designates the end of his or her shift and then has his or her ID card read by the table card reader 152. At this time, the chip management computer 100 verifies whether there has been any improper movement of gaming chips 70 since the dealer arrived at the gaming table, and issues an alert if there has been any improper movement. Also, when a dealer is replaced, the chip management computer 100 verifies whether the gaming chips 70 that should be at the gaming table are actually there after the dealer leaves the table and before the next dealer arrives, that is, whether the dealer leaving the table has taken the gaming chips 70 from the gaming table, and issues an alert if there is a problem.

[0325] It should be noted that the gaming chips 70 may be stored in a location other than the chip tray at the gaming table. For example, the chip tray may be double-layered, with replacement gaming chips 70 stored in the lower chip tray, or replacement gaming chips 70 may be stored in a cabinet provided at the gaming table. In these cases, it is desirable that the gaming table also be equipped with an antenna for reading the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 stored in this manner, and that the table computer 151 be able to always read the RFID tags 71 of all gaming chips 70 at the gaming table.

[0326] (Monitoring inappropriate player purchases / cash redemptions) In this function, the chip management computer 100 verifies the history of gaming chip purchases and redemptions for each player and issues an alert if any suspicious activity is detected. For example, if a predetermined amount or more of gaming chips 70 are purchased and redeemed within a predetermined time period, an alert is issued regarding such activity as suspicious. Also, if gaming chips 70 are purchased and then attempted to be redeemed without being used at a gaming table, and the amount of redemption is a predetermined amount or more, an alert is issued regarding such activity as suspicious. Alternatively, an alert is issued regarding a player who has purchased a predetermined amount or more of gaming chips 70 within a predetermined time period.

[0327] (Enable / disable in cage) The gaming chips 70 may be activated inside the cage 10. This ensures security even if the gaming chips 70 are stolen between the time they are manufactured and the time they are transported to the cage 10, as such gaming chips 70 have not been activated and cannot be used. For this reason, the chip management database 101 has a table that stores the chip IDs of valid gaming chips 70, and each time the chip ID of a gaming chip 70 is read by a cashier or a chip reader at a game table, the chip management computer 100 refers to the table to verify whether the chip ID is valid.

[0328] Furthermore, when discarding the gaming chips 70, the gaming chips 70 are invalidated within the cage 10 before being taken out of the cage 10. As a result, even if the gaming chips 70 taken out of the cage 10 for disposal are stolen, such gaming chips 70 cannot be used by the cashier or at the table, ensuring security.

[0329] (Unregistered Player) Even an unregistered player can purchase gaming chips 70 and use the gaming chips 70 to play games at a game table. A common anonymous player ID is used for unregistered players. This allows the gaming chips 70 to be continuously traced even if they are moved to an unregistered player while moving from location to location from when the gaming chips 70 leave the cage 10 until when they return to the cage 10.

[0330] (others) A display device may be provided in the cashier's window to display the total amount of the gaming chips 70 and the results of validation. The cashier staff places the gaming chips 70 to be given to the player or received from the player in the cashier chip reader 143. The cashier chip reader 143 reads the denominations and statuses stored in the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 (usually multiple). The cashier computer 141 displays the total value of the denominations read by the cashier chip reader 143 on the display device. In addition to the total amount, the number of gaming chips 70 of each denomination may also be displayed.

[0331] Furthermore, if the cashier computer 141 finds any gaming chips 70 with invalid status among the RFID tags 71 it reads, it displays an error on the display device, and if all gaming chips 70 have valid status, it displays "pass" on the display device or displays nothing. Furthermore, it may also display not only the status but also whether there has been any inappropriate movement history up to that point. This allows the gaming chips 70 to be handed over to or received from a player to be confirmed as valid and for which the total amount has been agreed upon between the cashier staff and the player before the gaming chips 70 are handed over.

[0332] In the above embodiment, when the chip reader at each location reads the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70, the chip management computer 100 may verify whether the read chip ID is the chip ID of a valid chip, thereby confirming the validity of the chip ID, and may issue an alert if there is a problem. For this purpose, a table of valid chip IDs is recorded in the chip management database 101, and the chip management computer 100 refers to this table to verify whether the chip ID read at each location is valid. Note that the chip ID may be encrypted.

[0333] In the above embodiment, in addition to or instead of issuing an alert, the chip management computer 100 may flag the relevant player, gaming chip 70, or movement history record as an anomaly and record the time of the anomaly.

[0334] The configuration of the rooms in the cage 10 is not limited to that described above, and the number and arrangement of the rooms may be arbitrary. The game tables may be tables for playing baccarat, blackjack, or other card games, and in addition to the game tables, locations for playing other games such as roulette may be included.

[0335] Each of the above computers includes a processor and memory, and the processor executes a computer program stored in the memory to perform the above operations. The program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory storage medium or may be provided to the computer in the form of a download. Communication between the computers may be wired or wireless. In the above embodiment, each card reader identifies staff and players at each location by reading an ID card. However, instead of an ID card, staff and players may be identified by biometric authentication such as a fingerprint, facial image, iris, or voiceprint.

[0336] In the above embodiment, the movement of gaming chips 70 between locations is managed using each room in the cage 10 and the game table as examples of locations, but examples of locations are not limited to these. For example, a chip tray at a game table where a dealer stores collected chips and dispenses redemption chips from them, a cabinet at a table that stores gaming chips, and the upper and lower chip trays in the case where the chip tray is configured in two tiers can each be a location in the above embodiment, and the movement of gaming chips 70 between each location can be managed in a similar manner as above.

[0337] For example, the chip ID, total amount, and / or total number of gaming chips 70 taken out from the cabinet of a certain game table may be ascertained, and an alert may be issued if the chip ID, total amount, and / or total number are not moved to the chip tray of the same game table within a predetermined time. Also, for example, in a certain double chip tray, it may be confirmed that gaming chips 70 taken out from the lower chip tray have been moved to the upper chip tray, or that gaming chips 70 taken out from the upper chip tray have been moved to the lower chip tray.

[0338] Furthermore, when a fill is performed, the gaming chips 70 brought from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table are read using the dealer antenna 513, the betting area antenna 515, or the tray antenna 514. The chip tray is provided with a button to recognize the start and end of the fill operation, and the gaming chips 70 on the chip tray before the fill are compared with the gaming chips 70 on the chip tray after the fill, and the gaming chips 70 increased by the fill are recognized as the filled gaming chips 70.

[0339] When crediting, the gaming chips 70 carried to the F / C bank room 13 are read by the dealer antenna 513, the betting area antenna 515, or the chip tray antenna 514. The chip tray is provided with a button to recognize the start and end of the credit operation, and the gaming chips 70 on the chip tray before crediting are compared with the gaming chips 70 after crediting, and the gaming chips 70 reduced by the credit are recognized as the gaming chips 70 to be credited.

[0340] The chip management computer 100 may be capable of outputting the chip inventory (chip ID) of each location (cage, chip tray, etc.). The chip management computer 100 may also be capable of specifying a past point in time and outputting the inventory at that point in time.

[0341] Also, an alert may be issued when a suspicious gaming chip (a flagged gaming chip) is about to be cashed at the cashier.

[0342] The chip management database 101 may also be capable of storing the cashing history of each player. The chip management computer 100 may also be capable of outputting the chip ID that each player should have.

[0343] Information such as the chip set, casino information, location information, and redemption possibility may be written to the RFID tag 71. Alternatively, such information may be associated with the chip ID and stored in the chip management database 101. When the RFID tag 71 is read at a certain location, the chip management computer 100 or a computer at each location may check whether the gaming chip 70 is the one that should be at that location based on the information.

[0344] Also, a set (chip set) of gaming chips 70 that can be used and the type of gaming chips may be set for each area. For example, when an RFID tag 71 is read at a certain gaming table, the table computer 151 or the chip management computer 100 checks whether the chip set is one that should be used at that gaming table.

[0345] A flag may be set in association with the chip ID for gaming chips 70 that have been used for a certain number of years. Gaming chips 70 that have been used for a certain number of years can be located and collected. If a player possesses a gaming chip 70 that has been used for a certain number of years, a signal is output when the chip ID is detected by the cashier or game table.

[0346] When a player with potentially stolen gaming chips 70 sits at a table, the table computer 151 or the chip management computer may issue a warning to a staff member (monitor). To prevent money laundering, the cashier computer 141 or the chip management computer 100 detects chips that are purchased but not played and then cashed.

[0347] When cashing or purchasing chips for an amount equal to or greater than the threshold, the cashier associates the player's photograph with the chip ID. Also, a unique ID is assigned to anonymous players (players without membership cards) to trace their chips. Furthermore, for anonymous players, a photograph of the player's face may be taken when purchasing chips, and the facial image may be linked to the player ID and registered in the chip management database 101. Thereafter, each location (table, cashier, etc.) may identify the player ID by facial recognition. The chip management computer 100 may invalidate the status of all chips associated with players on the blacklist.

[0348] When a player without a membership card bets gaming chips 70 at a gaming table, the chip management computer 100 records the play in the chip management database 101, linking it to a unique ID issued on the spot and / or a player ID linked to the gaming chips 70. At this time, the play may also be linked to an ID obtained by a facial image or facial recognition. Furthermore, if the member card is recognized later, the play record may be recorded retroactively linked to the member card ID.

[0349] The above-described embodiments disclose the techniques described in the following supplementary notes. (Appendix A1) A casino system in a casino that uses casino equipment to which an RFID tag storing identification information is attached, a registration device that registers the identification information of the casino items used in the casino; a storage device that stores a list of the identification information registered by the registration device; Equipped with the list includes status information indicating whether the casino item is available for use; The registration device makes the status information available for the casino items that have already been registered when they are used in the casino.

[0350] (Appendix A2) The casino system of Appendix A1, wherein the registration device makes the status information available when the casino equipment that has already been registered and is stored in a storage location is removed from the storage location for use in the casino.

[0351] (Appendix A3) The casino system described in Appendix A1, wherein the registration device stores the identification information in the list of the storage device if the identification information in the manufacturer list provided by the manufacturer of the casino equipment matches the identification information stored in the RFID tag of the casino equipment.

[0352] (Appendix A4) The casino system described in Appendix A1, wherein the registration device stores the identification information of the casino equipment in a list in the storage device when the manufacturer of the casino equipment determines that the identification information in the manufacturer list matches the identification information stored in the RFID tag of the casino equipment.

[0353] (Appendix A5) The case further includes a reader that reads the RFID tags of the casino items housed in the case, The casino system according to Appendix A1, wherein the registration device registers the plurality of pieces of identification information read by the reading device.

[0354] (Appendix A6) The casino system described in Appendix A1, wherein the registration device performs a cancellation process to disable the status information of the casino item for which the status information is enabled when the casino item satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0355] (Appendix A7) The casino system described in Appendix A6, wherein the registration device makes the status information of the casino item that has undergone the cancellation process usable again if predetermined conditions are met.

[0356] (Appendix A8) The casino system described in Appendix A6, wherein the information indicating that the card is unusable includes at least one of information indicating that the card is unusable, information indicating that there is suspicion of fraud, information indicating that the status is unknown, information indicating that the card requires caution, and information indicating that the card has been discarded.

[0357] (Appendix A9) Further, a reader is provided to read the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment. The casino system according to Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the cancellation process for the casino item whose identification information cannot be effectively read by the reading device.

[0358] (Appendix A10) Further, a reader is provided to read the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment. The casino equipment carries information for identifying the casino equipment by a method other than the RFID tag, The casino system described in Appendix A9, wherein the registration device uses the information for identifying the casino item whose identification information cannot be read by the reading device to identify the casino item for which the release process should be performed and performs the release process.

[0359] (Appendix A11) The casino system according to Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the deregistration process on the casino items that are related to or suspected of being related to fraudulent gaming.

[0360] (Appendix A12) Further, a reader is provided to read the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment. The casino equipment carries information for identifying the casino equipment by a method other than the RFID tag, The casino system described in Appendix A6, in which, if the identification information read from the RFID tag of the casino item by the reading device is not registered in the storage device as the identification information of the usable casino item, the registration device uses the information for identifying the casino item to identify the casino item that should be subject to the release process and performs the release process.

[0361] (Appendix A13) The RFID tag stores manufacturing information indicating the manufacturing status of the casino item, type information indicating the type of the casino item, and / or information about the casino where the casino item is used, The storage device stores the identification information, as well as the manufacturing information, the type information, and / or the casino information corresponding to the identification information, The casino system described in Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the cancellation process for the casino item having the identification information when the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information stored in the RFID tag do not match the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information stored in the storage device.

[0362] (Appendix A14) The registration device stores information indicating the year and month of registration for the identification information of the casino items in the storage device, and by referring to the storage device, performs the cancellation process for the casino items for which a predetermined period of time has passed since the year and month of registration.A casino system as described in Appendix A6.

[0363] (Appendix A15) a management device at each of a plurality of casino item handling locations in the casino that notifies the registration device of the identification information of the casino item that should be deregistered as a usable casino item; The casino system described in Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the cancellation process for the corresponding casino item based on the notification from the management device.

[0364] (Appendix A16) a storage tray for storing the casino items owned by the casino at the casino item handling location; a reader that periodically reads the RFID tags of the casino items stored in the storage tray to monitor the casino items; The casino system according to Appendix A15, wherein the reader performs the deactivation process on the casino items that have been illegally removed from the storage tray.

[0365] (Appendix A17) The casino uses a plurality of types of casino equipment, the registration device stores the type of casino item together with the identification information for each of the plurality of types of casino items in the storage device; The casino system according to Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the cancellation process for a specific type of casino item.

[0366] (Appendix A18) a reader for reading the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item at each of a plurality of casino item handling locations within the casino; The casino system described in Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the deactivation process for the casino item having the identification information when the same identification information is read by the reading devices at multiple casino item handling locations and the combination of the readings meets the conditions for determining fraud.

[0367] (Appendix A19) a reader for reading the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item at each of a plurality of casino item handling locations within the casino; The casino system described in Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the cancellation process for casino equipment having identification information that cannot be read by the reading device at any casino equipment handling location within the casino for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0368] (Appendix A20) Further, a reader is provided to read the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item to be released; The casino system described in Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the cancellation process on the identification information read by the reading device.

[0369] (Appendix A21) a detection device is provided at the entrance of the casino to detect casino items brought in from outside the casino; The casino system described in Appendix A6, wherein the registration device performs the release process for the casino items detected by the detection device.

[0370] (Appendix A22) The casino system described in Appendix A1, wherein the registration device stores the identification information of casino items that meet certain conditions among the casino items that have undergone the release process in the storage device as identification information that cannot be registered, and when a new registration is made, if the identification information of the casino item to be registered is stored in the storage device as identification information that cannot be registered, the registration is prohibited.

[0371] (Appendix A23) The casino system according to any one of Appendix A1 to Appendix A22, wherein the casino items are usable by players for betting on games in the casino and are exchangeable for cash.

[0372] (Appendix A24) A casino item provided with an RFID tag storing identification information, for use in a casino system according to any one of Appendix A1 to Appendix A23.

[0373] (Appendix B1) A casino system in a casino that uses casino equipment installed at a casino equipment handling location and that has an RFID tag that stores identification information attached thereto, a storage device that stores a list of the registered identification information; a reader that reads the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item; a verification device that verifies the identification information read from the casino equipment by the reader device against the identification information stored in the storage device; A casino system equipped with

[0374] (Appendix B2) Further, an optical counting device is provided to optically count the number of casino items; The casino system described in Appendix B1, wherein the verification device inspects the casino equipment by comparing the number of RFID tags read by the reading device with the number counted by the optical counting device.

[0375] (Appendix B3) The device further includes a display device that displays the reading result by the reading device and / or the verification result by the verification device, the reading device includes an antenna and a reader; A casino system as described in Appendix B2, wherein the memory device, the antenna, the reader, the verification device, the display device, and the optical counting device are integrally configured.

[0376] (Appendix B4) The RFID tag is read by the reader. The casino system according to Appendix B1, wherein the verification device inspects the casino equipment by comparing the number of RFID tags read by the reading device with the predetermined number.

[0377] (Appendix B5) The device further includes a display device that displays the reading result by the reading device and / or the verification result by the verification device, the reading device includes an antenna and a reader; A casino system as described in Appendix B4, wherein the memory device, the antenna, the reader, the verification device, the display device, and the holding mechanism are integrally configured.

[0378] (Appendix B6) The RFID tag stores information that can identify the value of the casino item, The verification device compares the number of the RFID tags read by the reader device with the actual number of the casino items, A casino system as described in Appendix B1, further comprising a display device that displays the value of each of the plurality of casino items read by the reading device or the total value of the plurality of casino items read by the reading device as the reading result by the reading device, and / or displays the comparison result between the number of RFID tags and the actual number as the verification result by the verification device.

[0379] (Appendix B7) The casino system according to Appendix B3 or Appendix B5, wherein the integrated casino system is battery-powered.

[0380] (Appendix B8) a central system communicatively connecting a plurality of said casino systems; The casino system of Appendix B1, wherein the central system updates the list stored in the storage device of each of the plurality of casino systems.

[0381] (Appendix B9) A casino system as described in Appendix B8, wherein the central system updates the list periodically or when predetermined conditions are met.

[0382] (Appendix B10) a central system communicatively connecting a plurality of said casino systems; The central system a central storage device for storing a list of the registered identities; a central verification device that verifies the identification information read from the casino equipment and transmitted from the casino system with the identification information stored in the central storage device; 10. A casino system as described in Appendix B1, comprising:

[0383] (Appendix B11) The casino system described in Appendix B10, wherein the verification device normally compares the identification information read by the reading device with the identification information read immediately before by the reading device, and if there is a difference between the two, verifies the identification information read by the reading device with the identification information stored in the central memory device.

[0384] (Appendix B12) The casino system described in Appendix B10, wherein when the identification information read by the reading device contains new identification information that is not included in the identification information previously read by the reading device, the matching device matches the new identification information with the identification information stored in the central memory device.

[0385] (Appendix B13) The casino system described in Appendix B10, wherein the verification device normally compares the identification information read by the reading device with the identification information read immediately before by the reading device, and under specified conditions, verifies the identification information read by the reading device with the identification information of the casino item stored in the central memory device.

[0386] (Appendix B14) The casino system described in Appendix B10, wherein the identification information includes tag identification information assigned by the manufacturer that produced the RFID tag and equipment identification information assigned by the manufacturer that produced the casino equipment to which the RFID tag is assigned.

[0387] (Appendix B15) The casino system described in Appendix B14, wherein the matching device normally matches the item identification information read from the casino item by the reading device with the item identification information read immediately before by the reading device, and matches the tag identification information read from the casino item by the reading device with the tag identification information of the casino item stored in the memory device at a predetermined timing and / or under predetermined conditions.

[0388] (Appendix B16) The casino system according to any one of Appendix B1 to Appendix B15, wherein the casino items are usable by players in a casino for betting on games and are exchangeable for cash.

[0389] (Appendix B17) A casino item to which an RFID tag storing identification information is attached, for use in a casino system according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0390] 31 Warehouse 32 Proceedings Room 33 Cashier 34 Bank 35 Pit 36 tables 72 Gaming Chips 73 Data Files 74 Players 75 Dealer 100 RFID tag manufacturing factories 200 chip manufacturing plants 211 TID area 212 EPC area 300 Casino 301 Security Area 302 floor area 320 Procedure Room System 321 Antenna 322 Activation Reader / Writer 323 Central Collation Device 324 Input Device 325 Registration Device 326 databases 327 Barcode Reader 328 Operating device 330 Cashier System 340 Bank System 350 Pit System 360 Table System 720 Chip Case 722 Barcode 721 RFID tags 1. Casino Hall 10 cages 11. Vault 12 Main Bank Room 13 F / C Bank Room 14 Cashier's Room Gates 21-28 831~836 Staff 42~45 game tables 52~55 Dealer 61~69 players 70 Gaming Chips 71 RFID tags 1000 Tip Management System 501 Cage System 502 Table System 100 Chip Management Computer 101 Chip Management Database 111 Vault Computer 112 Vault Card Reader 113 Vault Chip Reader 121 Main Bank Computer 122 Main bank card reader 123 Main Bank Chip Reader 131 F / C Bank Computer 132 F / C bank card reader 133 F / C Bank Chip Reader 141 Cashier Computer 142 Cashier card reader 143 Cashier Chip Reader 151 Table Computer 152 Table Card Reader 153 Table Chip Reader 154 Chip Tray Reader 155 Betting Area Chip Reader

Claims

1. A casino system in a casino that uses casino equipment to which an RFID tag storing identification information is attached, a registration device that registers the identification information of the casino items used in the casino; a storage device that stores a list including the identification information registered by the registration device and status information indicating whether the casino items are available for use; Equipped with The status information indicating unavailability includes multiple types of information, The registration device disables the status information of the casino item for which the status information is enabled when the casino item satisfies a first condition.

2. The casino system of claim 1, wherein the status information indicating that the card is unusable includes at least one of the following: (1) information indicating that the card is unusable; (2) information indicating that there is suspicion of fraud; (3) information indicating that the status is unknown; (4) information indicating that caution is required; (5) information indicating that the card is a candidate for unusability; or (6) information indicating that the card has been discarded.

3. The casino system of claim 2, wherein when the status information indicating that the card is unusable is (2) information indicating suspected fraud, (3) information indicating that the status is unknown, (4) information indicating that caution is required, or (5) information indicating that the card is a candidate for unusable, and when a second condition is met, the status information indicating that the card is unusable is changed to (1) information indicating that the card is unusable.

4. The casino system of claim 2, wherein when moving the casino equipment whose status information is available, the status information is set to information indicating that the equipment is a candidate for being made unavailable (5) before the move, and the status is set to available after the move is completed.

5. The casino system of claim 2, wherein when moving the casino equipment whose status information indicates that it is usable, the status information is set to (5) information indicating that it is a candidate for being made unusable before the movement, and if the movement is not completed within a specified time, the status information is set to (1) information indicating that it is unusable.

6. 2. The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device makes the status information available when the casino equipment that has already been registered and is stored in a storage location is removed from the storage location for use in the casino.

7. The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device stores the identification information in the list of the storage device if the identification information in the manufacturer list provided by the manufacturer of the casino equipment matches the identification information stored in the RFID tag of the casino equipment.

8. The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device stores the identification information of a casino item in a list in the storage device when the manufacturer of the casino item determines that the identification information in the manufacturer list matches the identification information stored in the RFID tag of the casino item.

9. The case further includes a reader that reads the RFID tags of the casino items housed in the case, 2. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein the registration device registers a plurality of pieces of the identification information read by the reading device.

10. 2. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein the registration device makes the status information of the casino item that has had its status information disabled usable again when a third condition is satisfied.

11. a reader for reading the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment; 2. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein the registration device disables the status information for the casino item whose identification information cannot be effectively read by the reader.

12. a reader for reading the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment; The casino equipment carries information for identifying the casino equipment by a method other than the RFID tag, The casino system of claim 11, wherein the registration device uses the information for identifying casino items whose identification information cannot be read by the reading device to identify the casino items whose status information should be disabled, and disables the status information.

13. The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device sets the status information to (2) information indicating suspicion of fraud for casino equipment that is related to or suspected of being related to fraudulent gaming.

14. a reader for reading the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino equipment; The casino equipment carries information for identifying the casino equipment by a method other than the RFID tag, The casino system of claim 1, wherein, when the identification information read from the RFID tag of the casino item by the reading device is not registered in the storage device as the identification information of the usable casino item, the registration device uses the information for identifying the casino item to identify the casino item for which the status information should be disabled, and disables the status information.

15. The RFID tag stores manufacturing information indicating the manufacturing status of the casino item, type information indicating the type of the casino item, and / or information about the casino where the casino item is used, The storage device stores the identification information, as well as the manufacturing information, the type information, and / or the casino information corresponding to the identification information, The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device disables the status information for the casino item having the identification information if the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information stored in the RFID tag do not match the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information stored in the storage device.

16. The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device stores information indicating the year and month of registration of the identification information of the casino item in the storage device, and by referring to the storage device, makes the status information of the casino item unusable for which a predetermined period of time has passed since the year and month of registration.

17. a management device at each of a plurality of casino item handling locations in the casino that notifies the registration device of the identification information of the casino item that should be deregistered as a usable casino item; The casino system according to claim 1 , wherein the registration device disables the status information for the corresponding casino item based on a notification from the management device.

18. a storage tray for storing the casino items owned by the casino at the casino item handling location; a reader that periodically reads the RFID tags of the casino items stored in the storage tray to monitor the casino items; 18. The casino system according to claim 17, wherein the reading device makes the status information unusable for the casino item that has been illegally removed from the storage tray.

19. The casino uses a plurality of types of casino equipment, the registration device stores the type of casino item together with the identification information for each of the plurality of types of casino items in the storage device; The casino system of claim 1 , wherein the registration device disables the status information for a particular type of casino item.

20. a reader for reading the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item at each of a plurality of casino item handling locations within the casino; The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device disables the status information for the casino item having the identification information when the same identification information is read by the reading devices at multiple casino item handling locations and the combination of the readings satisfies the conditions for determining fraud.

21. a reader for reading the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item at each of a plurality of casino item handling locations within the casino; The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device disables the status information for casino equipment having identification information that cannot be read by the reading device at any casino equipment handling location within the casino for a predetermined period of time or longer.

22. Further, a reader is provided for reading the identification information from the RFID tag of the casino item to be released, 2. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein the registration device disables the status information for the identification information read by the reading device.

23. a detection device is provided at the entrance of the casino to detect casino items brought in from outside the casino; The casino system according to claim 1 , wherein the registration device disables the status information for the casino item detected by the detection device.

24. The casino system of claim 1, wherein the registration device stores in the storage device the identification information of casino items that satisfy predetermined conditions among the casino items whose status information has been made unusable as unregisterable identification information, and when a new registration is made, if the identification information of the casino item to be registered is stored in the storage device as the unregisterable identification information, the registration is prohibited.

25. 25. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein the casino items are usable by players in a casino for betting on games and are redeemable for cash.

26. A casino item to be used in the casino system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, which is provided with an RFID tag storing identification information.

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