Credit Meter Balance Conversion for Sporting Event Wagering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming systems face challenges when a credit meter balance falls below the minimum required for wagering, leading to limited options for players, including adding more funds, cashing out for low-value cashless ticket vouchers, or abandoning play.
Innovation Solution
The system enables players to exchange the credit meter balance for chances to win awards independent of the gaming device, by depositing the balance into a pool for supplemental awards, thus avoiding the need for additional funds or low-value cashouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the credit meter balance is below the minimum wager amount, then the player cannot place wagers on the gaming device, but the player also cannot cash out for valuable awards
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the credit meter balance to serve multiple functions: it can be used for traditional wagering when sufficient funds are available, or it can be converted into sporting event wagering opportunities through the pool contribution mechanism. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing alternative uses for the balance regardless of whether it meets the minimum wager threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The pool acts as an intermediary mechanism between the credit meter balance and the sporting event wagering system. When a player's balance is below the minimum wager amount, the balance can be contributed to the pool, which then enables sporting event wagering opportunities. This intermediary pool resolves the contradiction by bridging the gap between insufficient game credits and wagering opportunities.
2Ease of operation
If the player cashes out the credit meter balance, then the player receives cashless ticket vouchers, but the vouchers have low value and require additional handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts what would normally be a harmful situation (low-value cashout vouchers that require handling) into a beneficial opportunity (sporting event wagering chances). Instead of simply cashing out for low-value vouchers, the player can contribute the balance to the pool and receive sporting event wagering opportunities, which have potentially higher value and do not require physical voucher handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of value from the original credit meter balance to potential sporting event wagering winnings. By contributing the balance to the pool, the player transforms a fixed low-value cashout amount into a variable potential reward structure based on sporting event outcomes, thereby increasing the expected value of the cashout process.
3Ease of operation
If the gaming establishment processes low-value cashless ticket vouchers, then players can redeem their balances, but the establishment incurs operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the problematic element (low-value cashless ticket vouchers) from the traditional cashout process and replaces it with an alternative mechanism. Instead of issuing vouchers that require physical handling and processing, the system directly provides sporting event wagering opportunities through the pool contribution mechanism, eliminating the need for voucher issuance and redemption infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sporting event wagering system allows players to self-manage their balances without requiring establishment personnel to process physical vouchers. The pool contribution and wagering placement can be automated through the gaming system itself, reducing the operational burden on the establishment while maintaining player convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that enable one or more sporting event wagering opportunities in association with a redemption of a balance of a credit meter that is less than a minimum amount required to undertake wagering activity at a gaming device.