Gaming Machine Credit Conversion System for Player Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casinos and entertainment centers face challenges in retaining patrons and attracting new ones, as existing promotional methods, such as cashable credits, are expensive and do not guarantee customer retention within the establishment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where players can opt to receive non-cashable credits by forfeiting a portion of their remaining credits, which can only be used on the same or other gaming machines with additional currency input, encouraging extended gameplay and loyalty without redeeming for cash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cashable credits are provided to players, then player attraction and engagement improve, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-cashable promotional credits that expire if not used within a set time period. These credits function as disposable value that attracts players without creating long-term liability for the operator, resolving the contradiction by providing engagement value that does not persist indefinitely
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the redeemability parameter of credits from cashable to non-cashable, and introduces time-based expiration parameters. This transforms the credit from a permanent liability to a temporary promotional tool, reducing operational cost while maintaining player attraction
2Reliability
If non-cashable promotional credits are provided, then customer retention within establishment improves, but player satisfaction decreases due to forfeiture requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows players to partially cash out their credits rather than requiring complete forfeiture. Players can convert some credits to cashable form while retaining the option to receive non-cashable promotional credits, providing flexibility that maintains satisfaction while achieving retention goals
Solution Approach 2:
The credit system becomes dynamic by allowing players to choose between different cash-out options at different times. The system adapts to player preferences by offering flexible conversion ratios between cashable and non-cashable credits, resolving the contradiction through choice rather than compulsion
3Ease of operation
If players can cash out all remaining credits, then player satisfaction improves, but customer retention within establishment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces non-cashable promotional credits as an intermediary between complete cash-out and complete forfeiture. This intermediary option allows players to retain some value in the establishment without being forced to accept unfavorable forfeiture terms, maintaining both satisfaction and retention
Data Source
AI summary
Gaming systems and methods for providing a customer with additional non-cashable credits upon completion of the game are provided herein. The gaming machine includes a game controller that is configured to receive a player input to play a wagering game on the gaming machine. The game controller is also configured to generate results for the wagering game, wherein the results include credits won or lost. The game controller is configured to add or subtract the credits won or lost to the player's total credit balance and provide the player with an amount of additional non-cashable credits upon ending the game, wherein the player must forgo a portion of their remaining credits in order to receive the amount of additional non-cashable credits, and wherein the non-cashable credits cannot be used with the same or another gaming machine without an additional input of currency into the gaming machine by the player.