Standalone Kiosk for Gaming Voucher Funding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cashless gaming systems for casinos are costly, inefficient, and raise regulatory and social responsibility concerns due to the need for extensive hardware and software integration into gaming machines, high security standards, and handling of cash, which leads to underutilization and inconvenience for both casinos and players.
Innovation Solution
A standalone kiosk system that allows for the purchase and redemption of gaming vouchers using debit/credit cards, separate from gaming machines, facilitating casino credit and new card accounts, and enabling automated voucher issuance and redemption, while minimizing cash handling and avoiding stringent gaming machine integration requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cashless gaming systems are implemented with extensive hardware and software integration into gaming machines, then gaming convenience is improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the cashless gaming functionality into two independent components: (1) a standalone kiosk system for voucher purchase and redemption, and (2) the existing gaming machines. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex integration into gaming machines while maintaining cashless gaming convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vouchers as an intermediary medium between cash and gaming machine credits. Players purchase vouchers at standalone kiosks using debit/credit cards, then redeem these vouchers at gaming machines. This intermediary approach simplifies the system architecture by avoiding direct integration of payment processing into gaming machines.
2Device complexity
If standalone kiosk systems are used for voucher purchase and redemption, then system complexity is reduced, but accessibility and convenience may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The standalone kiosk is designed to perform multiple functions: purchasing vouchers, redeeming vouchers for cash, and facilitating credit card transactions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single accessible unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The kiosk system enables players to independently purchase and redeem vouchers without requiring casino staff intervention. The automated interface allows players to complete transactions by themselves, improving accessibility while reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If cash handling is minimized through automated voucher systems, then operational efficiency is improved, but initial system implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses printed vouchers with barcodes as a copy/representation of cash value. Instead of handling physical cash, the system circulates voucher copies that can be redeemed, eliminating cash handling while using simple, low-cost printing technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The vouchers are designed as disposable, low-cost printed items that are purchased, used, and redeemed in a single transaction cycle. This approach replaces expensive cash handling operations with inexpensive printed vouchers, improving operational efficiency while keeping implementation costs low.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for facilitating the funding of gaming and preferably the purchase of gaming vouchers (slot vouchers) with commercial bank cards and/or with casino and/or new credit accounts (private label and/or affiliate/Networking permanent or temporary) and/or the prompting of opening of a new credit account, including an automated kiosk located on a gaming floor proximate to gaming machines but separate from particular gaming machines, and including method and apparatus for the purchase and redemption of vouchers at a gaming table, including reading and printing equipment in communication with a voucher host; also including a prompt to open new a gaming oriented line of credit, associated with a refusal of an EFT transaction, preferably a credit/debit card cash advance request, and including a preferred gaming oriented credit card account and card (private label and/or affiliate/Networking permanent or temporary) (including a patron selection coded card) having cash advance limits commensurate with credit limits for gaming oriented transactions and wherein a cash advance can be secured within an hour after the opening and approval of the account, the approval of the account preferably based on EFT gaming transaction history.