Method and apparatus for providing credits for game play

• US 20030008707A1
• Filed: 06/18/2002
• Published: 01/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: Walker Digital LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
• Inventors: Jorasch, James A., Friesen, Scott T., Gelman, Geoffrey M., Alderucci, Dean P., Walker, Jay S., Goldstein, Norman A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,473,177 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/25
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0238 at point-of-sale [POS]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3248 involving non-monetary media of fixed value, e.g. casino chips of fixed value

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for offering a voucher which is redeemable for credits at a casino. The voucher may be redeemed for a first value of credits. One is charged a second value for the voucher, in which the second value is less than the first value. If the person is purchasing an additional product or service, the person may also be charged a reduced price for that product.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

displaying a message to a passenger receiving a ride in a taxicab,

in which the message offers a voucher which is redeemable for credits at a casino,

in which the voucher may be redeemed for a first value of credits;

charging the passenger a second value for the voucher and the ride,

in which the second value is less than the first value,

whereby the first value and the second value define a discount for the voucher; and

outputting a receipt that represents the voucher,

in which the receipt includes indicia indicating

the first value and

the casino.

2. A method comprising:

offering, to a passenger receiving a ride in a taxicab, a voucher which is redeemable for credits at a casino,

in which the voucher may be redeemed for a first value of credits;

charging the passenger a second value for the voucher,

in which the second value is less than the first value,

whereby the first value and the second value define a discount for the voucher; and

charging the passenger a reduced price for the ride.

3. The method of claim 2, in which the step of offering is performed in response to initiating the ride.

4. The method of claim 2, in which the step of offering comprises:

outputting a message.

5. The method of claim 4, in which the step of offering comprises:

displaying at least one of text and images.

6. The method of claim 4, in which the step of offering comprises:

outputting data representing at least one of;

the first value,

the second value, and

the discount.

7. The method of claim 4, in which the step of offering comprises:

outputting an audible message.

8. The method of claim 2, in which the casino is selected from a plurality of casinos.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

randomly selecting the casino from the plurality of casinos.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

receiving a signal that indicates the casino.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

selecting the casino from the plurality of casinos based on a location of the taxicab.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

determining the location of the taxicab based on a positioning device.

13. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

receiving a signal that indicates a plurality of casinos indicated by the passenger; and

selecting the casino from the plurality of casinos.

14. The method of claim 2, in which the first value of credits is selected from a set of values.

15. The method of claim 2, in which the first value of credits is determined by the passenger.

16. The method of claim 2, in which the first value of credits is selected by the passenger from a set of values.

17. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

outputting a receipt that indicates the reduced price.

18. The method of claim 2, in which the step of charging the passenger the reduced price for the ride comprises:

charging the passenger nothing for the ride.

19. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

determining a normal price for the ride.

20. The method of claim 19, in which the step of charging the passenger the reduced price for the ride comprises:

charging the passenger nothing for the ride if the normal price is below a predetermined price.

21. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

receiving payment from the passenger.

22. The method of claim 21, in which the step of receiving payment from the passenger comprises:

receiving a credit card account identifier.

23. The method of claim 21, in which the step of receiving payment from the passenger comprises:

receiving cash from the passenger.

24. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

outputting a receipt that represents the voucher,

in which the receipt includes indicia indicating

the first value and

the casino.

27. An apparatus, comprising:

a vehicle having an interior; and

the apparatus of claim 26 attached to the interior of the vehicle.

25. An apparatus comprising:

means for offering, to a passenger receiving a ride in a taxicab, a voucher which is redeemable for credits at a casino,

in which the voucher may be redeemed for a first value of credits;

means for charging the passenger a second value for the voucher,

in which the second value is less than the first value,

whereby the first value and the second value define a discount for the voucher; and

means for charging the passenger a reduced price for the ride.

26. An apparatus comprising:

a display;

means for receiving data regarding a price for a product;

a processor in communication with the display and the means for receiving, in which the processor is programmed to

offer via the display a voucher which is redeemable for credits at a casino,

in which the voucher may be redeemed for a first value of credits;

charge a second value for the voucher,

in which the second value is less than the first value,

whereby the first value and the second value define a discount for the voucher; and

charge a reduced price for the ride;

a housing that encloses the processor, and that is attached to the display; and

means for attaching the housing to a part of the interior of a vehicle.