GAMING DEVICE FOR A FLAT RATE PLAY SESSION AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a storage device; and
a processor in communication with the storage device, the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor; and
the processor operative with the program to;
determine a flat rate price for a flat rate play session of a pre-established number of plays with a gaming device, said flat rate price being based upon at least one price parameter; and
initiate said flat rate play session upon receiving an indication of payment of said flat rate price.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. During the play, payouts are made either directly to the player in the form of coins or indirectly in the form of credits to the player'"'"'s credit account. In accordance with one embodiment, a player may enter into a contract, wherein the contract specifies the flat rate play session as described above.
138 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a storage device; and
a processor in communication with the storage device, the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor; and
the processor operative with the program to;
determine a flat rate price for a flat rate play session of a pre-established number of plays with a gaming device, said flat rate price being based upon at least one price parameter; and
initiate said flat rate play session upon receiving an indication of payment of said flat rate price.
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2. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of:
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determining a flat rate price for a flat rate play session of a pre-established number of plays with a gaming device, said flat rate price being based upon at least one price parameter; and
initiating said flat rate play session upon receiving an indication of payment of said flat rate price.
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3. An apparatus, comprising:
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a storage device; and
a processor in communication with the storage device, the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor; and
the processor operative with the program to;
establish a flat rate price for a flat rate play session of a pre-established duration with a gaming device, said flat rate price being based upon at least one price parameter; and
initiate said flat rate play session upon receiving an indication of payment of said flat rate price.
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4. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of:
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establishing a flat rate price for a flat rate play session of a pre-established duration with a gaming device, said flat rate price being based upon at least one price parameter; and
initiating said flat rate play session upon receiving an indication of payment of said flat rate price.
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5. An apparatus, comprising:
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a storage device; and
a processor in communication with the storage device, the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor; and
the processor operative with the program to;
identify at least one price parameter;
determine a flat rate price for a flat rate play session of a pre-established number of winning plays with a gaming device, said flat rate price being based upon said price parameter; and
initiate said flat rate play session upon receiving an indication of payment of said flat rate price.
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6. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of:
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identifying at least one price parameter;
determining a flat rate price for a flat rate play session of a pre-established number of winning plays with a gaming device, said flat rate price being based upon said price parameter; and
initiating said flat rate play session upon receiving an indication of payment of said flat rate price.
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7. A method for determining a flat rate price of a flat rate play session, comprising:
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determining at least one player selected price parameter;
determining at least one operator price parameter; and
determining a flat rate price based at least on at least one of the at least one player selected price parameter and the at least one operator price parameter. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An article of manufacture for use in initiating a flat rate play session, comprising:
an article of manufacture that, when inserted into a gaming device, automatically initiates a flat rate play session on the gaming device. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
Specification