Method and apparatus for motivating players to return to a casino using premiums

• US 7,641,547 B2
• Filed: 06/23/2004
• Issued: 01/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Sparico, Thomas M., Jorasch, James A., Walker, Jay S.
• Primary Examiner(s): SAGER, MARK ALAN
• Application Number:
  US10/875,144
• Publication Number:
  US 20070173317A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,022 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 463/25
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/204 comprising interface for record bearing medium or carrier for electronic funds transfer or payment credit
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/209 Specified transaction journal output feature, e.g. printed receipt or voice output
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass

Abstract

A method of motivating players to return to a casino includes receiving a request to convert a predetermined value of casino currency to cash. Upon the receipt of the request, a premium value is calculated based at least in part on the predetermined value. Subsequently, the customer is provided an instrument having a total value equal to the predetermined value plus the premium value when the instrument is used at the casino. The instrument may comprise a check having a negotiable value equal to the predetermined value, and a second pay-line defining the total value with the premium to be provided if the check is cashed at the issuing casino.

Claims

1. A gaming device, comprising:

electronic memory; and

a processing unit connected to said electronic memory;

said processing unit in combination with said electronic memory operative to store electronic credits,

receive a request to convert a predetermined value of stored electronic credits to coins,

calculate a premium value based at least in part on said predetermined value,

calculate a total value equal to said predetermined value plus said premium value; and

output a ticket redeemable for the predetermined value before a first time and the premium value after the first time.

2. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein said processing unit in combination with said electronic memory are further operative to initiate the display of a message offering to store said total value in an electronic account until at least the first time in lieu of converting said predetermined value to coins prior to the first time.

3. The gaming device of claim 2 and further including means for displaying said message to a human player.

4. The gaming device of claim 2 and further comprising means for receiving a player identification and using said player identification in establishing said electronic account.