Video gaming machine for casino games

[0001] This invention claims priority under pending Provisional Patent Application Serial number 06/283,307 filed Apr. 13, 2001 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIVE INTERACTIVE REMOTE GAMING USING CASINO-BASED PROXIES and Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 06/301,939 filed Jun. 29, 2001 entitled INTELLIGENT CASINO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING INTERACTIVE REAL-TIME NETWORK GAMING SYSTEMS, both of which are assigned to VT TECH Corp. of Simi Valley, Calif., the assignee of the present invention, and the disclosures of which are incorporated herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] (1) Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for playing casino games and more specifically to a gaming machine system that supports remote play and manages access by repair and maintenance personnel.

[0004] (2)

[0005] Playing games of chance over the Internet is a popular past time for many people. Indeed a recent report indicates that more than 1,200 “on-line” casinos attract a large number of players who are otherwise unable to travel to a physical casino and play their desired casino game in person. In the Internet embodiment, the casino is little more than a computer server connected to the World Wide Web or other communication network. The computer server acts as a gateway to computer software programs that, when executed, replicate a game of chance. For example, the computer software replicates games of chance such as roulette, baccarat, craps, blackjack, pai gow (an Asian poker game) or slots, depending on the player desires. When a player accesses the computer server, the request to play a particular game is directed to the requested software and the player plays against the computer. In such games, the computer uses a random number generator to simulate the random nature of the casino game.

[0006] While software-generated casino games may closely replicate the odds of winning, many players would prefer to play at an actual casino where there is a real deck of cards, a real pair of die or a real video slot machine such as is commonly found in “brick and mortar” casinos. For this reason, a real-time interactive gaming system (RIGS) was described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,552, assigned to VT TECH Corp., the assignee of the present invention. The RIGS provides a platform where players can selectively play either casino games from a remote location or software generated games of chance. In order for the RIGS platform to function at sites remote from the traditional “land-based” casino, a secure gaming machine is needed. Preferably, the secure gaming machine will support remote play at either a live table game or a video slot game or the like. What is also needed is an entertainment venue where adults can play casino games in a legal social setting remote from a casino.

[0007] One problem that arises from remote gaming is that it is difficult for the player to collect the stake at the end of play. Accordingly, what is also needed is a gaming machine that accepts cash and provides for the electronic transfer of funds to establish and to cash out a player's stake. Clearly, it is also desirable that the casino be able to monitor operation of the gaming machine to ensure that it has not been compromised by unauthorized access.

[0008] With widely dispersed gaming machines it is difficult to maintain security. Typically, remotely located slot machines or video poker machines comprise a cabinet that have an access door. A conventional keyed lock usually secures the access door. Unfortunately, maintaining an inventory of keys is complicated by employee turnover and lost keys. When employees depart with their key or keys are lost, security concerns require that the lock be re-keyed. Unfortunately, it is expensive to re-key locks. Thus, some method is needed to ensure that only authorized employees gain access to the interior of the gaming machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a gaming machine system for use in remote locations, typically outside of a traditional land-based casino. Alternatively, the gaming machine system is located inside the traditional land-based casino when greater control over the access to the interior of the gaming machine is required. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gaming machine that may be used for both remote play at a table game or as a slot machine. The gaming machine may be located at a kiosk or other non-casino public sites such as coffee shops, nightclubs, hotels or virtually any other non-traditional casino location. Remote kiosks enable several players to remotely participate in the play of casino games while at the same time conveying the sense of excitement, social interaction and entertainment as if the remote player were physically present at a traditional casino.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, the gaming machine is configured to support both cash and cashless wagering. The gaming machine is coupled to a traditional land-based casino by a communication network to provide remote play capability and to monitor the play rate of the player. The gaming system also enables remote monitoring and control of access to the interior of the gaming machine.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the gaming machine is housed in a traditional slot machine cabinet well known in the field of casino game manufacturing. A variety of such cabinets are well known in the field. Inside the cabinet, the game machine includes a processor for generating a game of chance, an access control device (which is also referred to as a player detection device), at least one video camera and an electronic lock remotely controlled over the network by the casino security personnel.

[0012] When the gaming machine is used as a slot machine, the on-board processor generates each play of the game including the result and transmits this information to the casino's casino server. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be configured to operate as a seat at a live action table game such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,552 or at a proxy game conducted at the casino such as described in U.S. patent application, Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith (Attorney Docket No. 16-109) entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIVE INTERACTIVE REMOTE GAMING USING CASINO-BASED PROXIES both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

[0013] Examples of a live action table game are casino games based on cards (black jack, pai gow, baccarat, etc), die (e.g., craps) or wheels (e.g., roulette). A proxy game means that a player who is not at the casino is able to remotely place wagers on a casino game with the outcome determined by the play of another player playing at the casino. The remote player merely determines the size of the wager and the proxy player responsible for the actual play.

[0014] Each player may access a cash account maintained with the casino or access a third party credit card account. Player access is, in one embodiment, initiated using a non-contact proximity device encoded with player identification information. By way of example, non-contact proximity devices include radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits and Bi-Statix identification circuits. BiStatix technology is available from Motorola Inc. Proximity devices may be in the form of a plastic credit card, a pendant, a ring, a key tag or the like carried by the player. When proximity devices are positioned proximate to the gaming machine, an access control device detects the proximity device and initiates a sequence of operations to activate the gaming machine's operation. Players may also establish or add to their stake by depositing currency by way of a bill collector.

[0015] The access control device is coupled to the gaming machine's processor, which transmits the information to the casino's casino server over a communication network. Thus, a player's account information may be maintained at the casino and accessed by the player regardless of where they play.

[0016] The access control device also detects when a casino employee is present at the gaming machine and needs to gain access to the interior of the gaming machine. The access control device notifies the casino's security office over the communication network that the employee is present by transmitting this information to the casino's casino server. The server interfaces with an electronic lock that controls access to the interior of the gaming machine by authorized personnel at authorized time periods.

[0017] In operation, casino personnel are issued a non-contact proximity device encoded with their employee information. When an employee arrives at the gaming machine, the encoded proximity device is positioned proximate to the access control device and the employee information is transmitted to the casino's server to notify the casino security staff. The employee may be required to enter a password to request access to the interior of the gaming machine. If the casino security staff approves the access request, the electronic lock is activated to provide access.

[0018] The video camera associated with the gaming machine is positioned to capture the image of the player or casino employee. The camera enables the casino to readily implement casino security procedures at remote locations. The output of the video camera is recorded at the casino server and is available should there be a dispute regarding payment, the manner of play or access by casino employees.

[0019] The casino server is coupled to each of the gaming machines by way of a communication network, which by way of example may be the Internet, a wireless (IEEE 802.11) or wireline local area network (LAN), the telephone network (often referred to as “Public Switched Telephone Network” or PSTN, or “Plain Old Telephone System” or POTS) or a virtual private network. Advantageously, the communication link enables the player or employee information and video image to be viewed by security personnel so that the casino security staff can monitor activity at the gaming machine in real-time even if the gaming machine located at a remote site.

[0020] The gaming machine system of the present invention is more clearly described in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary computer-based gaming machine system for practicing the invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 illustrates a method for monitoring play at the gaming machine in accordance with the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 3 shows a method for detecting the presence of a casino employee at the gaming machine in accordance with the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a gaming machine.

[0025]FIG. 4 illustrates one preferred embodiment of exterior the gaming machine.

[0026]FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the gaming machine with the access door opened.

[0027]FIG. 6 illustrates a lock assembly for controlling access to the interior of the gaming machine.

[0028]FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an intelligent casino management network system for coupling a plurality of game machines to a casino server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] The present invention relates to a casino gaming machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved gaming machine for the play of slots, table games or other games of chance. In the following description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout in the drawings to refer to the same or like components. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computer-based gaming machine <b>100</b> configured for secure play at a location that is either in a traditional casino or outside the casino at a kiosk or other non-traditional location. With gaming machine <b>100</b>, a player establishes a stake by either depositing currency or accessing an account maintained by the casino. Gaming machine <b>100</b> includes a currency collector <b>102</b> that accepts the deposit of either paper currency or coins.

[0031] In accordance with the present invention, each player may also access a private account maintained for the player by the casino with a personal identification card (not shown) that includes encoded player information. Identification cards are also referred to herein as ID cards. Gaming machine <b>100</b> includes a proximity detector circuit <b>104</b> to detect and transfer the ID card information to a processor <b>106</b>. Processor is a computer-based system having its own microprocessor, memory and programming instructions as is well understood in the art.

[0032] Processor <b>106</b> monitors currency detector <b>102</b> and proximity detector circuit <b>104</b> and transfers account information to a casino server <b>108</b> over a local network <b>110</b> whenever a player begins play at gaming machine <b>100</b>. Local network <b>110</b> may be a system bus or a local area network (LAN) such as Ethernet.

[0033] Gaming machine <b>100</b> also includes a network interface <b>108</b>, which is coupled to processor <b>106</b> by local network <b>110</b>; a visual display <b>112</b> for presenting the play of the game of chance; and a user interface <b>114</b> to enable the player to access their casino account and to play the game of chance. A bus <b>116</b>, separate from bus <b>110</b>, couples processor <b>106</b> to display <b>112</b> and user interface <b>114</b>. By separating bus <b>116</b> from bus <b>110</b>, the player is unable to access secure components of the gaming machine <b>100</b> coupled by bus <b>110</b>. Gaming machine further includes at least one video camera <b>118</b> coupled by bus <b>110</b> to network <b>126</b>.

[0034] When processor <b>106</b> needs to transfer information to a casino server <b>124</b>, network interface <b>108</b>, network interface <b>108</b> handles the transfer via communication network <b>126</b> which may be the Internet, PSTN or POTS, a proprietary wireless or wireline LAN, or a virtual private network. In this manner, communication network <b>126</b> links each gaming machine <b>100</b> to casino server <b>124</b>. Casino server <b>124</b> maintains each player's account information, which is accessible by the player regardless of the location of gaming machine <b>100</b>.

[0035] Gaming machine <b>100</b> may be placed at remote locations outside of a conventional casino, such as by way of example at a kiosk located in a coffee shop, airport or some other attended location where it is possible to restrict access by minors. Since gaming machine <b>100</b> may not be located in a secure location, it is also necessary to prevent unauthorized access to the interior of the gaming machine <b>100</b> where processor <b>106</b> and currency receptacle <b>102</b> are located. Conversely, it is often necessary to provide access to authorized personnel so that deposited cash can be collected or repairs made in a timely manner. Monitoring and controlling access to widely dispersed gaming machines is enhanced by the present invention. Rather than rely on a lock activated by a mechanical key, the gaming machine <b>100</b> utilizes an electronic network lock assembly <b>122</b> that is coupled to both the proximity detector circuit <b>104</b> and the casino server <b>124</b>. Lock assembly <b>122</b> controls access to the interior of gaming machine <b>100</b> permitting access only when approved by casino security personnel. A request to service the gaming machine may be either approved and the event logged or disapproved in real-time.

[0036] Play of a Casino Game at Game Machine

[0037] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, each player begins play by player may begin play of a casino game by accessing his or her personal account to establish a stake. Players use a casino player identification card having encoded personal information and an embedded RFID circuit. The player places their identification card proximate to reader to establish their stake or credit line. A password or other biometric information may be required to verify the player's identity. By way of example, biometric information may be obtained by using the video camera to verify identity using facial recognition techniques. Alternatively, a small keypad may be included as part of the user interface so that the player or employee can enter a password in a manner similar to an ATM cash machine verifying the user before dispensing money.

[0038] If the player wishes to begin play without using an identification card, the player must either use casino chips, tokens, coins, paper currency or a credit card. For this reason, currency collector <b>102</b> may include a proximity detector to detect the value of deposited casino tokens having embedded RFID circuits.

[0039] Once the stake is established, the gaming machine conveys player information to the casino server where a separate real-time account for every player is maintained. For each player, the account includes information, such as the name, address, age of the player, player preferences for food, lodging and entertainment and other information the casino may deem of value for their marketing efforts. The casino server also maintains a log file that lists the location of the gaming machine and the games played by the player, the amount of each wager, the amount of the players' stake and the average size of the wager. Casino server also collects additional statistical information regarding the won/lost percentage and the duration of play for each player for the present session and on a cumulative basis. This information is updated while the player plays by logging the information to the log file.

[0040] When a player terminates play, the casino server closes the player's account by crediting winnings, deducting losses and saving the log file. If the log file indicates that the anonymous player has won a substantial amount of money, the casino server can initiate an alarm to alert casino employees that the player should pay the appropriate withholding tax or be monitored for improper playing techniques. At the end of each accounting period, the casino may provide an account statement to each registered player on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. The account statement may be useful for the player when calculating their personal income tax return. Cumulative wagering information can be used to apportion tax revenue among multiple jurisdictions—specifically, the jurisdiction where the player is located and the jurisdiction where the casino is located.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2, a method for monitoring the play of a player is illustrated. Initially, as indicated at step <b>202</b>, each new player begins play by opening their personal account and establishing a stake. In one preferred embodiment, players use a casino player identification card having an embedded RFID circuit with sufficient memory to store personal information to quickly identify the player. Such identification cards are well known in the art and are widely used by casinos to collect information regarding their players. Other forms of RFID devices are also well known and may be used instead of the ID card. For example, key tags are small cylinders with the embedded the RFID circuit. These key tags can be worn as a small personal article (such as a watch, ring or bracelet. If the player wishes to begin play without using an identification card, the player must either be on-site so that they can buy casino chips or tokens for use at the game server or use an approved credit card.

[0042] Once the player has established a stake, the gaming machine conveys this information to the casino server as indicated at step <b>204</b>. The casino server uses the information to establish and maintain a separate real-time account for every player regarding his or her play. For each player, the account may include identifying information, such as the name, address, age, player preferences for food, lodging and entertainment and other information the casino may deem of value for their marketing efforts. If the player is playing anonymously, the account will be maintained but casino staff may approach the player to advise them of the important comps that are being lost and suggest that they obtain an identification card.

[0043] As indicated at step <b>206</b>, the casino server also maintains a log file that lists the games played by the player, the amount of each wager, the amount of the players' stake and the average size of the wager. Casino server also collects information regarding the location of the player, the won/lost percentage and the duration of play for each player for each session and on a cumulative basis. This information is updated during play by logging the information to the log file.

[0044] With gaming machine <b>100</b>, maintaining the history log associated with each player is greatly facilitated compared to manual entry casinos currently use for rating play by each player at a table game. If the log file indicates that the anonymous player has won a substantial amount of money, the casino server can initiate an alarm as indicated at step <b>208</b> and an attendant can be dispatched to offer the player an ID card for future play.

[0045] When a player terminates play, the casino server closes the player's account by crediting winnings, deducting losses and saving the log file as indicated at step <b>210</b>. Statistical information may be updated at this time or at selected intervals throughout the day. When the player subsequently returns, the player's account may be re-opened and new information appended to the log file. Alternatively, the player may present their identification card to the casino and receive the balance of their account. Advantageously, the value of the account and the player's password are maintained by the casino and is need not be encoded on the players' identification card.

[0046] Service Access to Interior of Game Machine

[0047] In addition to tracking players while they are playing a casino game, the present system also provides information regarding the casino employee or employees servicing gaming machine <b>100</b> as illustrated in FIG. 3. To gain access to the interior of the gaming machine, casino employees use an employee identification card (not shown) having encoded personal information and an embedded RFID circuit that is detectable by the proximity detector circuit as indicated at step <b>302</b>. When access is desired, casino service employees identify themselves as present at the gaming machine (see FIG. 1) by placing their proximity device <b>122</b> near proximity detector <b>104</b> and optionally entering a password. The proximity devices may be in the form of a plastic credit card, a pendant, a ring, a key tag or the like. The gaming machine includes a proximity detector circuit that detects the presence of the proximity device.

[0048] The employee's information and video image is transmitted from the gaming machine to the casino server as indicated at step <b>304</b>. If the employee is authorized to access the interior of the gaming machine as indicated at step <b>306</b>, the electronic lock is activated as indicated at step <b>308</b>. If access is not authorized, security or police may be notified to take appropriate action as indicated at step <b>310</b>. Security information is preferably maintained at the casino's casino server.

[0049] An access log file is maintained by the casino server to include information identifying the employee, the date and time, the amount of money in the cash collector device and the duration of time the gaming machine remains unlocked as indicated at step <b>314</b>. The casino server monitors the maintenance service interval and automatically verifies that the gaming machine is securely locked when maintenance is completed as indicated at step <b>316</b>. If the gaming machine is left unlocked for an atypical amount of time or if an unauthorized person attempts to access game machine, the casino server generates an alarm and automatically notifies police or other security personnel as indicated at step <b>318</b>. The alarm provides the location of the gaming machine and a description of the problem for casino security personnel or police.

[0050] A video image of the person causing the alarm is transmitted to web-enabled cell phone or computers coupled to the Internet or other wireless network to assist police in identifying the people to question or detain to resolve the problem as indicated at step <b>320</b>.

[0051] If no alarm condition is detected, the log file is closed and monitoring activity is terminated as indicated at step <b>322</b>.

[0052] Gaming Machine Configuration

[0053]FIG. 4 illustrates one preferred embodiment of exterior of gaming machine <b>100</b>. As illustrated, gaming machine <b>100</b> comprises a slot machine cabinet <b>400</b> of a type that is well known in the field of casino games. In this embodiment, game machine <b>100</b> includes a forward facing video display <b>112</b> for displaying either a broadcast of a live game of chance from a selected casino or a video slot or card game. Game machine <b>100</b> also includes a control panel <b>404</b> having a plurality of push buttons <b>406</b>A-<b>406</b>F for controlling, by way of example, the rate of play and manner of play and the size of the wager. A deposit slot <b>408</b> accepts paper currency while coins are deposited in deposit slot <b>410</b> so that a player may establish a stake without accessing an account. Deposit slots <b>408</b> and <b>410</b> are coupled to currency collector <b>102</b> so that deposits can be counted and the amount conveyed to processor <b>106</b> to establish the stake. Gaming machine <b>100</b> further includes a coin receptacle <b>412</b> where coins are dispensed to pay off winning wagers if the player has not yet established a casino account.

[0054] A first video camera <b>414</b> is positioned to record the image of a player viewing the video display <b>402</b>. A ceiling-mounted video camera <b>416</b> may be positioned external from the gaming machine <b>100</b> to capture the video image of the player from a different perspective.

[0055] Proximity detector <b>104</b> includes an antenna <b>418</b> built into the surface of gaming machine as indicted by the dashed lines in FIG. 4. If the player has a key tag or similar identification card, antenna <b>418</b> detects the presence whenever the ID card is proximate to the antenna. It will be appreciated that the RFID device comprises a transponder circuit encoded with information. The transponder transmits the encoded information whenever it is placed proximate to the antenna of a reader such as proximity detector <b>104</b>.

[0056] A contact card reader <b>418</b> may be included so that players may initiate a stake or replenish their account using a standard credit card where personal information is maintained on a magnetic stripe.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5 a front perspective view of the gaming machine <b>100</b> console is illustrated with the front panel <b>502</b> swung open to permit access to the interior of the gaming machine <b>100</b>. It will be appreciated that gaming machine <b>100</b> may have a rear panel door so that the maintenance personnel may work on the machine away from players at adjacent machines. Many of the typical components of the gaming machine, such as the display device, the processor or the currency collection mechanism are not shown to illustrate more clearly how lock assembly <b>122</b> is positioned to secure the gaming machine.

[0058] Lock assembly <b>122</b> is a security access control device that secures and manages entry to the interior of gaming machine <b>100</b>. Secure means that the lock assembly <b>122</b> maintains the front panel in a closed and locked position until the casino security staff authorizes access. Access management provides the casino the ability to remotely monitor and determine whether access is authorized. Thus, even though the gaming machine detects an employee ID card, access may be denied if other criteria are not satisfied.

[0059] One preferred lock assembly <b>122</b> is commercially available from VT TECH Corp. the assignee of the present invention and is marketed under the Prox-eLock trademark. The Prox-eLock lock is a single door security access controller that may be networked and remotely controlled. An electric strike lock or an electromagnetic lock device <b>502</b> is mounted on opposing bars <b>504</b> and <b>506</b> that span the interior of gaming machine <b>100</b>. When the strike is engaged, front panel <b>502</b> is securely fastened to the cabinet in the closed position. Preferably, lock assembly <b>122</b> has a failed-secured scheme so that the panel remains locked when the power to gaming machine is lost.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, lock assembly <b>122</b> includes a computer, CPU <b>602</b>, responsible for controlling lock operations. Program instructions are stored in a memory <b>604</b> that includes both non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Nonvolatile memory includes EEPROM, PROM and flash memory. Volatile memory means random access memory that may be used to store access related information.

[0061] A real-time clock <b>606</b> keeps track of access grant or denial transactions. An access transaction is initiated by presentation of an employee ID card at detector <b>104</b>. Employee information obtained by detector <b>104</b> is passed to CPU <b>602</b> by a reader interface circuit <b>610</b> that handles timing and other transfer dependent variables. Detector <b>104</b>, often referred to as a reader, reads ID card or tags and may be based on barcode, magnetic, smartcard, or RFID encoded information. Biometric information (fingerprint, retina, face or voice information may also be collected by an additional reader (not shown). Detector <b>104</b> is mounted inside the gaming cabinet to prevent vandalism and is connected to antenna <b>418</b> (See FIG. 4) or it may be connected to a separate antenna on the backside of the gaming machine. It is to be understood that gaming machine <b>100</b> may include a plurality of detectors. Reader interface <b>610</b> may comprise a standard Wiegand, RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet interface card. Sensors and relays <b>612</b> are used to monitor input signals such as door open/close, reader power and video camera and to initiate operation of the door strike, alarms <b>618</b>, control indicators <b>620</b> and the video camera <b>408</b>, respectively.

[0062] General I/O module <b>614</b> permits entry of additional information using, by way of example, a keypad. A power supply <b>622</b> supplies the appropriate voltage and current to operate lock assembly <b>122</b>. Preferably, power supply <b>622</b> includes a battery back-up to maintain operation in the event of a power failure. A processor interface <b>624</b> manages the bus <b>110</b> interface with other components of gaming machine <b>100</b>.

[0063] In operation, one or more individuals (such as a casino's maintenance supervisor) may be provided a master ID card to open any gaming machine at a specific site.

[0064] If the casino tokens include RFID circuits, the security access control unit monitors the deposit of the tokens. Since the RFID circuit includes encoded security codes, the use of counterfeit tokens is prevented. Further, the encoded information includes the token's value so tracking and inventory is greatly facilitated.

[0065] When a contact or contact-less smart card is used for making a wager, the security access control unit detects information encoded in the card and enables the player to access their personal account, maintained by the casino, for placing a wager. Once the player is recognized, the casino server monitors the duration and rate of play so that casino comps may be distributed in accordance with the value to the casino. When the player has completed play, the player's account is updated.

[0066]FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an intelligent casino management network system <b>700</b> for coupling a plurality of game machines to the casino server. The casino management network system is hierarchical in nature so that separate computer systems are responsible for various tasks associated with conducting a game of chance with players located in remote locations. This hierarchical structure provides important safeguards that are necessary due to the public's access to the casino's networked system and the risk of hackers or cyber-criminals improperly manipulating accounting information, wager amounts or game results.

[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the remote environment <b>702</b> is coupled to the brick and mortar casino environment <b>704</b> by a public or private communication network <b>126</b>, which may be the Internet, public telephone network, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

[0068] In casino environment <b>704</b>, a network manager <b>706</b> manages the connection and the exchange of information between the remote gaming machines and the casino server <b>124</b>. Network manager <b>706</b> is preferably a computer server system configured to maintain communication threads with a plurality of remote environments although only one is illustrated in FIG. 7. Similarly, the number of casino environments is not restricted to a single casino.

[0069] When network manager <b>602</b> receives information from the remote environment <b>702</b>, player information is passed to casino server <b>124</b> to initiate play. During the course of play, casino server <b>124</b> maintains a detailed log of play by each authorized player until the player terminates play. Casino server <b>124</b> is responsible for notifying gaming machine <b>100</b> of the account status for the player at the gaming machine. By way of example, a remote player's status may be either authorized to play, currently playing one or more games of chance, inactive, terminated.

[0070] Casino server <b>124</b> maintains a separate list log file for each remote player together with each wager. The advantage of list log file is that it enables revenue sharing between different casino properties. This is particularly advantageous if a player begins play at a first casino but then selects a game at a different casino property in a different jurisdiction.

[0071] To minimize disruption due to failure of casino server <b>124</b>, backup computer systems (not shown) are operated in parallel so there is always on-line redundancy. For higher levels of reliability (and to minimize the likelihood of improper manipulation of data in real-time), tertiary redundant casino server computer systems (not illustrated) enable periodic votes to determine whether there is agreement. If there is a disagreement: (<b>1</b>) the majority will prevail; (<b>2</b>) the losing system will be flagged as operating in an error state; and (<b>3</b>) system administrators will be notified of the error.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 7, network manager <b>706</b> includes a secure socket layer <b>708</b> to provide a secure environment to transfer account and wager information over network <b>126</b>. The use of secure socket layer <b>708</b> is common in the art of network communications and will not be further discussed herein. Network manager <b>706</b> may include data storage space for retaining a record of the communication traffic with each remote player in a list log file (not shown). Although not illustrated, network manager <b>706</b> may comprise a plurality of computer server systems configured to balance the number of players on each system. Further, network manager may include a plurality of redundant computer servers configured to operate in tandem to provide a high degree of fault tolerance and reliability.

[0073] On the casino environment side, network manager <b>706</b> communicates over network <b>710</b> through a secure socket layer and firewall <b>712</b> to maximize secure communications with casino server <b>124</b>. In the preferred embodiment, casino server <b>124</b> is also provided with a firewall and means for establishing a secure socket layer <b>714</b>.

[0074] When network manager <b>706</b> receives communication from a remote user, the information is transmitted to the casino server <b>124</b>. Casino server <b>124</b> generates a log file maintained on a storage area network (SAN) <b>716</b> of every message sent or received by network manager <b>706</b>.

[0075] For each player, personalization information is collected by floor manger <b>720</b>, transmitted to casino server <b>124</b> and retained so that the casino will know the player's preferences. Historical information includes data indicative of the player's average rate of play and average wagered amount for each game of chance and for each visit. The casino server will also maintain a stake for each player. This amount will increase or decrease as the player participates in one or more games of chance. When a wager is placed, a portion of the stake must be allocated to cover the wager in the event of a loss. A wager list is maintained to trace each wager place, the game ID and the result. Winning wagers are credited to the stake and losing wagers are deducted from the stake.

[0076] The data retained by casino server <b>124</b> represents comprehensive fine grain statistical data that enables the casino to drill down to obtain complete perspective of casino operations in real-time. Alternatively, the collected information enables a broader perspective for refining casino operations.

[0077] Video manager <b>718</b> is a computer server system dedicated to managing the stream of video data captured by a plurality of video cameras associated with gaming machines in the remote environment. Video manager <b>718</b> includes a storage area network for storing at least two video streams from each gaming machine in compressed format. Video manager <b>718</b> correlates the receipt of video with a time stamp so that it may be readily matched to the log file entries.

[0078] In remote environment <b>702</b>, a floor manager <b>720</b> provides a portal to the non-traditional casino environment <b>704</b> through a secure socket layer connection <b>722</b>. Floor manager <b>720</b> also manages a plurality of remote gaming machines <b>100</b>A-<b>100</b>(<i>n</i>) over local area network <b>724</b>. It will be appreciated that floor manager functions as a local server as may provide additional functions such as video compression, date encryption, network management functions or redundant storage resources for casino server <b>124</b>.

[0079] While certain exemplary preferred embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention. Further, it is to be understood that this invention shall not be limited to the specific construction and arrangements shown and described since various modifications or changes may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.