AU2020244426A1 - System for implementing social distancing measures in a gaming venue - Google Patents

Abstract

A system comprises a plurality of EGMs, a data communication network, and a management server connected to the EGMs via the data communication network. The management server comprises a memory storing floor configuration data defining disablement relationships for each EGM of the plurality of EGMs, the disablement relationships defining for each EGM which of the other EGMs are to be disabled when the respective EGM is active. Each of the EGMs is configured to respond to an activation attempt by reporting the activation attempt to the management server. The management server responds to each activation attempt by a determining based on the floor configuration data whether to allow the activation attempt, and on allowing the activation attempt, allows activation of the respective EGM and causes disablement of any other EGMs specified by disablement relationships for the respective EGM. 1/8 z VON w 2 UA 04 uj > cri 1 r Q < W Z < 2 Lu 0 z co co L 1 04, cc W W > Lo W C14 w CO) w CL C0 0 CC w VA SE5 Q Ir w crW Lu W CL Q la 0 n- Cf) cc w > Lu cr. W (1) W >- > CO cr 0 w F- W z 0 Lu cc z >- w > z cc W Z W LU LU <

Description

1/8

zw VON 2 UA 04 uj > cri 1r Q < W Z < 2 Lu 0 z co co

L 1 04,

cc W W > Lo W C14 w CO)

w

C0 CL

0 CCw VA SE5 Q Irw crW Lu CL W Q la n- Cf) cc w > Lu cr. W (1) W >- > CO cr 0w F- W

z 0 Lu cc z >- w > z cc W Z W LU LU <

SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES IN A GAMING VENUE FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electronic system for implementing social distancing measures in a gaming venue.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electronic gaming machines ("EGMs") or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to "cash out."

[0003] "Slot" type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a "pay-table" which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

[0004] Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP = return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

[0005] Social distancing is a term for measures individuals and businesses can take to reduce the risk of infection from communicable diseases such as COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Recent events have resulted people having a greater understanding of the need for social distancing measures. As a result, we have realised that venues will need to offer their valued members social distancing options to secure their safe return to their venue.

SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the invention enable the implementation of dynamic social distancing measures between EGMs, aim to provide greater flexibility than physical floor layout changes, and allow for adaptability as social distancing rules change in light of health recommendations.

[0007] In an example embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of EGMs, a data communication network, and a management server connected to the EGMs via the data communication network. The management server comprises a memory storing floor configuration data defining disablement relationships for each EGM of the plurality of EGMs, the disablement relationships defining for each EGM which of the other EGMs are to be disabled when the respective EGM is active. Each of the EGMs is configured to respond to an activation attempt by reporting the activation attempt to the management server. The management server responds to each activation attempt by a determining based on the floor configuration data whether to allow the activation attempt, and on allowing the activation attempt, allows activation of the respective EGM and causes disablement of any other EGMs specified by disablement relationships for the respective EGM.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of EGMs, a plurality of EGM enablement control apparatuses in data communication with respective ones of the EGMs, a data communication network, and a management server connected to the EGM enablement control apparatuses via the data communication network. The management server comprises a memory storing floor configuration data defining disablement relationships for each EGM of the plurality of EGMs, the disablement relationships defining for each EGM which of the other EGMs are to be disabled when the respective EGM is active. Each EGM enablement control apparatus is configured to respond to an activation attempt by reporting the activation attempt to the management server. The management server responds to each activation attempt by a determining based on the floor configuration data whether to allow the activation attempt, and on allowing the activation attempt, allows activation of the respective EGM by the respective EGM enablement control apparatus and causes disablement of any other EGMs specified by disablement relationships for the respective EGM.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM.

[0011] FIGs. 3 to 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating operation of certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present invention can be configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console.

[0013] Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

[0014] In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.

[0015] The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

[0016] Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.

[0017] In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XLTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat®Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbols displayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. In embodiments where the reels are mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implement greater functionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming display area boundaries of the gaming display area 118 may be defined by one or more mechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanical shutters may be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly reveal and conceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels 130. For example, a top boundary of the gaming display area 118 may be raised by moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal an additional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further, a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gaming display area 118 and controlled to override or supplement what is displayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s).

[0018] In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a "ticket-in" reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket ("TITO") system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a "ticket-out" printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a "cash out" button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be used which is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, a different form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as a magnetic stripe card.

[0020] In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send and receive player tracking information.

[0021] Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.

[0022] A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.

[0023] There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.

[0024] Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.

[0025] Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.

[0027] An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is the ArcTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

[0028] Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

[0029] Another example gaming device 104C shown is the HelixTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator.

[0030] Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video blackjack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in a memory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device 200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one or more databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A random number generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, the random number generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

[0032] Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1). The game instance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor 204.

[0033] The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

[0034] Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS© system manufactured by Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.

[0035] Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A 104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.

[0036] When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.

[0037] When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be "cashed-in" for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

[0038] Embodiments of the invention enable venues to keep all their EGM's enabled and disables them on a needs basis which will: • Give loyal members the comfort of social distancing while on the gaming floor; • Prevent EGMs having to go into storage or venues spending money to re designing their floor with wide bases etc.; • Provide greater flexibility than physical floor layout changes as social distancing rules change in light of health recommendations. • Allow people from the same household to play together.

• Provide a solution for fixed products such as multi-terminal gaming machines ("MTGMs").

[0039] FIGs 3 to 5 illustrate schematically embodiment where all EGMs remain online in the venue. FIG. 3 shows an example bank of four gaming machines 311-314 that are on.

[0040] FIG.4 shows an example scenario where a patron 420 inserts a card into EGM 312 and the system of the embodiment automatically disables EGMs either side - i.e. EGMs 311,313.

[0041] Embodiments of the invention enable couples to have linked cards that will allow side by side EGMs to remain enabled. In an example, shown in FIG. 5, the members of the couple 521, 522 have linked cards and insert them to EGMs 312,313 and the system disables EGMs 311,314.

[0042] FIGs 6 to 8 illustrate schematically an embodiment where all EGMs are initially off in the venue. FIG. 6 shows an example bank of four gaming machines 611-614 that are off.

[0043] FIG. 7 shows an example scenario where a patron 720 inserts a card into gaming machine 712 and the system turns automatically enables the EGM for play and also automatically disables EGMs either side so that they can't be turned on - i.e. EGMs 711,713.

[0044] In an example, shown in FIG. 8, the members of the couple 821, 822 have linked cards and insert them to EGMs 312,313 resulting in the system turning them on and the system disabling EGMs 311,314.

[0045] In example embodiment, the system is implemented by casino management system server 114 in combination with mechanisms at the EGMs that enable their status to be determined and for them to be enabled/disabled. Functionality for reserving machines can be adapted to provide these mechanisms. In this respect, most EGMs have a card reader for reading a loyalty/membership/guest card and thus, additional software instructions loaded into the memory 208 of the EGM 200 cause the processor 204 to communicate with management server 114 when there is an attempt to activate the respective EGM and wait for a communication from the management system server 114 before activating. The same software running on other EGMs allows them to be disabled by management system server. In other examples, a unit known as a player marketing module may be connected between the EGM and the server

114. The player marketing module has a card reader and additional software in the memory of the player marking module causes it to communicate with the server 114 and enable/disable the EGM, thus providing an EGM enablement control apparatus.

[0046] In an example, software is running on all EGMs to display EGM disabled messages and software is running on casino management system server 114 that enables control of EGM status and manually disable/enable EGMs if required.

[0047] In some examples, software is executable on a tablet computer to enable floor staff to control EGMs from the gaming floor of the venue

[0048] Only authorized staff can enable the Social Distancing function.

[0049] Table one sets out example system wide parameters that the venue will be able to operate under.

Enable Social 0. Disable If enabled; Distancing 1. Enable All EGMs ON. Social distancing function enforced by either card in or detecting of active machine, non-zero credits above residual. All EGMS OFF. Social distancing enforced by requirement of a card to enable the machine. Membership Enforce on all Option 2 & 3 Will become more Opt in Cards relevant when restrictions start to Enable is Opt In ease so venues can continue to offer Enforce for this function to some players. It may certain Tier(s) be a good way to keep their top Only players that spend 2 or 3 times the average to justify the locking of additional EGMs.

F nS - s es crSi Alerts Enable is audit Alerts to Staff can assist with patron trail message education to ensure they know of the Alerts not existence of a guest card or check for enabled card IN errors etc.

Partner Card 0. Disable This function will allow ether two 1. Enable members to join cards or for a member to join a social group.

[0050] The system will be designed for Venues to operate in either of two modes.

[0051] A first mode where all EGMs are on. In this mode advantageously a patron will be able to view all non-disabled machines in their attract mode. Social distancing is enforced by either card in or detecting of active machine, non-zero credits above residual.

[0052] A second mode where initially all EGMs are off. Social distancing is enforced by requirement of a card to enable the machine. In this scenario machines that are available to be enabled would display a message on the console and the machine if the machine supports messaging.

[0053] Floor configuration data is stored in the memory of system 114, which enables the system to know which EGMs to enable and which ones to disable. The floor configuration takes into account a wide variety of configurations including EGMs at the end of the banks and EGMs on Carousels. Disabling function

[0054] The disabling function is configured such that When a card is inserted into an EGM, the system will • Check the EGMs that are designated to be disabled. • Check the credit meter of each of those EGMs to ensure it is set to ZERO (Allowing for residual credits) • Check the last Active Flag is not within the greater of (Poll Cycle) or 5 seconds. • Disable the EGMs.

This limits the chances of someone who is playing an EGM will be disabled.

[0055] The enabling function is configures such that when a card is removed, it will re-enable the disabled EGMs next to it, provided any machines adjacent to those machines are not in play.

[0056] To set the rules to disable EGMs, in the EGM Setup screen, each EGM will have a custom attribute associated with it to allow the system to know which EGMs to disable on Card In based on a location tree. Collectively, this data defines a set of disablement relationships that defines which EGMs to disable when a respective EGM is active.

F c- Both Default configuration that will disable both previous and next EGMs Previous Will be the previous ACTIVE EGM floor location Next Will be the Next Active EGM floor Location Specific Will allow the user to define a location (e.g. in the case of a Carousel) None No EGMs will be disabled.

[0057] Selecting 'Specific' will allow the user to manually assign both the previous and next EGM locations.

[0058] To save venue setup time, in an example there is a menu item to enable the user to set "All EGMs" to the Both Setting. This will allow the venue to only need to update the EGMs that are exceptions such as on end banks etc.

[0059] In some embodiment, the system is configured so that the system is able to enforce the Social distancing or allow patrons to Opt into the scheme.

[0060] Where the system is able to enforce social distancing on all patrons and when applied, this rule will utilise the lock rules to any cards inserted into an EGM.

[0061] In other example, for example, when social distancing starts to wind down and the venue wishes to allow certain patrons or groups of patrons to continue social distancing (e.g. patrons in high risk categories), the system allows for the introduction of Opt IN social distancing. This field appears in Membership and QMR

[0062] The membership database includes a field that will allow two cards to be joined.

Function Setting Partner Card Partner Member Number Number Partner Yes|INo Card

[0063] When a member selects "Yes" via a user interface, they can then either swipe the partner card or enter the Member Number. On save the system will: • Check if the Partner already has a partner Card, and prompt if already exists with Override or cancel. • Override will remove all previous links for that partner card. • Update partner card details with new link

[0064] In this example, when the first player inserts their card it will disable both EGMs next to the EGM at which the card is inserted, when the second player inserts their card it will enable the sequential EGM and disable the unoccupied EGM next to it.

[0065] In opt-in embodiments, a member can belong to a social group that will allow multiple members to be linked.

[0066] The venue would create a social group and control the maximum number of members that can join. Similar to the Joined Cards, a member would join their card to a social group instead of another individual.

[0067] Similarly to an individual card, when a member inserts their card into a locked EGM the system will: • Check EGMs that are designated to be disabled. • Check • the credit meter of each of those EGMs to ensure it is set to ZERO or • if an active EGM has a joined card.

• Check the last Active Flag is not within the greater of (Poll Cycle) or 5 seconds. • Enable the EGM if conditions met • Disable the EGMs next to it (if required.)

[0068] In some examples the system caters for guest cards. A guest card is a card that belongs to a player for the purposes of enabling EGMs but will not have member functions such as Redeeming Points and Earning prizes enabled.

[0069] Venues may wish to enforce all EGMs being played have a card entered and staff can be notified if this rule is not adhered to which allows staff to educate patrons and hand out guest cards.

[0070] In an example, there will be two types of guest cards available. Anonymous Guest Cards. These cards follow the same principles as Anonymous TITO cards, where a patron can pick up a card and lock EGMs on either side and dispose of them when they leave. In an example, these guests cards have different rules attached to prevent abuse. In an example, EGMs will only lock the side EGMs after Minimum credits are inserted into the EGM. EGMs will unlock if the EGMs are in idle mode for (X) minutes (to prevent cards being left IN after session).

[0071] Other Guest Cards are offered to patrons who do not need to become a member as they live outside the 5kms or have been signed in by a member. The card belongs to the player so they have full member records to track player activity but do not offer member rewards such as bonus points or entry into member promotions.

[0072] To improve uptime for EGMs, in some examples, the system offers alerts to assist staff to find cards that have been left in EGMs. The Alerting option will be delivered through the audit trail which will allow paging systems to pick them up. The system will create an Alert event when an EGM is being played without a card inserted or an EGM is in idle mode for ( X ) seconds with a card inserted and has less than ( $Y ) on the credit meter

[0073] In order to assist with cleaning between patrons, venues can opt to have the EGM disable at the completion of a session and an Alert will go to the staff member to clean the EGM. In this scenario the: • EGM will be locked and remain locked until a staff member has attended.

The PRIME Impact will also display a message advising the EGM is in Maintenance mode • An Alert is sent to Staff to notify that an EGM requires clearing. • Staff can then re-enable the EGM through a code on the console or the insertion of a staff card. • During this locked state the EGMs on either side can be played.

[0074] With EGMs being disabled the following reports must be created:

[0075] A record of EGMs being disabled with a Date/Time Stamp

& duration and member number. Either a new utilisation report, or existing utilisation report is modified to allow for the time the EGM was disabled to ensure it doesn't skew performance figures but also allows the venue to relocate EGMs if their 2nd best performing machine is locked 50% of the day.

[0076] While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (2)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising: a plurality of EGMs; a data communication network; and a management server connected to the EGMs via the data communication network, the management server comprising a memory storing floor configuration data defining disablement relationships for each EGM of the plurality of EGMs, the disablement relationships defining for each EGM which of the other EGMs are to be disabled when the respective EGM is active, wherein each of the EGMs is configured to respond to an activation attempt by reporting the activation attempt to the management server, and wherein the management server responds to each activation attempt by a determining based on the floor configuration data whether to allow the activation attempt, and on allowing the activation attempt, allows activation of the respective EGM and causes disablement of any other EGMs specified by disablement relationships for the respective EGM.

2. A system comprising: a plurality of EGMs; a plurality of EGM enablement control apparatuses in data communication with respective ones of the EGMs a data communication network; and a management server connected to the EGM enablement control apparatuses via the data communication network, the management server comprising a memory storing floor configuration data defining disablement relationships for each EGM of the plurality of EGMs, the disablement relationships defining for each EGM which of the other EGMs are to be disabled when the respective EGM is active, wherein each EGM enablement control apparatus is configured to respond to an activation attempt by reporting the activation attempt to the management server, and wherein the management server responds to each activation attempt by a determining based on the floor configuration data whether to allow the activation attempt, and on allowing the activation attempt, allows activation of the respective EGM by the respective EGM enablement control apparatus and causes disablement of any other EGMs specified by disablement relationships for the respective EGM.

'(7(50,1$7,21

&/'͘ϯ

&/'͘ϰ

&/'͘ϱ

&/'͘ϲ

&/'͘ϳ

&/'͘ϴ