CA2815130A1 - System, method, and device for monitoring gaming - Google Patents
System, method, and device for monitoring gaming Download PDFInfo
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- CA2815130A1 CA2815130A1 CA2815130A CA2815130A CA2815130A1 CA 2815130 A1 CA2815130 A1 CA 2815130A1 CA 2815130 A CA2815130 A CA 2815130A CA 2815130 A CA2815130 A CA 2815130A CA 2815130 A1 CA2815130 A1 CA 2815130A1
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- gambling
- session
- player
- data processor
- mobile device
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
- G07F17/3232—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
- G07F17/3237—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed about the players, e.g. profiling, responsible gaming, strategy/behavior of players, location of players
- G07F17/3239—Tracking of individual players
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
- G07F17/3216—Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
- G07F17/3218—Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects wherein at least part of the system is portable
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
- G07F17/3216—Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
- G07F17/322—Casino tables, e.g. tables having integrated screens, chip detection means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
- G07F17/323—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the player is informed, e.g. advertisements, odds, instructions
Abstract
A mobile device executes program instructions to monitor a gambling session at a gaming device or a gaming table. In a non-connected mode, a user inputs session data through the mobile device's user interface. In a connected mode, session data may be received directly by the mobile device. Based on player preferences and the gambling sub-type assessed for the user based on user input, intervention points and messages are defined with the overall objective of providing useful information to, and consumer protection for, the player. As intervention points are reached during the gambling session, messages are displayed to the user to maintain the user's awareness of his or her gambling behavior and status.
Description
SYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING GAMING
Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices to aid players of gaming and gambling games. More specifically, the present invention includes a system, method, and device for monitoring gaming of a user and displaying messages to the user based on intervention points and gambling limits set manually by the user and/or automatically.
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices to aid players of gaming and gambling games. More specifically, the present invention includes a system, method, and device for monitoring gaming of a user and displaying messages to the user based on intervention points and gambling limits set manually by the user and/or automatically.
Background of the Invention
[0002] It is well-known that certain players of casino and other wagering games may have an addictive personality and may become a problem gambler. It is also well-known that without monitoring, many players without an addictive personality may gamble for a longer period, and lose more money, than the player intended and/or is affordable by the player. Many features of casinos immerse the player in an environment free of clocks and other prompts, such as windows, as to the passage of time.
[0003] Likewise, casino games, particularly electronic gaining machines, are designed for deceptively large wagers and fast games to increase the drop from the player. For example, popular penny slot machines may include as many as two hundred forty-three pay lines and allow the player to wager multiple coins per pay line, plus require an extra wager to activate bonus Of supplemental features. In this manner, a penny slot machine may, when the maximum wager is placed, require the player to wager several dollars per game. Moreover, the speed of a slot game means that many electronic slot machines can conduct five hundred games per hour. These factors can cause any player, regardless of whether they are a "problem gambler," to lose track of time and money.
[0004] When playing via the Internet or in a networked environment, such as on a handheld device within a local area network or on an in-room gaming device, a system may be built into the gaming device, personal computer, handheld device, or the like, to periodically alert the player or even interrupt play, when pre-set limits are reached during the game. For example, the player or the house may specify loss limits, time limits, changes in playing behavior, or other factors in determining when to alert and/or interrupt the player's play. However, where such a system is not integrated into the gaming system, the player must rely on his or her own self-control or the assistance of others to avoid losing track of his or her play. Thus, it can be seen that there is a need in the art for a method, system, and device for monitoring gaming for a player.
Summary of the Invention
Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present invention includes a method, mobile device, and system directed to monitor gaming and alert a user. In an optional embodiment, a method of monitoring gaming is implemented on a mobile device having a data processor in communication with a display and a user interface. Optionally, player information is received through the user interface. The player information is assessed by the data processor to determine a gambling sub-type and an initial set of messages and intervention points are set by the data processor based on the gambling sub-type determined by the data processor.
[0006] In an optional embodiment, the mobile device communicates with a server. In one such optional embodiment, session data monitored during the gambling session are transmitted from the mobile device to the server. The session data are assessed for problem gambling.
[0007] . Player preferences are received through the user interface.
Optionally, the player preferences include at least one gambling limit. The player preferences are optionally stored in a player monitoring account accessible to the data processor.
Optionally, the player preferences include at least one gambling limit. The player preferences are optionally stored in a player monitoring account accessible to the data processor.
[0008] In an optional embodiment, a secure player monitoring account is established on the mobile device securing at least the player information and player preferences.
Optionally, the secure player monitoring account prevents any use of the method (optionally embodied as software) and use of the player information and player preferences without verification. For example, in an optional embodiment, access to the secure player monitoring account may be verified through the user interface.
Optionally, the secure player monitoring account prevents any use of the method (optionally embodied as software) and use of the player information and player preferences without verification. For example, in an optional embodiment, access to the secure player monitoring account may be verified through the user interface.
[0009] The data processor monitors session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions conducted in the gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits. In one optional embodiment, session data may be received through the user interface. In an alternate or additional optional embodiment, the gambling session may be conducted at a gaming device which generates session data and transmits session date to the data processor which receives the session data from the gaming device. A message is selected by the data processor based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during the gambling session. The message is optionally displayed at the mobile device display.
[0010] In another optional embodiment, a mobile device includes a data processor along with a display, user interface, and memory in communication with the data processor. In an optional embodiment, the memory stores executable program instructions for conducting a method of monitoring gaming. In one such optional embodiment, the data processor executes the executable program instructions to receive player information through the user interface. The player information is assessed by the data processor to determine a gambling sub-type and an initial set of messages and intervention points are set by the data processor based on the gambling sub-type determined by the data processor.
[0011] Player preferences are received through the user interface. In an optional embodiment, the player preferences include at least one gambling limit. Player preferences may be stored in a player monitoring account accessible to the data processor.
[0012] In an optional embodiment, the memory is adapted to store executable program instructions to establish a secure player monitoring account on the mobile device securing at least the player information and player preferences and verifying access to the secure player monitoring account through the user interface. In this manner, the player information and player preferences, and consequently their use in a method according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be secured from use without verification.
[0013] The data processor monitors session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in the gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits. The data processor selects and triggers a message based on any defined intervention points and gambling limits occurring during the gambling session and displays the message at the mobile device display. In an optional embodiment, the mobile device is in communication with a server. In one such optional embodiment, the data processor of the mobile device executes executable program instructions to transmit session data monitored during the gambling session from the mobile device to the server where it may be assessed for signs and/or patterns of problem gambling.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention includes a system including a mobile device in communication with server. In one such optional embodiment, the mobile device includes a data processor, along with a display, a user interface, and memory in communication with the data processor. hi one such optional embodiment, the memory stores executable program instructions for conducting a method of monitoring gaming which includes receiving player information through the user interface. Player information is assessed by the data processor to determine a gambling sub-type and an initial set of messages and intervention points is set by the data processor based on the gambling sub-type determined by the data processor.
[00151 Player preferences are received through the user interface. The player preferences optionally include at least one gambling limit. The player preferences are stored in a player monitoring account accessible to the data processor.
[0016] In an optional embodiment, a secure player monitoring account is established on the mobile device to secure at least the player information and player preferences. In an optional embodiment, access to the secure player monitoring account is verified through the user interface.
[0017] The data processor monitors session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in the gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits. In one optional embodiment, the session data is received through the user interface. In another optional embodiment, the system includes a gaming device in communication with the mobile device. In one such optional embodiment, the gaining device includes a gaming device data processor and a gaming device memory in communication with the gaming device data processor.
In an optional embodiment, the gaming device memory stores executable program instructions to conduct the gambling session, generate session data at the gaming device, and transmit session data from the gaming device to the mobile device.
A
message is selected by the data processor based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during the gambling session and the message is displayed at the mobile device display.
[0018] The server includes a server processor and a server memory adapted to store executable program instructions. In one optional embodiment, the server receives session data monitored during the gambling session from the mobile device at the server processor and assesses the session data for problem gambling or gambling behavior that would indicate the need for advice, consumer protection or intervention.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0019] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00211 FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an interactive webs ite used according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of data transferred according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Description [0024] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. Referring first to FIG. 5, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in a mobile device 500. It is contemplated that the method may operate on a mobile device 500 in a connected mode, i.e., when the mobile device 500 cooperates with a server 600, gaming device 700, or the like to conduct a method, or in a non-connected mode, i.e., when the mobile device 500 conducts the method independent of any device conducting the gambling session.
In an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions, e.g., software, that is executed by the mobile device 500 to conduct a method may include an option to switch between a connected mode or a non-connected mode automatically, upon selection by a user, or the like, depending on the optional embodiment. In an alternate optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may be configured solely for a connected mode or a non-connected mode. It is noted that even in a non-connected mode, the mobile device 500 may still connect to a telephone service provider in the event that the mobile device 500 is a cellular telephone, and that the mobile device 500 may communicate with a server to update the executable program instructions conducting a method according to an embodiment of the present invention and/or synchronize data generated while conducting a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00251 A mobile device 500 may take any form including, but not limited to, a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant ("PDA"), tablet, e-reader, handheld device, or any other device. In one optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 includes a data processor 502 in communication with a display 504, user interface 506, and memory 508.
[0026] The display 504 may take any form, such as a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), light emitting diode ("LED") or organic light emitting diode ("OLED") display, or any other form of display or screen. Similarly, the user interface 506 may take any form, such as a keypad, keyboard, pointer, mouse, touch pad, or the like. In an optional embodiment, the user interface 506 and display 504 may be combined into a touchscreen device in which the display 504 includes, or communicates with, sensors forming a user interface 506 that receives input from a user.
[0027] Memory 508 may take any form, including magnetic data storage, optical data storage, semiconductor memory, flash memory, or the like. Likewise, memory 508 may be removable from the mobile device 500 or integral with the mobile device 500.
[0028] Memory 508 may be adapted to store executable program instructions executable by the data processor 502 to conduct a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 may conduct a method in a non-connected mode, i.e., without requiring cooperation with other devices.
For example, in the optional embodiment of FIG. 2, executable program instructions, e.g., software or application or "app," may be obtained and installed on the memory 508 of the mobile device 500. In an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may be downloaded 102 and installed 104 on the mobile device 500. As may be appreciated, the executable program instructions may be written for any operating platform, any device, or in any programming language.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may initiate 106 a registration process. In one such optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG.
2, the registration process may be conducted 108 only on the first use of the method, with updates to the data collected during the registration process input through a separate data collection process. Alternatively, the registration process may be conducted 108 each time the method is used.
[0031] The registration process may be conducted 108 by receiving data from the user through a user interface 506 in response to prompts. For example, in an optional embodiment, the registration process may include collection of player information and player preferences through the user interface 506. In an optional embodiment, the player information is assessed to determine 110 a gambling sub-type. Because the assessment is based on user input through the user interface 506 rather than an objective observer or through monitoring of actual gambling behavior, the assessment may be termed a "self-assessment." For example, in an optional embodiment, player information is compared to parameter files that define a range of gambling sub-types.
Player information that corresponds to, for example, someone who has the potential to develop a gambling problem may be associated with a different gambling sub-type than a person who inputs player information who already has a gambling problem or, conversely, is unlikely to develop a gambling problem.
[0032] The gambling sub-type determined for a user may be associated with an initial set of messages and intervention points. In an optional embodiment, the messages and intervention points may be selected to maintain the user's awareness of the user's gambling activity, for example, by reminding the user of the time duration of a gambling session, the amount of the player's budget wagered, the player's winnings or losses, or the like. In an optional embodiment, player preferences may be used to tailor the method to the particular user, such as by configuring personal time and loss limits over a specified period of time, which may correspond to, or alter the initial set of intervention points and messages. Similarly, player preferences may be used to configure monitoring, intervention messages, report formats, gambling venues, games played, personal exclusions, or other functions of the executable program instructions.
Optionally, player preferences and/or player information and/or messages and intervention points selected for a player are stored in a player monitoring account.
Optionally, the player monitoring account is unique to the player.
[0033] In an optional embodiment, the registration process includes selecting or assigning a unique identifier for a user and establishing 112 a secure, unique player monitoring account on the mobile device to secure the executable program instructions and data used by the executable program instructions, such as player information and player preferences. For example, in an optional embodiment, a secure player monitoring account having multi-factor, secure authentication may prevent access to the executable program instructions and/or player information and player preferences without first verifying access through the user interface using, for example, a unique identifier and password. As may be appreciated, the executable program instructions may allow the player information, player preferences, password, or the like to be accessed and reset or updated.
[0034] For example, in an optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a user accesses 302 a monitoring method through an Internet browser on a mobile device 500. In such an optional embodiment, a user browses 304 to a hub home page where the user can access 306 public information, such as information about the service provider 308 and interactive features 310 such as tutorials or the like. The user may also be presented with an option to log in 314 to a private system which stores 312 the user's private information submitted at registration and developed through the user's play using the monitoring method. A determination 316 may be made as to the user's eligibility to access private data. Optionally, the same determination may be made as to the user's eligibility to use the system as illustrated in FIGS. I and 2. If the user is verified, the user may access 318 private data. A user may be presented with an option to log off 320 when the player is finished.
[0035] Returning to FIG. 2, as noted, in an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may be configured 114 to allow the mobile device 500 to operate in a connected or non-connected mode. In one such optional embodiment, different data may be collected depending on the mode of operation. For example, in a connected mode, a player may establish and fund a gambling account. One such optional embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in greater detail below.
Continuing with the optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the user's identity may be verified 116 and a determination made 118 whether the user is eligible to gamble online. As noted above, in an alternate optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may be configured solely for offline use and, thus, there may be no need to determine whether a user is eligible to play online. However, in the optional embodiment of FIG. 2, a player ineligible to play online may be permitted to operate in a non-connected mode only.
[0036] Continuing with the optional, non-connected mode of FIG. 2, the executable program instructions may provide 120, 220 the user with secure access the secure, unique player monitoring account storing the user's player preferences and player information. The user may be presented 121 with information, such as help with the application, counseling, exclusion, gambling tutorials, and the like.
[0037] A gambling session is conducted 122, 222. As may be appreciated, a gambling session in a non-connected mode may be conducted in any manner, including on a non-connected gaming device, such as a slot machine, video poker machine, or other electronic gaming device, at a gaming table, or online at a personal computer, web-enabled television, or other device that does not communicate with the mobile device 500. It is also contemplated that non-connected gaming may be conducted on the mobile device 500 conducting the monitoring method, where the executable program instructions (e.g., application) executing the monitoring method does not cooperate with the executable program instructions or server conducting the gambling session.
[0038] A gambling session may be measured in any manner. For example, the gambling session may be initiated through the user interface 506, such as by actuating a "start" touchscreen button or the like. In another optional embodiment where the user must log into a player monitoring account (whether or not a secure player monitoring account), a gambling session may be initiated upon login. Similarly, the gambling session may be ended through the user interface 506, such as by actuating a "finish"
touchscreen button or the like, by logging out of a player monitoring account, or the like.
[0039] The gambling session is monitored 124. In one optional embodiment, the gambling session is monitored by monitoring gambling transactions and gambling status during the gambling session. The attributes monitored could include many different factors, such as one or more of the amount of wins or losses, amount of wagers, time elapsed, number of games played, the type of games played, or the like. In one optional embodiment, the gambling session may be monitored manually 226, such as by the user inputting gambling session data through the user interface. For example, the user may input wagers, losses, wins, the time the gambling session commenced, and so forth, thereby enabling the mobile device 500 executing the monitoring method to monitor the gambling session. Alternatively or additionally, the gambling session may be monitored automatically, such as by receiving gambling session data at the mobile device 500 via wireless or wired transmission, optical capture, or the like, It is noted that such an optional embodiment may not necessitate that the mobile device operate in a connected mode.
[0040] During the gambling session, the gambling session data are monitored for intervention points. For example, the gambling session data may be examined to determine net or gross losses, time elapsed, wagers placed, or the like and compared to intervention points set by the user and/or set automatically based on the gambling sub-type determined through the assessment of the user. Based on the intervention points, messages may be selected 128,228 and displayed to the player. Alternatively, messages may be generated based on the intervention point and/or limit reached and displayed to the player. In one optional embodiment, the messages may be informative in nature, e.g., informing the user of session status, gambling limits, and/or advice as appropriate to make the user aware of responsible gambling behavior and the possible risks of irresponsible gambling behavior as exhibited by reaching any intervention points. In an optional embodiment, the intervention points are selected and monitored through a session progression algorithm in the nature of an expert system that selects messages based on the nature of the gambling session event or status that triggers an intervention point. In one optional embodiment, the messages are prepared by experts in gambling behavior and are positively structured to achieve optimum protection results for the user.
[0041] At the end of a gambling session, reports of the gambling session may be prepared 130. In a further optional embodiment, gambling session data may be stored 132 on the mobile device 500 and/or transmitted 134 to a server 600. Again, this step may be conducted in either a connected mode or a non-connected mode, since the non-connected mode merely refers to the lack of communication between the mobile device 500 and any device that is used to conduct the gambling session. Thus, if the server 600 is used for storage and analysis, but not gambling, it may be utilized in both a connected and non-connected mode.
[0042] The gambling session data may be analyzed 136 for existing or developing user gambling issues. Specifically, a server processor 602 may execute program instructions stored in a server memory 604 to analyze session data for trends or other indicators of problem gambling or potential problem gambling. For example, in one optional embodiment, the data may be analyzed for gambling behavior of a user that may indicate a possible gambling problem. In one such optional embodiment, the data may be analyzed by a statistics analysis module to seek trends that follow patterns of behavior associated with problem gambling.
[0043] In a further optional embodiment, the analysis of gambling session data over one or more gambling sessions may be utilized in many ways. In an optional embodiment, feedback may be provided to users, such as additional messages making the user aware of the user's gambling behavior. In yet a further optional embodiment, the analysis of gambling session data may be used to revise the user's gambling sub-type selected based on the self-assessment. That is, if the gambling sub-type selected based on the self-assessment does not match the actual gambling behavior of the user, the application may revise the gambling sub-type assigned to the player based on the change or misclassification of the player's gambling sub-type. In an optional embodiment, the server 600 communicates the change in the player's gambling sub-type to the mobile device 500 which, in turn, may alter or change the messages and intervention points selected for the player based on the player's gambling sub-type and/or player preferences.
[0044] For example, in FIG. 4, a user may log into a server 600 using a mobile device 500. The login may initiate 402 an automatic exchange of data between the server 600 and mobile device 500. Once the user is verified, such as through a secure, unique account as discussed above, the mobile device 500 is provided secure access 404 to a master database. Any user data, including updates to player information, player preferences, data collected during a gambling session, and the like, may be stored 406 on the server 600 at a master database. Separate from the mobile device 500, the server 600 may include program instructions for analyzing 408 user data. The analysis may be used for a variety of purposes, including messages 410 to the user, updating or changing 412 the user's gambling sub-type, and/or providing 414 updates.
[00451 In another aspect of the present invention, the mobile device 500 may operate in a connected mode. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a mobile device SOO may communicate with a gaming device 700. As used herein, a gaming device 700 may include any electrical, mechanical, or computer device that conducts or assists in gaming.
Specifically, a gaming device 700 may take any form, including an Internet gaming host, an electronic gaming machine in a standalone or networked form, such as a slot machine, video poker machine, or the like, a handheld device, kiosk, or the like. In such an optional embodiment, a gaming device 700 may include a gaming device processor 702 executing program instructions stored at a gaming device memory 704 to conduct a game. Although FIG. 5 includes a "server" 600 in certain optional embodiments, it should not be interpreted to imply that the gaming device 700 could not be a server. To the contrary, it is contemplated that, in certain embodiments, the gaming device 700 may be a network server, file server, or otherwise form part of a network with the mobile devices 500 such as in an embodiment applied to Internet gaming in which the gaming device 700 may be a host server that conducts gaming, alone or with other devices in a network.
[0046] The mobile device 500 may communicate with the gaming device 700 for a variety of purposes. For example, the mobile device 500 may receive from. a gaming device 700, either directly or indirectly, data representing wins, losses, wagers, game outcomes, amounts deposited, amounts cashed out, time elapsed, number of hands and/or games played, game play rate (such as hands and/or games per hour), or other game play data.
[0047] In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 and gaming device 700 may communicate wirelessly in a local area network ("LAN") using a protocol such as WI-FiTM, in a wide area network ("WAN") using a protocol such as 3G, 40, W-CDIVIA, or other wireless broadband protocol, or using any other wireless communication system.
In an alternate optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 and gaming device 700 may communicate via a wired connection such as universal serial bus ("USB") or the like.
[0048] As discussed above, a server 600 may also communicate with the mobile device 500 and/or the gaming device 700. It is contemplated that the server 600 in such an optional embodiment may aid in conducting games or may be independent of any gaming activity.
[0049] Although a method could take many different forms, in an optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, many of the steps of a method conducted in a connected mode, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 1, may remain the same as the steps of a method conducted in a non-connected mode, an example of which is illustrated in FIG.2 and was described above, In this description of FIG. 1, only those steps differing between FIG. 2 (described in greater detail above) and FIG. 1 are described herein rather than reiterating the discussion above. However, this should be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting, as a method could be implemented within the scope of the claims for a connected method without necessarily relying on all the steps described in FIGS. 1 and/or FIG. 2 herein.
[0050] According to an optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. I, a user may establish 123 a gambling account. The gambling account may be any type of financial account, In an optional embodiment, the gambling account is used to fund wagers and receiving pay outs. In an alternate optional embodiment, the gambling account may be used to fund wagers with pay outs sent elsewhere.
[0051] In an optional embodiment, the gambling account is established by collecting user information and funding 125 the gambling account. In an optional embodiment, the user information for the gambling account may include, or may be drawn from, the player information collected from the player to establish the player's monitoring account. Alternatively or additionally, user information for a gambling account may be collected through a form or other interactive process independent of, or in addition to, the form or interactive process used to collect player information and/or player preferences as discussed above. For example, in an optional embodiment, a credit check may be conducted.
[0052] The gambling account may take any form. For example, the gambling account may be a deposit account, i.e., money is deposited into the gambling account and debited as it is used, a credit account, i.e., credit is extended to the user who repays the credit according to a credit agreement, or any other type of financial account. The gambling account may be stored and maintained on a server 600, a financial institution system, a gaming operator or gaming host system, or the like.
[0053] It is noted that a gambling account is not essential to a connected mode and that, in an alternate optional embodiment, it is contemplated that a mobile device 500 may communicate with a gaming device 700 without necessarily using a gambling account to fund wagers. In such an optional embodiment, wagers may be funded in any other fashion, including cash, vouchers, tickets, prepaid cards, debit or credit cards, or the like. Similarly, payouts may take any form, such as a deposit into a deposit account, credit, electronic funds transfer to a bank account, added value to a prepaid or stored value account or card, or the like. In an optional embodiment, the gambling account is reconciled 140 at the end of a gambling session by transferring funds to or from the gambling account based on the user's play.
[0054] In an optional embodiment including a gambling account, a single login may be used for a user to log into his or her player monitoring account and gambling account.
Alternatively, separate log in processes may be conducted for the player monitoring account and gambling account. For example, where the gambling account and player monitoring account are maintained separately (such as a player monitoring account maintained on a mobile device 500 and a gambling account maintained on a financial institution system), separate logins may be required.
[0055] As noted above, a gambling session may be defined based on the login and logout from a player monitoring account. In additional or alternate optional embodiments, a gambling session may be defined based on the login and logout from a gambling account. While these may be the same events in some optional embodiments, where the player monitoring account and gambling account are maintained separately, either or both events may be used to measure a gambling session.
[0056] During the gambling session, session data are received at the mobile device 500 from the gaming device 700. In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 conducts the monitoring method alone, i.e., solely determines whether intervention points are reached and displays messages to the user. In an alternate optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 cooperates with a server 600 to conduct a monitoring method. In either case, as discussed above, occurrences of intervention points may trigger messages selected for the user based on the user's gambling sub-type and/or the player preferences selected by the user, Additionally or alternatively, intervention points may trigger intervention by the mobile device 500, server 600, and/or gaming device 700 in the gambling session. For example, exceeding time or budgetary limits may result in the termination of the user's access to the gaming device 700 or the gambling account, thereby preventing the user from continuing the gambling session. In this regard, it is contemplated that a connected mode may be voluntary, i.e., the user chooses whether to heed messages generated at intervention points, involuntary, i.e., messages are accompanied by actions by the mobile device 500, server 600, and/or gaming device 700 to end a gambling session, or a combination of voluntary and involuntary, e.g., a user may set a player preference of voluntary and involuntary intervention points.
[0057] In an optional embodiment, session data may be collected and transmitted to a server 600 for analysis and feedback, such that the user's gambling sub-type may be tailored in a recursive process to match the intervention points with the player's actual behavior.
[0058] While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described it is to be understood that the present invention is subject to many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention presented herein.
[00151 Player preferences are received through the user interface. The player preferences optionally include at least one gambling limit. The player preferences are stored in a player monitoring account accessible to the data processor.
[0016] In an optional embodiment, a secure player monitoring account is established on the mobile device to secure at least the player information and player preferences. In an optional embodiment, access to the secure player monitoring account is verified through the user interface.
[0017] The data processor monitors session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in the gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits. In one optional embodiment, the session data is received through the user interface. In another optional embodiment, the system includes a gaming device in communication with the mobile device. In one such optional embodiment, the gaining device includes a gaming device data processor and a gaming device memory in communication with the gaming device data processor.
In an optional embodiment, the gaming device memory stores executable program instructions to conduct the gambling session, generate session data at the gaming device, and transmit session data from the gaming device to the mobile device.
A
message is selected by the data processor based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during the gambling session and the message is displayed at the mobile device display.
[0018] The server includes a server processor and a server memory adapted to store executable program instructions. In one optional embodiment, the server receives session data monitored during the gambling session from the mobile device at the server processor and assesses the session data for problem gambling or gambling behavior that would indicate the need for advice, consumer protection or intervention.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0019] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00211 FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an interactive webs ite used according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of data transferred according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Description [0024] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. Referring first to FIG. 5, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in a mobile device 500. It is contemplated that the method may operate on a mobile device 500 in a connected mode, i.e., when the mobile device 500 cooperates with a server 600, gaming device 700, or the like to conduct a method, or in a non-connected mode, i.e., when the mobile device 500 conducts the method independent of any device conducting the gambling session.
In an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions, e.g., software, that is executed by the mobile device 500 to conduct a method may include an option to switch between a connected mode or a non-connected mode automatically, upon selection by a user, or the like, depending on the optional embodiment. In an alternate optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may be configured solely for a connected mode or a non-connected mode. It is noted that even in a non-connected mode, the mobile device 500 may still connect to a telephone service provider in the event that the mobile device 500 is a cellular telephone, and that the mobile device 500 may communicate with a server to update the executable program instructions conducting a method according to an embodiment of the present invention and/or synchronize data generated while conducting a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00251 A mobile device 500 may take any form including, but not limited to, a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant ("PDA"), tablet, e-reader, handheld device, or any other device. In one optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 includes a data processor 502 in communication with a display 504, user interface 506, and memory 508.
[0026] The display 504 may take any form, such as a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), light emitting diode ("LED") or organic light emitting diode ("OLED") display, or any other form of display or screen. Similarly, the user interface 506 may take any form, such as a keypad, keyboard, pointer, mouse, touch pad, or the like. In an optional embodiment, the user interface 506 and display 504 may be combined into a touchscreen device in which the display 504 includes, or communicates with, sensors forming a user interface 506 that receives input from a user.
[0027] Memory 508 may take any form, including magnetic data storage, optical data storage, semiconductor memory, flash memory, or the like. Likewise, memory 508 may be removable from the mobile device 500 or integral with the mobile device 500.
[0028] Memory 508 may be adapted to store executable program instructions executable by the data processor 502 to conduct a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 may conduct a method in a non-connected mode, i.e., without requiring cooperation with other devices.
For example, in the optional embodiment of FIG. 2, executable program instructions, e.g., software or application or "app," may be obtained and installed on the memory 508 of the mobile device 500. In an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may be downloaded 102 and installed 104 on the mobile device 500. As may be appreciated, the executable program instructions may be written for any operating platform, any device, or in any programming language.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may initiate 106 a registration process. In one such optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG.
2, the registration process may be conducted 108 only on the first use of the method, with updates to the data collected during the registration process input through a separate data collection process. Alternatively, the registration process may be conducted 108 each time the method is used.
[0031] The registration process may be conducted 108 by receiving data from the user through a user interface 506 in response to prompts. For example, in an optional embodiment, the registration process may include collection of player information and player preferences through the user interface 506. In an optional embodiment, the player information is assessed to determine 110 a gambling sub-type. Because the assessment is based on user input through the user interface 506 rather than an objective observer or through monitoring of actual gambling behavior, the assessment may be termed a "self-assessment." For example, in an optional embodiment, player information is compared to parameter files that define a range of gambling sub-types.
Player information that corresponds to, for example, someone who has the potential to develop a gambling problem may be associated with a different gambling sub-type than a person who inputs player information who already has a gambling problem or, conversely, is unlikely to develop a gambling problem.
[0032] The gambling sub-type determined for a user may be associated with an initial set of messages and intervention points. In an optional embodiment, the messages and intervention points may be selected to maintain the user's awareness of the user's gambling activity, for example, by reminding the user of the time duration of a gambling session, the amount of the player's budget wagered, the player's winnings or losses, or the like. In an optional embodiment, player preferences may be used to tailor the method to the particular user, such as by configuring personal time and loss limits over a specified period of time, which may correspond to, or alter the initial set of intervention points and messages. Similarly, player preferences may be used to configure monitoring, intervention messages, report formats, gambling venues, games played, personal exclusions, or other functions of the executable program instructions.
Optionally, player preferences and/or player information and/or messages and intervention points selected for a player are stored in a player monitoring account.
Optionally, the player monitoring account is unique to the player.
[0033] In an optional embodiment, the registration process includes selecting or assigning a unique identifier for a user and establishing 112 a secure, unique player monitoring account on the mobile device to secure the executable program instructions and data used by the executable program instructions, such as player information and player preferences. For example, in an optional embodiment, a secure player monitoring account having multi-factor, secure authentication may prevent access to the executable program instructions and/or player information and player preferences without first verifying access through the user interface using, for example, a unique identifier and password. As may be appreciated, the executable program instructions may allow the player information, player preferences, password, or the like to be accessed and reset or updated.
[0034] For example, in an optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a user accesses 302 a monitoring method through an Internet browser on a mobile device 500. In such an optional embodiment, a user browses 304 to a hub home page where the user can access 306 public information, such as information about the service provider 308 and interactive features 310 such as tutorials or the like. The user may also be presented with an option to log in 314 to a private system which stores 312 the user's private information submitted at registration and developed through the user's play using the monitoring method. A determination 316 may be made as to the user's eligibility to access private data. Optionally, the same determination may be made as to the user's eligibility to use the system as illustrated in FIGS. I and 2. If the user is verified, the user may access 318 private data. A user may be presented with an option to log off 320 when the player is finished.
[0035] Returning to FIG. 2, as noted, in an optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may be configured 114 to allow the mobile device 500 to operate in a connected or non-connected mode. In one such optional embodiment, different data may be collected depending on the mode of operation. For example, in a connected mode, a player may establish and fund a gambling account. One such optional embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in greater detail below.
Continuing with the optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the user's identity may be verified 116 and a determination made 118 whether the user is eligible to gamble online. As noted above, in an alternate optional embodiment, the executable program instructions may be configured solely for offline use and, thus, there may be no need to determine whether a user is eligible to play online. However, in the optional embodiment of FIG. 2, a player ineligible to play online may be permitted to operate in a non-connected mode only.
[0036] Continuing with the optional, non-connected mode of FIG. 2, the executable program instructions may provide 120, 220 the user with secure access the secure, unique player monitoring account storing the user's player preferences and player information. The user may be presented 121 with information, such as help with the application, counseling, exclusion, gambling tutorials, and the like.
[0037] A gambling session is conducted 122, 222. As may be appreciated, a gambling session in a non-connected mode may be conducted in any manner, including on a non-connected gaming device, such as a slot machine, video poker machine, or other electronic gaming device, at a gaming table, or online at a personal computer, web-enabled television, or other device that does not communicate with the mobile device 500. It is also contemplated that non-connected gaming may be conducted on the mobile device 500 conducting the monitoring method, where the executable program instructions (e.g., application) executing the monitoring method does not cooperate with the executable program instructions or server conducting the gambling session.
[0038] A gambling session may be measured in any manner. For example, the gambling session may be initiated through the user interface 506, such as by actuating a "start" touchscreen button or the like. In another optional embodiment where the user must log into a player monitoring account (whether or not a secure player monitoring account), a gambling session may be initiated upon login. Similarly, the gambling session may be ended through the user interface 506, such as by actuating a "finish"
touchscreen button or the like, by logging out of a player monitoring account, or the like.
[0039] The gambling session is monitored 124. In one optional embodiment, the gambling session is monitored by monitoring gambling transactions and gambling status during the gambling session. The attributes monitored could include many different factors, such as one or more of the amount of wins or losses, amount of wagers, time elapsed, number of games played, the type of games played, or the like. In one optional embodiment, the gambling session may be monitored manually 226, such as by the user inputting gambling session data through the user interface. For example, the user may input wagers, losses, wins, the time the gambling session commenced, and so forth, thereby enabling the mobile device 500 executing the monitoring method to monitor the gambling session. Alternatively or additionally, the gambling session may be monitored automatically, such as by receiving gambling session data at the mobile device 500 via wireless or wired transmission, optical capture, or the like, It is noted that such an optional embodiment may not necessitate that the mobile device operate in a connected mode.
[0040] During the gambling session, the gambling session data are monitored for intervention points. For example, the gambling session data may be examined to determine net or gross losses, time elapsed, wagers placed, or the like and compared to intervention points set by the user and/or set automatically based on the gambling sub-type determined through the assessment of the user. Based on the intervention points, messages may be selected 128,228 and displayed to the player. Alternatively, messages may be generated based on the intervention point and/or limit reached and displayed to the player. In one optional embodiment, the messages may be informative in nature, e.g., informing the user of session status, gambling limits, and/or advice as appropriate to make the user aware of responsible gambling behavior and the possible risks of irresponsible gambling behavior as exhibited by reaching any intervention points. In an optional embodiment, the intervention points are selected and monitored through a session progression algorithm in the nature of an expert system that selects messages based on the nature of the gambling session event or status that triggers an intervention point. In one optional embodiment, the messages are prepared by experts in gambling behavior and are positively structured to achieve optimum protection results for the user.
[0041] At the end of a gambling session, reports of the gambling session may be prepared 130. In a further optional embodiment, gambling session data may be stored 132 on the mobile device 500 and/or transmitted 134 to a server 600. Again, this step may be conducted in either a connected mode or a non-connected mode, since the non-connected mode merely refers to the lack of communication between the mobile device 500 and any device that is used to conduct the gambling session. Thus, if the server 600 is used for storage and analysis, but not gambling, it may be utilized in both a connected and non-connected mode.
[0042] The gambling session data may be analyzed 136 for existing or developing user gambling issues. Specifically, a server processor 602 may execute program instructions stored in a server memory 604 to analyze session data for trends or other indicators of problem gambling or potential problem gambling. For example, in one optional embodiment, the data may be analyzed for gambling behavior of a user that may indicate a possible gambling problem. In one such optional embodiment, the data may be analyzed by a statistics analysis module to seek trends that follow patterns of behavior associated with problem gambling.
[0043] In a further optional embodiment, the analysis of gambling session data over one or more gambling sessions may be utilized in many ways. In an optional embodiment, feedback may be provided to users, such as additional messages making the user aware of the user's gambling behavior. In yet a further optional embodiment, the analysis of gambling session data may be used to revise the user's gambling sub-type selected based on the self-assessment. That is, if the gambling sub-type selected based on the self-assessment does not match the actual gambling behavior of the user, the application may revise the gambling sub-type assigned to the player based on the change or misclassification of the player's gambling sub-type. In an optional embodiment, the server 600 communicates the change in the player's gambling sub-type to the mobile device 500 which, in turn, may alter or change the messages and intervention points selected for the player based on the player's gambling sub-type and/or player preferences.
[0044] For example, in FIG. 4, a user may log into a server 600 using a mobile device 500. The login may initiate 402 an automatic exchange of data between the server 600 and mobile device 500. Once the user is verified, such as through a secure, unique account as discussed above, the mobile device 500 is provided secure access 404 to a master database. Any user data, including updates to player information, player preferences, data collected during a gambling session, and the like, may be stored 406 on the server 600 at a master database. Separate from the mobile device 500, the server 600 may include program instructions for analyzing 408 user data. The analysis may be used for a variety of purposes, including messages 410 to the user, updating or changing 412 the user's gambling sub-type, and/or providing 414 updates.
[00451 In another aspect of the present invention, the mobile device 500 may operate in a connected mode. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a mobile device SOO may communicate with a gaming device 700. As used herein, a gaming device 700 may include any electrical, mechanical, or computer device that conducts or assists in gaming.
Specifically, a gaming device 700 may take any form, including an Internet gaming host, an electronic gaming machine in a standalone or networked form, such as a slot machine, video poker machine, or the like, a handheld device, kiosk, or the like. In such an optional embodiment, a gaming device 700 may include a gaming device processor 702 executing program instructions stored at a gaming device memory 704 to conduct a game. Although FIG. 5 includes a "server" 600 in certain optional embodiments, it should not be interpreted to imply that the gaming device 700 could not be a server. To the contrary, it is contemplated that, in certain embodiments, the gaming device 700 may be a network server, file server, or otherwise form part of a network with the mobile devices 500 such as in an embodiment applied to Internet gaming in which the gaming device 700 may be a host server that conducts gaming, alone or with other devices in a network.
[0046] The mobile device 500 may communicate with the gaming device 700 for a variety of purposes. For example, the mobile device 500 may receive from. a gaming device 700, either directly or indirectly, data representing wins, losses, wagers, game outcomes, amounts deposited, amounts cashed out, time elapsed, number of hands and/or games played, game play rate (such as hands and/or games per hour), or other game play data.
[0047] In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 and gaming device 700 may communicate wirelessly in a local area network ("LAN") using a protocol such as WI-FiTM, in a wide area network ("WAN") using a protocol such as 3G, 40, W-CDIVIA, or other wireless broadband protocol, or using any other wireless communication system.
In an alternate optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 and gaming device 700 may communicate via a wired connection such as universal serial bus ("USB") or the like.
[0048] As discussed above, a server 600 may also communicate with the mobile device 500 and/or the gaming device 700. It is contemplated that the server 600 in such an optional embodiment may aid in conducting games or may be independent of any gaming activity.
[0049] Although a method could take many different forms, in an optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, many of the steps of a method conducted in a connected mode, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 1, may remain the same as the steps of a method conducted in a non-connected mode, an example of which is illustrated in FIG.2 and was described above, In this description of FIG. 1, only those steps differing between FIG. 2 (described in greater detail above) and FIG. 1 are described herein rather than reiterating the discussion above. However, this should be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting, as a method could be implemented within the scope of the claims for a connected method without necessarily relying on all the steps described in FIGS. 1 and/or FIG. 2 herein.
[0050] According to an optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. I, a user may establish 123 a gambling account. The gambling account may be any type of financial account, In an optional embodiment, the gambling account is used to fund wagers and receiving pay outs. In an alternate optional embodiment, the gambling account may be used to fund wagers with pay outs sent elsewhere.
[0051] In an optional embodiment, the gambling account is established by collecting user information and funding 125 the gambling account. In an optional embodiment, the user information for the gambling account may include, or may be drawn from, the player information collected from the player to establish the player's monitoring account. Alternatively or additionally, user information for a gambling account may be collected through a form or other interactive process independent of, or in addition to, the form or interactive process used to collect player information and/or player preferences as discussed above. For example, in an optional embodiment, a credit check may be conducted.
[0052] The gambling account may take any form. For example, the gambling account may be a deposit account, i.e., money is deposited into the gambling account and debited as it is used, a credit account, i.e., credit is extended to the user who repays the credit according to a credit agreement, or any other type of financial account. The gambling account may be stored and maintained on a server 600, a financial institution system, a gaming operator or gaming host system, or the like.
[0053] It is noted that a gambling account is not essential to a connected mode and that, in an alternate optional embodiment, it is contemplated that a mobile device 500 may communicate with a gaming device 700 without necessarily using a gambling account to fund wagers. In such an optional embodiment, wagers may be funded in any other fashion, including cash, vouchers, tickets, prepaid cards, debit or credit cards, or the like. Similarly, payouts may take any form, such as a deposit into a deposit account, credit, electronic funds transfer to a bank account, added value to a prepaid or stored value account or card, or the like. In an optional embodiment, the gambling account is reconciled 140 at the end of a gambling session by transferring funds to or from the gambling account based on the user's play.
[0054] In an optional embodiment including a gambling account, a single login may be used for a user to log into his or her player monitoring account and gambling account.
Alternatively, separate log in processes may be conducted for the player monitoring account and gambling account. For example, where the gambling account and player monitoring account are maintained separately (such as a player monitoring account maintained on a mobile device 500 and a gambling account maintained on a financial institution system), separate logins may be required.
[0055] As noted above, a gambling session may be defined based on the login and logout from a player monitoring account. In additional or alternate optional embodiments, a gambling session may be defined based on the login and logout from a gambling account. While these may be the same events in some optional embodiments, where the player monitoring account and gambling account are maintained separately, either or both events may be used to measure a gambling session.
[0056] During the gambling session, session data are received at the mobile device 500 from the gaming device 700. In an optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 conducts the monitoring method alone, i.e., solely determines whether intervention points are reached and displays messages to the user. In an alternate optional embodiment, the mobile device 500 cooperates with a server 600 to conduct a monitoring method. In either case, as discussed above, occurrences of intervention points may trigger messages selected for the user based on the user's gambling sub-type and/or the player preferences selected by the user, Additionally or alternatively, intervention points may trigger intervention by the mobile device 500, server 600, and/or gaming device 700 in the gambling session. For example, exceeding time or budgetary limits may result in the termination of the user's access to the gaming device 700 or the gambling account, thereby preventing the user from continuing the gambling session. In this regard, it is contemplated that a connected mode may be voluntary, i.e., the user chooses whether to heed messages generated at intervention points, involuntary, i.e., messages are accompanied by actions by the mobile device 500, server 600, and/or gaming device 700 to end a gambling session, or a combination of voluntary and involuntary, e.g., a user may set a player preference of voluntary and involuntary intervention points.
[0057] In an optional embodiment, session data may be collected and transmitted to a server 600 for analysis and feedback, such that the user's gambling sub-type may be tailored in a recursive process to match the intervention points with the player's actual behavior.
[0058] While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described it is to be understood that the present invention is subject to many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention presented herein.
Claims (20)
1. A method of monitoring gaming implemented on a mobile device having a data processor in communication with a display, user interface, and memory storing in non-transient data storage executable program instructions for a method comprising:
receiving player information through said user interface;
assessing said player information by said data processor to determine a gambling sub-type;
setting an initial set of messages and intervention points by said data processor based on said gambling sub-type determined by said data processor;
receiving player preferences through said user interface, said player preferences including at least one gambling limit, and storing said player preferences in a player monitoring account accessible to said data processor;
monitoring by said data processor of session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in said gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits; and displaying a message by said data processor at said mobile device display based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during said gambling session.
receiving player information through said user interface;
assessing said player information by said data processor to determine a gambling sub-type;
setting an initial set of messages and intervention points by said data processor based on said gambling sub-type determined by said data processor;
receiving player preferences through said user interface, said player preferences including at least one gambling limit, and storing said player preferences in a player monitoring account accessible to said data processor;
monitoring by said data processor of session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in said gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits; and displaying a message by said data processor at said mobile device display based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during said gambling session.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said mobile device is in communication with a server, said method further comprising:
transmitting session data monitored during said gambling session from said mobile device to said server; and assessing said session data for problem gambling.
transmitting session data monitored during said gambling session from said mobile device to said server; and assessing said session data for problem gambling.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
establishing a secure, unique player monitoring account on said mobile device securing at least said player information and player preferences; and verifying access to said secure, unique player monitoring account through said user interface.
establishing a secure, unique player monitoring account on said mobile device securing at least said player information and player preferences; and verifying access to said secure, unique player monitoring account through said user interface.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring said session data comprises receiving session data through said user interface.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said gambling session is conducted at a gaming device and said step of monitoring said session data comprises:
generating session data at said gaming device; and receiving session data at said data processor from said gaming device.
generating session data at said gaming device; and receiving session data at said data processor from said gaming device.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said message is selected from a database of stored messages.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said message is constructed based on said intervention point.
8. A mobile device comprising:
a data processor;
a display in communication with said data processor;
a user interface in communication with said data processor; and memory in communication with said data processor adapted to store executable program instructions for conducting a method of monitoring gaming, said method comprising:
receiving player information through said user interface;
assessing said player information by said data processor to determine a gambling sub-type;
setting an initial set of messages and intervention points by said data processor based on said gambling sub-type determined by said data processor;
receiving player preferences through said user interface, said player preferences including at least one gambling limit, and storing said player preferences in a player monitoring account accessible to said data processor;
monitoring by said data processor of session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in said gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits; and displaying a message by said data processor at said mobile device display based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during said gambling session.
a data processor;
a display in communication with said data processor;
a user interface in communication with said data processor; and memory in communication with said data processor adapted to store executable program instructions for conducting a method of monitoring gaming, said method comprising:
receiving player information through said user interface;
assessing said player information by said data processor to determine a gambling sub-type;
setting an initial set of messages and intervention points by said data processor based on said gambling sub-type determined by said data processor;
receiving player preferences through said user interface, said player preferences including at least one gambling limit, and storing said player preferences in a player monitoring account accessible to said data processor;
monitoring by said data processor of session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in said gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits; and displaying a message by said data processor at said mobile device display based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during said gambling session.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said mobile device is in communication with a server, said method stored at said memory further comprising:
transmitting session data monitored during said gambling session from said mobile device to said server; and assessing said session data for problem gambling.
transmitting session data monitored during said gambling session from said mobile device to said server; and assessing said session data for problem gambling.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein said method stored at said memory further comprises:
establishing a secure player monitoring account on said mobile device securing at least said player information and player preferences; and verifying access to said secure player monitoring account through said user interface.
establishing a secure player monitoring account on said mobile device securing at least said player information and player preferences; and verifying access to said secure player monitoring account through said user interface.
11. The device of claim 8 wherein said method step of monitoring said session data comprises receiving session data through said user interface.
12. The device of claim 8 wherein said gambling session is conducted at a gaming device and said method step of monitoring said session data comprises:
generating session data at said gaming device; and receiving session data at said data processor from said gaming device.
generating session data at said gaming device; and receiving session data at said data processor from said gaming device.
13. The device of claim 8 wherein said data processor is adapted to select said message from a database of stored messages.
14. The device of claim 8 wherein said data processor is adapted to construct said message based on said intervention point.
15. A system comprising:
a mobile device comprising:
a data processor;
a display in communication with said data processor;
a user interface in communication with said data processor; and memory in communication with said data processor adapted to store executable program instructions for conducting a method of monitoring gaming, said method comprising:
receiving player information through said user interface;
assessing said player information by said data processor to determine a gambling sub-type;
setting an initial set of messages and intervention points by said data processor based on said gambling sub-type determined by said data processor;
receiving player preferences through said user interface, said player preferences including at least one gambling limit, and storing said player preferences in a player monitoring account accessible to said data processor;
monitoring by said data processor of session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in said gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits; and displaying a message by said data processor at said mobile device display based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during said gambling session; and a server in communication with said mobile device, said server comprising:
a server processor; and server memory in communication with said server processor adapted to store executable program instructions to receive session data monitored during said gambling session from said mobile device at said server processor and assess said session data for problem gambling.
a mobile device comprising:
a data processor;
a display in communication with said data processor;
a user interface in communication with said data processor; and memory in communication with said data processor adapted to store executable program instructions for conducting a method of monitoring gaming, said method comprising:
receiving player information through said user interface;
assessing said player information by said data processor to determine a gambling sub-type;
setting an initial set of messages and intervention points by said data processor based on said gambling sub-type determined by said data processor;
receiving player preferences through said user interface, said player preferences including at least one gambling limit, and storing said player preferences in a player monitoring account accessible to said data processor;
monitoring by said data processor of session data representing the status of a gambling session and transactions occurring in said gambling session for occurrences of intervention points and gambling limits; and displaying a message by said data processor at said mobile device display based on any intervention points and gambling limits occurring during said gambling session; and a server in communication with said mobile device, said server comprising:
a server processor; and server memory in communication with said server processor adapted to store executable program instructions to receive session data monitored during said gambling session from said mobile device at said server processor and assess said session data for problem gambling.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein said method stored at said memory of said mobile device further comprises:
establishing a secure, unique player monitoring account on said mobile device securing at least said player information and player preferences; and verifying access to said secure player monitoring account through said user interface.
establishing a secure, unique player monitoring account on said mobile device securing at least said player information and player preferences; and verifying access to said secure player monitoring account through said user interface.
17. The system of claim 15 wherein said method step conducted by said mobile device of monitoring said session data comprises receiving session data through said user interface.
18. The system of claim 15 further comprising:
a gaming device in communication with said mobile device comprising:
a gaming device data processor; and a gaming device memory in communication with said gaining device data processor adapted to store executable program instructions to conduct said gambling session, generate session data at said gaming device, and transmit session data from said gaming device to said mobile device.
a gaming device in communication with said mobile device comprising:
a gaming device data processor; and a gaming device memory in communication with said gaining device data processor adapted to store executable program instructions to conduct said gambling session, generate session data at said gaming device, and transmit session data from said gaming device to said mobile device.
19. The system of claim 15 wherein said data processor is adapted to select said message from a database of stored messages.
20. The system of claim 15 wherein said data processor is adapted to construct said message based on said intervention point.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2815130A CA2815130A1 (en) | 2013-05-07 | 2013-05-07 | System, method, and device for monitoring gaming |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2815130A CA2815130A1 (en) | 2013-05-07 | 2013-05-07 | System, method, and device for monitoring gaming |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2815130A1 true CA2815130A1 (en) | 2014-11-07 |
Family
ID=51862786
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2815130A Abandoned CA2815130A1 (en) | 2013-05-07 | 2013-05-07 | System, method, and device for monitoring gaming |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2815130A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2022077072A1 (en) * | 2020-10-15 | 2022-04-21 | Ben Brogan Pty Ltd | System and method for managing use of a plurality of online gambling services |
-
2013
- 2013-05-07 CA CA2815130A patent/CA2815130A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2022077072A1 (en) * | 2020-10-15 | 2022-04-21 | Ben Brogan Pty Ltd | System and method for managing use of a plurality of online gambling services |
| GB2615259A (en) * | 2020-10-15 | 2023-08-02 | Ben Brogan Pty Ltd | System and method for managing use of a plurality of online gambling services |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20150410 |
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| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20191224 |