GB2296990A

GB2296990A - Money-operated gaming device facility

Info

Publication number: GB2296990A
Application number: GB9600107A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Gauselmann
Original assignee: ASP Gauselmann GmbH
Current assignee: ASP Gauselmann GmbH
Priority date: 1995-01-13
Filing date: 1996-01-04
Publication date: 1996-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2016-01-04
Also published as: ES2119670B1; ES2119670A1; GB9600107D0; DE19500806A1; NL1002081A1; GB2296990B; NL1002081C2; DE19500806C2

Description

1 2296990 A METHOD FOR OPERATING A MONEY-OPERATED GANIING DEVICE FACILITY

AND A GAMING DEVICE EACILITY The invention relates to a method for operating a moncy-operated gaming device facility and to a gaming device facility for implementing the method, composed of a stationary central device with a money processing apparatus and a central computer-controlled apparatus for receiving, processing and transferring data and further of a plurality of portable, mobile gaming devices with display fields typical for the game, a drive with rotating bodies carrying the winning symbols, operating keys and a computer-controlled apparatus for receiving, processing and transferring data, wherein the gaming devices can be linked to the central device for mutual transfer of data.

With a known gaming device of this type (EP-0 582 965 A2), four plug-in racks are provided in the stationarily installed central device, into which the portable, mobile gaming devices can be inserted, for which battery operation is also provided. Once inserted, the individual gaming devices are linked bidirectionally, in the sense of data transfer, with the central device via a plug and socket connection serving as an interface. Apart from the fact that with this basic design the number of individual mobile gaming devices which can be accommodated is limited with respect to a manageable size of central device, although several players in different places can play on one gaming device, from the point of view of its basic design and the method of its operation the whole concept of the facility is designed for the players and the individual gaming devices as a rule to still be in the same room as the central device, as is the case, for example, with a public house or at best in adjacent rooms.

Communication between the individual gaming devices and the central device is provided simply in that after insertion of a certain amount of money into the money processing apparatus of the central device, the credit is registered with the gaming device selected. If after the game is terminated the individual gaming device is plugged back into the plug- in rack of the central device, a transfer of data takes place with the central money processing apparatus concerning any credit still available, concerning the winnings or the like. In this example it is also provided that the 2 central device and money processing apparatus is provided with a memory for user cards, with the possibility of coding the user cards corresponding to an amount of money inserted. A user card reading apparatus is then located in the mobile gaming device. The transferring back of credit data to the money processing apparatus of the central device can take place with the aid of the user card. The individual gaming devices also have inter alia their own credit display system. For the configuration with user cards, the credit can also be displayed at the central device with the aid of the user card. To prevent tampering during operation of the game, it is provided simply that when the individual gaming device is taken too far away from the central device, an optical andlor acoustic alarm is triggered, or when the room in which the central device is located is left, an alarm is triggered.

A comparable gaming device facility is further shown in US 5 096 195. In this, a plurality of individual gaming devices can be accommodated in a carrying rack which can be transported and also comprises the central device. In this case also, the basic concept of the facility is directed towards the player not leaving the room in which the central device is located. In this case, staff are even provided for issuing the individual gaming devices and calculating any winnings. As an example, the use of such a gaming device facility on an aeroplane is emphasised.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method for operating a money-operated gaming device facility, comprising a stationary central device with a money processing apparatus and a computer-controlled apparatus for receiving, processing and transferring data, and further comprising a plurality of portable gaming devices with display fields typical for the games, carriers with win symbols connected to a drive, and an operating keyboard and a computer-controlled apparatus for determining, processing and transferring data, wherein the gaming devices can be linked to the central device for mutual transfer of data, wherein the credit data established after insertion of money is transferred to one or more gaming devices directly and/or via a data carrier, the gaming devices are operated in the sense of playing the game, in particular also at a location remote from the central device, while in the gaming devices the playing credit or the game winnings are processed in the manner normal for the game and at the same time additional control data is 3 determined and stored, and after termination of the playing operation the control data is also transferred with the credit data for possible determination of winnings to the central device, and is tested for validity in the central device and if found to be faulty the determination and issuing of winnings is blocked.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, in addition to the input and used credit data and the data relating to given winnings, the playing times and number of games is registered as control data, and then transferred to the central device and tested herein for validity in the sense of realistic possibility. By virtue of a transfer of control data of this type, and the testing for validity thereof tampering is excluded as far as possible, as according to the pre-determined winnings system of the gaming facility and with a given length of playing time, only a certain number of games, and thereby only a certain final winnings can be genuine.

Ilis security against tampering for the supplier of the gaming facility removes the need to confine the player to a specific, controllable, playing location. In particular in the hotel industry, there are many guests who dislike playing in the public room usually provided for the purpose. Ille individual playing devices can now easily be taken away, for example to the hotel room, where the player can use them at will, in the manner desired, without being observed and in peace.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a gaming device facility for implementing the method according to claim 1, with a central device containing a money processing apparatus and a central computer- controlled apparatus for receiving, processing and transferring data, in particular credit and winnings data, and with a plurality of gaming devices with display fields typical for the games, with elements carrying the win symbols connected to a drive, an operating keyboard normal for the game, and a computer-controlled apparatus for sensing, processing and transferring data, wherein the gaming devices can be linked to the central device for bidirectional transfer of data, wherein the computer- controlled control apparatus of the gaming devices is provided with a unit for registering, storing and transferring additional control data such as the playing time and number of games in addition to the credit and winnings data, and the control apparatus of the central device is provided with an additional unit for registering, storing and testing these 4 additional control data, which for its part is connected to an apparatus for blocking the determination and issue of winnings of the money processing apparatus of the central device.

Such a method and a gaming device facility for implementing the method can, on the one hand, give the supplier of the facility a high degree of security against tampering, and on the other hand can give the player a high degree of freedom with respect to his preferred playing location.

Further preferred embodiments are characterised in the appended subclaims. With respect to the device, an embodiment should be emphasised according to which when a data carrier is used which is to be coded with respect to the credit by the control apparatus of the central device after money is inserted, this data carrier itself has a credit display device. The individual mobile gaining devices can in this way be constructed without a credit display apparatus and therefore simplified from the point of view of construction, without the player having to go to the central device to have an indication of credit still available.

A further embodiment to be emphasised with respect to the device is provided, in each gaming device, additionally with a money refilling apparatus, with which a quantitatively limited refilling of the gaming device for raising the playing credit is possible independently of the central device, wherein only one type of coin can be inserted and tested and any types of coin other than the type determined are given out again. Moreover, to reduce the weight of the gaming device, only a very limited number of coins can be inserted in the gaming device and intermediately stored, and the gaming device equipped with a money refill apparatus has no payment apparatus.

In a further embodiment a gaming device can be equipped with a receipt printer which makes the data from the game operation relevant to the user and credit data printable.

Ilie invention is diagrammatically illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transportable gaming device of a gaming device facility according to the invention and a data carrier for implementation thereof; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a central device of the gaming device facility, with a first door opened; Figure 3 shows a central station of the gaming device facility with the central device, adjacently arranged holders and transportable gaming devices arranged therein; Figure 4 is a block diagram of control apparatus of the transportable gaming device; and Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control apparatus of the central device.

Referring to the drawings, a gaming device facility is composed of a stationarily installed central device 1 and a plurality of mobile, transportable gaming devices 2. Adjacent to the central device 1, on both sides, there is a corresponding number of holders 3 in which the gaming devices 2 can be stored while at the same time being in contact with the central device 1, as will later be described in more detail.

In principle, as many gaming devices 2 as desired can be stored adjacent to the central device 1. In the embodiment shown, only six assigned holders 3 are displayed.

Ile gaming devices 2 are advantageously operated by an accumulator 30. Tle accumulators 30 of the gaming devices 2 are recharged by an appropriate power supply unit in the central device 1 when they are inserted in the holder 3. Ilic gaining devices 2 advantageously have a closed metal housing 4, preferably made from aluminium with a hard glass front screen 5.

Because, as will later be described in detail, there can be no coin or paper money transactions, in an embodiment with the individual gaming devices 2, the keys typical for the game are arranged in appropriate apertures in the front screen 5, for example two risk keys 6, a start key 7 and two stop keys 8. Ilie front screen further includes the usual risk ladders and request fields and viewing windows for elements showing the winnings which are, for example, fixed to three rotating bodies in the form of rollers 9, which are each connected to a drive motor.

In another embodiment of the gaming devices, they are equipped with a limited money refill apparatus 28, which as will now be explained in more detail, makes possible a limited refilling of the gaming device 2 independently of the central device 1. For this, as well as for a receipt printer which may be provided in addition, 6 suitable apertures are provided in the easily grasped area of the housing of the gaming device 2.

The gaming devices 2 have an approximately triangular cross-section and on the upper surface thereof an integrated carrying handle 10 running cross-wise across the width which is arranged together with the components of the gaining device 2 so that when transported hanging from the arm, the gaming device does not come within the range of movement of the legs. In the carrying handle 10 of the gaming device 2, there is provided a slot 11 for introducing the data carrier in the form of a chip card 12 with connecting unit 37, the function of which will later be described in more detail.

The internal technical design of the gaming device 2 substantially corresponds to the normal design of money-operated gaming devices. However, in one embodiment in particular any type of money processing apparatus is omitted, so that in this way the weight and the size of the gaming device 2 can be kept small. Also, in another embodiment with a limited money refill apparatus without complicated intermediate storage of different types of coin, even when the money refill apparatus of the gaming device 2 is completely full the weight is so low that it is easy to handle and transport. Advantageously, instead of the usual incandescent lamps for the illumination of the risk ladders and other display elements, high-efficiency LED's are used which combine the advantage of a low voltage consumption with an unlimited lifespan and consequently only place a small load on the accumulator 30 located in the gaming device. In an advantageous embodiment the mobile gaming devices can be operated in an auxiliary manner by a plug-in power supply unit 21 when the accumulator 30 is exhausted. The gaming devices 2 contain no charging device for the accumulator 30 as re-charging takes place during storage in the holders 3 via the corresponding power supply unit of the central device 1.

The mobile gaming devices 2 further contain a computer-controllcd control apparatus for receiving, processing and transferring data, firstly the normal data for the game, and in particular the credit data transferred from the central device 1 and/or the chip card 12, as well as the winnings data resulting from operation of the game and possible data about the refilling of the gaming device by means of the money 7 refilling apparatus 28.

It is essential to the invention that the control apparatus of the mobile gaming devices 2 also contains a registering, storage and transfer unit for control data, and in particular, in an advantageous embodiment, for the playing time and number of games 5 played.

The computer-controlled control apparatus of the gaming device 2 is connected conductively to contacts 13. On the holders 3, the counter contacts 13a for the contacts 13 of the individual gaming devices 2 are provided at corresponding points, which for their part are conductively connected to a computer-controlled control apparatus of the central device 1 and the power supply unit of the central device 1. lle contacts 13 and their counter contacts 13a are of the type which enables bidirectional data traffic between the gaming devices 2 and the central device 1 and, in addition, recharging of the accumulators 30 of the gaming devices 2 through the power supply unit of the central device 1 at the same time. From the electrical point of view, pulsed current charging is used, wherein pulse modulation can be used simultaneously for data transfer.

The central device 1 is advantageously configured as a solid steel cabinet 14 in which, in particular, the money processing apparatus is provided. The steel cabinet 14 is additionally protected by a first safe door 15 with multiple locking and a special purpose lock. lle computer-controlled control apparatus of the central device 1, which is in particular linked to the money processing apparatus and is also linked to the counter contacts 13a on the holders 3 for the contacts 13 of the individual gaming devices 2, is also located in the steel cabinet 14.

The money processing apparatus of the central device 1 contains the usual money unit with an electronic coin tester, a note acceptor, the usual apparatus for registering and issuing any winnings notified by the gaming devices 2 in the data transfer, and optionally a thermal printer for the issuing of receipts or the like. Furthermore, a connecting unit for the processing of the chip card 12 is provided. In the safe door 15 of the steel cabinet 14 of the central device 1 there is provided, for example, in addition to a coin insertion slot 16, a note insertion slot 17 as well as, if desired, an insertion slot 18 for credit cards.

8 The safe door 15 is covered, as an additional security measure, with a further cover door 19. The cover door 19 serves to include the indicating elements, in particular a dot matrix indicator and incandescent lamps and further to include the usual written graphics.

In the cover door 19 there is further located an apparatus 21 for processing the data carrier in the form of the chip card 12, which can be supplied to this apparatus 21 through a slot 22. The apparatus 21 for processing the chip card 12 makes possible the transfer of the credit data delivered from the money processing apparatus via the connecting unit 37 to the chip card 12, and the reading of the chip card 12 after termination of the game, with respect to any remaining credit and winnings. The chip card 12 contains a writable and erasable data store which manages without battery operation. Tbc chip card 12 further has a strengthened grip 23 which at the same time serves to include an LCD indicator 24 for the current credit status, so that the gaming devices 2 can be left without a credit indicating apparatus. A credit indicating apparatus 25 is further located in the cover door 19 of the central device 1. The display of the credit by the LCD indicator of the chip card 12 takes place as long as card sits in an associated slot 22 of the central device 1, 11 or of a game device 2. Being equipped with the LCD indicator allows the chip card 12 to also be configured without batteries and therefore needing no servicing.

The computer-controlled control apparatus of the central device 1 housed in the steel cabinet 14 of the central device 1 contains, in addition to the units for registering, storing and processing the usual game data, including credit and winnings data, also a unit for registering and testing the control data additionally transferred from the gaming devices 2 after replacement in a holder 3, in particular the playing time and the number of games played, and advantageously in connection with a signal for each of the chip cards 12 issued for operating the game. It is consequently important for the method for operating the game device facility, that this control data is, on the one hand, registered and stored in the individual gaming devices 2, then transferred to the central device I and tested there for validity, validity being in the sense of realistic possibility. When a specific playing time is determined for a specific chip card issued, and a specific number of games determined for this playing 9 time, with respect to the pre-dctermined winning schedules of the system there are only specific amounts of winnings within the range of realistic possibilities and thus plausibility. If the testing then results in numbers of games within the playing time which are not plausible, or amounts of winnings which are not plausible for this playing time and this number of games, a fault in the devices or tampering with the gaming device 2 and/or the chip card 12 has occurred. If such a thing is determined, according to the method, the processing of the winnings, in particular the issue of winnings, is blocked. With respect to the device, the unit for registering and testing the transferred control data of the gaming device 2 in the computer controlled control apparatus of the central device 1 is consequently also linked to the winnings calculating and issuing unit in order that its functioning is blocked when necessary.

In order to provide comfortable handling and accessibility to all of the elements of central device 1 including the components in the steel cabinet 14, in an advantageous embodiment the cover door 19 is fixed pivotably onto the safe door 15, on the side which is opposite the pivotable mounting of the safe door 15 itself on the steel cabinet 14.

The apparatus 21 for processing the chip card 12 and the credit card display apparatus 25 in the cover door 19 are advantageously connected to the control apparatus in the steel cabinet 14 of the central device I by means of touch contacts making contact when the cover door 19 is closed. For this, touch contacts 26 can be provided on the safe door 15 and touch contacts 27 on the apparatus 21.

Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the control unit of the transportable gaming device. Ibc gaming device 2 includes two accumulators 30 which are supplied by means of the current supply 32. The current supply 32 receives energy, on the one hand, from the central device 1, via the contact surfaces 13 on the left and right of the gaming device 2, when it is put into said central device, and on the other hand the gaming device 2 can be supplied via a plug connection 31 with a current supply unit arranged externally thereto, which is connected on the power supply unit side. 'nc illumination elements on the series winning schedule 36, preferably in the form of LED's, as well as the further display means, the connecting units 37 for the contact-frce chip card 12, the loudspeaker control 38 and the control unit 35 of the gaming device 2 together with the computer unit 35 arranged thereon, arc supplied by the current supply unit 32. Furthermore, there is current supply to the step motors 33 for driving the plate or roller shaped display means 9, the game counter 39 arranged on the gaming device side, and optionally the serial interface and respectively the issuing point for an intcgratable printer. The computer unit 35 includes a battery supported data store 40 and a program and sound data store 41.

In Figure 5 a block diagram of the control unit of the central device 1 is shown. Functional components not explained in more detail occur in an analogue manner in the construction of the gaming device 2. The central device 1 includes a charging control 50 for two gaming devices 2, a connecting unit 37 for the contact- free chip card 12, an apparatus 42 for receiving and issuing coins, a control unit 44 for the central device 1 with a computer unit 45, to which a battery supported data store 40 and a program data and sound data store 41 are assigned. Furthermore, the central device 1 includes game counters 39, a serial interface 43 and an issuing point 46 for a further printer. An acceptor 48 and a receipt printer 49 are also each supplied with the respective current by the power supply unit 47 of the central device 1. The two contact surfaces 13a here for transferring energy and data for each gaming device 1 arc connected to the charge control 50. If a plurality of mobile gaming devices 2 have to be served by the central device 1, the charge control 50 is adjusted in cascade to the respective number of game devices.

The possibilities of operation of a gaming device facility of this type will be shown briefly in context. Tle initial situation is the storage of completely charged gaming devices 2 in the holders 3 on the central device 1. Credits are not awarded. General information in the form of advertising text is passed through the dot matrix display 20 of the central device 1. When a player inserts coins or a note, optionally also a credit card, the validated amount is credited in the credit store of the money processing unit of the central device 1, but not yet allocated to any of the gaming devices. After pressing the start key 7 of the gaming device 2 desired, activation of the central device 1 and the gaming device 2 takes place such that the central device 1 can now transfer this credit to the gaming device 2. The central device 1 notes the allocation of credit and the gaming device 2 selected. Tlic gaming device 2 is 11 consequently ready for playing, but begins a game only when the player presses the start key a second time. A data carrier in the form of a chip card 12 is not required for this game operation with the gaming device 2 in the holder 3 and connected to the central device 1. As a result a normal game operation can take place when the gaming device 2 is located in its holder 3.

According to the method, a credit provided in the central device 1 can also be distributed between two gaming devices 2, to the same extent, as desired. For this a step-wise credit transfer to the gaming devices 2 is provided. 711e step-wise transfer to a first gaming device occurs as long as its start key is pressed. When the desired amount is reached, the start key is released and the start key of a second gaming device is held until the remaining amount of credit is transferred to this gaming device. A withdrawal or a reversal of an erroneously transferred credit can be carried out simply in that the gaming device 2 concerned is lifted briefly out of its holder and then re- inserted. With this, the pre-determined data transfer is initiated so that the appropriate credit returns there automatically.

Normal game operation can also be carried out at any other location as desired. For this it is also not necessary to pre-credit, via the central device, the mobile gaming device 2 taken. 71lis can happen just as well by means of the data carrier in the form of the chip card 12, to which the central device 1 has previously transferred credit according to the amount of money paid in.

After termination of the game operation which takes place as usual, the gaming device 2 is replaced in one of the holders 3. Data transfer, including the essential control data, then takes place between the gaming device 2 and the central device 1. If the testing of the transferred data, including the control data, in the central device 1 results in its validation, the determination of any remaining credit and any winnings and issuing thereof takes place in the central device 1.

In a further preferred embodiment, the gaming devices 2 can be provided additionally with a money refill apparatus 28, which allows a quantitatively limited refilling of the gaming device 2 independently of the central device 1 to raise the amount of playing credit. Tlese money refill apparatuses are set up to process only one type of coin, wherein this one type of coin can be tested for validity by a testing l-) apparatus 29 inside the money refill apparatus 28 in a simple manner, that is to say with limited costs in terms of technical equipment. In particular the insertion into the money refill apparatus 28 of types of coin other than those determined causes the testing apparatus 29 to directly reject the inappropriate coins without activation of the money-operated gaming device 2 or increasing of the playing credit.

The money refill apparatus 28 can also take only a very limited number of insertable coins which can be stored intermediately in the gaming device 2 in the manner known, in order not to increase the weight of the gaming device 2 unnecessarily. In this way the handling of the gaming device 2 and its size is only increased by an insignificant amount with respect to the embodiment without a money refill apparatus.

It is also provided that the money refill apparatus 28 cannot undertake any paying out of coins, as in this way the cost of the apparatus can again be limited. In particular it is advantageous that the money rcfill apparatus 28 of the game device 2 is connected to the unit for registering, storing and transferring of playing and credit data, and the data of the refilled amount of money are notified thereto. In this way this data can be transferred to the central device 1 when the moneyoperated gaming device 2 is coupled to the central device 1 and taken into consideration during calculation of the winnings pay-out.

Moreover, it is possible to provide a receipt printer additionally in the gaming devices, which allows the issuing of determinable playing andcredit data relevant to the user. In this way the user can have an idea of the current status of the money operated gaming device 2, for example also when the device is not operating properly or the like.

13

Claims

A method for operating a money-operated gaming device facility, comprising a stationary central device with a money processing apparatus and a computer-controlled apparatus for receiving, processing and transferring data, and further comprising a plurality of portable gaming devices with display fields typical for the games, carriers with win symbols connected to a drive, and an operating keyboard and a computer- controlled apparatus for determining, processing and transferring data, wherein the gaming devices can be linked to the central device for mutual transfer of data, wherein the credit data established after insertion of money is transferred to one or more gaming devices directly and/or via a data carrier, the gaming devices are operated in the sense of playing the game, in particular also at a location remote from the central device, while in the gaming devices the playing credit or the game winnings arc processed in the manner normal for the game and at the same time additional control data is determined and stored, and after termination of the playing operation the control data is also transferred with the credit data for possible determination of winnings to the central device, and is tested for validity in the central device and if found to be faulty the determination and issuing of winnings is blocked.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein in the gaming devices in addition to the input and used credit data and the data relating to given winnings, the playing times and number of games is determined and registered as control data, and then transferred to the central device after termination of the playing operation and tested therein for validity in the sense of realistic possibility.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein gaming devices operated by an accumulator are electrically conductively connected to the central device during storage therein and are recharged thereby.
4. A method according to claim 3, including a common recharging of the 14 accumulators and transfer of data between gaming devices and the central device.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein pulsed current charging of the accumulators is used simultaneously with pulse modulation for data transfer.
6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when there is a direct credit transfer from the central device to the gaming devices, this credit transfer is carried out in pre-detcrinined step magnitudes.
7. A gaming device facility for implementing the method according to claim 1, with a central device containing a money processing apparatus and a central computer-controlled apparatus for receiving, processing and transferring data, in particular credit and winnings data, and with a plurality of gaining devices with display fields typical for the games, with elements carrying the win symbols connected to a drive, an operating keyboard normal for the game, and a computer- controlled apparatus for sensing, processing and transferring data, wherein the gaming devices can be linked to the central device for bidirectional transfer of data, wherein the computer-controlled control apparatus of the gaming devices is provided with a unit for registering, storing and transferring additional control data such as the playing time and number of games in addition to the credit and winnings data, and the control apparatus of the central device is provided with an additional unit for registering, storing and testing these additional control data, which for its part is connected to an apparatus for blocking the determination and issue of winnings of the money processing apparatus of the central device.
8. A gaming device facility according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of holders is arranged spatially adjacent to the central device, in which the transportable gaming devices can be placed, wherein contacts for the bidirectional transfer of data are provided on the gaming devices, for which counter contacts are provided on the holders, which for their part are connected in a data-transferring manner to the control apparatus of the central device.
9. A gaming device facility according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein in the gaming devices, accumulators for operating them are arranged, which can be recharged by the power supply unit of the central device.
10. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the contacts of the gaining devices and the counter contacts on the holders are set out for simultaneous accumulator recharging and data transfer between the gaming devices and the central device.
11. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the central device is provided with an apparatus linked to its money processing apparatus, for processing a data carrier in the form of a chip card, the gaming devices are provided with a slot for inserting the chip card and further, an apparatus is provided for transferring the chip data to the control apparatus of the gaming devices.
12. A gaming device facility according to claim 11, wherein the chip card is provided with a grip in which a battery-free credit display apparatus is provided.
13. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein each of the gaming devices is provided with a carrying handle running across its width, and the slot for inserting the chip card is arranged in the carrying handle.
14. A gaming device facility according to claim 13, wherein the gaming devices are provided with a substantially triangular cross-section profile.
15. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein LED's are provided in the gaming devices for illumination.

16. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 7 to 15, wherein the gaming devices can additionally be operated by a plug-in power supply unit.
16
17. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 7 to 16, wherein the gaming devices additionally have a money refilling apparatus, which makes powible a quantitatively limited refilling of the gaming device for increasing the playing credit, independently of the central device.
18. A gaming device facility according to claim 17, wherein only one type of coin can be inserted in the money refill apparatus, which a testing apparatus of the money refill apparatus tests for validity in a simple manner.
19. A gaming device facility according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the testing apparatus rejects inappropriate types of coins without activating the money-operated gaming device.
20. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein only a very limited number of coins can be inserted in the money refill apparatus and stored intermediately in the gaming device.
21. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein pay out of coins is not provided by the money refill apparatus.
22. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the money refill apparatus of the gaming device is connected to a unit for registering, storing and transferring and transmits the refill data.
23. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 7 to 22, wherein a receipt printer is provided in the gaming devices which allows the issuing of determinable playing and credit data relevant to the user.
24. A gaming device facility according to any one of claims 7 to 23, wherein the 30 central device contains a steel cabinet secured by a safe door in which the money processing apparatus is arranged and wherein a coin insertion slot and a note insertion 17 slot and optionally also a credit card insertion slot are provided in the safe door.
25. A gaming device facility according to claim 24, wherein a cover door is arranged in front of the safe door, in which, in addition to illuminating elements, an apparatus for processing the chip card, a slot for inserting the chip card and a credit display apparatus are arranged.
26. A gaming device facility according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the apparatus for processing the chip card and the credit display apparatus in the cover door are connected via touch contacts which make contact with touch contacts in the safe door when the cover door is closed, to the computer- controlled control apparatus of the central device in the steel cabinet.
27. A gaming device facility according to claim 24, wherein the cover door is fixed in a pivotably-movable manner to the safe door and on the side opposite the side by which the safe door itself is pivotably fixed to the steel cabinet.
28. A method for operating a money-operated gaming device facility as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described.
29. A gaming device facility substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.