GB2373739A

GB2373739A - Method and apparatus for playing a game

Info

Publication number: GB2373739A
Application number: GB0108130A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Willis
Original assignee: GALA LEISURE PLC
Current assignee: GALA LEISURE PLC
Priority date: 2001-03-31
Filing date: 2001-03-31
Publication date: 2002-10-02
Also published as: GB0108130D0

Abstract

Apparatus for controlling the playing of a game, the apparatus comprising a central computer server 2 having a memory 3 for storing player identities and monetary values associated with respective players. A multiplicity of smart cards are distributed to players, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value. A plurality of player consoles 4 are provided, each console 4 having at least one smart card reader/writer 6 for reading data from and writing data to a smart card inserted into the reader/writer 6, wherein a player may enter a game by authorising a game entrance fee to be deducted from the monetary value stored on his or her smart card, each player console 4 being coupled to the central server 2 to allow synchronisation of the monetary values stored on the smart cards and the memory 3 of the central server 2.

Description

Method and Apparatus for Playing a Game Commercial bingo operations generally require players to pay for individual games using cash. Traditionally, a player would purchase a bingo card for a particular game, the card containing a set of numbers to be matched by the player against numbers announced by a bingo caller. Whilst these games are still played, more recently sophisticated cash payment systems have been introduced into bingo clubs and comprise a coin receiving mechanism located at each playing position. Each of the coin receiving mechanisms is coupled to a central computer. When a player inserts coins of sufficient value into the mechanism at his or her position, a message is sent from the mechanism to the central computer and the player is entered into the game. These playing systems are usually used with"shutter board"games where each player has a shutter board and moves the shutters to cover and uncover numbers as they are called.

Many bingo clubs are large concerns and may hold considerable amounts of cash at any given time. Such clubs are understandably concerned about this situation and would wish to reduce the amount of cash on their premises. Clubs are also striving to provide their customers with a more user friendly environment and this is not always possible where players must always have cash on their persons (and more particularly coins accepted by coin receiving mechanisms).

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate the disadvantages of known gaming systems. This and other objects are achieved at least in part by providing a gaming system in which games may be paid for using smart cards, and winnings may be paid onto smart cards.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for controlling the playing of a game, the apparatus comprising: a central computer server having a memory for storing player identities and monetary values associated with respective players;

a multiplicity of smart cards for distribution to players, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value ; and a plurality of player consoles, each console having at least one smart card reader/writer for reading data from and writing data to a smart card inserted into the reader/writer, wherein a player may enter a game by authorising a game entrance fee to be deducted from the monetary value stored on his or her smart card, each player console being coupled to the central server to allow synchronisation of the monetary values stored on the smart cards and the memory of the central server.

Preferably, the player consoles are coupled to a game controller. The player consoles are arranged to notify the game controller of players in a game. The game controller may be arranged to confirm win claims received from player consoles and to return win values to consoles. The consoles are arranged to credit players'smart cards with win values.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one smart card enquiry and charge station having a smart card reader/writer. The station comprises a cash receiving device arranged to receive cash inserted by a player. The station is arranged to credit the monetary value stored on a card using the card reader/writer.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one smart card authorisation station comprising a smart card reader/writer. The smart card authorisation station is arranged, via the smart card reader/writer, to authorise a smart card for subsequent use in a game. The smart card authorisation station is coupled to the central server and is arranged to confirm that the card is a valid card and that the monetary value stored on the card corresponds to the value stored in the memory of the central server. A card may be authorised by writing an expiry time onto the card. Each player console may be arranged to accept payment from a card only if the time stamp stored on the card is later than the current time.

It will be appreciated that the term"server"as used here describes a data storage and processing system which serves a set of player consoles. Typically one server is provided per gaming club. The server may however comprise a single computer workstation or a collection of several workstations coupled together.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the playing of a game, the method comprising the steps of : storing a monetary value on a player smart card and in the memory of a central server; deducting the cost of a game from the monetary value stored on the smart card using a smart card reader/writer of a player console; and synchronising the monetary value stored in the memory of the central server with the value on the smart card via a link between the central server and the player console.

Preferably, the method comprises sending notifications from player consoles to a game controller to inform the controller of the players entered into a game. Win claims may be sent from the player consoles to the game controller, and win values returned to the player consoles where they are credited to players'smart cards.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for controlling the playing of a game, the apparatus comprising: a central computer server having a memory for storing player identities and monetary values associated with respective players; a multiplicity of smart cards for distribution to players, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value; a card control system coupled to the central server, the card control system being arranged distribute win values; and at least one wireless terminal having means for communicating with the card control system via a wireless communication link, and a smart card reader/writer, wherein the wireless terminal is arranged to communicate with the card control system in the event of a win claim and to receive therefrom a win value, the wireless

terminal being arranged to update the monetary value stored on the smart card with the win value.

Preferably, the card control system also sends a confirmation message and a win value to the central server, which updates the monetary value stored for the winning player.

Alternatively, the wireless terminal may send this data to the central server via a wireless link.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the playing of a game, the method comprising the steps of : providing players with smart cards, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value; in the event of a win claim by a player, reading data from the smart card into a wireless terminal and transmitting the read data to a card control system; verifying the win claim and, in the event that the claim is confirmed, transmitting a win value to the wireless terminal from the card control system and adding the win value to the monetary value stored on the card.

Preferably, the game is a bingo game where players play using bingo cards. Each card has printed thereon a unique reference number. This reference number may be entered into the wireless terminal and send to the card control system where it is used to verify the claim. Alternatively, the reference number may be called out to a bingo caller who confirms the claim.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for controlling the playing of a game of Bingo, the apparatus comprising: a multiplicity of smart cards for distribution to players, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value; a plurality of smart card readers/writers arranged to enable players to view the monetary values stored on their cards and to charge their cards with additional money; a plurality of smart card readers/writers arranged to add win values to the monetary values stored on smart cards.

For a better understanding of the present invention and in order to show how the same may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing.

The accompanying drawing shows schematically a bingo club 1 within which is located apparatus for controlling a bingo game. The actual rules for and method of playing the game will not be described here in detail except insofar as they relate to the paying of game entry fees and the payment of prizes. It is suffice to say that in the"main"games players obtain cards on which numbers are printed, the numbers being marked off on the card as they are announced by a bingo caller until such time as a winning line, card, is obtained. In the"interval"games, players play with shutter boards.

Illustrated in the drawing is a central server 2 having a memory storage device 3. The server 1 may be implemented using a single computer workstation or may comprise several such workstations linked together. The memory storage device 3 maintains a customer database holding the names of customers of the bingo club. Each customer has a unique account number. For each customer, the database also stores a monetary value which indicates the financial credit of the customer. The central server 2 is coupled via a Local Area Network (LAN) 17 to various devices located around the club premises.

These devices include a number of player consoles 4 which are located on respective playing tables 5. Each console 4 comprises a set of four smart card reader/writers 6. A console 4 may optionally comprise a set of cash receiving mechanisms (not shown in the drawing). A number of card charging stations 7 are located around the periphery of the playing hall and are also coupled to the LAN. Each station 7 comprises a smart card reader/writer and a cash loader mechanism. Located in the front foyer of the bingo club 1 is a"welcome"terminal 8. The welcome terminal is again coupled to the LAN and also comprises a smart card reader/writer.

Customers of the club are allocated unique account numbers and are issued with smart cards. A smart card may be a simple credit card type card having a magnetic strip for storing data, or may be a card containing a memory chip (and optionally a processor). In any case, the card's memory stores the customer's account number as well as a monetary value which represents the customer's credit previously deposited with the bingo club 1 (and any winnings awarded to the customer). The data stored on the card may be encrypted to prevent any unauthorised change to the data. Assuming that the system is functioning normally, and no fraud has been attempted, the monetary value stored on a card will match that saved in the database by the central server 2 for the customer.

Also coupled to the LAN 17 are a card control server 9 and a random number generator 18. For main games, the card control server 9 maintains details of the number of bingo cards entered into a game and computes prize money. The card control server 9 is coupled to a wireless transceiver 10. One or more handheld wireless devices 11 are operated by employees of the club. Each wireless device comprises a transceiver 12 for communicating with the transceiver 10 of the card control server 9, a smart card reader/writer 13, and an operator interface 14. A terminal at the club's cashier desk 16 is coupled to the central server 2 via the LAN and again comprises a smart card reader/writer.

The operation of the gaming control system described above will now be explained in a game playing scenario.

When a player enters the club 1, he or she must insert his or her smart card into the smart card entry slot of the welcome server 8. The welcome server 8 reads the account code and monetary value stored on the card and contacts the central server 2 to authorise the customer and confirm that the monetary value read from the card matches that stored in the customer database held in memory device 3. If either customer account number is not recognised or a bar has been put on the cardholder, or the monetary values do not match, the customer is invited to visit the customer reception desk. Assuming however that the card and customer are authorised by the central server

2, a time stamp is generated by the welcome server 8 and is written to the smart card. This time stamp may be a fixed time ahead of the"current"time, e. g. 4 hours, or may be an absolute time, e. g. 11pm"today". The new time stamp replaces any expired time stamp stored on the card. The welcome server will greet the member personally and will also advise the customer of any special offers or promotions. The central server updates its records to note that the customer has entered the club. The customer may then withdraw his or her card from the welcome server 8.

If a customer wishes to add money to their card, he or she will proceed to a card charging station 7 and will insert the card into the smart card entry slot. The station 7 first reads the time stamp from the card and verifies that this stamp is later than the current time. If this is the case, the monetary value is again read from the card and displayed (along with special offers etc). The customer may then insert cash (notes or coins) into the cash receiving mechanism of the station 7. The inserted cash is automatically counted, and the total amount added to the monetary value stored on the card. The new total is written to the card, replacing the old value. At the same time, the station informs the central server 2 of the new monetary value, and the central server 2 records that value against the customer in the memory device 3. The customer then withdraws the card from the card entry slot.

In order to play an interval game, the customer obtains a shutter board which is usually located at the side of a playing table 5. When the customer wishes to play a game, he or she enters their smart card into the card entry slot of the table console 4 corresponding to the selected shutter board. The card reader/writer 6 first reads the time stamp on the card and the console 4 verifies that this is valid. If it is valid, then the reader/writer 6 reads the monetary value stored on the card, and the console 4 verifies that this exceed the charge for playing the game. If there is sufficient value on the card, the console 4 deducts the game charge from the monetary value, and overwrites the old value on the card with the new value. The random number generator, which also functions here as an interval game controller, is notified of the entry of the player (and the particular console/shutter board selected) into the game by the console 4. At the same time, the console 4 reports details of the transaction to the central server 2 which updates its

database accordingly. A light on the console may be illuminated to indicate that the customer is now a player in the game, and a sound effect played. When a player thinks that he or she has won, he or she presses a win button on the console 4. A message is relayed to the random number generator/game controller 18 which checks the claim. In the event that a win is confirmed, a win value is returned to the console 4. The monetary value stored on the player's smart card is updated with the win value. The player is informed by the illumination of an appropriate message on the console and also by the playing of sound effects (e. g. a fanfare). The console 4 relays the customer's account number and the win value to the central server 2 which updates its customer records in the memory device 3. If the win is denied by the random number generator/game controller 18, a denied message is returned to the console 4, and again an appropriate message is displayed.

Considering now a main game, players purchase paper cards from a kiosk, preferably using their smart cards (although cash may also be used). The card control server 9 knows how many players are in a game and is able to compute the appropriate prize money. In main games, the consoles 4 are not in use. The bingo caller uses the random number generator to generate numbers. In the event that a player thinks that he or she has won, he attracts the attention of a hall attendant. The attendant reads aloud the serial number from the player's card. The bingo caller verifies whether or not this is a valid claim from the random number generator 18 which has a knowledge of all possible bingo cards and their reference numbers. In the event of a win, this is confirmed to the attendant.

The attendant then inserts the player's smart card into the card entry slot of his terminal 11. The player's account code is sent to the transceiver 10 of the card control server 9. The card control server 9 sends the appropriate win value to the central server 2 which updates its customer records in the memory device 3. Then the win value is sent to the wireless terminal 11. The terminal 11 reads the monetary value currently stored on the player's smart card, adds the win value to this, and overwrites the old value on the card with the new value.

A player may redeem cash from his or her smart card at the cashier's desk 16 by presenting his or her card to the cashier. The cashier swipes the card in their terminal which causes the monetary value stored on the card to be confirmed with the central server. The value stored on the card and at the central server is updated.

It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for controlling the playing of a game, the apparatus comprising : a central computer server having a memory for storing player identities and monetary values associated with respective players; a multiplicity of smart cards for distribution to players, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value; and a plurality of player consoles, each console having at least one smart card reader/writer for reading data from and writing data to a smart card inserted into the reader/writer, wherein a player may enter a game by authorising a game entrance fee to be deducted from the monetary value stored on his or her smart card, each player console being coupled to the central server to allow synchronisation of the monetary values stored on the smart cards and the memory of the central server.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the player consoles are coupled to a game controller and the player consoles are arranged to notify the game controller of the entry of players into a game.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the game controller is arranged to confirm win claims received from player consoles and to return win values to consoles, where players'smart cards are credited with win values.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein win values are arranged to be sent to the central computer from player consoles or the game controller, and the central computer is arranged to update player accounts accordingly.
5. Apparatus for controlling the playing of a game, the apparatus comprising: a central computer server having a memory for storing player identities and monetary values associated with respective players; a multiplicity of smart cards for distribution to players, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value;

a card control system coupled to the central server, the card control system being arranged distribute win values ; and at least one wireless terminal having means for communicating with the card control system via a wireless communication link, and a smart card reader/writer, wherein the wireless terminal is arranged to communicate with the card control system in the event of a win claim and to receive therefrom a win value, the wireless terminal being arranged to update the monetary value stored on the smart card with the win value.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the card control system is arranged to send a player identity and a win value to the central server, which updates the monetary value stored for the winning player.
7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising at least one smart card enquiry and charge station having a smart card reader/writer, the station comprising a cash receiving device arranged to receive cash inserted by a player and means for crediting the monetary value stored on a card using the card reader/writer.
8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising at least one smart card authorisation station comprising a smart card reader/writer, the smart card authorisation station being arranged, via the smart card reader/writer, to authorise a smart card for subsequent use in a game.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the smart card authorisation station is coupled to the central server and is arranged to confirm that the card is a valid card and that the monetary value stored on the card corresponds to the value stored in the memory of the central server.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the smart card authorisation station is arranged to authorise a card by writing an expiry time onto the card, wherein each player console is arranged to accept payment from a card only if the time stamp stored on the card is later than the current time.
11. A method of controlling the playing of a game, the method comprising the steps of : storing a monetary value on a player smart card and in the memory of a central server; deducting the cost of a game from the monetary value stored on the smart card using a smart card reader/writer of a player console; and synchronising the monetary value stored in the memory of the central server with the value on the smart card via a link between the central server and the player console.
12. A method according to claim 11 and comprising sending notifications from player consoles to a game controller to inform the controller of the players entered into a game.
13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein win claims are sent from the player consoles to a game controller, and win values are returned to the player consoles where they are credited to players'smart cards.
14. A method of controlling the playing of a game, the method comprising the steps of : providing players with smart cards, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value; in the event of a win claim by a player, reading data from the smart card into a wireless terminal and transmitting the read data to a card control system; verifying the win claim and, in the event that the claim is confirmed, transmitting a win value to the wireless terminal from the card control system and adding the win value to the monetary value stored on the card.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the game is a bingo game where players play using bingo cards and each card has printed thereon a unique reference

number, the method comprising entering the reference number into the wireless terminal and sending it to the card control system where it is used to verify the claim.
16. Apparatus for controlling the playing of a game of Bingo, the apparatus comprising : a multiplicity of smart cards for distribution to players, each card having a memory for storing an identity of the player possessing the card and a monetary value; a plurality of smart card readers/writers arranged to enable players to view the monetary values stored on their cards and to charge their cards with additional money; a plurality of smart card readers/writers arranged to add win values to the monetary values stored on smart cards.