JP7362841B2 - System for managing advertising - Google Patents

Description

This application relates to a system for managing advertising.

GUIDELINES FOR INTERPRETATION OF THIS APPLICATION Sections I-X below provide guidance for the interpretation of this application.

I. Terminology The term "product" means any machine, manufacture, and/or composition of matter, unless otherwise specified.

The term "method" means any process, algorithm, method, etc., unless specifically stated otherwise.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm, or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, so all references to a "step" or "steps" of a process Mere listing of "processes" or similar terms has essentially an antecedent description. Accordingly, any reference to a "step" or "steps" of a process has sufficient antecedent description.

Terms such as "invention" mean "one or more inventions disclosed herein" unless specifically stated otherwise.

"one embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiment(s)", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments" , “an embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “another embodiment,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, refer to “one or more (but not necessarily all) implementations of the disclosed invention.” means "form".

The term "variation" of the invention refers to an embodiment of the invention, unless specifically stated otherwise.

A reference to "another embodiment" in a description of an embodiment means that the referenced embodiment is another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless specifically stated otherwise. ) are not meant to be mutually exclusive.

"Comprising", "including", and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless specifically stated otherwise.

The terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more," unless specifically stated otherwise.

The term "plurality" means "two or more" unless specifically stated otherwise.

The term "herein" means "in this application, including everything that may be incorporated by reference", unless specifically stated otherwise.

The phrase "at least one," unless specifically stated otherwise, when the phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list), means any combination of one or more of those things. For example, the phrase "at least one of a widget, a car, and a wheel" includes (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) wheels, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget, and (v) a widget. and wheels; (vi) cars and wheels; or (vii) small appliances, cars and wheels. The phrase "at least one," when the phrase modifies a plurality, does not mean "each one" of the plurality.

When the terms "one", "two", and other numbers are used as a base number to indicate the quantity of something (e.g., one small instrument, two small instruments), the numerical terms are indicated by that numerical term. Quantities are meant, but not at least the amount indicated by the numerical term. For example, the term "one small appliance" does not mean "at least one small appliance," so the term "one small appliance" does not extend to, for example, "two small appliances."

The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on" unless specifically stated otherwise. The phrase "based on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on." The phrase "based at least" is equivalent to the phrase "based at least in part."

The term "represent" and similar terms are not exclusive unless specifically stated otherwise. For example, the term "represents" does not mean "represents only" unless specifically stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "the data represents a credit card number" is synonymous with "the data represents only a credit card number" and "the data represents a credit card number, and the data also represents something else." ”.

The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a clause or other set of words that expresses only the intended result, object, or consequence of something previously expressly recited. used for. The term ``whereby'' is used in a claim to indicate that the clause or other word that the term ``whereby'' modifies does not provide for certain further limitations of the claim that would otherwise be used in the claim. It also means that no restrictions on the meaning or scope of the term are established.

"Example" and similar terms mean "for example" and do not limit the term or phrase it describes. For example, in the sentence "A computer transmits data (e.g., instructions, data structures) over the Internet," the term "example" refers to the term "instructions" that a computer may transmit over the Internet. It also explains that a "data structure" is an example of "data" that a computer may send over the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "data structures" are merely examples of "data", and anything other than "instructions" and "data structures" can be "data".

"Each" and similar terms mean "taken individually." Thus, if two or more things have ``respective'' characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristics, and these characteristics can be, but need not be, different from each other. . For example, the phrase "two machines both have their respective functions" means that the first such machine has the function and the second such machine has the function as well. The functionality of the first machine may or may not be the same as the functionality of the second machine.

"ie" and similar terms mean "that is" and thus qualify the term or phrase it describes. For example, in the sentence "The computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet," the term "i.e." explains that the "instructions" are the "data" that the computer sends over the Internet. do.

Any given numerical range is intended to include all or a portion of the numbers within the range. For example, the range "1 to 10" includes integers from 1 to 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, ... 9) and non-integers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, ... 1.9) shall be construed to specifically include.

When two or more terms or phrases are synonyms (e.g., because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonyms), an example of one such term/phrase is an example of another such term/phrase. does not mean that the examples must have different meanings. For example, if a statement expresses the meaning of "including" as being synonymous with "including but not limited to," simply using the phrase "including but not limited to" means that the term "includes" means "including but not limited to." is not meant to mean anything other than "without limitation."

II. Determining The term "determining" and its grammatical variations (eg, determining a price, determining a value, determining an object that meets a certain criterion, etc.) is used in a very broad sense. Because the term "determine" assumes a wide range of actions, "determine" means to calculate, compute, process, derive, investigate, examine (e.g., calculate, compute, process, derive, investigate, examine (e.g., create a table, database, or another data structure) It can include things such as checking), checking, etc. Similarly, "determining" can include receiving (eg, receiving information), accessing (eg, accessing data in memory), and the like. Similarly, "determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

Because the term "determining" does not imply certainty or absolute accuracy, "determining" can include estimating, estimating, predicting, guessing, and the like.

The term "determining" does not imply that a mathematical process has to be performed, does not imply that a numerical method has to be used, does not imply that an algorithm or process has to be used.

The term "determining" does not imply that any particular device must be used. For example, a computer does not necessarily need to carry out the decision.

III. Style If the limitation in the first claim extends to one feature and to one or more features (e.g., a limitation such as "at least one small appliance" extends to one small appliance and one or more small appliances), and In a second claim that is dependent on a first claim, if the second claim uses the definite article "the" (e.g. "the small appliance") to refer to this limitation, then this , does not include that the first claim extends to only one feature, and this does not imply that the second claim extends to only one feature (e.g., "the small appliance" does not include that the first claim extends to only one feature). one small appliance and one or more small appliances).

Ordinal numbers (e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc.) are used as adjectives before a term, and the ordinal number (unless stated otherwise) refers to a particular characteristic. It is used for descriptive purposes only, eg, to distinguish a particular feature from another feature described by the same or similar terminology. For example, a "first small appliance" may be named only to distinguish it from, for example, a "second small appliance." Therefore, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "small appliance" does not indicate any other relationship between the two small appliances, nor does it indicate any other relationship between the two small appliances. It does not exhibit any characteristics of either or both small appliances. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "small appliance" indicates that (1) any small appliance precedes any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that any small appliance operates before or after any other in time; and (3) does not indicate that any small appliance operates before or after any other in time. There is no indication that the small appliance is ranked above or below any other. Additionally, the mere use of an ordinal number does not define a numerical limit to the features identified using the ordinal number. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "miniature appliance" does not indicate that there should not be more than two miniature appliances.

When a single device, article or other article of manufacture is described herein, one or more of the devices/articles (whether or not they cooperate) refer to the single device/article being described. May be used alternatively in place of the device/article. Accordingly, the functionality described as being possessed by a device may be possessed by one or more devices/articles (whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, when more than one device, article, or other article of manufacture is described herein (regardless of whether they cooperate), a single device/article is referred to as one or more devices, articles, or other articles of manufacture described herein. It may be used in place of the above devices or articles. For example, multiple computer-based devices may be replaced with a single computer device. Thus, a single device/article may alternatively have various functionalities described as having one or more devices or articles.

The functionality and/or features of a single device described may be implied by one or more other devices described but not explicitly described as having that functionality and/or feature. It may be embodied alternatively. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but rather include one or more other devices that would have the functionality/features in question in those other embodiments. Can be done.

IV. The disclosed examples and terminology are not limiting.
Neither the Title of the Invention (described at the beginning of the first page of this application) nor the Abstract (described at the end of this application) shall be construed as limiting in any way the scope of the invention disclosed herein. . The Abstract is included herein solely because an abstract not exceeding 150 words is a requirement of 37 CFR 1.72(b).

The titles and chapter headings provided in this application are for convenience only and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Numerous embodiments are described in this application and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not and are not intended to be limiting in any way. The invention of the present disclosure has broad application to numerous embodiments, as will be readily apparent from the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention may be practiced with various modifications and changes, including structural, logical, software and electrical modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed invention may be described with reference to one or more specific embodiments and/or drawings, such features may be described with reference to what has been described, unless indicated otherwise. It should be understood that there is no limitation to the use in one or more embodiments or drawings.

No embodiment of a method step or article of manufacture described in this application constitutes an invention claimed herein unless otherwise described in this specification or otherwise recited in the claims. , are not essential to the invention claimed herein and are not within the same scope as the invention claimed herein.

Every term in the claims has the broadest meaning that it would have had by one of ordinary skill in the art on the priority date. No terminology used in any of the claims is particularly defined or limited by this specification unless otherwise stated herein or in the claims.

The preamble to the claims that follow is merely a recitation of the objects, benefits, and possible uses of the claimed invention and does not limit the claimed invention.

This disclosure does not describe every embodiment of the present invention verbatim. Similarly, this disclosure does not enumerate features of the invention that must be present in all embodiments.

Devices that are described as communicating with each other do not need to be in continuous communication with each other unless otherwise specified. On the contrary, such devices only need to transmit to each other when necessary or desired, and may actually cease to exchange data most of the time. For example, a machine that communicates with another machine over the Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long periods of time (eg, weeks at a time). Additionally, devices that communicate with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate means.

A description of an embodiment having various components or features does not imply that all or even any of those components or features are required. To the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention. No component/feature is essential or required unless otherwise noted.

Although method steps, algorithms, etc. may be described or claimed in a particular ordered order, such methods may be configured to operate in a different order. In other words, any order or order of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does not necessarily imply a requirement that those steps be performed in that order. The steps of the methods described herein may be performed in any possible order. Furthermore, some steps may be performed simultaneously, although they are described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (eg, because one step is described after another step). Moreover, the illustration of a method by drawing in a figure does not imply that the illustrated method is exclusive to other variations and changes thereto, and that the illustrated method or any steps thereof are in accordance with the present invention. It does not imply that the illustrated method is necessary, nor does it imply that the illustrated method is preferable.

Although a method may be described as including a plurality of steps, there is no implication that all or any of the steps are preferred, essential, or necessary. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention include other methods that exclude some or all of the described steps. No steps are essential or necessary unless otherwise noted.

Although a method may be described alone or without reference to other products or methods, in one embodiment the method may interact with other products or methods. For example, such interaction may include linking one business model to another. Such interactions may be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of the method.

Although an article of manufacture may be described as including a plurality of components, aspects, qualities, properties and/or features, there is no implication that all or any of the plurality is preferred, essential or necessary. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention include other articles of manufacture that exclude some or all of the described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that all or any of the items are mutually exclusive, unless stated otherwise. Similarly, a list of enumerated items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that all or any of the items are inclusive of any classification, unless stated otherwise. For example, an enumerated list of "computers, laptops, PDAs" does not imply that all or any of the three items in the list are mutually exclusive; , does not imply any comprehensive classification.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that all or any of the items are equivalent to or readily substituted for each other.

All embodiments are illustrative and do not imply that the invention or any embodiment, as the case may be, was made or practiced.

V. Computing It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the various methods described herein may be implemented on, for example, suitably programmed general purpose computers, special purpose computers, and computing devices. . Typically, a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (e.g., from a memory or similar device) and executes those instructions; This implements one or more methods defined in the instruction. The instructions may be embodied, for example, in one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

"Processor" means one or more microprocessors, regardless of architecture (e.g., chip-label multiprocessing/multicore, RISC, CISC, microprocessors with non-interlocked pipeline stages, pipeline configurations, simultaneous multithreading, etc.); means a central processing unit (CPU), computing device, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or similar device or any combination thereof.

Accordingly, the description of the method is similar to the description of the apparatus for carrying out the method. Apparatus for implementing the method may include, for example, a processor and its input and output devices suitable for implementing the method.

Furthermore, programs implementing such methods (as well as other types of data) may be stored and transmitted in a number of ways and on a variety of media (eg, computer-readable media). In some embodiments, hardware-implemented circuitry or custom hardware replaces or combines some or all of the software instructions capable of implementing the methods of various embodiments. May be used. Accordingly, various combinations of software and hardware may be used in place of software alone.

The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium or combination of different media that together provide data (e.g., instructions, data structures) that may be read by a computer, processor, or similar device. refers to Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including wires including system buses connected to processors. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves, and electromagnetic radiation, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punched cards, paper tape, Any other physical medium with a pattern or holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, flash EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, carrier wave as described herein below, or any other computer readable medium can be mentioned.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in transmitting data (eg, sequences of instructions, etc.) to a processor. For example, data may be carried (i) from RAM to a processor, (ii) transmitted over a wireless transmission medium, (iii) via Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and/or may be formatted and/or transmitted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G, and/or (iv) in various manners known in the art. may be encrypted for privacy protection or fraud prevention in any of the above.

Accordingly, a description of a method is similar to a description of a computer-readable medium storing a program for implementing the method. The computer readable medium may store program elements (in any suitable format) suitable for implementing the method.

Just as a description of various steps in a method does not imply that all described steps are required, embodiments of the apparatus may include some (but not necessarily all) of the described methods. including a computer/computer computing device operable to perform the following:

Similarly, just as the description of various steps in a method does not imply that all described steps are required, embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a program or data structure may, when executed, a computer-readable medium storing a program capable of causing a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the methods described herein.

When a database is described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that (i) alternative databases to those described may readily be used, and (ii) other memory structures other than databases may readily be used. to understand. Any illustrations or descriptions of any example databases presented herein are illustrative arrangements to represent stored information. Any number of other configurations may be used in place of those presented, for example, in tables or the like shown in the drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries in the database represent exemplary information only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries may differ from those described herein. Additionally, notwithstanding any representation of a database as a table, other formats (including relational databases, object-based models, and/or distributed databases) may be used to store and manipulate the types of data described herein. May be used. Similarly, database objective methods or operations can be used to implement various methods, such as those described herein. Additionally, databases may be stored locally or remotely from devices that access data within the database, in a manner known in the art.

Various embodiments can be configured to operate in a networked environment that includes a computer in communication (eg, via a communications network) with one or more devices. The computer may be connected to any wired or wireless medium (e.g., the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, token ring, telephone line, cable line, radio channel, optical communication line, commercial online service provider, electronic bulletin board system, satellite communication link, etc.) may communicate with the device directly or indirectly via any combination of the following: Each device may itself include a computer or other computing device, such as an Intel® Pentium® or Centrino® processor, connected in communication with the computer. Any number and type of devices may communicate with the computer.

In one embodiment, a server computer or centralized infrastructure may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in one embodiment, be implemented on one or more devices without a central authority. In such embodiments, any functionality described herein as being performed by a server computer, or data described as being stored on a server computer, is instead performed by one or more such devices. may be implemented and stored therein.

When a method is described, in one embodiment, the method may operate without any user interaction. In another embodiment, the method includes some human intervention (eg, steps are performed with or with human assistance).

VI. Continuing Application This disclosure provides a description that enables those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in this application, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of priority of this application. .

Applicants intend to file additional specifications to continue the patent for subject matter that satisfies the disclosure and enablement requirements but is not claimed in this application.

VII. 35 U.S.C. 112, 6th paragraph A claim limitation that includes the phrase "means for" or "steps for" in a claim must be defined in 35 U.S.C. 112, 6th paragraph. means to apply.

A claim limitation that does not include the phrases "means for" or "steps for" in a claim does not mean that the limitation enumerates a function without structure, material, or act to perform that function. This means that 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, does not apply to such limitations. For example, in a claim, using the phrase simply "steps" or "steps" when referring to one or more steps in a claim or another claim is prohibited under the U.S. Pat. This does not mean that Article 112, paragraph 6, applies to that step.

With respect to means or steps for performing a particular function under 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, corresponding structures, materials, or acts described in the specification, and equivalents thereof, may be used to perform that particular function. Similarly, additional functionality may be implemented.

Computers, processors, computing devices, and similar articles of manufacture are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such an article of manufacture is operable to perform certain functions by executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in the article's memory device or a memory device accessed by the article. I can do it. Unless otherwise stated, such programs need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any particular program that may be disclosed in this application. It is well known to those skilled in the art that certain functions may be implemented through different algorithms, and that any number of different algorithms may be merely a design choice for performing a particular function. .

Thus, with respect to means or steps for performing a particular function under 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, a structure corresponding to a particular function is defined as any structure programmed to perform that particular function. Including products of Such structures include articles of manufacture that are programmed to perform the functions and that include (i) the disclosed algorithms for performing the functions; (ii) the disclosed algorithms; It does not matter whether they are programmed with similar algorithms or (iii) different algorithms to perform the function.

When a method enumerates means for performing a function, a structure for performing the method may be programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform the function. computer equipment (e.g., a general-purpose computer). Similarly, a computer device (e.g., a general purpose computer).

VIII. Disclaimer Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not imply a disclaimer or negation of additional different embodiments, and similarly, a reference to a description of an embodiment that includes all of the particular features There is no disclaimer or negation of any embodiment not including a feature. Any express disclaimer or negation in this application shall be prefaced by the phrase "does not include" or by the phrase "does not carry out".

IX. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE Any patent or other document referenced herein is hereby incorporated by reference into this patent application as part of this disclosure, provided that the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph and only for purposes of the enablement requirement under 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, and this application would not fail to provide elucidable meaning without incorporation by such reference; Rather, any terms in this application are not to be limited, defined, or otherwise interpreted in any way, allowing for an elucidated meaning for such terms to be provided. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art need not be limited in any way by any embodiment presented in the reference.

Incorporation by reference does not imply any endorsement, approval or acquiescence of any declaration, opinion, discussion or feature contained in any patent, patent application or other document incorporated unless otherwise stated.

X. Application History There are other patent applications that share priority claims with this application, whether or not there are other patent applications that are considered to be related to this application in the interpretation of this application (including the claims). Regardless, those skilled in the art should refer to the prosecution history of this application, rather than the prosecution history of any other application or patent application.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system according to some embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile gaming device according to some embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a gaming device according to some embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a casino server according to some embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a point-of-sale terminal according to some embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile gaming device according to some embodiments. FIG.

Customized Advertising in Virtual Game Environments Various virtual game environments, interactive environments, role-playing environments, virtual worlds, virtual societies, or other environments currently exist or may exist in the future. Examples include "Second Life,""Everquest,""World of Warcraft," and "Guild Wars." Such environments include slots, media, or other opportunities to display promotions, such as advertisements. Promotions may relate to the virtual world or the real world. For example, the promotion may be an advertisement for a real-world product. For example, billboard advertisements in the virtual world can advertise soft drinks that are actually sold and consumed in the real world.

In various embodiments, players or customers of the virtual environment register or provide information about themselves. For example, a player provides a name and email address when registering to play in a virtual gaming environment. Other information about the player may be obtained in other ways. For example, information about the player may be collected from the player's gaming habits. For example, information about a player can be collected by dividing in detail the hours in a day during which the player is available for activities in the virtual society. From such information, for example, the player's sleeping time and meal time can be estimated. In various embodiments, information about the player is obtained by interacting with his computer. For example, interaction between a player's computer and a server operating a virtual environment provides information regarding the player's physical location.

In various embodiments, information about the player or participants in the virtual environment is used in selecting which promotions to display to the player. In various embodiments, information about the player or participants in the virtual environment is used in conjunction with the current situation, such as time of day, in displaying promotions to the player.

In various embodiments, a particular location in the virtual world may display different promotions depending on where the player is currently looking. For example, suppose a player drives on a road in a virtual world. The road may include billboard advertisements that display advertisements to passing vehicles. A player's real-life address may be recorded on the server operating the virtual world. The real address may be, for example, West Virginia. Accordingly, the virtual world may display advertisements on billboard advertisements related to businesses in West Virginia. For example, the promotion may be an advertisement for a take-out restaurant near a player's home in West Virginia. A different promotion may be displayed to the second player when the second player drives by the same billboard advertisement in the virtual world. The different advertisements may be advertisements that are tailored to information about the second player, such as the player's home address in the real world. In various embodiments, two players may view the same virtual location and may view different promotions at the same location. In this way, the two players are in parallel virtual universes, where they can be in the same place at the same time and see different things. The promotions displayed to a player may be tailored to the player's individual information.

In various embodiments, the promotions displayed to the player may be selected (eg, by the game server) based on the time of day. For example, an advertisement for a fast food restaurant may be displayed if it is daylight locally by a real-world player. In the evening, advertisements regarding prime time television programs may be displayed.

Payments to Persons Who Receive Advertisements on Mobile Phones In various embodiments, users of mobile devices, such as mobile phones, may be paid to receive advertisements on their mobile phones. A person may receive payment from his or her telephone company and/or marketer. As payment, the person may receive cash, a reduction in their cell phone bill (e.g., the person gets their cell phone bill reduced from $40 to $35), or a gift certificate (e.g., the person receives an advertisement from a marketer who provides the person with an advertisement). You may receive a gift certificate (for products sold) or other benefits. A person may agree to download a certain amount of promotions to their mobile device. This amount may include the amount of time played. For example, an amount may include one hour's worth of advertising per month. Amount may include a total number of advertisements (eg, 20 advertisements per month). The amount may include a total number of bits or bytes of advertising. For example, the amount may include 30 megabytes of advertisements downloaded in a month. A person may receive different payments or benefits depending on the amount of advertisements downloaded. For example, a person who downloads 20 minutes of advertisements per week can receive a profit of $10 per month, while a person who downloads 10 minutes of advertisements per week can receive a profit of $4 per month. can receive profits.

In various embodiments, the downloaded promotion may include a ringtone. One possible benefit of a ringtone is that it is not only heard by the owner of a mobile device (eg, a mobile phone), but can also be heard by others who are in the vicinity of the owner when the device rings. Thus, if a ringtone promotes a particular product or service, the promotion may reach more than one person. In various embodiments, a person may receive a payment or benefit for downloading a particular ringtone. In various embodiments, a person may benefit from using a particular ringtone. For example, a mobile phone may report the use of a particular ringtone to the telephone company (or other counterparty or authority). A person can receive payment according to this usage report. In various embodiments, a person may be paid depending on the number of calls he receives and the number of times a particular ringtone is played. In various embodiments, a person can be paid depending on his or her location when a ringtone is played from a mobile phone. For example, a person may be paid more if the call rings in a crowded or high-traffic area than if it rings in an isolated area. In various embodiments, a person may be paid depending on the time of day that the ringtone sounds. For example, a person may receive a ringtone during busy times of the day (e.g., lunch time) than during times of the day when many people are at home or at work in a particular area. You can get paid more if the ring rings.

Software that prevents or prevents a mobile device from displaying unauthorized advertisements (or other things).
In various embodiments, entities that are not affiliated with the casino may attempt to send promotional data to the mobile gaming device. The organization may wish to display advertisements on mobile gaming devices. However, in doing so, the entity may bypass the casino or thereby avoid making payments to the casino that are fairly due to the casino.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may include software that prevents the display of unauthorized promotions.

In various embodiments, data regarding authorized promotions may include tags, labels, or other related data. The tag may be, for example, an authorized code. The mobile gaming device may include software that determines whether the tag is valid. For example, a valid tag may include an electronic signature from a casino server. The mobile gaming device may include software that verifies whether the tag is a valid electronic signature from the casino server. In various embodiments, the electronic signature may include data incorporated from the advertisement. In this way, other parties cannot effectively retrieve the electronic signature from an authorized advertisement and move it to a non-authorized advertisement.

In various embodiments, the data related to the promotion may include a timestamp. The timestamp may indicate, for example, when the promotion was approved by a casino server or other authorized authority. The mobile gaming device may include software that determines whether the timestamp indicates the recent past. If the time indicated by the timestamp is too far in the past, the mobile gaming device can prevent the display of the promotion. In various embodiments, the promotion must be displayed within a certain amount of time from the time the timestamp is received. In this way, organizations that attempt to intercept and display unauthenticated advertisements by intercepting old timestamps can be repelled. In some embodiments, the timestamp provided by an authorized entity, such as a casino server, may include the date of the promotion. In this way, it may be impossible for another party to obtain the timestamp associated with one promotion and use it for something else.

In various embodiments, data associated with promotions may be encrypted on route to the mobile gaming device. For example, a casino server may use a private key to encrypt data associated with a promotion. The mobile gaming device may use the casino server's public key to decrypt data associated with the promotion and display the promotion unencrypted. An entity attempting to send unauthorized advertisements to a mobile gaming device would not be able to access the casino server's private keys. Therefore, organizations will not be able to pass off unauthorized advertisements as legitimate advertisements.

In various embodiments, a human inspector may view a display of a promotion before it is displayed to a person via a mobile gaming device. Human inspectors can prevent advertisements from appearing if they do not meet certain criteria. A human inspector may signal a stop to the promotion, such as by a tag that prevents the casino server from transmitting the promotion to the mobile gaming device.

In various embodiments, players may have the opportunity to display their reactions to the promotion. The player, for example, liked the promotion, the promotion was interesting, the promotion was relevant to him, the promotion was the right length, the promotion was the right amount, the player liked the promotion. It may also be possible to display information such as that the item was about a product or service that people would like to know more about. A player may evaluate promotions using, for example, a numerical ranking. For example, a player may give a promotion a rating of 1 to 5 on a reasonable scale. In various embodiments, a player may provide a negative response as well. A player may indicate that a promotion was offensive, inappropriate, too long, distracting, or otherwise undesirable.

A player's response to a promotion may be forwarded by the casino server to the marketer that brought the promotion. Marketers may have the opportunity to write better promotions in this way. Player responses may also be used to build a player profile. The profile may include a set of preferences for the player. The profile may be used to determine future promotions to be displayed to the player.

A player's reaction to a promotion may be used to prevent the promotion from being displayed to other players. The player may, for example, signal that the advertisement be stopped as being offensive or inappropriate. The casino server may decide not to display the promotion any further. In some embodiments, a casino representative views the promotion if the player signals to stop the promotion. The casino representative may then decide whether to continue displaying the promotion. In various embodiments, the promotion may no longer be displayed if a predetermined number of players signal it to stop. For example, a casino server may stop displaying a promotion if three or more players tag the promotion as inappropriate. The casino server may stop displaying the promotion by no longer sending data for the promotion to the mobile gaming device. The casino server may cease displaying the promotion by transmitting a signal to one or more mobile gaming devices of data stating that the promotion has already been stored locally on the mobile gaming device. The casino server may instruct the mobile gaming device not to display such promotions. The casino server may instruct the mobile gaming device to remove such promotions.

In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may notify the casino server when a promotion is displayed. For example, the mobile gaming device may notify the casino server of the date and time the promotion was displayed. The mobile gaming device may further provide an identifier related to the promotion. The casino server may then bill the marketer who sent the promotion for display of the promotion. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device transmits one or more of the following pieces of information to the casino server. (a) the date the advertisement was displayed; (b) the time the advertisement was displayed; (c) an indication of which advertisement was displayed (e.g. an identifier for the advertisement, e.g. "Ford advertisement"); (d) the advertisement displayed. format (e.g., the advertisement was displayed as a static image only; e.g., the advertisement was displayed in a simplified 3-second format; e.g., the advertisement was displayed in a full 20-second format; e.g., the advertisement was displayed as an audio-only (e) the sponsor of the promotion; (f) the length of the promotion; (g) the game in which the promotion appeared; (h) the location on the display screen in which the promotion appeared; (i) prior to the promotion; one or more outcomes occurring on the player's mobile gaming device (e.g., the promotion may be more costly to the marketer if the promotion occurs after a series of winning outcomes by the player); (j) the player's reaction to the promotion (eg, the player wanted to find out more information; eg, the player was bored with the promotion); (k) other relevant information.

In various embodiments, the casino server may include accounting software. The software determines when a promotion is displayed, the amount owed to the casino based on that display, the number of remaining promotions to run, the amount already paid by marketers, to whom the promotion has been displayed, and any other information. Information related to promotions and amounts may be tracked.

In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may confirm with the casino server that the promotion is to be displayed before actually displaying the promotion. For example, a mobile gaming device may send an identifier associated with a promotion to a casino server. The casino server may query a record of promotions sent to the mobile gaming device. If the record does not include the identifier sent from the mobile gaming device to the casino server, the casino server can instruct the mobile gaming device not to display the promotion shown by the mobile gaming device.

Preventing the display of advertisements that are difficult to understand and look like symbols.
In various embodiments, certain types of advertisements may be obfuscated and potentially misleading and may therefore be prohibited from being displayed. As an example, advertisements may be displayed in place of symbols. If the promotion looks like a jackpot symbol, the player may be convinced that he has won a big prize when the promotion lines up multiple actual jackpot symbols. The player will be very disappointed to find out that he did not win as he thought.

In various embodiments, the casino server may include software that analyzes images associated with promotions. The software may use image recognition or image comparison algorithms to ensure that images displayed in promotions look sufficiently different from images typically seen in games. For example, image processing algorithms are used to determine the boundaries of symbols. Image processing algorithms are also used to determine the boundaries of graphics in advertisements. The two boundaries are displayed, for example, as black lines in a closed ring. The two borders may also overlay on top of each other. If two boundaries are within a predetermined distance of each other over their entire length (eg, within three pixels), the boundaries are interpreted as defining similar shapes. Advertisements may be prohibited based on the fact that they contain figures that are similar in shape to symbols. In various embodiments, both shape and color matching may be sufficient reason to prohibit the promotional graphic. As will be appreciated, many other algorithms may be used to perform image recognition and image comparison.

In various embodiments, a comparison between promotional images and images used in a game may be performed on a mobile gaming device. For example, a mobile gaming device can store software that performs image comparison and/or image recognition. In various embodiments, comparing promotional images to images used in a game may be performed on a stationary gaming device.

In various embodiments, promotions may be limited to display only in conjunction with certain games. The restriction may be based on a comparison between images in the promotion and images in the game. If the images in the advertisement are too similar to the images in the game, displaying the advertisement in conjunction with the game may not be acceptable. However, displaying the advertisement in conjunction with the game may be acceptable if the images in the advertisement do not appear too similar to the images in the game. Thus, in various embodiments, it is permissible to display a given promotion in conjunction with a first game, but not in conjunction with a second game. For example, suppose an advertisement includes an image that appears on the reels of a slot machine game. The promotion may be displayed in the first slot machine game but not in the second slot machine game.

In various embodiments, it may be permissible to display a promotion in some places on the display screen, but not in other places. If the images in the promotion can be confused with standard game elements or images, displaying the promotion in the first location of the display screen may not be acceptable. For example, if an image in a promotion looks like a symbol used in a game, it may not be acceptable to display that promotion in an area of the game (e.g. on symbols on the reels, e.g. when cards are normally handled). area). However, it may be permissible to display advertisements in other areas of the screen. For example, it may be acceptable to display advertisements on the right side of the game area. As another example, a promotion may include a number (eg, "5% APR on your new credit card!"). It may not be acceptable to display such promotions where numbers are normally displayed as part of a game. For example, it may not be acceptable to display an advertisement with an image of numbers near an area where a player's bank balance is normally displayed. Thus, in various embodiments, the software may make a comparison between images in the promotion and images that are primarily seen in different areas of the display screen. Image comparison algorithms may also be used. If an image of a promotion is too similar to an image of a standard game element in a particular area of the display screen, it may not be acceptable for the promotion to be displayed in that area. On the other hand, if there is not much similarity between the image of the advertisement and the image of the main game element in a certain area, the advertisement can be displayed in that area. In various embodiments, a human may visually compare images or make a decision as to whether a promotion is acceptable to be displayed in a particular area of the display screen. The foregoing may be understood to relate to a mobile gaming device or gaming device in various embodiments.

In various embodiments, it may be permissible to display advertisements at certain times during a game, but not at other times. For example, certain images associated with a game may only normally appear during one phase of the game. Such images may not appear at other points in the game. Accordingly, the display of advertisements showing similar-looking images may only be permitted during phases in which game images are not primarily displayed. For example, a slot machine game may include a bonus round. Bonus rounds may include images not seen earlier in the game. Thus, the display of promotions that include images similar to those displayed in the bonus round may not be allowed during the bonus round, but may be allowed during other stages of the game.

In various embodiments, certain colors may not be acceptable in advertising. Such a color may be the same color as a symbol or other game element. In various embodiments, certain shapes may not be allowed in advertising. Such shapes may be shapes used as symbols or other game elements. In various embodiments, a list, table, or other indicia of forbidden shapes may be printed, mailed, sent, or otherwise made available to marketers.

In various embodiments, a game developer may submit graphics or representations of graphics used in the game. Game developers may submit the graphics to regulators, marketers, casino servers, or other parties. Graphics from different games may be stored together or in association with each other, such as in a single database or a set of linked databases.

Marketers can then reference the shapes to design promotions that are dissimilar to the shapes. Regulators or casino servers can similarly compare game graphics and promotional graphics to ensure there are no conflicts.

In various embodiments, a consulting firm or other company has access to a database or collection of graphics used in the game. The company can help marketers plan their promotions to avoid using shapes that are too similar to those used in games. In various embodiments, a consulting company has independent access to a conglomerate of graphics, so that, for example, a game developer does not need to share knowledge of graphics with competing developers.

In various embodiments, humans may be used to compare graphics used in advertising and graphics used in games. In various embodiments, a human tester can play a game that includes a promotion. The person may later be asked whether they were confused or misled by the advertisement. For example, a person may be asked whether they thought they would win something when they did not. If the human reports no confusion, the advertisement may be allowed as part of the game. In various embodiments, a test may require a certain number of people to report no confusion. For example, the test must involve at least six people and all must report that they were not confused by advertising.

In various embodiments, the audio associated with the promotion may be compared to the audio provided with the game. In various embodiments, an algorithm may be used to compare promotional sounds and game provided sounds. The algorithm may compare timbre, tempo, rhythm, range, volume, instrument sounds (eg violin, eg piano) or other sound characteristics. In various embodiments, displaying an advertisement in a game may not be allowed if the advertisement's audio is deemed too similar to the audio provided in the game. In various embodiments, if the audio of the promotion is deemed too similar to that of the game, the promotion may be displayed but without the audio. For example, advertisements are displayed using only graphics.

In various embodiments, humans can hear audio from promotions and games. Humans can use their own judgment to determine whether promotional audio is confusing with game audio. In various embodiments, a group of subjects hears both sounds. The advertisement may be allowed to be displayed in the game only if no or less than a predetermined number of subjects say that the audio will not be confused. In various embodiments, one or more subjects are allowed to play a game in which a promotion is displayed. Subjects are then asked whether they were confused by the advertisement, eg, whether they at any point thought the advertisement sound was a sound for doing something in a game. In various embodiments, the promotion may be used in the game only if the subject reports that there is no confusion.

In various embodiments, displaying faces in advertisements may not be allowed. In various embodiments, it may not be acceptable to display a face in an advertisement without prior consent from the owner of the face. In various embodiments, software or a human can analyze graphics associated with a promotion to determine whether the promotion has a face. For example, facial recognition algorithms may be used to detect faces in advertisements. In various embodiments, it may not be acceptable to use certain celebrity faces in advertising. For example, a celebrity may not have given permission to appear in an advertisement. A human or an algorithm, such as a facial recognition algorithm, may be used to compare the face appearing in the advertisement with the face of a known celebrity to ensure that the celebrity does not appear in the advertisement.

In various embodiments, a human or software can verify that the advertisement does not include certain words. For example, the software can check for harsh or obscene language.

In various embodiments, software may be utilized to ensure that data for promotions is in a satisfactory format. For example, the software can verify that the image data meets certain volume or pixel limitations. For example, the software can check that the image data displays exactly 100 pixels by 200 pixels. As another example, the software can verify that the image contains the proper color encoding. For example, the software can verify that the promotional image uses 8 bits to depict each of the three primary colors. In various embodiments, the software can verify that the data depicting the promotion is not excessive. For example, advertisements may be limited to 10 megabytes or other limits.

In various embodiments, the casino server can send instructions to the mobile gaming device. The instructions may dictate when to display the promotion to the mobile gaming device or only display the promotion when the mobile gaming device is in a particular area of the casino. For example, a casino server may instruct a mobile gaming device to display a promotion only when the mobile gaming device comes within 10 feet of a particular restaurant. As another example, a casino server may instruct a mobile gaming device to display a promotion only when the mobile gaming device is in a swimming area of the casino.

Suggesting a player move from a mobile gaming device to a fixed gaming device.
In various embodiments, a player may be addicted to a mobile gaming device. A player may desire to play the same game on a fixed gaming device. For example, stationary gaming devices may provide a place for a player to sit, have a larger display screen, have improved audio, and provide other advantages and conveniences. In various embodiments, a casino server may provide players with the opportunity to move from playing on a mobile gaming device to playing on a fixed gaming device. A player may have the opportunity to move to a stationary gaming device and play the same games that he or she was playing on the mobile gaming device.

When a player moves from a mobile gaming device to a fixed device, any credit balance that the player has on the mobile gaming device can be sent to the fixed gaming device. In this way, for example, the stationary device may generate a credit balance that is equivalent to the credit balance at the mobile gaming device, while the mobile gaming device's credit balance may be set to zero. In various embodiments, a player may be given additional credits at a fixed device, for example, as a reward for moving. In various embodiments, a player may be awarded a smaller credit balance on a fixed device. In various embodiments, a portion of a player's credit balance may be transmitted and a portion may remain on the mobile gaming device.

When providing the player with the opportunity to transmit, the casino server may provide an indication of the location of the fixed device. For example, the casino server may send an indication of the location of the fixed device to the player's mobile gaming device. The casino server may direct the stationary gaming device. The directions may include directions from a standard location at a casino (eg, the front door) and directions from the current location of the mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, the direction may include a direction from the current location of the mobile gaming device.

Implementation As used herein, the term "performance" is used in the context of a game, such as in the phrase "conduct a game." Conducting a game includes accepting bets, storing a record of the amount of the bet, and determining or causing the outcome of the game (e.g., by running an algorithm that produces a random outcome); Determining amounts to be paid as payouts based on outcomes and bets (e.g., determining multiple bets to be paid in the event of a winning outcome); instructions for payments or payouts to be paid; other aspects of the game; may include the execution of. In various embodiments, games may be played by remote entities. For example, even when a player interacts with a mobile gaming device, the casino server can generate outcomes that occur in the player's game. In various embodiments, games may be played by a proximate entity, such as a mobile gaming device, with which a player interacts. In various embodiments, games may be played collaboratively with proximate and remote entities. For example, a mobile gaming device and a casino server may collaborate to conduct a game.

Fixed Devices As used herein, the term "fixed devices" may include fixed gaming gaming devices, terminals used for gaming, and table games. For example, fixed devices may include slot machines, video poker machines, terminals where players place bets, blackjack tables, and poker tables.

In various embodiments, a casino server may provide instructions to a mobile gaming device. The instructions may indicate where the mobile gaming device should be prior to displaying the promotion. For example, a mobile gaming device must be in the vicinity of a particular bar before the promotion can be displayed. The advertisement may be, for example, an advertisement for alcoholic beverages.

Demographic Data As used herein, the term demographic data includes age, any range, race, gender, income level, range of income levels, marital status, educational level, parental status, may refer to number of persons, net wealth, language spoken, religion, political orientation, or any other characteristic used to classify a person into some demographic category.

House edge, house advantage As used herein, the terms "house edge" and "house advantage" refer to the house that, on average, is expected to hold per unit bet by a player. It may refer to an amount. The house edge may be expressed in percentage terms. For example, a house edge of 5% may indicate that the house can be expected to retain 5 cents on an average of $1 bet by a player. It should be noted that posting a house edge does not mean that the house necessarily holds the offered amount of a player's bet on each game. Rather, the house edge refers to the expected value or average. For example, suppose a player bets one dollar ($1) on a game and has a 45% chance of winning two dollars ($2) and a 55% chance of winning nothing. This house edge is calculated as (0.55*($1-$0)+0.45*($1-$2))/$1=10%. Therefore, the house can expect to win 10 cents for every dollar the player bets.

Results As used herein, the term "results" refers to results that can be obtained (e.g., randomly generated; e.g., selected by a player) in a game (e.g., a game played with bets). may refer to a set of symbols or visual features that can determine the course or direction in the game and/or the payouts or prizes awarded from the game. The term "outcome" in various embodiments refers to both symbols and visual features, and may refer to payouts or prizes awarded in a game. The term "result" may, in various embodiments, refer to a prize or payout awarded in a game. In various embodiments, multiple outcomes may occur during a game. For example, a slot machine game may feature each active payline having a different outcome. Further, in various embodiments, a single game may include consecutive outcomes. For example, in a video poker game, the first set of five cards dealt to a player may constitute the first outcome. The final hand of cards obtained by the player after discarding cards from the initial five-card set may constitute the second outcome. In various embodiments, the collective outcome of various outcomes in a game may itself constitute an outcome. For example, in a slot machine game, a player may activate three paylines, thereby receiving three outcomes. The payments associated with the three outcomes may be 2 coins, 5 coins, and 3 coins. Thus, the collective outcome of the game may be for the players to receive a payout of 10 coins. Examples of results include (a) the set of symbols arrived at across the paylines of a reel slot machine, (b) the set of cards dealt in a poker game, (c) the player's hand dealt in a blackjack game, ( d) the player's hand in the game of blackjack; (e) the player's hand in combination with the dealer's hand in blackjack (i.e. the result in the game of blackjack is the combination of the cards received by the player and the cards received by the dealer); (f) a number rolled in a game of craps; (g) a sequence of numbers rolled in a game of craps (e.g., in a game of craps, the result may include the time and time the player placed the bet); (g) a sequence of numbers rolled in a game of Keno; (h) a bonus round; Examples include the amount of prizes awarded.

Article of Manufacture As used herein, the term "product" may include tools. As used herein, the term "product" may include services.

Gaming As used herein, the term "gaming" refers to the risking of one or more events whose outcome cannot be predicted with certainty, in order to obtain a primary value in the event that a particular outcome of that event actually occurs. Sometimes it refers to making an investment with the possibility of a second value of winning. Gaming includes (a) betting money on the result of the roll of a die, (b) betting money on the distribution of one or more cards, (c) betting money on the rotation of a spinning wheel, (d) ) betting money on the reels of a slot machine; (e) betting money on the outcome of a sports competition; (f) betting money on the outcome of an election; (g) betting money on the occurrence of a natural phenomenon such as a typhoon. and betting money on any other event that cannot be predicted with certainty. Gaming involves (a) playing a game of poker for money at risk, (b) playing a game of craps for money at risk, and (c) playing a game of craps for money at risk. (d) betting money on the outcome of a football game, or any other game or competition. The "value" invested in risk in gaming includes anything that has a benefit to a person or other entity, whether or not the benefit is experienced by the person involved in the game. Value can be tangible or non-tangible. Values include (a) cash, (b) credits, (c) tokens, (d) rights (e.g., the right to bypass the line for a buffet, e.g., the right to spin a slot machine for free), (e) products, (f) Services; (g) Comp Points; (h) Coupons; (i) Vouchers; (j) Movie Tickets; Other items of value may be mentioned. The value that may be won from gaming need not be of the same kind as that invested in taking risks. For example, a person may take a risk and invest cash in order to obtain movie tickets. Events that are the subject of gaming may be predictable in principle, but may not be predictable given the applicable rules, criteria, or probabilities. For example, a person may be able to predict which cards have been dealt rigged. However, fraudulent manipulation of cards violates the rules of the game. Taking a risk to invest an item of value may involve accepting the possibility of losing some or all of that item of value. Gaming may involve taking risks and investing value, even if such value is not owned by the person playing the game. For example, a business owner may bet half of his future business profits for the next full year. Gaming can include investments, such as investments in stocks or financial markets. Gaming may further include taking positions in financial derivatives, such as purchasing put or call options on stocks.

Detection of One Device by Another Various embodiments herein may refer to interactions between a first device and a “nearby” second device. In various embodiments, the first device may operate when the second device is nearby. In various embodiments, the second device may operate when the first device is nearby. When "near,""near,""beside,""adjacent,""present," or similar terms are used, a first device may become aware of the presence of a second device in a variety of ways. , the second device may be aware of the presence of the first device in various ways, the first device may be responsive to the presence of the second device in various ways, and the second device may be aware of the presence of the first device in various ways; It should be appreciated that the device may react to the presence of the first device in a variety of ways. For example, when a first device is instructed to operate for a third device to recognize that the second device is in the vicinity of the first device, the first device It should be noted that one may react to the presence of a second device without being aware of its presence. In various embodiments, the first device and/or the second device may be mobile. For example, the first device may be mobile (eg, the first device may be carried by a pedestrian), while the second device may be stationary.

Various techniques may enable a first device to recognize and/or react to the presence of a second device. Various techniques may enable the second device to recognize and/or react to the presence of the first device. As used herein, the term "beacon" refers to a signal that can be used as a reference signal by another device or person, e.g., so that the other device can determine its own location or position. It includes a device that generates. Beacons may emit continuous, periodic, sporadic, or other types of signals. A beacon may emit a directional signal (e.g., a signal that is most easily detected by a device at a certain angle of incidence with respect to the beacon), and a beacon may emit a signal of equal strength in all directions. . A beacon may emit a signal when triggered by the presence of another device, or may emit a signal independently of other devices. The beacon may perform reference signal broadcasting as its sole function. A beacon may merely incidentally serve as a beacon. For example, a light bulb may serve primarily as a beacon even though its primary purpose is to illuminate a room. The beacon may be a natural object (eg the sun) or a man-made object. Beacons may emit light, audio, radio waves, microwaves, odor, or any other type of signal.
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags or transponders are typically small devices that transmit and/or transfer signals, use such signals as a means of providing identification, and the like. The signals transmitted or transferred are typically radio waves. The transmitted or transferred signal may include a unique signature or pattern that may serve to uniquely identify the RFID tag. If a device is associated with this tag (e.g., by attachment or introduction into the device), the unique identification of this tag may serve to uniquely identify that device by association. .
- Near-field communications (NFC) enables secure wireless communication over short distances, typically within a few inches. An exemplary application has been tested by Motorola and MasterCard® to equip a mobile phone with NFC and allow credit card payments to be made using the mobile phone.
- Infrared data communication can be used as a means of communication between two closely spaced devices. For example, infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) can be used for signal generation. The signal pattern can be generated by switching the LEDs on and off. A silicon photodiode can be used as a receiver, and can convert incident infrared light into an electrical signal. Infrared signals can also be transmitted using lasers.
- The device may be recognized by photo capture means or by an image of the device. For example, a first device may take a photo of a second device. The first device may use an image processing algorithm to detect salient features of the second device. For example, if the second device has a black and white pattern, the first device can look for that pattern in the captured image.
- One or more devices may use positioning techniques to determine its own location. Once the locations of two devices are known, a simple algorithm can be used to determine whether the two devices are near each other. For example, the distance of two devices using known x and y coordinates can be at least approximated using the Pythagorean theorem. Various position measurement techniques may be used. For example, the device may receive signals from beacons or other signal generators at known locations. Specifically, if a beacon is nearby, the location of the device can be estimated by estimating the beacon's location. In various embodiments, a device may receive signals from multiple beacons or signal generators. The signal generators may be arranged to transmit signals simultaneously. However, depending on the device's location, the device does not necessarily receive signals from all beacons at the same time. For example, if a device is closer to Beacon 1 than Beacon 2, the device will receive the signal from Beacon 1 before it receives the signal from Beacon 2. Based on the time of arrival of signals from various beacons, the location of the device can be estimated. For example, geometric or triangulation algorithms may be used to determine the location of the device based on the known location of the beacon and based on the time of arrival of simultaneously transmitted signals from the beacon. In a manner similar to systems with beacons, positioning systems may utilize receivers at known locations (eg, fixed receivers). Fixed receivers each receive a signal from a device whose location is desired. The same signal from a device may arrive at different receivers at different times or at different angles. Based on the time or angle of arrival of the signals at various receivers, an algorithm can be used to determine the location of the device. Exemplary positioning systems include:
...The Global Positioning System (GPS) is based on a constellation of satellites that transmit reference signals to locations on Earth. GPS picks up reference signals from multiple satellites and can use the signals to determine position or altitude.
...Long Range Navigation (LORAN) is navigation based on surface-based radio wave transmissions. The location of a device can be estimated based on the difference in arrival times at the device of signals from three or more transmitters.
...Radio frequency location using mobile phone networks is a system in which mobile phones act as fixed receivers. Signals from mobile phones can be received at multiple base stations. The location of the cell phone may be based on the time at which the signal from the cell phone is received at each of the base stations, based on the angle at which the signal from the cell phone is received at each of the base stations, and/or based on the location of the signal source. It can be determined based on characteristic distortions in the mobile phone signal that would indicate a particular location.
- The first device may transmit an audio signal. The audio signal may include a distinct series of symbols or pulses. The second device may pick up this signal using, for example, a microphone. The second device may recognize distinct patterns in the audio signal and may thereby infer the presence of the first device. Similarly, a second device may transmit an audio signal that allows the first device to identify the second device.
- The first device may recognize the presence of the second device from physical or electrical contact. For example, a first device may have a port into which a second device can dock. Once docked, the second device can come into electrical contact with the first device. This allows the first device to recognize the presence of the second device, and/or allows the second device to recognize the presence of the first device.

There are various ways in which one or more devices can detect the presence of one or more other devices. There are various ways in which the proximity of two devices can be detected.
- The first device may detect a signal from the second device. Thereby, the first device may detect the presence of the second device.
- The first device may determine its own location. For example, the first device may use a positioning system to determine its location. The first device may already know the location of the second device. For example, the second device may be at a known fixed location. The first device may store the location of the second device in memory. Once the first device knows its location and the location of the second device, the first device can determine when the first device is in the vicinity of the second device (e.g., using a geometric algorithm). ) can be guessed.
- The third device can detect the location of the first device, for example using a positioning system. The third device can detect the location of the second device. The third device may then notify the first, second, or both devices of the location of either or both of the first and second devices. This allows the first device to determine whether it is in close proximity to the second device. This allows the second device to determine whether it is in close proximity to the first device. In some embodiments, the third device may notify the first device that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. In some embodiments, the third device may notify the second device that the second device is in the vicinity of the first device. In some embodiments, the third device does not necessarily indicate that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device based on the fact that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. The first device may be instructed to take some action without notifying the first device. In some embodiments, the third device does not necessarily indicate that the second device is in the vicinity of the first device based on the fact that the second device is in the vicinity of the first device. The second device may be instructed to take some action without notifying the second device. The third device may detect the location of both the first device and the second device. The third device can then notify the first, second, or both devices as described above. That is, the third device may inform the first and/or second device of the location of the first and/or second device, and the fact that the first and second devices are in close proximity to each other. may be notified. The third device may also provide instructions to the first and/or second device based on the fact that the two devices are in close proximity to each other.
- The third device may detect the position of the first device. The fourth device may detect the location of the second device. The third and fourth devices may then notify the first device of their locations. The third and fourth devices may notify the second device of their locations. The third and fourth devices may notify the first device that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. The third and fourth devices may notify the second device that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. The third and/or fourth device may instruct the first device to take some action based on the fact that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. The third and/or fourth device may instruct the second device to take some action based on the fact that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. The fourth device may detect the location of the second device. The third device may notify the first device of the locations of the first device and the second device. The third device may notify the first device that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. The third device may instruct the first device to take some action based on the fact that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. The third device may notify the second device of the locations of the first device and the second device. The third device may notify the second device of the locations of the first device and the second device. The third device may instruct the second device to take some action based on the fact that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device.
- The third device may detect the position of the first device. The fourth device may detect the location of the second device. The third and fourth devices may notify the fifth device of their locations. The fifth device may notify the first and/or second device of their location. The fifth device may notify the first device that it is in the vicinity of the second device. The fifth device may notify the second device that it is in the vicinity of the first device. The fifth device may instruct the first device to take some action based on the fact that the first device is in the vicinity of the second device. The fifth device may instruct the second device to take some action based on the fact that the second device is in the vicinity of the first device.

Transmissions and Communications Various embodiments described herein may transmit or transmit digital or electronic compositions, such as digital images, text files, computer programs, audio files, video files, or any other object or entity. Enter “transmission” or “communication”. Transmission or communication of a digital or electronic composition may include the transmission of data such that the data alone is sufficient to reconstruct the composition in its entirety. For example, the transmission of a digital image involves the transmission of one million bytes of data, with each byte having the characteristics of one pixel in the digital image, so that the digital image can be completely reconstructed from the data alone. There are cases. Transmitting or communicating a digital or electronic composition may include the transmission of data such that the transmitted data is used in combination with other data to reconstruct the composition. For example, digital images may be transmitted in compressed format. The transmitted data may be used in combination with data describing a decompression algorithm for reconstructing the digital image. Transmission or communication of a digital or electronic composition may include the transmission of data representing or characterizing the composition such that the composition can be read or obtained elsewhere. For example, data describing the title of the image may be communicated from a first device to a second device. The second device may already have various images stored therein and indexed by title. The second device may reconstruct the image communicated from the first device using the title to recover a complete depiction of the second image from the second device's storage.

In various embodiments, the promotional transmission or communication may include the transmission or communication of a digital or electronic composition.

Encoding As used herein, a signal that "encodes" a digital or electronic composition may include sufficient data to reconstruct that composition from the data alone. For example, a signal encoding an advertisement that includes an image may itself contain sufficient data to reconstruct that image.

As used herein, a signal that "identifies" a digital or electronic composition may include data that provides information indicating where or how to locate the composition. A signal identifying a digital or electronic composition includes a name, title, or other identifier for the composition such that the name, title, or other identifier can be used to retrieve the composition from a database or other storage medium. or other identifiers.

Encryption As used herein, the term "encryption" may refer to the process of hiding or making information secret so that it is not immediately understandable without special knowledge. Through the process of encryption, raw information called plaintext can be converted into encrypted information. Encrypted information is sometimes referred to as ciphertext, and an algorithm for converting plaintext to ciphertext is sometimes referred to as a cipher. Ciphers can also be used to perform the reverse operation, converting ciphertext to plaintext. Examples of ciphers include substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and ciphers implemented using rotary cipher equipment.

In various encryption methods, the cipher may require an auxiliary piece of information called a key. The key may include, for example, a bit string. The key may be used in conjunction with a cipher to encrypt plaintext. The key may also be used in conjunction with a cipher to decrypt ciphertext. In a category of cryptography called symmetric-key algorithms (eg, secret-key cryptography), the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt. Therefore, the inviolability of encrypted information may depend on the key being kept secret. Examples of symmetric key algorithms are DES and AES. In a category of cryptography called asymmetric key algorithms (eg, public key cryptography), different keys are used to encrypt and decrypt. When using an asymmetric key algorithm, any member of the public can use the first key to encrypt plaintext into ciphertext. However, only the owner of the second key (eg, private key) can decrypt the ciphertext into plaintext. An example of an asymmetric key algorithm is the RSA algorithm.

It is contemplated that other methods than encryption may be used to conceal or conceal information, such as encoding or steganography. Such methods may also be used in combination with encryption.

Encryption can be used for:
- Sending messages that can only be read by specific recipients. For example, suppose Alice and Bob both possess the same private key. Alice can encrypt a plaintext message using her private key. She can send the resulting ciphertext to Bob. Bob can then use the encryption key to decrypt the ciphertext and view the plaintext version of the message.
・Messages can be encrypted by many people and decrypted by only one person (for example, PGP). For example, suppose Alice owns a public key and a private key. Suppose Bob wants to send a message to Alice that only Alice can read. Bob can create a message in plain text and encrypt it using Alice's public key. Bob can send the resulting ciphertext to Alice. Alice can then use her private key to decrypt the ciphertext and view the plaintext message. Even if Cindy were to intercept the ciphertext message en route from Bob to Alice, she would not be able to decrypt it because Cindy would not have access to Alice's private key. Alice's public key is also available to Cindy, but it is not sufficient to decrypt the ciphertext message in any practical length of time.
・Authenticate the message sender. Using this encryption involves having the sender generate a digital signature. For example, Alice wants to send a message to Bob in such a way that Bob can be sure that the message came from her. Alice can compose a plaintext message and use her private key to encrypt this plaintext into ciphertext. Alice can then send this ciphertext message to Bob. Bob can then use Alice's public key to decrypt the ciphertext back to plaintext. Alice's public key only works to decrypt the ciphertext message created using Alice's private key, and since it is presumed that only Alice has access to her private key, Bob knows that this message is Alice can be sure of the deadline.
・Enable non-repudiation. If a sender attaches a digital signature to a message or portion of a message, the sender cannot later claim that he did not send the message.
- Guarantee transmission time/data. See hash below.
- Guarantees receipt by the recipient. See hash below.
- Verify that the message has not been altered after being sent by the sender. See hash below.

Hashing is a process by which input data, typically of arbitrary length, is converted to a typically shorter and/or fixed length. A hash function is a function that performs this transformation. Often useful hash functions are one-way functions. That is, an output can be immediately calculated for a given input. However, for a given output, the input that produced the output is difficult to compute. Similarly, useful hash functions often have the property that two different inputs rarely produce the same output. Hashing can be used for the following purposes:
・Check data redundancy. For example, a database contains a large number of names. This name can be of any length. To check for redundant names, a hash value can be generated for the name. Hash values are smaller in size than names and can all be the same length. Therefore, it may be easier to compare hash values of names than to compare the names themselves.
・Certify that the message has not been altered. For example, Alice can send the clear text to Bob along with the hash value of the message. Alice can attach a digital signature to the hash value to assure Bob that the hash value was sent by Alice. When Bob receives this plaintext message from Alice, he can calculate the hash value of the message. If the hash value that Bob calculates is the same as the hash value that Alice sent to Bob, then Bob can be confident that this message has not been altered on the way from Alice to Bob.
- Prove ownership of a message without having to open it. For example, Alice can send a message to Bob. Bob can hash the message and send it back to Alice. Alice can then be sure that Bob has the message without the risk that the message will be intercepted on the way from Bob to Alice.
- Prove ownership of a message at a point in time without having to open the message. For example, Alice may have a great idea and at some point want to prove that she has this idea without having to make this idea public. Alice can then write out her ideas in the form of text and take a hash value of that text. Alice can then publish the hash value of the text to the newspaper. It is then immediately clear that Alice owned the idea, at least on the date of the newspaper's publication.
・Put a timestamp on the document. For example, a document may be sent to a service that timestamps it. The service can then determine the hash value of the document. The service can add the then current date and time to the document's hash value and attach a digital signature to the result. The digitally signed hash value is then published along with the date and time. As long as the timestamping service can be trusted to provide accurate dates and times (e.g., do not use outdated dates and times), the published timestamp will indicate that the document was not provided by the timestamping service. It can serve as evidence that the date and time existed. Additionally, precautions may ensure that even timestamping services have great difficulty in providing false times and dates. For example, a timestamping service may add a sequential number (eg, 1, 2, 3, etc.) to each document it timestamps. If a service wishes to supply an older date, the service must find an older sequence number. The older sequence number must match between the two sequence numbers immediately before and after the desired fake date. However, for example, if there are no skipped digits, no such consecutive numbers exist.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, the system can function within the confines of a casino. In various embodiments, the system can function within the confines of a casino and ancillary areas, such as retail stores, exercise rooms, restaurants, swimming areas, showrooms, conference halls, and the like. In various embodiments, the system can function beyond the boundaries of a casino. Casino server 105 may communicate with one or more mobile gaming devices, such as devices 110, 115, and 120. The casino server may communicate with one or more marketer devices, such as marketer device 125. The marketer device includes information describing the advertisements to run (e.g., images and audio accompanying the advertisements), when to run the advertisements, which players will view the advertisements, and how much money will be paid for running the advertisements. , information such as what medium is used to run the promotion (eg, a symbol, eg, a background area of a display screen), etc., can be sent to the casino server. Casino server 105 may communicate with one or more display devices, such as display device 130. Display devices include billboards, electronic signs, signs, television monitors, projectors, or other display devices. A casino server may instruct a display device to display an image with a promotion in various embodiments. The casino server may communicate with one or more receivers, such as receiver 135. Examples of the receiver include an antenna, an RFID tag reader, a barcode reader, and the like. The receiver can detect signals transmitted from the mobile gaming device. A receiver can use such signals to determine the location of the mobile gaming device. The receiver can also receive data from the mobile gaming device. Such data may be relayed to the casino server. Casino server 105 may communicate with one or more beacons, such as beacon 140. Beacons may form part of a positioning system that may be used by a mobile gaming device to determine location. For example, beacons can transmit signals within a casino. A mobile gaming device may be able to triangulate its position within the casino by receiving signals from various beacons. Casino server 105 may communicate with one or more gaming devices, such as gaming device 145. Examples of gaming devices include slot machines, video poker machines, video blackjack machines, video keno machines, and the like. The casino server may communicate with one or more point-of-sale (POS) terminals, such as POS terminal 150. A POS terminal includes any terminal associated with a retail establishment or any other terminal capable of handling sales operations. In various embodiments, the POS terminal may determine appropriate promotions to display on nearby mobile gaming devices. The POS terminal can send promotions to the casino server. The casino server, in turn, can send promotions to the mobile gaming device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a mobile gaming device according to some embodiments. As used herein, the term "mobile gaming device" refers to any device that is readily mobile or portable and that allows a player to gamble on at least one of the following: (a) games of chance, (b) sporting competitions, (c) games of mixed luck and skill (e.g. blackjack), (d) games of skill, (e) slot machine games ( (e.g., video slot games), (f) lottery games, (g) card games (e.g., poker games), (h) pull-tab games, (i) natural phenomena (e.g., the occurrence of a typhoon), (k) political events (eg, the winner of an election); (l) popular culture events (eg, the wedding date of two celebrities), etc. The mobile gaming device may include a Blackberry, iPod, personal digital assistant, mobile phone, laptop computer, camera, personal computer, television, electronic book (eBook), or any other suitable device. The device may also be used. A mobile gaming device is movable or portable in the sense that the average person can transport the device without significant effort and without the aid of large machinery. Mobile gaming devices are mobile or portable, by design, in the sense that they are not locked, bolted, or nailed to the same location for long periods of time (eg, months). However, if a mobile gaming device is temporarily fixed in place so that a human can non-physically interact with the device without the risk of the device being accidentally pushed, moved, knocked over, etc. (e.g., using locks or bolts). Mobile gaming devices can contain a variety of programs, including programs for operating games, communicating with other devices, displaying advertisements, displaying entertainment works, and any other programs. The computer may also include a processor 225 for executing a program 240. The mobile gaming device stores program data, stores image data, stores data about players, stores information about the results of games played on the mobile gaming device, stores payment data, etc. A memory 235 may be provided for the purpose. A mobile gaming device may include a variety of output devices 210. Examples of such an output device include a display screen such as a liquid crystal display. The display screen can display images, videos, cartoons, animations, text, or any other usable output. The output device may include a speaker. A speaker may generate audio output. For example, a speaker may produce speech output, a bell sound, an engine sound, or any other sound. The speaker may generate vibrations. A mobile gaming device may include one or more input devices 215. The input device allows a player to interact with the mobile gaming device. Mobile gaming devices may include buttons, keypads, roller balls, scroll wheels, and the like. The mobile gaming device may include a touch screen that can detect contact, for example from a human touch and/or from a stylus. The mobile gaming device may include a microphone for receiving audio input. A microphone may be used to receive speech input. The mobile gaming device may include a card reader for receiving input from a magnetic strip card (eg, a credit card or a player's tracking card). Mobile gaming devices may also include smart card readers. A mobile gaming device may include a camera to capture images or video. The mobile gaming device may include a biometric reader, such as a fingerprint reader or a retinal scanner. The mobile gaming device may include a communications port 220. The communication port may include an antenna 205 for broadcasting and/or for receiving electromagnetic signals, such as wireless signals. The communication port may include an optical communication mechanism such as a laser or diode. A communication port may include an electrical contact, which may interface with a wire, cable, or electrical contact of another device to create an electrical contact. The electrical contacts may be used for communication and/or power extraction purposes. The mobile gaming device may include a portion that is geometrically configured to fit into a docking area of another device. Other devices may include portions with complementary geometric configurations. When a mobile gaming device docks with another device, the mobile gaming device may communicate with and/or draw power from that device. For example, a mobile gaming device may upload gaming software from other devices and may download information about players betting on activities to other devices. The mobile gaming device may include a power source, such as a battery or a fuel cell. The mobile gaming device may further include a sensor to measure when the power is low. The sensor may trigger an indicator that may indicate the amount of power remaining.The mobile gaming device may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 230. The mobile gaming device may be provided with a unique signature, allowing other devices to recognize the presence of the mobile gaming device. For example, a sensor embedded in a door frame may detect a signal from an RFID tag embedded within the mobile gaming device, thereby recognizing the presence of the mobile gaming device. In a typical example of operation, a mobile gaming device may receive an indication of a player identifier, such as by swiping a player tracking card through a magnetic card reader associated with the mobile gaming device. The mobile gaming device may wirelessly transmit the player identifier to the casino server. The casino server may send a confirmation signal back to the mobile gaming device to confirm that the player has the appropriate amount of credit to participate in the gambling activity. The mobile gaming device may receive a game start signal from the player, for example, via a button on the mobile gaming device. The mobile gaming device may then run a game program that generates random outcomes and present the random outcomes to the player. For example, on the display screen, the mobile gaming device may mimic the rotation of the reels of a slot machine, which may be displayed with a particular outcome centered and stopped. The mobile gaming device may notify the casino server of game results. In response, the casino server may add or subtract credits from the player's account. Note that there are many other ways a mobile gaming device can operate. Mobile gaming devices may include more general-purpose devices that are configured to enable gaming activities, such as through downloading gaming-related software to the device. Mobile gaming devices may also include special purpose devices dedicated to gaming. The mobile gaming device may include the device shown in Nevada Bill AB471.

FIG. 3 shows a gaming device according to some embodiments. As used herein, the term "gaming device" refers to any machine, article, or device with which a player can participate in a game, competition, or other project, in which the player takes a risk and receives monetary or other consideration. Sometimes it refers to a device that can throw. Gaming devices include Class II gaming devices, Class III gaming devices, video bingo machines, instant bingo machines, video poker machines (e.g., Action Gaming's Triple Play® Draw Poker), video slot machines (e.g., WMS 's Jackpot Party Classic® machine), mechanical slot machines (e.g., IGT's Cleopatra® machine), electromechanical slot machines, video blackjack machines, video keno machines, and multi-game machines. Can be mentioned. A gaming device may also include a device used in a non-gaming context that is equally capable of gaming use or application. For example, a personal computer may operate software to conduct a game and receive credit card numbers from a player for the purpose of, for example, collecting money from the player and paying money to the player. Therefore, a game device can be configured. The gaming device may comprise a mobile gaming device (eg, a mobile device as defined in Nevada Bill AB471) or any mobile device that can be used for gaming. The gaming device may include a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a Blackberry, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates a casino server 105 according to some embodiments. Antenna 405 allows the casino server to wirelessly communicate with various devices, such as mobile gaming devices. Output device 410 may include a display such as a liquid crystal display monitor, speakers, or any other device capable of communicating information. The output device may present information in a manner suitable for proximity to a person. For example, the output device may present text for human reading. Input devices 415 can include buttons, keypads, mice, rollers, balls, microphones, stylus, touch screens, and the like. The input device allows a person to communicate information to the casino server. Communication port 420 may include an antenna, serial port, parallel port, FireWire®, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or any other interface for communication. The storage device 430 can include a hard disk, flash memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), compact disk, digital versatile disk, optical disk, magnetic storage device, semiconductor memory, magneto-optical storage device, etc. . Storage device 430 can store program data 435 and various databases including advertising database 440, marketer database 445, player database 450, and point of sale (POS) terminal database 455. Program data can include instructions that can direct processor 425 to operations, according to various embodiments.

Promotion database 440 may store data related to promotions. Such data may include: (a) image data (e.g., an image of an advertised product); (b) video data (e.g., a video advertisement); (c) audio data (e.g., a jingle associated with a product promotion); ) textual data (e.g. text for display in a promotion), (e) data describing the promotion (e.g. the promotion may have a tag indicating what product is being promoted), (f ) data describing the size of the advertisement (e.g. data describing the number of pixels in each dimension of the image); (g) data describing the running time of the advertisement (e.g. 30 seconds); (h) the location where the advertisement should take place. or data describing the media (e.g., the promotion is desirably displayed as a symbol in a simulated slot machine game); (i) data describing the number of times the promotion should be run (e.g., the promotion is desirably displayed as a symbol in a simulated slot machine game); (k ) data describing the times at which the advertisement should be presented (e.g., the advertisement is preferably presented between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.); (l) describing the priority of the advertisement; data (e.g., a higher priority promotion may be presented before or instead of a lower priority promotion); (m) data describing the sponsor or marketer behind the promotion; For example, Procter & Gamble Co. is the sponsor of the promotion); (n) data describing the price paid by the sponsor or marketer for the presentation of the promotion (for example, the marketer receives 2 cents per viewer per presentation; (e.g., a marketer pays $100 to have a product advertised in a game all day long), (o) data describing the number of times the promotion has already been presented, and (p) the remaining number of times the promotion must be presented. (q) data describing the number of people who viewed the advertisement; (r) data describing demographic data of the people who viewed the advertisement; and any other data related to the advertisement. It will be done.

Marketer database 445 may store data related to sponsors or marketers. The marketer database includes (a) the marketer's name, (b) the marketer's advertising budget, (c) the promotions associated with the marketer, (d) the amount the marketer owes the casino, (e) the marketer's preferred audience, (f) billing information for the marketer (e.g. a credit card identifier associated with the marketer, e.g. an address for the marketer), (g) media of primary interest to the marketer (e.g. symbols, e.g. bonus rounds), etc. May be stored.

Player database 450 may store data related to players. The player database 450 includes (a) the player's name, (b) the player's tracking card number, (c) the player's age, (d) the player's demographic data, and (e) the player's preferences. (f) the player's preferred promotional category; (g) the length of the player's stay at the casino; and (h) the player's past purchasing behavior (e.g., the player has responded to a promotion three times in the past). (i) the performance or outcome of the player's game (e.g., the player won $120 today; e.g., the player lost in the last five outcomes); (j) Data including the player's friends, relatives, associates or other group members, etc. may be stored.

Point of sale (POS) terminal database 455 may include data describing various POS terminals. In various embodiments, such a terminal may be associated with a casino. For example, such a POS terminal may manage processing for various retail establishments within a casino. In various embodiments, such terminals may include terminals external to the casino. POS terminal database 455 includes (a) data describing the location of the POS terminal, (b) data describing the retail facilities provided by the POS terminal, and (c) data describing the presentation capabilities of the POS terminal (e.g., POS The terminal may include a display screen and/or speakers that may be used to present images and/or audio related to the promotion, and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates a POS terminal 150 according to some embodiments. Inventory database 545 may include data describing products in the store. The inventory database includes (a) the number of products remaining, (b) the expected shelf life of the products, (c) the expected remaining shelf life of the products, and (d) the expected arrival of new inventory. and (e) data describing characteristics of the product (eg, product color, eg, product size), etc. Pricing database 550 includes (a) the price of the product, (b) any discount available on the product (e.g., there is a 25% discount that is valid for the next two days), (c) the wholesale price of the product, and (d) the price of the product. It may also include data related to the price of the product, including the cost to acquire (e.g., the cost for a retailer to purchase the product from a wholesaler or manufacturer), (e) the liquidation price of the product, and the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates a mobile gaming device 600 according to some embodiments. Mobile gaming device 600 includes a slot machine game. The slot machine game includes three reels. Among the symbols shown on the reels, there are three symbols that display promotions. These symbols (605, 610 and 615) represent the Coca-Cola® corporate logo. By lining up three such symbols, a player may win a prize. The award may be related to the product or company represented by the symbol. For example, a prize may be a year's supply of Coca-Cola® beverages.

1. Types of Promotions In various embodiments, promotions may be presented using a mobile gaming device. Promotions include: (a) advertising (e.g. for a product or service); (b) announcements (e.g. an announcement about when a new show will start at a casino; e.g. an announcement that a car has been rated number one in the country). (c) warnings (e.g. warnings about approaching severe weather); (d) statements of information (e.g. that Candidate Jones just won the election); (e) offers of benefits (e.g. offers of discounts, e.g. offers of coupons); (e.g. offering a gift certificate); (f) offering a benefit in exchange for some activity on the part of the recipient of the offer (e.g. offering a gift certificate in exchange for receiving an offer to answer a survey question); (g) (i) to a lottery or other chance event; entry (for example, entry into a lottery for a particular merchant's car), etc. Promotions may be presented in various forms and in various situations. Promotions may be presented in audio, video or text form, for example. Promotions may be presented at various times relative to other events. For example, a promotion may be presented in between games being played on a mobile device.

1.1. audio.
Promotions may be presented in audio form. The advertisement may include verbal audio. For example, an announcer or narrator may state features of the advertised product. Promotions may include songs. The promotion may include a musical song. The promotion may include a soundtrack (eg, the sound of a motorcycle engine revving). The promotion may include a jingle (eg, a jingle related to the product in general).

1.2. text.
The advertisement may include text. For example, the text may include information, slogans or subtitles.

1.3. Still image.
Advertisements may include still images. The image may occupy all or part of a display screen (eg, a display screen on a mobile gaming device). The images may represent, for example, actual photographs, images created by an artist, or images created by a computer.

1.4. video.
Promotions may include videos. A video may, for example, consist of a series of still images. The video may, for example, occupy the entire display screen or a portion of the display screen. The video may be, for example, a camera production or an animation.

1.5. vibration.
The promotion may include vibration or any guided movement of the mobile gaming device. For example, a mobile gaming device may vibrate in conjunction with an advertisement for a car race, where the vibrations may help a player of the mobile gaming device imagine the sound of a car vibrating.

1.6. Flashing lights.
The promotion may include flashing or flashing lights. For example, light emitting diodes (LEDs) on a mobile gaming device may flash to convey excitement associated with a promotion.

1.7. odor.
The advertisement may also include a scent. For example, a mobile gaming device may emit small amounts of chemicals to create aromas in conjunction with food advertisements.

1.8. Operate nearby signs or slot machines to display advertisements.
In some embodiments, promotions may include signals to other displays or devices. The signal directs such display or device to engage in advertising. For example, as part of an advertisement, the mobile gaming device may advertise to nearby slot machines (e.g., slot machines within hearing range, e.g., slot machines within line of sight of the mobile gaming device) , may send a signal instructing the slot machine to perform one or more activities related to the promotion. In some embodiments, the mobile gaming device may instruct the slot machine to generate audio output. For example, the mobile gaming device may instruct the slot machine to sound a bell that rings through a speaker that is part of the slot machine. In some embodiments, the mobile gaming device may instruct the slot machine to generate video output. For example, a mobile gaming device may instruct a slot machine to display a particular video or clip of animation. In some embodiments, the mobile gaming device may instruct the slot machine to display an image. For example, a mobile gaming device may direct a slot machine to display images of products promoted by the mobile gaming device.

1.8.1. distance.
In various embodiments, a slot machine, another gaming device, a display screen, or any other device may participate in the presentation of the promotion to enhance the effectiveness of the promotion. For example, a promotion may be more effective if all five slot machines surrounding the player display the same audio and image than if only the display screen on the mobile gaming device is involved. In some embodiments, promotions may be particularly effective if the slot machine or other device involved can influence players on mobile gaming devices. Accordingly, particularly useful devices may include devices that are visible or audible to the player. In various embodiments, if the device is within a certain range of the mobile gaming device, the device is instructed to engage in the promotion. For example, if there is a slot machine within 10 feet of the mobile gaming device, the mobile gaming device may instruct the slot machine to engage in a promotion. In various embodiments, (a) the device is within a predetermined distance of the mobile gaming device; (b) the device is within direct line of sight of the mobile gaming device (e.g., when the mobile gaming device and the device (c) if the device is located in the same room as the mobile gaming device; (d) if the device is located on the same building floor as the mobile gaming device; (e) if the device is located on the same building floor as the mobile gaming device; If the device faces at least to some extent toward the gaming device (e.g., the screen of the slot machine faces toward the mobile gaming device, the mobile gaming device may request that the slot machine participate in the promotion). (f) if the mobile gaming device is able to detect signals from the device (e.g., the gaming device may detect signals from the device only if the mobile gaming device is in close proximity to the gaming device; (g) the device is capable of detecting the signal from the mobile gaming device; (h) the mobile gaming device receives the signal from the device at a certain minimum threshold power; For example, if the signal power in the detected signal is strong, the device may be considered to be in the vicinity of the mobile gaming device), (i) the device may be in close proximity to the mobile gaming device if the signal power in the detected signal is strong; (j) if the device has video display capabilities; (k) if the device has audio output capabilities; (l) if the device has speakers with a certain minimum output capability; The device may instruct the device to engage in advertising. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may determine whether another device is available for participation in a promotion. Another device is available if: (a) such device is not currently involved in a different promotion (e.g., the device is not displaying graphics as part of a promotion to a different player; (b) such device is not currently being used for gaming purposes (e.g., a slot machine may be available if it is not currently being played by another player); (c) such equipment may not be available if it is not currently being used for other purposes (e.g., a plasma display monitor is not currently broadcasting programming to people passing by); (d) such equipment is functional (e.g., the equipment has not encountered any mechanical or electrical problems); (e) such equipment is not suitable for imminent use. (f) if such device is not restricted from engaging in the type of advertising in which it is required to engage (e.g., if the device is made by the first manufacturer, may be restricted from promoting competing manufacturers' products). In various embodiments, devices that may be instructed to engage in advertising include a slot machine, a video poker machine, another gaming device, a display monitor (e.g., a plasma display screen, e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor), a billboard. , projection displays, speakers, public address device outputs, light bulbs, lighting equipment, etc.

In various embodiments, a device may be in close proximity to several players with mobile gaming devices. For example, a slot machine may be within 10 feet of each of three players on a mobile gaming device. Such players may, for example, happen to be in the same area. The three mobile gaming devices (belonging to each of the three players) are identical so that devices proximate to all three players can simultaneously display promotions that affect all three players. They may also cooperate to schedule promotions at the same time. For example, each of three mobile gaming devices may be scheduled to advertise a cruise vacation at the same time. As the mobile gaming device broadcasts audio to the three players, a slot machine in the vicinity of all three players may display a video of a cruise ship sailing across the blue ocean and anchored at tropical islands.

In various embodiments, multiple mobile gaming devices may coordinate to schedule the same or similar promotions simultaneously. Devices capable of influencing players of mobile gaming devices may be instructed or requested to participate in the promotion. The device may be a slot machine, a TV monitor, a billboard, or any other device. Accordingly, the device may broadcast audio, images, or other information that supports advertising. The device is within a distance of all players of the mobile gaming device, within line of sight of all players of the mobile gaming device, within hearing distance of all players of the mobile gaming device, and/or They may be selected or selected for any other reason. In various embodiments, a device (e.g., a slot machine) is configured to participate in promotions presented to multiple players even if the device is unable to influence one of the multiple players. may be selected. For example, a slot machine may be selected to participate in a promotion that is presented to several players even if one of the players is unable to see the slot machine's screen.

In various embodiments, a device may have the potential to engage in more than one promotion at a given time. For example, each of the first player of the mobile gaming device and the second player of the mobile gaming device may be proximate to the device. Various criteria may be used to determine whether a device participates in a promotion presented to a first player or a second player. A device may participate in a promotion presented to a first player if (a) the first player is closer to the device than the second player; If one player has a better view of the device than the second player (for example, the device's display screen faces towards the first player, but the second player does not (c) the first player is considered more susceptible to advertising than the second player; (d) the first player faces the second (e) the second player is a better customer of the casino than the second player (e.g., the first player has bet more money with the casino in the past than the second player); (f) the first player is deemed to be more likely to pay attention to the device involved in the promotion; (g) the second player is a better customer of the casino than the first player; ( h) the second player is in close proximity to another device that may be involved in a promotion to be presented to the second player and/or other criteria are met. It will be appreciated that similar criteria may be used to select which promotions a device (eg, a slot machine) will participate in, assuming three or more mobile device players are in close proximity. In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a slot machine) may not participate in such a promotion if the promotion is presented to a majority (or multiple) players of mobile gaming devices in the vicinity of the device. good.

1.8.2. Transmission of signals.
The determination of whether it is appropriate for a device (eg, a slot machine) to engage in the promotion of mobile gaming devices may be determined in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, a mobile gaming device may detect the presence of a device (eg, a slot machine). A mobile gaming device may detect the presence of the device by detecting a signal emitted from the device. The signal may be generated by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the device. The signal may be an infrared signal or any other signal. In some embodiments, a device (eg, a slot machine) may detect the presence of a mobile gaming device. The device may detect a signal from the mobile gaming device (eg, a signature of an RFID tag associated with the mobile gaming device, an infrared signal from the mobile gaming device, or any other signal). In various embodiments, a device (eg, a slot machine) may detect the presence of a mobile gaming device using optical means. For example, the device may include a camera and use image processing algorithms to recognize when a player in the vicinity of the gaming device is holding the mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may include a positioning system (eg, Global Positioning System (GPS)). A mobile gaming device may determine whether it is currently proximate to a device (eg, a slot machine) based on its location. For example, a mobile gaming device may access an internally stored map that describes the location of one or more devices. In various embodiments, mobile gaming devices and/or devices (eg, slot machines) may relay any received signals to a central server. For example, a device (eg, a slot machine) may relay signals from a mobile gaming device to a central server. The central server may recognize that the signal was generated by a mobile gaming device. Accordingly, the central server may recognize that a mobile gaming device may be in close proximity to the device (eg, a slot machine). Similarly, a mobile gaming device may relay signals from the device (eg, a slot machine) to a central server. The central server may recognize that such a signal originates from a device (e.g., a slot machine), thereby recognizing the mobile device's proximity to the device (e.g., a slot machine). You may. In various embodiments, one or more sensors may detect the presence of a mobile gaming device via signals emitted or transmitted from the mobile gaming device. The sensor may not be associated with the device (eg, slot machine). The sensors may communicate with a central server. Thus, the central server may detect the presence of a mobile gaming device using signals detected from the sensors, possibly using triangulation or other location algorithms.

In various embodiments, once the central server recognizes that a mobile gaming device is in close proximity to the device (e.g., a slot machine), the central server may cause the device to participate in promotions to be presented by the mobile gaming device. You may prepare to do so. For example, a central server may instruct a mobile gaming device and a device (eg, a slot machine) to simultaneously present a promotion. For example, a mobile gaming device may present audio and video portions of a promotion, and a nearby device (eg, a slot machine) may present a video sequence as part of a promotion. In various embodiments, when the central server recognizes that the mobile gaming device and the device (e.g., a slot machine) are in close proximity, the central server may attach the device (e.g., slot machine) to a promotion to be presented by the mobile gaming device. It may be determined whether it is appropriate for a slot machine (slot machine) to participate. For example, the central server may take into account the casino's ambient noise level to determine whether audio broadcast by the device is audible to a player at the mobile gaming device. As another example, the central server may determine whether the device is currently in use and therefore whether the device should be used for presentation of the promotion at all.

In various embodiments, a device (eg, a slot machine) may be the sole presenter of the promotion. The mobile gaming device may not be involved in presenting the promotion to the player. However, the mobile gaming device may also signal the device (eg, a slot machine) to make a presentation. For example, a player with a mobile gaming device may walk near a slot machine. The mobile gaming device may transmit a signal for the slot machine to present a promotion. Accordingly, the slot machine may present video, audio, or other information related to the promotion. On the other hand, mobile gaming devices may continue to allow players to play games without the mobile gaming device participating in the promotion. In various embodiments, more than one device may be involved in presenting a promotion to a player. The mobile device may not be involved in presentation. However, the mobile device may signal the device to present the material in accordance with the promotion.

1.9. Messages about where to go to win something. For example, a mobile device knows where you are and if you are in the vicinity of a jewelry store, it can tell you what you can get there.
In various embodiments, promotions may include messages indicating where the product or service may be purchased, used, or experienced. For example, a mobile gaming device may present a text message to a player indicating that there is a jewelry store to the player's right. For example, a mobile gaming device may present an audio message to a player indicating that a show is occurring nearby. In various embodiments, a promotion may be activated when a player with a mobile gaming device walks near a retail store or other relevant location. Promotions may be related to the location.

2. media.
Where advertisements may be placed. Images or videos related to promotions may be presented in various locations. Images and videos related to the promotion may be presented on the display screen of the mobile gaming device. Images and videos may be presented on display screens at different locations and under different environments. For example, images may be presented in the foreground or background during or between games. Other output related to promotions may also be presented in a variety of ways.

2.1. symbol.
In various embodiments, images or videos related to the promotion may be placed on the symbol. In various embodiments, images or videos associated with the promotion may constitute the entirety of the symbol. For example, an image of a soda drink may constitute a symbol. A symbol with such an image or video may function like any other symbol in the game. For example, in a slot machine game, a player may win a prize when three identical symbols line up. Images or videos associated with the promotion may include cards, game tokens (e.g., a game token moving across a Monopoly® game board may take the form of an image of a luxury car brand), game characters (e.g. Bidders in the auction game may take the form of an animated Clorox® box), tokens of value (e.g., three glittering Rolex® (a wristwatch may appear), etc.

2.2. Background (e.g. background graphics).
Images or videos related to the promotion may be displayed as background graphics on the display screen of the mobile gaming device. For example, portions of the screen not occupied by graphics related to a game may be occupied by images or videos related to promotions.

2.3. sign.
Images or videos related to the promotion may be displayed on top of signs or other landmarks in the virtual world associated with the game. For example, a game played on a mobile gaming device may feature a virtual world with racing cars. A car may pass a billboard in a virtual world. Billboards may include images promoting products or services.

2.4. Chip surface, such as the surface on a game chip.
In various embodiments, images or videos related to the promotion may be displayed on the game chip. Such gaming chips may be actual physical gaming chips (eg, those used in casino table games). Such gaming chips may also include chips used in games played on computer computing devices (eg, mobile gaming devices). For example, a player may participate in a game of poker using his mobile gaming device. Game chips that are graphically displayed in a game may include images related to promotions (eg, images of products or services).

2.5. card.
In various embodiments, images or videos related to the promotion may be displayed on the card. Such game cards may be actual physical cards (eg, those used in poker or blackjack table games). Such cards may also include cards used in games played on computer computing devices (eg, mobile gaming devices). For example, a player may participate in a game of poker using his mobile gaming device. Cards that are graphically displayed in a game may include images related to promotions (eg, images of products or services).

2.6. audio.
In various embodiments, the audio output of the mobile gaming device may be used as part of the promotion. The audio output may broadcast a product song, jingle, voice, tune, story, or sound (eg, the sound of a stamping horse in an equestrian advertisement).

2.7. Promotions will be displayed during the bonus round.
The overall theme of the bonus round may be based on promotion. In various embodiments, images or videos related to promotions may be displayed in a bonus round of a game. A bonus round may include any game sequence that is not part of the normal flow of the game and in which a player has the opportunity to win an extraordinary amount of credits. For example, in a Wheel of Fortune® game, a bonus round may include the rotation of a simulated spinning wheel, where players are given the opportunity to win large prizes posted on the spinning wheel. The promotional image may be displayed in the background of the bonus round scene. Promotional images may also function as characters or game tokens in bonus rounds. For example, a cereal box may be the main character in a bonus round, where the cereal box moves across the game board and when it lands on a square, the player wins a prize. In various embodiments, the theme of the bonus round may focus on a particular promotion. For example, a bonus round set in a chocolate factory may be designed to promote Mars company. In various embodiments, audio related to promotions may be broadcast during the bonus round. For example, the sound of a soft drink bottle opening may be broadcast whenever a player wins more money in a bonus round.

2.8. Pop-up ads.
In various embodiments, a pop-up box or window may be used to display videos or images related to the promotion. A pop-up box or window may include a separate window that is displayed on a display (eg, a display screen of a mobile gaming device) without prompting from a player. Images or videos related to the promotion may be displayed within the box or window of the pop-up.

2.9. housing.
In various embodiments, the promotion may be placed on the casing, housing, or other hardware component of the mobile gaming device. For example, the housing of a mobile gaming device may be decorated with the colors of a Coca-Cola can. In various embodiments, the promotion is placed on an accessory of the mobile gaming device (e.g., on an iPod leather case, e.g., on a BlackBerry® holster, e.g. on an iPod dock, or on any other accessory). may be placed on top of the

2.10. Constraints.
Symbols have inherent constraints. For example, symbols consist of graphics. The symbols may only be of fixed pixel size (eg 20x20 pixels). In various embodiments, particular media or slots for displaying images or videos may have unique constraints. Accordingly, marketers wishing to use such media or slots for the presentation of promotions may have to devise images or videos that meet the constraints presented by the media. For example, an image associated with a promotion may replace (or act as) a symbol in a reel-based slot game. Since the symbol occupies only a small portion of the display screen area, images or videos associated with the promotion may similarly be constrained to occupy only that small area of the display screen. Symbols may have defined constraints on size. For example, a symbol may occupy an area of 2.32 square centimeters (0.36 square inches), or an area of 20 x 20 pixels. Therefore, any image or video that is to serve as a symbol must be limited to defined area limits. In various embodiments, images or videos associated with the promotion are constrained to occupy a certain area. Area may be measured in square inches, dimensions, square millimeters, or any other units. In various embodiments, the central server, or party selling advertising opportunities to marketers, may publish or notify potential marketers of restrictions placed on various types of advertising. For example, the central server may enumerate available locations for display images or videos and may enumerate corresponding size restrictions. For example, the following may be a partial list of media and constraints. (a) symbol (20 x 20 pixels), (b) billboard in the bonus round (30 x 50 pixels), (c) left side of screen background (70 x 20 pixels), (d) top of screen background. (20×80 pixels), etc. In various embodiments, the cost to a marketer of displaying an image or video may be based, at least in part, on the display area of the image or video. For example, the cost to the advertiser may be proportional to the display area of the image or video. In various embodiments, the cost to a marketer for a promotion depends on other factors (e.g., the period of time the promotion is presented, the point in time the promotion is presented in the game, the number of times the promotion is presented (e.g., multiple presentations). In some cases, the cost per presentation may be lower).

In various embodiments, there may be time constraints placed on the promotion. For example, a promotion must last only 3 seconds. Therefore, any video related to the promotion may be constrained to last only 3 seconds. Also, any audio associated with the promotion may be constrained to last only 3 seconds. In various embodiments, the cost to a marketer for presenting a promotion may depend, at least in part, on the duration of the promotion.

In various embodiments, an image may be constrained to be at least a certain size or occupy at least a certain area. For example, an image may be constrained to be at least 20x20 pixels. In this way, the casino server can ensure that free space on the display screen is kept to a minimum. Similarly, videos may be constrained to occupy at least a certain amount of space. In various embodiments, images or videos may be constrained to be exactly a particular size. In various embodiments, audio clips associated with promotions may be constrained to be of precisely specific durations. In this way, the casino server may ensure that there are no undesirable quiet times.

3. Players indicate their preferences in advertising.
In various embodiments, players may influence the promotions that are presented to them. If a player has input into the promotions that are presented to him, he is likely to respond positively to the promotions.

3.1. In games that have advertisements on various game elements, the player selects the category, genre, brand, or other item from which advertisements are selected. Because the player just answered a survey question, this information about the player's advertising preferences may itself be valuable. For example, when the game is about to start, the startup screen may display three options (eg, three large boxes with descriptive text and graphics) that are selected using the touch screen.
In various embodiments, a player may indicate type, category, or other limitations regarding the promotion. Promotions may then be presented to the player based on the indicated type or category. Such types or categories may represent player preferences. For example, a player may prefer to watch commercials related to vacations, commercials related to cars, or commercials related to food. In indicating the category of promotion, the player may indicate (a) the type of product, (b) the type of service, (c) the price range of the product or service, (d) the brand, (e) the manufacturer, (f) For example, the advertisement may be an informational commercial. For example, the advertisement may be a video. For example, the advertisement may be audio. ), (g) a particular product (e.g., a player may wish to see advertisements for a particular model and year of Mercedes), (h) a particular cause (e.g., a player may wish to see advertisements for a particular (i) a particular attribute of a product (e.g. a player may wish to see only red clothes); (j) Retailer (e.g., the player may indicate a desire to see Macy's Department Store products); (k) the promotion promotes a particular product or service; It may also indicate whether the information exists or whether it merely provides information.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate the category of promotion in various ways. A player may indicate the category of promotion when first receiving a mobile gaming device. A player may indicate the category by notifying a casino representative. The casino agent may then program settings on the mobile gaming device such that the mobile gaming device only presents promotions for the categories indicated by the player. Players may also perform displays using mobile gaming devices. For example, a player may select a category of promotion from a menu, a series of check boxes, or a text box. Using the text box, the player may enter the category of promotion or any description of the promotion that the player desires. For example, a player may enter "Show me what to do in Kansas during August." In various embodiments, a player may designate a promotion more than once. For example, a player may initially specify a broad category (eg, cars). The player may then specify a narrower category (eg, "cars" or "trucks").

In various embodiments, a player may indicate categories of promotions via the Internet. For example, a player may visit the Internet before visiting a casino. A player may navigate through a series of menus, check boxes, text boxes, or other input media to specify a category of promotion. The categories of promotions shown may be stored by the casino server. The casino server may then ensure that the player is only presented with promotions that fall into a given category while playing. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may filter advertisements such that only advertisements in the category indicated by the player are presented to the player. In various embodiments, promotions in categories related to those selected by the player may be presented to the player.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate new categories of promotions at some point during a playing session. For example, the player may indicate that he is no longer interested in seeing promotions related to jewelry and instead desires to see promotions related to wallets. A mobile gaming device may include menus or icons that can be accessed during a playing session. A player may access such a menu or icon to indicate changes to the promotion's category.

In various embodiments, a player may first view one or more promotions. The player may then indicate whether he would like to see more similar promotions or whether he would like to see different types of promotions. New promotions may be presented to the player based on the player's answers. The player may be asked again whether he would like to see similar promotions or a different type of promotion. In this way, the casino server may iteratively arrive at categories of promotions that are of interest to the player.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate a category of promotion. All of the promotions presented to the player may or may not fit into the indicated categories. For example, a casino server does not necessarily have an inventory of promotions to present to a player for the category indicated by the player. In various embodiments, the casino server may determine which promotions are deemed to most closely fall within the category indicated by the player (even if such promotions do not directly fall into the category indicated by the player). (even if not applicable). For example, a player may indicate a desire to see advertisements related to vacationing in the Bahamas. A casino may not have any advertising directly on the topic. However, the casino may have promotions related to vacationing in the Virgin Islands. Accordingly, casinos may present such promotions to players. Casinos may use algorithms to associate related concepts. The algorithm may learn from the preferences expressed by the player. For example, an algorithm may associate concept A with concept B if a given player indicates a desire to be presented with promotions related to concept A and concept B. In the future, the casino server may present a promotion related to concept B to the player if another player indicates a desire to be presented with a promotion related to concept A. As will be appreciated, many algorithms can be used to derive associations between concepts. In various embodiments, such types of algorithms may be used to select promotions to present to players.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate a category of promotion. By indicating such a category, a player may indicate that he or she is a potential customer of a merchant that creates promotions that fall within the indicated category. For example, a player may indicate a desire to view advertisements for luxury cars. By providing such an indication, the player may indicate that he or she is a potential buyer of a luxury car. Information that a player is a potential buyer of a luxury car may be valuable to a luxury car dealer or manufacturer. Accordingly, in various embodiments, if a merchant carries a category of goods or services and a player has a preference for viewing promotions related to that category, the casino provides the merchant with the player's contact information. Good too. The merchant may then be able to send further promotions to the player. For example, a merchant may be able to send advertisements to a player's home. In some embodiments, a merchant may pay a casino to provide the casino with contact information for players who have expressed an interest in seeing promotions for the applicable category of the merchant's products. .

In some embodiments, a merchant may not be provided with direct contact information for players who have expressed interest in promotions that fall within the merchant's business area. Rather, the casino may forward promotions from the merchant to the player even after the player has left the casino's confines. For example, a merchant may send promotional emails to a casino, and a casino may forward promotional emails to players. In this way, the player's contacts may be hidden from merchants and the player's privacy may be maintained.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate particular categories of promotions. The casino may then find marketers that can be expected to advertise that fall into that category. For example, a player may indicate a desire to see promotions related to car insurance. The casino may then discover various car insurance companies. Casinos may encourage marketers to advertise to players. In various embodiments, the casino may provide a general description of the player to the marketer. For example, a casino may provide a player's age, income level, and/or other demographic characteristics to a marketer. Information about the player provided to the marketer may assist the marketer in determining whether to advertise to the player. Based on information about the player, the marketer may decide whether or not it wishes to advertise to the player. For example, a marketer may determine whether a player is likely to purchase the marketer's product based on the player's age. A marketer may make a decision as to whether to advertise to a player based solely on the fact that the player has expressed interest in a particular category of promotion. In various embodiments, a casino may quote a price to a marketer to advertise to a particular player. Marketers may accept or reject offers to advertise. In various embodiments, the casino may quote a range of prices (each price corresponding to a different constraint on the promotion). For example, a first price may be quoted for placing a symbol on the reels, a second price may be quoted for filling the entire screen with a 30 second video, and so on.

In various embodiments, a casino may solicit bids from marketers to present promotions to particular players. The marketer who makes the highest bid for a given media or slot may be given the opportunity to present a promotion to the player. In various embodiments, multiple marketers placing bids may be given the opportunity to advertise to players. Marketers with higher bids may be given priority slots. For example, the marketer with the highest bid may be given the most screen real estate to advertise. For example, the marketer with the highest bid may be given the longest time slot to have the promotion presented.

In various embodiments, a casino server may include an inventory of promotions available for presentation to players. The casino server may store rules (eg, rules provided by the sponsor of the promotion) that describe the criteria for presenting promotions. Advertisements may be stored as one or more computer files including image files, audio files, video files, and the like. In various embodiments, a casino may request promotions from marketers. For example, upon receiving an indication of a category of promotions from a player, a casino may solicit promotions from marketers who may wish to present promotions that fall into the indicated categories.

3.2. The sponsor or marketer may inform the player of what results the player will receive if sponsored. “Choose Pepsi® and get free spins.”
In various embodiments, a player may be informed of benefits that he or she may receive in exchange for agreeing to view the promotion. In various embodiments, a player may be informed of benefits that he or she may receive in exchange for agreeing to view a category of promotions. In various embodiments, marketers may willingly compensate players for viewing or hearing promotions. Compensation may take many forms. Compensation may include (a) money, (b) game chips or game credits, (c) increased winning odds, (d) higher payouts (e.g. jackpot may be increased), (e) reduced wagers. (e.g., a player may be given the opportunity to place a bet for $5 instead of the usual $10); (f) free games (e.g., free spins on a slot machine; e.g., free spins on a video poker game; (g) a free opportunity to enter a bonus round; (h) tips given in a game (e.g., in a game of video poker, a player may receive tips); (i) free or discounted music downloads, (j) free or discounted software downloads, (k) free or discounted ringtone downloads, (l) videos, manga, movie trailers, animations, sample television dramas, news clips, or others. (l) cashless game tickets, (m) show tickets, (n) movie tickets, (o) complementary points, (p) gift certificates, (q) gifts. (r) free meal vouchers, (s) free or discounted hotel room stays, and any other benefits. The marketer may offer any benefit directly or indirectly to the player. In various embodiments, a marketer may directly offer cash to a player in exchange for the player agreeing to view the marketer's promotions. In various embodiments, the marketer may provide compensation to the casino, and the casino may, in turn, provide a benefit (eg, increased winning odds) to the player. The compensation provided to the casino may be equal to the expected cost to the casino of providing the benefit to the player.

In various embodiments, more than one marketer may contribute to the benefits provided to the player. For example, each of two car manufacturers may contribute a portion of the benefits provided to the player for viewing promotions related to cars.

In various embodiments, a player may receive a fixed benefit from the casino for agreeing to be presented with a promotion. The casino may then sell opportunities to marketers to present promotions to players. The casino may attempt to sell such opportunities for as much money as it can earn. Casinos may profit from the difference between the profits they provide to players and the amounts they receive from marketers.

In various embodiments, a player may be presented with a table or other list of benefits that he or she may receive, along with criteria for receiving benefits. For example, a table may include a first column listing different categories of promotions. The second column of the table may list the benefits that the player receives in exchange for being presented with such promotions. For example, a table row may list "Watch a Pepsi ad" as a promotion category and "Get 10 free spins" as a benefit.

4. Triggers for promotion.
Promotions may be provided at various times and under various circumstances. In one situation, a player may participate in playing a game on a mobile gaming device. Advertisements may appear on the screen during the existence of the game (e.g., the advertisement may be presented as a symbol, e.g., the advertisement may be presented on a screen space to the side of the screen space displaying the game), and between games. It may be presented to the player on-screen during the game, on-screen while the game is unresolved, as an audio broadcast during the game, etc. In one situation, the player may not participate in playing the game and the promotion may be displayed on the mobile gaming device. Promotions can be presented continuously, periodically, or sporadically, such as when the mobile gaming device comes to a particular location.

4.1. Broadcasting advertising content to others in the physical vicinity of the player. If the player is in the vicinity of another person, the player can turn up the volume so that the other person can hear the advertisement on the device that says, "You just won a free Coca-Cola®."
In various embodiments, advertisements can be triggered by the presence of humans in the vicinity. The person in the vicinity is some other person other than the player of the mobile gaming device presenting the promotion. For example, the mobile gaming device may broadcast a promotion if the mobile gaming device detects the presence of a person other than the player. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may broadcast a promotion in response to some person, including a player of the mobile gaming device. A mobile gaming device may detect the presence of another person in a variety of ways. The mobile gaming device may include a microphone. The microphone may pick up environmental audio signals. The mobile gaming device may analyze environmental audio signals, such as speech sounds, breathing sounds, footsteps, etc., to determine the tell-tell human sounds of the conversation. For example, a mobile gaming device may use special software tuned to speech signals. The mobile gaming device may recognize the presence of a human by other means. For example, a mobile gaming device may include a thermal or infrared sensor. Mobile gaming devices may use such sensors to pick up thermal signatures of humans. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may include a camera. The camera may periodically snap pictures of the surroundings. The mobile gaming device may include image processing software to analyze the photos. The image processing software may have the ability to recognize images associated with humans. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may recognize the presence of a human via a device associated with the human. For example, a mobile gaming device may recognize a signal from the vicinity of a mobile phone, eg, by receiving the signal with an antenna associated with the mobile gaming device, and mobile phones are presumably carried by humans. Therefore, by recognizing the presence of a mobile phone, the mobile game device can indirectly recognize the presence of a human being. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may be aware of the presence of another mobile gaming device. Presumably, other mobile gaming devices are held or carried by another person. Therefore, by recognizing another mobile gaming device, the first mobile gaming device can indirectly recognize the presence of another person.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may present a promotion upon recognizing the presence of another person. Accordingly, promotions may have an opportunity to be perceived not only by the player of the mobile gaming device, but also by other persons in close proximity to the mobile gaming device. Therefore, the advertising effect can be increased.

In various embodiments, upon recognizing the presence of another person, the mobile gaming device may increase the volume at which the promotion is presented. Increasing the volume may make other humans more perceptive of the advertisement.

In various embodiments, upon recognizing the presence of another person, the mobile gaming device may increase the brightness of the display. Increasing the brightness of a display may make the image on the screen more perceptible to other humans. This image may include an image associated with a promotion.

4.2. In brightly lit environments (pools, etc.), increase the amount of light when broadcasting.
In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may increase screen brightness based on the intensity of ambient light. For example, a mobile gaming device may increase the brightness of its screen as the intensity of ambient light increases. For example, a mobile gaming device may brighten the screen when the mobile gaming device is outdoors in sunlight, while the mobile gaming device may dim the screen when the mobile gaming device is inside a casino. Good too. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may include a light sensor. This sensor may detect ambient light conditions. Based on the readings from the sensor, the mobile gaming device can either reduce or increase the brightness of the screen. In various embodiments, increasing the brightness of the screen allows a player of a mobile gaming device to more easily perceive promotions and/or other images while in the presence of bright light. In various embodiments, reducing screen brightness allows a mobile gaming device to extend battery life. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device can reduce screen brightness in areas where a bright screen is not needed, such as indoors.

4.3. Someone nearby wins. For example, someone at a nearby slot machine wins. Your mobile device will say "Here comes to you, now, what if...".
In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented to a first player of a mobile gaming device based on gaming results of nearby players. The nearby player may be a player at a slot machine, video poker machine, mobile gaming device, or any other gaming device. A nearby player has just (a) won a game, (b) won a large payout (e.g. 40 coins or more), (c) won a jackpot, (d) entered a bonus round, ( (e) had a near miss, (f) lost a game, (g) ran out of money, (h) checked out, or participated in any other game event or outcome. Promotions may be presented to the first player based on game events, achievements, or results of nearby players.

In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented to a first player if a nearby player has a favorable outcome. If the first player is only interested in participating in some activity, the promotion may provide the first player with an opportunity to experience similar outcomes as nearby players. This activity may include viewing advertisements or presentations, test-driving cars, responding to market research, testing or sampling products or services, providing any information about him or her (for example, information on demographic data), or providing information about himself or herself. Providing contact information for another person (e.g., a friend, e.g., a family member), etc. Thus, for example, if a first player simply views a 10-minute promotion on his mobile gaming device and responds to two survey questions associated with the promotion, he will receive results similar to those just experienced by nearby players. The first player may have the opportunity to experience the outcome.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may measure the sexualization or outcome of nearby players in various ways. The mobile gaming device may transmit its location to the casino server. The casino server may determine gaming devices that are proximate to the location of the mobile gaming device. The casino server may measure results that have just occurred to the gaming device. The casino server may send a display of this result to the mobile gaming device.

If the first player accepts the mobile gaming device's offer, the mobile gaming device may enable the first player to participate in the activity. For example, the mobile gaming device may present a 10 minute promotion and then present survey questions about the promotion for the first player to answer. Once the first player is able to participate in the activity, the mobile gaming device may provide the first player with the same results as those achieved by nearby players. For example, a first player may be awarded 50 credits if a nearby player wins a payout of 50 credits. For example, a first player may be awarded entry into a bonus round if a neighboring player wins entry into the bonus round.

4.4. If you win the result.
In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented to a player if the player reaches a winning outcome. If a player (a) receives a positive payout, (b) receives a payout that is greater than the amount he or she bet, (c) receives a payout that exceeds a certain threshold (for example, 10 coins), ( d) Promotions may be presented to the player, such as when progress to a bonus round is reached. The time a player reaches a win may be an appropriate time to present a promotion to the player, as the player may be in a good mood. Therefore, players may be more receptive to promotional messages. Players may similarly relate to the subject matter of the promotion with positive emotions associated with winning outcomes. For example, if a player is presented with a particular brand of potato chips immediately after reaching a winning outcome, the player may associate the positive feelings of winning with the potato chips.

In various embodiments, a marketer may pay more for presenting a promotion if the promotion is presented following a winning outcome. This may be done because players tend to associate more positive emotions with promotions following a winning outcome than after a non-winning outcome. Accordingly, in various embodiments, a marketer may pay a first amount to present an advertisement at a first time that does not follow a winning outcome, and a marketer may pay a first amount to present an advertisement at a second time that does not follow a winning outcome. may pay a second amount that is greater than or equal to the first amount in order to present.

4.5. Win big payouts.
In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented to a player if the player wins a large payout. A large payout may be defined as a payout of more than X credits, where X may be, for example, 50, 100, 1000, or any threshold number of credits. In various embodiments, a large payout is defined as a payout of an amount greater than X times the amount wagered, where X may be, for example, 50, 100, 1000, or any threshold multiplier. Can be done.

4.6. Win a certain amount.
In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented to a player if the player wins a certain aggregate amount. The aggregate amount may represent that the overall payout over a period of time is less than the amount wagered. The total amount may represent the entire payout, regardless of the bet amount. For example, a promotion may be presented if a player has won 100 coins on net bets over the past hour.

4.7. Have a near miss.
In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented when a player has a near miss. For example, if a player reaches a royal flush with 4 cards, if a person reaches 4 of the 5 cards required for the jackpot, or if a person reaches 4 of the 5 cards required for the jackpot, or if a person reaches one of the 4 cards away from the jackpot space on the spinning wheel. An advertisement may be presented to the player when he/she rides the game. The advertisement could say, ``Oh, that's a shame, but you can rent a car from Jim's Car Rental for just $20 a day.'' In some embodiments, a promotion may provide a player with an opportunity to achieve a missed outcome when the player is engaged in some activity. For example, if a player agrees to spend the day in a simple lodging facility in a senior living area, the player may receive a payout that would result in a near miss.

4.8. place.
In various embodiments, promotions may be triggered by the player's location. In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented to a player when the player is at a first location, but not when the player is at a second location. In various embodiments, a first promotion may be presented to a player when the player is at a first location, and a second promotion when the player is at a second location. may be presented to the player. In various embodiments, promotions may be presented to a player when the player's mobile gaming device is at a particular location. The player may be presumed to be in the same location as the mobile gaming device.

4.8.1. Walk near the store.
In various embodiments, a promotion may be triggered when a mobile gaming device is in proximity to a store. Promotions may display images or videos depicting products in the store. The advertisement may present a textual description of the store's items. The promotion may list discounts available within the store. In various embodiments, a promotion may be triggered when a mobile gaming device is in proximity to any retailer, such as a store, restaurant, roadside station, gas station, auto repair shop, etc. In various embodiments, proximity is within 30 meters (100 feet), on the same block, within sight, within walking distance, within a mile, directly in front of, or Any other suitable distance range may be defined.

In various embodiments, promotions provide benefits when a player on a mobile gaming device walks to a retailer, purchases a product at the retailer, tries a product at the retailer, or otherwise interacts with the retailer. can include. Benefits offered may include (a) money, (b) game chips or game credits, (c) increased odds of winning, (d) higher payouts (e.g., may increase the jackpot), (e) ) reduced betting costs (e.g., a player may be given the opportunity to reduce a bet that would normally be $10 to $5), (f) free games (e.g., spin a slot machine for free, e.g., a free game of video poker); ), (g) the opportunity to advance to a bonus round for free, and (h) in-game hints (for example, a player can receive a hint in a video poker game). Thus, for example, a player on a mobile gaming device may be offered ten free spins in a game of slots when walking to a retailer.

In various embodiments, a representative of the retailer, such as a store owner or manager, may be notified when a mobile gaming device approaches the store. Retailer representatives have the opportunity to judge offers to players in near real time. For example, the representative may determine whether any items in the store are currently overstocked. Accordingly, the representative may offer the player special discounts on such items. The representative may also be given information about the player. For example, the representative may receive information about the player's age, race, marital status, gender, etc. The representative may also receive information about recent results achieved by that player. Representatives may use such information in tailoring promotions to their players. For example, if the player is a man, the store owner may offer him a discount on a necktie. If the player is a woman, the store owner may offer her a discount on the blouse. The mobile gaming device may transmit information about the player to nearby stores so that store representatives can learn information about the player. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may transmit a player's identifier, such as the player's name, to a nearby retailer. The retailer may send the player's identifier to the casino server. This allows the retailer to receive further information about the player from the casino server. The information received about the player includes: (a) the last result achieved by the player; (b) the last major result achieved by the player; and (c) the total number of players during a period of time X in the past. (e.g., the player's overall wins over the past 10 minutes, the past day, the past hour, the past two days, etc.), (d) the player's net or gross wins over a period of time in the past, etc. can be mentioned.

In various embodiments, a retailer may include a retail computer or a retail server. A computer or server may execute an algorithm to determine which promotions to send to players. Promotions can be determined based on in-store conditions. Promotions may similarly be determined based on information received about the player. For example, promotions may be determined based on whether a player has recently won a significant amount while gambling. For example, if a player has recently won a large amount of money, a store may promote an expensive product to the player. The idea behind the promotion is that players are in a good spending mood, given their recent fortunes. The retail server may receive signals from the mobile gaming device and/or the casino server that describe information about the player. Retail servers can use such information to automatically determine promotions to players. Promotions can be automatically sent to a player's mobile gaming device. A promotion may then appear on the screen of the mobile gaming device. The promotion may be broadcast using the mobile gaming device's speakers. In various embodiments, a retail server may determine promotions for players. The retail server may display the promotional display to the retailer's representatives. The representative may then communicate the promotion to the player. For example, a representative may walk out in front of a retail establishment, greet a player, and present a promotion to the player (eg, offer the player a discount on products in the store).

In various embodiments, retailers and/or casino servers may track purchase data from players. For example, the retailer and/or casino server may maintain a database. The database includes data describing the amount spent by the player (e.g. for a product or service), the type of product the player purchased (e.g. clothing, e.g. shoes, e.g. jewelry), the amount the player tried on the product or service. Information about the player may be included in conjunction with data describing whether the player walked into the store, whether the player showed interest in the item, and so on. Data about the player may include the player's demographic data, including age, race, gender, income, marital status, and the like. Data about the player may likewise include the most recent results reached, the amount of recent wins, the instrumentality of wins in the past time period X, the total amount less than or equal to the total amount wagered in the past time period Data may be included about the player's gambling results, including payouts, amounts wagered, amounts wagered per game, etc. Accordingly, the database may include demographic data information about the player, information about the player's gambling results, and the player's purchase results. A database may contain such information for a large number of players. For example, the database may include one record for each player. Each record may include information about the player's demographic data, purchase information, and gambling achievements.

In various embodiments, an algorithm may be used to derive a correlation between two types of information, such as a purchase decision and a game result achieved prior to the purchase decision. For example, an algorithm may be used to determine the correlation between the amount won during a given time period and the amount spent at the retailer after that time period. The output of the algorithm may indicate, for example, that the more a player wins in the time prior to visiting a retail store, the more likely that player is to spend at that retail store.

Generally, given historical information about a player's gaming results and purchase decisions, and assuming information about a particular player's recent gaming performance (or gaming performance beyond the recent past), Algorithms can be used to predict a person's propensity to make purchasing decisions. Such algorithms can also be used to predict the propensity of players to respond to promotions. For example, a representative of a retail establishment may receive information about approaching players. This information may indicate that the player has won a jackpot in the past hour. The retailer may input that information into the prediction algorithm. The algorithm can tell the retailer that the player tends to buy more expensive items than the average person. The algorithm may further recommend items to offer to the player. The algorithm may have access to a database or other list of items in the store. The algorithm may have access to a database or list of prices, costs, or other measures of value for items in the store. Based on the player's consumption forecast, the description of the item and its value, the algorithm may determine which items to provide to the player. The algorithm may output a trial description of the item to the store representative. The representative can approach the player and inform him that the item is available and that the player can receive a special discount on the item. In some embodiments, the algorithm may send the promotion directly to the approaching player's mobile gaming device. For example, the algorithm may send an advertisement indicating that a quality court is available to the player for as little as $700.

In various embodiments, the information recorded about a player may include data describing promotions presented to that player. The recorded and/or stored data may further include data describing a player's response to promotions presented to the player. An algorithm may be used to correlate information about a player's recent gaming results with the player's response to the promotion. For example, the algorithm shows that when a player has just won money, the player is more likely to respond to humor-based promotions, and when the player has just lost money, the player is more likely to respond to price-based promotions. You can find something strong. Accordingly, algorithms can be used to predict which promotions or types of promotions will most effectively impact a player's recent gaming results.

In various embodiments, information about the player's gaming results may be received at the retail computer from the player's mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, information about a player's game results may be received at a retail computer from a casino server. In various embodiments, the algorithms used to predict which products players are likely to purchase may be executed by the casino server. In various embodiments, the algorithm used to predict which products a player is likely to purchase may be executed by a retail server. Such algorithms may be executed by a player's mobile gaming device in various embodiments. In various embodiments, one or more human representatives may collaborate with a predictive algorithm for the purpose of determining specific promotions to a player. For example, a predictive algorithm can determine the price range of products to be offered to players. Based on this price range, the representative can decide on particular products to offer to the player, given the representative's knowledge of different pricing for the products. As another example, the predictive algorithm may determine the type of promotion (eg, video, eg, audio, eg, still image, eg, 30 seconds, eg, 5 seconds, eg, discount offer, etc.). A person, such as a retailer representative, can determine the exact advertisements to send to players. In various embodiments, a human may demonstrate and present a promotion. For example, a retailer representative may call a player to a mobile gaming device. A mobile gaming device may function as a mobile phone, for example. The human may make a sales pitch to the player. Humans may also be presented with promotions via text. In various embodiments, the determination and presentation of promotions may be done by the child without any human intervention. For example, a player with a mobile gaming device may approach a retail store while walking down a hallway in a shopping district. A mobile gaming device can detect its own coordinates using an internal positioning system. The mobile gaming device can send its coordinates to the casino server. The casino server can determine that the mobile gaming device is in the vicinity of a particular retail store based on the coordinates. The casino server may previously receive information about the player's game results via signals from the mobile gaming device. This allows the casino server to use information about the player's recent gaming results, along with information about the products at the retailer, to derive promotions to the player. The casino server can send such information to the player. In some embodiments, the casino server may send promotions at retail stores. The retailer may then relay this information to the player's mobile gaming device. As will be appreciated, information about a player, such as information about results achieved by the player, may be received at various locations, such as at a retail store or a casino server. Similarly, as will be appreciated, promotions may be determined at a variety of locations, including a casino server, a mobile gaming device, or any retail store. Promotions can be sent to a player's mobile gaming device from various locations, such as a retail store or a casino server. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may initially store information about retail stores. For example, a mobile gaming device may be able to store promotions available from retail stores. The mobile gaming device may determine which of the initially stored promotions to actually present to the player based on the game results of the player of the mobile gaming device. The mobile gaming device may use predictive algorithms when presenting this.

In various embodiments, information about a player's purchase weeks may be shared between retail establishments. For example, a large database may be constructed from information gathered at various retail establishments. The database may include records for various players, such as one player making a purchase at a first retail establishment and one player making a purchase at a second retail establishment. If the larger sample size of such a database, as opposed to a database with customers of a single retail establishment, makes it possible to find better predictive algorithms for player purchasing decisions There is.

Perspectives for deciding on provision to retail facilities.
In various embodiments, a casino server may determine one or more outcomes for a player at a mobile gaming device. The casino server can send the results to the mobile gaming device. The mobile gaming device can present the results to the player.

The casino server can track the location of the mobile gaming device. The casino server can determine when a mobile gaming device is proximate to a retail establishment.

A casino server can receive data from a retail establishment. For example, a POS terminal at a retail establishment may indicate inventory levels for various products and may transmit this inventory level to a casino server. The retail facility may communicate other data, such as product value, product wholesale cost, expected new product supply dates, historical demand for the product, customer traffic at the retail store, and any other ancillary data. Can be done.

The casino server may use data received from the retailer to make promotion decisions on behalf of the retail establishment. For example, if a retailer has a surplus of a certain product, the casino server may decide to advertise offering that product at a discount.

Based on the outcomes that occur for the mobile gaming device player, the casino server may determine promotions to the mobile gaming device player. The casino server may determine a first promotion if a first outcome occurs and a second promotion if a second outcome occurs. For example, if the outcome that occurs is a winning outcome, the casino server may decide to promote an expensive product. If the outcome that occurs is a losing outcome, the casino server may determine a promotion that provides a discount to the player.

The casino server may detect a player on a mobile gaming device based on the fact that the player is within a certain distance of a retail establishment or based on the fact that the player is within a certain geographical area, region, or region. You may decide which advertisements to present. For example, a casino server may send a promotion to a player's mobile gaming device for presentation only if the player is within 50 feet of a recommended retail establishment.

The casino server can then determine the outcome that occurs to the player at the mobile gaming device. A casino server can receive data from a retail establishment. The casino server can determine the distance between the mobile gaming device and the retail establishment. Based on these factors, the casino server can determine promotions to promote the retail establishment to players. The casino server may present the promotion to the player via the player's mobile gaming device. For example, a casino server can send data to a mobile gaming device, such data describing or encoding a promotion. The mobile gaming device can then present the promotion to the player.

In various embodiments, a retail establishment may receive an indication that a mobile gaming device is in close proximity to the retail establishment. This indication may occur either through direct communication from the mobile gaming device or through communication from the casino server (e.g., the casino server determines that the mobile gaming device is in close proximity to a retail establishment and transmits this information to the mobile gaming device). (may be communicated to a retail facility) or may be received. Retail establishments may decide to promote mobile gaming devices to players. Retail establishments may base such promotion decisions on a variety of data, such as inventory levels, future new product supply dates, wholesale costs, and ability to return unsold items. The retail establishment may also receive an indication of the results achieved by the mobile gaming device player. The retail establishment may receive any information about the player's results, including an indication of recent wins, an indication of gross wins, an indication of net wins, and the like. The retail establishment can decide which promotions to present to the player based on the results the player receives. A retail establishment can decide which promotions to present to a player based on any historical results of the player. A retail establishment can make promotional decisions based on both the player's historical results and the fact that the player is in the retailer's proximity. For example, if a player is in close proximity to a retail establishment and the player wins a large payout, the retail establishment may decide to advertise to highlight the retail establishment's luxury items. Retail establishments can send promotions to mobile gaming devices. Retail establishments can send promotions to casino servers. The casino server can then send the promotion to the mobile gaming device.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may receive information from a retail establishment. This information may include inventory levels, current customer traffic levels, historical customer traffic levels, or any other ancillary information. The mobile gaming device may determine whether it is in the vicinity of a retail establishment. If the mobile gaming device is in the vicinity of a retail establishment, the mobile gaming device may determine which promotions to present to the player, which serve as advertisements for products, or services of the retail establishment. Promotions can be determined based on information provided by the retail establishment. Information provided by the retail establishment may be transmitted directly from the retail establishment to the mobile gaming device. Information provided by the retail establishment may first be sent to the casino server and then to the mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, the retail establishment can determine whether the mobile gaming device is in the vicinity of the retail establishment. The retail establishment may then notify the mobile gaming device, either directly or through the casino server. In various embodiments, the casino server can determine whether the mobile gaming device is in the vicinity of a retail establishment. The casino server can notify the mobile gaming device if it is in the vicinity of a retail establishment.

4.8.1.1. Using a mobile gaming device as an automatic, custom-tailored coupon. Personalized coupons.
In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may store coupons, gift certificates, or other tokens that confer value or discounts. Coupons may be sent to the mobile gaming device at various times. In various embodiments, a player may earn coupons, gift certificates, or other benefits during game play. For example, if a player lines up three "Macy's Store" symbols on a slot machine, the player may earn a $100 gift certificate to Macy's Store. In various embodiments, coupons, gift certificates, or other tokens of value may be stored in electronic form on the mobile gaming device. In order to use the coupons, gift certificates, etc. at the retail establishment, the player may bring his or her mobile gaming device to the retail establishment. A mobile gaming device can communicate information about coupons, gift certificates, or other tokens to a computer at a retail establishment. This communication can occur in a variety of ways. For example, a mobile gaming device may communicate a series of bits that uniquely identifies a particular certificate, coupon, etc. to a computer at a retail establishment. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may display a barcode on a display screen that identifies a coupon, gift certificate, or other token of value. The barcode displayed on the display screen of the mobile gaming device may be scanned into a retail establishment using, for example, a conventional barcode scanner. In this manner, players can carry coupons or gift certificates around on their mobile gaming devices. Players can redeem these from their mobile gaming devices at retail establishments.

4.8.2. Proximity to another mobile device.
In various embodiments, presentation of a promotion on a first mobile gaming device may be triggered by proximity to a second mobile gaming device. Promotions on the first mobile gaming device may be seen or heard by a player on the second mobile gaming device when the second mobile gaming device is in the vicinity.

4.9. time.
In various embodiments, time may function to trigger promotion. For example, promotions may be triggered at certain times of the day, on certain days of the year, or on certain days of the year. As another example, time since the event may serve as the trigger. For example, a promotion may be triggered five minutes after the last promotion was presented.

4.9.1. A certain amount of time has passed since the last advertisement.
In various embodiments, a promotion may be triggered a certain amount of time after a previous promotion. The previous advertisement may be any advertisement. For example, the current promotion may be triggered for presentation one minute after the last promotion was presented on the mobile gaming device. Previous advertisements may be of the same type or category. For example, a tooth brushing promotion may be triggered 30 minutes after the last tooth brushing promotion. However, the same promotion may be triggered when only one minute has passed since the last unrelated promotion. Player fatigue can be reduced by creating longer time intervals between promotions of the same type. In various embodiments, maintaining some minimum time gap between the presentation of any promotions can reduce the impression of annoyance to the player. In various embodiments, allowing a certain maximum time gap between the presentation of any promotion may increase player attendance at the promotion, and thus revenue to casinos and marketers. .

4.9.2.A certain time of the day. For example, advertising food during lunch hours.
In various embodiments, presentation of promotions may be triggered by time of day. Products that are typically purchased during a particular time of the day may be advertised during that time of the day. A breakfast promotion may be triggered early in the day, such as at 7:00 am. A lunch promotion may be triggered at 11:45. An evening show promotion may be triggered at 6:00 p.m. Promotions may be triggered based on merchant business hours. For example, an advertisement for a merchant's product may trigger a presentation during business hours of the litigator.

4.9.3. Environmental conditions (e.g. temperature).
In various embodiments, promotions may be triggered based on environmental conditions. Promotions may be triggered based on temperature. For example, a soft drink promotion may be triggered if the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The mobile gaming device may include a temperature sensor. Readings from temperature sensors may be used to trigger advertisements. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may include other sensors to detect or determine environmental conditions. The mobile gaming device may include a humidity sensor to detect environmental humidity or rainfall conditions. The mobile gaming device may include a light sensor to detect the light intensity, cloud cover, etc. of the environment. The mobile gaming device may include a microphone to detect environmental noise conditions. In various embodiments, certain forms of promotion may be presented depending on environmental conditions. For example, a primarily visual advertisement may be triggered and presented when the environmental noise level is high. If the environmental noise level is low, a promotion that includes an audio component may be presented. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the mobile gaming device, the casino server, or another entity can determine the level of environmental noise in the vicinity of the mobile gaming device. Based on this environmental noise level, advertisements can be selected and presented. The selection process may consider whether the promotion has an audio component. In various embodiments, the light intensity level of the environment may be used to determine what type of promotion to present. If the light level of the environment is high, a promotion with more audio components may be presented. For example, in bright sunlight environments, a mobile gaming device may be more likely to present promotions that have louder audio components. In a dimly lit environment, a mobile gaming device may be more likely to present promotions that have more visual components.

In various embodiments, rules, conventions, standards, and other conditions may determine which promotions may be used. For example, a mobile gaming device may be in a theater where a show is in progress. In such an environment, advertisements that have audio behavioral elements may be a nuisance to the surrounding theater audience. Accordingly, the mobile gaming device may determine a promotion that has little or no audio component. It should be appreciated that selecting a promotion without any audio component includes selecting a promotion that has an audio component and suppressing that audio component. For example, if the mobile gaming device determines that a promotion without an audio component should be presented, the mobile gaming device selects a promotion that previously had an audio component and Components can be muted. Furthermore, it should be understood that selecting a promotion without a visual component includes selecting a promotion that has a visual component and suppressing that visual component.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device can receive signals from a casino server describing rules, conventions, standards, etc. to the mobile gaming device. Based on such signals, the mobile gaming device can determine which particular promotions are appropriate for presentation. In various embodiments, based on the location of the mobile gaming device, the casino server may directly issue instructions to the mobile gaming device as to whether certain promotions may be presented. For example, the casino server may send an instruction to the mobile gaming device specifically prohibiting the presentation of a particular promotion or specifically instructing the mobile gaming device to present a particular promotion.

In various embodiments, the casino server can send promotions to the mobile gaming device that are appropriate for presentation based on conditions in the vicinity of the mobile gaming device. For example, a casino server can receive location information from a mobile gaming device. The casino server can then determine what the appropriate promotion is based on the location of the mobile gaming device. For example, if the mobile gaming device is in a conference room during conference time, the casino server may determine that the audio component is inappropriate. Accordingly, the casino server may only send promotions that have a video component to the mobile gaming device.

In various embodiments, an umbrella promotion may be shown when the environmental conditions include rainfall. If the environmental conditions include rainfall, an advertisement for an indoor activity (eg, a show) may be triggered. In various embodiments, advertising may be suppressed based on environmental conditions. For example, advertising of outdoor tours may be suppressed when environmental conditions include rainfall.

In various embodiments, environmental conditions surrounding the mobile gaming device may be detected by the mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, the environmental conditions may be detected by some other entity, such as a weather service. A mobile gaming device may receive signals about environmental conditions from other entities, such as a weather service or a casino server. The mobile gaming device can then use such information in determining which promotions to present. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may simply receive instructions regarding which promotions to present. The decision as to which promotions to present may be made by some other entity, such as a casino server. The casino server, in turn, can use information about environmental conditions in determining which promotions to present.

4.9.4. Based on the player's own interests.
In various embodiments, the interest of a player on a mobile gaming device may serve to trigger which promotions are presented on the mobile gaming device. For example, if the player is interested in cars, advertisements related to cars may be presented. For example, if the player is interested in sports, promotions for sports tickets, fantasy sports leagues, or sports memorabilia may be presented. In various embodiments, a player's interest may be estimated in various ways. A player may be asked questions about his or her interests. A player may inquire about his or her interests when first checking out a mobile gaming device, when first beginning game play on a mobile gaming device, during the course of a gaming session, or at any other time. You may receive A player's interest may be inferred from the player's behavior. For example, suppose a promotion is shown to a player. If a player responds to an advertisement by, for example, touching the display screen in an area that says "For more information about this product, touch here," the player is the subject of the promotion. It can be inferred that people are interested in products related to a certain product. A player's interest may be estimated by other means as well. For example, a player may make a purchase at a retailer. The retailer may forward the player's name to the casino server and may optionally include an indication of the products the player has purchased along with the player's name. The casino server may then infer that the player is interested in products similar to those purchased at the retailer.

4.9.5. You are between the games.
In various embodiments, the trigger for promotion may be the completion of a game on a mobile gaming device. For example, certain promotions may best occur only between games. For example, a promotion may require the entire display screen area of a mobile gaming device. For example, promotions may require the player's full attention. In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented when a game ends and a new game has not started within a predetermined period of time. For example, if a player completes a game and does not start a new game within five seconds, the mobile gaming device may trigger presentation of a new promotion. Players may be more receptive to promotions if they are not currently participating in the game.

4.10. Poor quality connection. For example, display advertisements when the server cannot be connected.
In various embodiments, promotions may be presented if there is any communication or connection breakdown between the mobile gaming device and the casino server. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may need to maintain communication while a casino server enables a player to participate in gaming activities. For example, a casino server may need to continually authenticate that a mobile gaming device is on casino premises in order for the mobile gaming device player to participate in gaming activities. Accordingly, any loss of communication may prevent a player from being able to play a game with a mobile gaming device. Accordingly, a communication breakdown may be a good opportunity for the presentation of advertisements, since the player may not be able to play the game.

4.11. Remaining battery life.
In various embodiments, the amount of battery life remaining on a mobile gaming device can affect whether a promotion is presented. In various embodiments, the amount of battery life remaining on a mobile gaming device may affect which promotions are presented. In various embodiments, the amount of battery life remaining on a mobile gaming device may affect the manner in which promotions are presented. Presentation of advertisements requires battery power. For example, audio accompanying a promotion may require the mobile gaming device's speakers to be powered to produce the audio output. As another example, the presentation of promotions between games may require power to illuminate the display screen. As another example, in various embodiments, presenting a promotion may require first downloading the promotion from a casino server. As an example, a casino server may send images and audio files to a mobile gaming device to play as part of a promotion. The download process may require wireless communication, which may deplete battery power on the mobile gaming device. In situations where remaining battery power is low, conserving this battery power may allow the player to play additional games on the mobile gaming device before the battery runs out. This results in additional revenue for the casino as well as reducing player frustration. Accordingly, in various embodiments, advertising may be suppressed when the power remaining in the battery is below a certain threshold. In various embodiments, when the power remaining in the battery is below a certain threshold, advertisements that require less battery power to present may be preferable to advertisements that require more battery power to present. . If the two promotions have equal priority, the mobile gaming device may tend not to present the one that requires more power with less battery life remaining. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may change the manner in which it presents promotions based on the battery power remaining in the mobile gaming device's battery. In various embodiments, images associated with promotions can be darkened when battery power is low. In various embodiments, audio accompanying the promotion may be played at a lower volume or not at all when battery power is low. In various embodiments, promotions may be suspended or compressed when battery power is low. For example, a 5 second version of a video advertisement may be played rather than a full length 15 second version. In various embodiments, remaining battery life, remaining battery power, remaining energy, and other measured quantities may all be used. In various embodiments, when battery life is below a certain threshold, promotions that are stored locally on the mobile gaming device are preferred over promotions that must be newly downloaded from a casino server or some other device. It may be. In this way, power costs associated with downloading advertisements may be saved.

4.12. Amount of balance remaining.
In various embodiments, the amount of money remaining with a player may affect what promotions are presented. The amount of money remaining with a player may also affect whether a promotion is presented. In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented to a player that provides a monetary benefit or discount on a gambling opportunity if the player has a relatively small amount of money left. For example, if a player has less than $5 left, offer 5 free reel spins if the player agrees to be emailed an information packet about a new retirement savings vehicle. An advertisement may be presented to the player. In various embodiments, if a player has a relatively large amount of money left (e.g., $500 or more), the player may receive an advertisement advertising a relatively high value product or service, such as a car or jewelry. May be presented.

4.13. Alerts and Messaging In various embodiments, alerts or messages may be sent to a player on a mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, the same alert or message may be sent to multiple different players of a mobile gaming device. When there are many players using mobile gaming devices, those mobile gaming devices can serve as an effective mass communication medium for messages, such as those communicated to casino customers. Alerts or messages can be triggered by various situations. If the alert is accompanied by an audio, and the alert is sent to multiple mobile gaming devices within the casino, the audio may add emphasis and interest to the occurrence of the alert, with the mobile gaming devices emitting the audio simultaneously around the casino. (for example, one of the players won a large jackpot).

4.13.1. When someone wins a progressive, all players' mobile devices vibrate and/or ring. Messages can also be displayed on mobile devices.
In various embodiments, a first player of a mobile gaming device may be alerted when a second player wins a significant payout. Notable payouts include a jackpot, a first prize, a prize exceeding amount X (for example, $1,000 or more), and the like. In various embodiments, the alert may take the form of a sound, a vibration of the mobile gaming device, a flashing light, etc. The alert may include the second player's name, the amount the second player won, the game the second player was playing at the time of the win, the second player's home state, or any Other information may also be displayed. The alert or message may take the form of a text message, voice message, or any other type of message.

4.13.2. Alerts can occur in response to other events, such as a daily bonus, someone winning more than $100 on a slot machine, or any other significant event, or any other event.
In various embodiments, one or more players may be alerted when a prize drawing is likely to occur. For example, one or more players may be alerted when a keno lottery occurs. In various embodiments, one or more players may be alerted when a drawing is in the process of occurring. The alert may notify the player of a partial result. For example, an alert may be sent from the casino server to the mobile gaming device. The alert may detail one or more numbers drawn in a game of Keno. The warning does not have to contain all the numbers that will be drawn for the Keno game. This allows a player viewing the alert to follow the Keno game as it progresses. In various embodiments, an alert may notify one or more players that a drawing, chance event, contest, or other event is about to occur, is in the process of occurring, or has occurred. For example, a casino may run a general advertisement that three players who visit the casino per day can win a car in a daily lottery. This lottery may occur every day at a specific time, such as 4:00 p.m. Accordingly, the casino can send an alert to one or more players in advance of the drawing time. The warning can help set the player in the mood for the lottery and give the lottery the intended effect of promoting the casino. The casino may send an alert while a drawing is occurring. The casino may send the alert after the drawing has occurred. The alert may include, for example, the name of the drawn winner. The alert may include an image and a description of the winners. In various embodiments, any alert regarding a winner of an award, sweepstakes, contest, or other event may include information about the winner, such as a photo, current location of residence, etc.

4.13.3. The settings (which events trigger an alert) may be configurable by the user.
In various embodiments, a player may indicate situations in which he or she would like to receive alerts. In various embodiments, a player may indicate a trigger for an alert. A player may issue such instructions at various times. For example, when a player first checks a mobile device, the player may indicate what types of alerts he or she would like to receive. The player may issue instructions while playing the game. For example, a player may access a menu on his or her mobile gaming device's display screen. The menu allows the player to configure what alerts he would like to receive. The menu may list categories of alerts. For example, one category of alerts may be an alert that someone has won a jackpot. Another category of alerts may be alerts sent when the jackpot reaches a certain level. Another category of alerts may be alerts sent when a lottery or other event is set to occur. A player may select a category of warning, such as by check box or selectable menu item. The player may also configure the numerical level for the prize before the alert is sent. For example, a player may specify that he only wants to receive an alert when a payout of more than $1000 is made within a casino. In various embodiments, a player can configure alerts on the Internet. For example, a player may visit a web page on a casino server. On this web page, the player can decide the types of alerts he would like to receive. The player may navigate menus, check boxes, enter text, or otherwise indicate the types of alerts he or she is interested in receiving. Once a player checks out or otherwise obtains a mobile gaming device, the player's alert selections may be communicated to the mobile gaming device. Accordingly, the mobile gaming device may only display alerts in which the player has expressed interest.

In various embodiments, a player may receive an alert. The player can then indicate whether or not they wish to continue receiving alerts of the same type or category. For example, a warning may be presented to the player in a pop-up window. The player may check a box in this pop-up window indicating that he no longer wishes to receive the type of alert he just received.

4.13.4. Warnings after certain events may not be overridden by the player (eg, the player cannot change the fact that a progressive win gives him a warning).
In various embodiments, a player has the option to suppress certain warnings. For example, a player may indicate that he or she does not want to see warnings about Keno drawings. Accordingly, the player's mobile gaming device may stop presenting warnings to the player about the Keno drawing. In various embodiments, the player does not have the option to suppress the warning. For example, an alert may be presented on a player's mobile gaming device even if the player does not wish to receive such alert, even if the player indicates that he or she does not wish to receive such alert. good. In various embodiments, a player is deterred from ignoring warnings or other promotions by having to react in some way to the promotion. For example, when a promotion is presented to a player, the player may be required to press a button, touch an area of the screen, answer a question about the promotion, or otherwise react to the promotion. You can. If the player does not respond, the player may be inhibited from playing further games on his mobile gaming device. For example, images accompanying the promotion may occupy the screen of the mobile gaming device until the player responds to the promotion. Only then may the advertisement disappear, allowing the player to view images accompanying the game.

4.13.5. Alert when a friend or family member or group member gets good results.
In various embodiments, a player may receive an alert or message when one of a group of people reaches a particular outcome. The group of people includes people who have some kind of relationship with the player. For example, a group of people may include friends, family, work colleagues, members of the same club, members of the same religious organization, classmates, social club associates, and the like. A player may indicate to the casino server who is in his group. For example, when first checking out a mobile gaming device from a casino, a player may provide the names of his or her fellow group members. In various embodiments, when a group member indicates the name or identifier of another group member, two or more members of the group (e.g., all members of the group) may send a message related to the other group member. Or you can receive a warning. For example, when a group member receives a high payout result, all other group members can receive an alert. In various embodiments, an alert can be sent to a player when a group member not using a mobile gaming device reaches a significant or noteworthy result. For example, if a fellow group member wins a payout of $1,000 at a stationary slot machine, the player may receive an alert that says, "My friend just won $1,000!"

4.13.6. Poker table reservations. Receipt of warnings for poker tables. Buffet line reservations. Book a taxi.

4.13.6.1 Tables In various embodiments, a player can use a mobile gaming device to reserve a spot at a gaming table. Gaming tables include poker tables, jackpot tables, or other tables. To reserve a spot at a table, a player can communicate with a casino server. For example, a player may access a casino server's scheduling system using a mobile gaming device. The scheduling system may include a web page interface or other type of interface. The scheduling system may list gaming tables within the casino. For example, a scheduling system may list a set of poker tables, each with a description of the games and betting limits at that table. The scheduling system may further list the names, initials, or other identifiers of players waiting for games at that table. When visiting the scheduling system, a player may add his or her name to a list of one or more players waiting for games at that table. For example, a player may add his or her name to a list of players waiting to play a game of Texas Hold'em® (e.g., 2-4 Texas Hold'em) with bet requirements of $2 and $4. . When a player's name is added to the list of players waiting for a game, all players in the list preceding him or her have either been seated or have declined participation in the game. At that point, the player may have the right to be seated for the game. For example, when a seat becomes available for a game (e.g., a game of blackjack, a game of poker, for example), the player at the top of the list of players waiting to play that game is offered a seat for that game. can. The player at the top of the list is then removed from the list, and the previously second player is now at the top of the list.

In various embodiments, a player can access a scheduling system for games using a mobile gaming device. The scheduling system allows players to reserve a queue for table games, slot machine games, or any other game. The scheduling system allows players to spot queues for any other event or activity that has vacant seats or limited availability.

In various embodiments, a player can use a mobile gaming device to view available games or tables within a casino. For example, a map of the casino may visually show the gaming tables and include which tables are available for players. If there is a current vacancy, the player can use his mobile gaming device to reserve the vacancy for himself. For example, a player may touch a schematic area of a casino floor. The region may represent a poker table. Upon touching the area, the mobile gaming device may ask the player whether to reserve a spot at that table. The player may indicate consent by touching a button on the screen of his mobile gaming device, such as touching a button labeled "Yes." The mobile gaming device may notify the player of any time restrictions associated with claiming the spot reservation. For example, a mobile gaming device may notify a player that the player has 10 minutes to reserve the spot, after which the spot reservation will be given to someone else. In various embodiments, when a player spots a gaming table, the player may indicate the amount of money he or she wishes to spend at the gaming table. A player may first indicate the amount of money he wishes to convert into gaming chips before beginning play at the gaming table. A player may indicate the amount of gaming chips with which he wishes to begin playing at that gaming table. After the player indicates the amount of gaming chips he wishes to begin with, the casino representative may arrange for the chips to be placed on the gaming table while awaiting the player's arrival. Thus, when a player arrives at the gaming table, the chips can already be counted for the player.

In various embodiments, a player may desire to reserve a seat at a gaming table. However, the gaming table may be currently full. Accordingly, players may interact with the scheduling system for the purpose of placing themselves in a queue for a table seat. In various embodiments, a casino (eg, a casino server) may indicate to a player an approximate amount of time until a seat at a gaming table becomes available for the player. For example, the casino server may send to the player's mobile gaming device an estimate that the wait time will be one hour. The wait time can then be displayed to the player on the screen of the player's mobile gaming device. Casino servers can use various algorithms to estimate latency. The casino server may have historical data indicating the rate at which spot reservations occur for particular types of games, particular betting conditions, particular times of the day, and the like. Using such data, using data about the number of people preceding the player to the table, the casino server can estimate the time it will take for the player to be seated at the table. For example, the approximate time it takes for a player to be seated at a table is equal to the average time it takes for a seat to become available, multiplied by the number of preceding players in the queue for a seat, plus one. It can be done.

In various embodiments, the casino may inform the player of any gaming tables that may become available in the future. For example, a casino may inform a player that a new poker table will become available within half an hour. Thus, a player can place himself on a waiting list for a new table.

In various embodiments, a player can play games on a mobile gaming device. The mobile gaming device or another device may subsequently provide the player with the opportunity to play the same game at a stationary gaming device and/or a physical gaming table. For example, if a player has played a game on a mobile gaming device for a period of time, it can be assumed that the player may be interested in playing the same game on a fixed gaming device and/or a physical gaming table. may be done. In various embodiments, a player may play a game of poker on a mobile gaming device. For example, a player may play a game of Texas Hold'em®. The mobile gaming device then sends a message inquiring whether the player wishes to take a seat at a poker table to play a game of poker with a live dealer, physical cards, and live opponents. can be displayed. Players can indicate their interests. The player's indication of interest can be sent to the casino server. The casino server can then, for example, send instructions to a casino representative to reserve a spot at a table for that player. In various embodiments, a player may participate in a slot machine game on a mobile gaming device; for example, a player may play a game in which the reels of a slot machine are simulated on the screen of the mobile gaming device. At that time, the player can be suggested to play the same game on a fixed slot machine. The player can accept this proposal. Thereafter, the slot machine may be reserved for the player. In various embodiments, when a player plays a particular type of game on a mobile gaming device, when a spot or space is available for a similar game on a stationary gaming device or gaming table, this spot or space is can be provided to players on mobile gaming devices.

4.13.7. Winning a spot at a poker table or blackjack table during play.
In various embodiments, a player waiting for a spot at a gaming table, game, or some other activity must play continuously in order to maintain his spot in the queue. Continuous play may be defined separately in various embodiments. For example, continuous play may mean that the player must play one game at least every 30 seconds. As another example, continuous gaming may mean that the player must spend at least $3 every minute. In various embodiments, players who do not maintain continued play may fall back in the queue. For example, for each two-minute gap in a player's play, that player may move back one place in the queue. If a player is fifth in the queue for a spot at the gaming table, the player may be moved back to sixth in the queue for a spot at the gaming table.

In various embodiments, a player may obtain a place in a queue during game play. For example, a player may play a game on a mobile gaming device. The player may obtain the result of advancing one spot in the queue at the gaming table. A player may also move back down the queue based on certain results. For example, a player waiting for a spot at a gaming table may reach a "backward" outcome while playing another game on his mobile gaming device. Accordingly, that player's place in the queue may be pushed back. In some embodiments, players may compete for spots as they become available. For example, five players may be waiting for one spot at a poker table. Once a spot at the table becomes available, each of the waiting players may play the game on each of his or her mobile gaming devices. The player with the best performance in the game may obtain the vacant spot at the gaming table. For example, the player who wins the highest amount in a game may earn a spot at the gaming table.

4.13.8. Gaming activities as registration in any contest or lottery.
In various embodiments, gaming may entitle a player to register for a contest or sweepstakes. For example, for each game played on a mobile gaming device, a player may be entered into a raffle drawing for a new car. The car may be a prize in a raffle drawing to a player who plays a mobile gaming device within a sponsored casino. In various embodiments, a player must meet a minimum gaming threshold before being eligible to register for a contest or lottery. For example, a player must play at least 100 games to qualify for registration. For example, a player must wager at least $250 to qualify for registration. In various embodiments, a player may receive a number of entries into a contest or lottery that is proportional to the amount the player wagers. For example, a player may be enrolled in a ticket lottery for a show, with the number of enrollments being proportional to the amount wagered by the player. In various embodiments, playing a mobile gaming device may award a player an entry into a state lottery, interstate lottery, national lottery, etc. In various embodiments, playing a mobile gaming device may award a player an entry in a contest or lottery in addition to the game played on the mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, playing a mobile gaming device may award a player entry into a contest or lottery that is independent of the game played on the mobile gaming device.

4.13.9. Play poker against other people waiting for a spot at the actual table.
In various embodiments, a player may use a mobile gaming device to simulate table game play. In various embodiments, a player with a mobile gaming device can imitate table game play with or against other players with mobile gaming devices. For example, several players with mobile gaming devices can compete against each other in a game of poker. As another example, several players with mobile gaming devices may play a game of blackjack with a common dealer and a common deck of cards, e.g., just as the players are at a physical blackjack table. So, you can participate. In various embodiments, a player may request a seat at a table or game. For example, a player may request to be seated at a poker game. A player may be informed that there are no seats available for a poker game. However, players may be provided with the opportunity to play games using mobile gaming devices. A player may be offered the opportunity to play the same version of poker that he or she requested to sit down for. Accordingly, the player may receive the mobile gaming device and begin playing the poker game. When a seat becomes available at a physical poker game, a player's mobile gaming device can alert the player that a seat is available. For example, a casino representative may enter a message for a player into a terminal. This message can be forwarded (eg, via a casino server) to the player's mobile gaming device. This allows the player to be informed that a spot is just available for the player at the physical poker table. In various embodiments, a player waiting for a seat at a physical gaming table can compete using a mobile gaming device against other players with mobile gaming devices. Players waiting for the same table may compete with each other. For example, five players waiting for the $4 and $8 cap poker tables can compete in a poker game on their respective mobile gaming devices. Players can compete in $4 and $8 cap games on their mobile gaming devices. Thus, in various embodiments, a player waiting at a physical gaming table featuring a particular game can play the same or similar game using a mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, a player waiting for a spot at a table can use a mobile gaming device to play a game with or against other players physically seated at the table. A player with a mobile gaming device can play electronic versions of games that are being played using physical cards, dice, or other gaming tokens at a physical gaming table.

5. Indication that there is an advertisement.
Various signals can be used to get the player's attention so that the player knows that there is a promotion for the player to peruse. In various embodiments, such a signal may be generated if it is unknown whether a player is currently looking at his mobile gaming device. For example, if a player has participated in a game within the past five seconds, it can be inferred that the player is currently looking at his or her mobile gaming device. Therefore, it is not necessary to send advertising signals. However, if the player has not participated in the game within the past five seconds, a signal may be generated indicating that a promotion will be presented.

5.1. vibration.
In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device can vibrate to indicate that a promotion is available to the player. Vibration may be effective when the mobile gaming device is in physical contact with the player, such as in the player's pocket. In various embodiments, vibrations associated with promotions may be separate from vibrations associated with phone calls or emails. For example, a mobile gaming device may vibrate on one frequency to communicate an incoming call and another frequency to communicate that a promotion is being presented.

5.2. Beep.
In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may beep to communicate that a promotion exists or is about to be presented. In various embodiments, the beep that communicates the presentation of the promotion may be separate from the beep that communicates some other event, such as an email.

5.3. Bell sound.
In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may ring a bell to communicate the presentation of the promotion. The bell tone that accompanies the advertisement may be separate from the beep tone that conveys some other event, such as a telephone call.

6. For example, the player responds to the advertisement, such as by the player expressing interest.
In various embodiments, players may respond to promotions. Players may respond in a manner that indicates interest in the promoted product, service, event, etc. A player may, for example, express an interest in purchasing a product or service or finding more information about a product or service. The player can react in many ways. During or after the promotion, the player may have the opportunity to press or click a button labeled "Learn more,""Get more information," etc. Pressing such a button, for example on a mobile gaming device, can send a signal to the casino server. The casino server can then forward more information about products, services, events, etc. to the player. For example, a casino may send a text message to a player with further details about the product. As another example, the casino may send the player more images of products or services in which the player has expressed interest. The casino server may have further information related to promotions stored on the casino server. For example, information about the subject matter of the promotion may be stored in the casino's database in association with the promotion itself. The casino server can receive additional information related to a promotion when a marketer submits the promotion. When submitting a promotion, marketers may provide additional information. The additional information may include (a) a further description of the product, service, event, or other subject matter of the promotion; (b) information about where to buy the product or service being advertised; and (c) the company or marketer making the promotion. (d) safety information; (e) information about related products or services; (f) information about other products sold by the same company; (g) other products made by the same manufacturer. (h) pricing information for the product or service; (i) transportation information for the product (e.g., which state is the product being shipped to; e.g., what is the shipping cost?); (j) product availability. (k) information about where the product may be purchased; (l) information about the attractions where the product or service may be purchased; (m) reviews of the product or service; and the products, services, or events advertised or advertised. and any other information that accompanies it.

6.1. More information about the product mailed or emailed to the player.
When a player expresses interest in the subject matter of a promotion, further information about the subject matter of the promotion can be sent to the player. Information can be sent via email. If the information is sent initiating an email, the player has the opportunity to view the information at a later time rather than in the middle of a gaming session. The casino server may have the player's email address on file. For example, a casino may collect information about a player when a player signs up for a player tracking card, when a player verifies his or her mobile gaming device, when a player registers at a casino hotel, etc. You can obtain the e-mail address of the person. If the casino does not have contact information for the player, the player may enter such information at the time of expressing interest in the promotion. In various embodiments, additional information accompanying the promotion may be mailed to the player to whom the mail is addressed. The mailing address may be on file with the casino and may be provided by the player when requesting additional information regarding the promotion.

6.2. More information shown to players on mobile devices.
In various embodiments, more information about a promotion can be presented to a player on a mobile gaming device if the player expresses interest in the subject matter of the promotion. More information can be shown to the player in the form of text, audio, still images, cartoons, or any other presentation format. Additional information may be received by the casino from the marketer in advance and stored at the casino. In various embodiments, when a player expresses interest in the subject matter of a promotion, the casino may forward an indication to the marketer that the player has expressed interest. The marketer can then send information to the player. A marketer can send information directly to a player's email address or mailing address, for example. In various embodiments, the marketer may send information to the casino about the subject matter of the promotion. The casino can then send this information to the player's mobile gaming device. Using his mobile gaming device, the player may repeatedly request further information about the subject of the promotion. As the player requests more information, more information can be sent to the player's mobile gaming device and presented to the player from the mobile gaming device.

In various embodiments, the player may request more information about the subject of the promotion. However, for the purpose of providing additional information, the marketer must make a payment to the casino. The Marketer may compensate the Casino for the space taken up on the Casino's mobile gaming device for that additional information and/or for potentially diverting the Player's attention from the Player's gaming session. You must make a payment to the casino. Accordingly, in various embodiments, when a player requests more information, the marketer must first confirm the desire to provide the additional information, and in order to provide the additional information. You must confirm that you are willing to pay.

In various embodiments, the same slot used for the original promotion may be used to present additional information to the player when the player expresses interest in the subject matter of the promotion. For example, the advertisement may be a car advertisement. The promotion may include a still image of a car replacing a symbol on the reels of the slot machine. A player may express an interest in a car. Therefore, after that, an image of a car may appear as an additional symbol replacement. These additional images may show the car from other angles, may show the interior of the car, may show the car in different colors and makes, and may show depictions of any other car. You may. In various embodiments, the additional information provided about the promotion may take the form of additional promotions or additional promotions.

6.3. More information displayed to players at nearby slot machines.
In various embodiments, additional information related to the promotion may be presented to players using nearby gaming devices. Nearby gaming devices may provide large screen areas for displaying promotions. Furthermore, the gaming device does not have to be in use. Thus, the entire screen area can be made available for displaying advertisements. Additionally, nearby gaming devices may be able to display promotions to the player even while the player continues playing on his or her mobile gaming device.

In various embodiments, additional information displayed to the player may be displayed on a stationary gaming device. However, the player may be moving while the additional information is being displayed. For example, the player may be walking. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the information displayed to the player may move to follow the player. For example, a player may walk along a row of slot machines. When the player is in front of the first slot machine, the first slot machine can display a promotional message. As the player walks, the player may be closer to the second slot machine and farther from the first slot machine. Therefore, the second slot machine may now display the same promotional message. The message may disappear from the first slot machine. Therefore, the message can follow the player. The message displayed to the player may be displayed on the gaming device closest available to the player at any given time. Usable game devices include game devices that are not in use, game devices that have the ability to display necessary types of information, and the like. In various embodiments, the information displayed to the player may be displayed on the gaming device closest available to the player that also faces the direction of the player. In various embodiments, the display of information may be transferred from one gaming device to another depending on which gaming devices are adjacent to each other. For example, a player may walk with two gaming devices on his left side. As the player walks, the display may move from the first gaming device to the second gaming device. During that time, the player may walk toward the gaming device on his right. However, the display of information can also be kept on the gaming device to the left of the player so that the player does not turn his or her head from left to right to experience a more continuous view. good. A player's location may be tracked in a variety of ways so that information regarding promotions is displayed in the player's vicinity. For example, a player's mobile gaming device can communicate its location to a casino server. Accordingly, the casino server can estimate the player's location assuming that the player continues to have possession of his mobile gaming device.

In various embodiments, more information related to promotions may be displayed on a stationary gaming device and only when a player is playing on that gaming device. For example, additional information may be displayed to a player only if the player is betting on at least three games every minute.

In various embodiments, the player may be presented with additional information related to the promotion, and this additional information is presented on the stationary gaming device. After the additional information is presented to the player, the player may be free to play on the fixed gaming device. For example, a stationary gaming device may display a message to a player that says, "Hey, how about we play a few games?" Fixed gaming devices can even offer rewards to players for playing on the fixed gaming device. For example, a stationary gaming device may present a message to a player that if the player takes eight spins on the stationary gaming device, at least two spins will be free.

In various embodiments, additional information related to the promotion may be presented to a first player with a mobile gaming device. The stationary gaming device may be selected from a variety of gaming devices, such as, for example, all stationary gaming devices within a predetermined distance of the first player. Additionally, the stationary gaming device may be selected to be proximate to the second player. A second player may be at a stationary gaming device adjacent to the one being used to present additional information about the promotion.

6.4. Casino attendants bring more information to present to players.
In various embodiments, the casino attendant may bring additional information about the promotion to the player at the mobile gaming device. For example, a player may use his mobile gaming device to request additional information. The casino server can then send a page or email notification to the casino representative to go find the player. The casino server can indicate the player's location to the casino representative. For example, the casino server may indicate that the player is in the vicinity of fixed gaming device number 924, or that the player is at the east entrance perception. The casino representative may try to find the player anyway. Casino representatives may bring additional information related to the promotion. Additional information may include catalogs, coupons, paper advertisements, gift certificates, or any other information. Additional information may include generic serial bus drives, CDs, DVDs, etc. In various embodiments, a casino attendant may bring a sample of the product to the player. For example, if the promotion is a new lipstick, the casino representative may bring a free sample of the lipstick to the player.

6.5. Player information sent to marketers.
In various embodiments, player information may be sent to a marketer. The player's information may be sent to a marketer who designs promotions that are sent to the player. The player's contact information may be forwarded to the marketer so that the marketer can later contact the player and provide the player with more information about the product.

7. Showing marketers the marketing opportunities available (e.g., who is playing now).
In various embodiments, the casino server may indicate to potential marketers the current audience available for viewing promotions. The current audience includes players who are currently gaming on a mobile gaming device, players who own a mobile gaming device, players who have money left to play on a mobile gaming device, and players who are currently gaming on a mobile gaming device. These include people within viewing range of the device (eg, people likely to be able to see advertisements displayed on the mobile gaming device), people within listening range of the mobile gaming device, and the like. Potential viewers may include people within a limited geographic area. For example, a marketer with a retail store in Nevada may be interested only in sending promotions to people currently located in Nevada. Potential viewers may only include people within a certain age range. For example, a casino server may only indicate to a marketer those who are between the ages of 18 and 35, such as those who may be the marketer's primary target audience. In various embodiments, potential viewers may include only people with certain demographic data, such as only married people, only people who speak French, only people with an income of more than $150,000. Potential viewers may be presented to marketers in the form of one or more aggregate statistics. For example, a marketer may be told that there are currently 3,500 people between the ages of 18 and 25 playing mobile gaming devices.

In various embodiments, potential marketers may be shown available advertising media. For example, a marketer may be told that there are currently 1258 locations where a product logo can be used as a symbol on the reels. As another example, a marketer may be told that there are currently 100 slots open where promotions are inserted between games played on a mobile gaming device. As will be appreciated, any statistics describing slots or media available for promotion may be presented to the marketer.

In various embodiments, a marketer may be shown available slots for promotion to a particular target audience. For example, a marketer can tell them that there are 200 mobile gaming devices that may use the marketer's promotion as a background image, and where the mobile gaming devices that are being played by players who are the marketer's target audience are located. It's okay to be hit.

7.1. Track the number of working laptops across the country.
In various embodiments, a casino server may track the number of mobile gaming devices currently in use across a particular location or geographic area. The casino server may, for example, track the number of mobile gaming devices in operation within a room, within a casino, within a neighborhood (e.g., the Las Vegas Strip), within a casino of the same operator, within a state, or across an entire country. . In this way, in various embodiments, the casino server can track the number of mobile gaming devices in use nationwide. Statistics may be presented to marketers that describe the number of active mobile gaming devices.

7.1.1. Number of laptops for specific demographic data.
In various embodiments, a casino server may track the number of mobile gaming devices being used by players of particular demographic data. For example, a casino server may count 584 people between the ages of 60 and 65 who are using mobile gaming devices. As another example, the casino server may count 2690 people who are also gun owners using mobile gaming devices.

7.1.2. Number of laptops playing a particular denomination.
In various embodiments, a casino server may track the number of mobile gaming devices on which players are playing games of a given denomination. For example, a casino server may track the number of mobile gaming devices on which players are playing games that require a $1 wager.

In various embodiments, a casino server may track the number of mobile gaming devices on which a particular type of game is being played. For example, a casino server may track the number of mobile gaming devices on which triple video poker is being played. In various embodiments, a casino server may track the number of mobile gaming devices on which games from a given game developer are being played.

In various embodiments, any group that is tracked may have gaming characteristics represented by one or more statistics. Such statistics may be presented to marketers. Based on such statistics, marketers can decide whether to advertise to that group or not.

7.2. Make space available instantly.
In various embodiments, slots, space, or media for promotions may be made available to marketers on a rapid, instantaneous, or real-time basis. For example, a marketer may decide to have a promotion presented one minute before it is actually presented. The central server can, for example, enumerate available slots for promotion in the future. Marketers can view such available slots. A marketer may select one or more slots, even if the slots occur in one minute or less. In this manner, promotions can occur on time. If a marketer's promotion is not yet stored on the casino server (for example, the image and audio data is not yet stored on the casino server), the marketer may need to upload the promotion to the casino server before it can be presented. be. Once uploaded, the promotion can be transferred from the casino server to the mobile gaming device for presentation.

7.3. Advertisers can instantly serve ads to everyone on the fly or to everyone who meets certain criteria. Immediately means to display this immediately.
In various embodiments, a marketer can specify one or more criteria. Criteria include criteria that define the target audience, such as demographic data criteria. The criteria may also define the games being played, the results achieved, etc. The criteria may define the target audience's current location. For example, the marketer-defined criteria may specify that the target audience includes people only within Mississippi. Once a marketer identifies criteria that a target audience, or members of a target audience, must meet, promotions from that marketer can be presented to the target audience. Promotions can be presented to the entire target audience or some portion of the target audience. For example, 1000 people may currently meet the criteria defined by the marketer. Therefore, a marketer's promotion can be presented to all 1000 people who meet the criteria. However, in some embodiments, one may not want payments to reach the entire target audience. For example, the marketer may instead decide on payments that reach only a portion of the target audience, such as one-third of the target audience. Once a marketer defines a target audience for an advertisement, the advertisement can be presented to members of the target audience almost immediately. Alternatively, the promotion may be presented to members of the target audience at a later time, such as at a time desired by the marketer.

7.4. Advertisers have the opportunity to see a list of people who are near a product, such as Coca-Cola®.
In various embodiments, a marketer can view data indicating how many mobile gaming device players are in the vicinity of the marketer's product. For example, a marketer may wish to view a count of the number of mobile gaming device players in the vicinity of a fast food restaurant for which the marketer is an agent. In this way, the marketer may decide whether to present the promotion to some or all of these players.

7.5. A mechanism by which advertisers can discover what is available and to bid on. Advertisers have a mechanism to acquire ad blocks. Advertisers have a mechanism to place advertisements within the block.
In various embodiments, a marketer can view a list or other description of available slots or media in which promotions may be inserted. This list may include a list of slots by time of day, games, game denominations, player demographic data, and the like. For example, a list of slots may show that 5 seconds of slots are available for 500 players between the ages of 50 and 55. Marketers may have the opportunity to purchase the slot and present their advertisements during the slot. The marketer can then present his promotion to 500 players. Marketers may be able to bid on the slot. The marketer who bids the highest amount may have the opportunity to place a promotion in the slot. In various embodiments, a marketer may be able to present an advertisement to a first number of players. The marketer may bid a high amount to present the promotion to a second number of players, where the second number of players is less than or equal to the first number of players. For example, there may be 500 players currently playing a mobile gaming device. A marketer can place a bid to present his promotion to 200 players. If the marketer bids high, the marketer may be successful in presenting his advertisement to these 200 players. The marketer who bids the second highest amount may have the opportunity to present his advertisement to players from among the remaining player group. Thus, in various embodiments, the marketer can determine that the bid price includes not only the time of day, game, length of the promotion, size of the promotion, etc., but also the number of players to whom the promotion is presented. You can make a bid.

In various embodiments, marketers may use the casino server's website to purchase slots for promotion and bid for advertisements to be placed. The casino server's website can list available slots, maximum bids, any prohibitions on the types of advertisements that may be displayed, etc. Marketers can use this website to bid, purchase, pay (eg, by submitting a credit card member), submit actual promotions (eg, image data, eg, video data, eg, audio data), etc. Marketers may submit bids and other information in many other ways, as will be appreciated. For example, marketers can place bids via telephone, facsimile, email, mail, etc.

8. A pricing framework for advertising.
In various embodiments, a casino may charge a marketer various prices for the marketer's promotional presentation. The price charged depends on many factors.

8.1. real estate space.
The price of an advertisement may depend on the amount of physical space taken up by the advertisement. The physical space taken up may include space taken up on a display screen. For example, a first advertisement that takes 6.45 square centimeters (1 square inch) may cost 5 cents per viewer, while a second advertisement that takes 25.8 square centimeters (4 square inches) may cost 5 cents per viewer. It may cost 15 cents per item. Physical space can be measured in many ways. Physical space is defined as square inches, square centimeters, pixels, or a portion or percentage of the total screen space (e.g., an advertisement can take up 25% of the display screen space; (one can be taken). Physical space may also be measured in units of other items. For example, physical space may be measured in symbols. That is, for example, an advertisement can take up the space of two symbols. In various embodiments, the price of an advertisement may increase monotonically with respect to the amount of space taken up by the advertisement, all else being equal. Advertisements can take up space in the sense that the images that accompany them take up space. For example, the space taken up by an advertisement may be the space taken up by an image or video accompanying the advertisement.

8.2. Depends on the time displayed.
In various embodiments, the price of a promotion may depend on the amount of time taken up by the promotion. For example, a promotion may be presented for 1 second, 5 seconds, or 30 seconds. For example, an image accompanying a promotion may be presented for 1 second, 5 seconds, or 30 seconds. Promotions that are presented for longer periods of time may result in more financial costs to marketers.

8.3. Depends on which customer viewed the ad.
In various embodiments, the price of the promotion depends on the target audience for the promotion. The price of advertising may increase as the income level of the target audience increases. The price of the promotion may increase as the average bet amount of the target audience increases. The price of the promotion may increase as the skill level of the target audience increases. The price of advertising may increase as the age of the target audience decreases. The price of the advertisement may be higher for a target audience of urban dwellers than for suburban dwellers. In various embodiments, the target audience may include a set of players who have achieved similar results. For example, a target audience may include all players who have won money in the past hour. In various embodiments, the price of the promotion may be higher for a target audience who has won money in the past hour than for a target audience who has not won money in the past hour. In various embodiments, the marketer communicates to those with better fortunes (e.g., in the form of a winning outcome) than to those who are less fortunate (e.g., in the form of a losing outcome). You may pay more. In various embodiments, the price of an advertisement to a jackpot winner may be higher than the price of an advertisement to a person who has never won a jackpot or who just did not win a jackpot.

8.4. Advertisers are charged more for customers with more money.
In various embodiments, the price of the promotion may depend on the amount of money the viewing audience has. An advertisement displayed to a player with a credit balance of $900 may cost a marketer more than an advertisement displayed to a player with a credit balance of $40. An advertisement displayed to a player with an income of $200,000 may cost a marketer more than the cost of an advertisement displayed to a player with an income of $50,000. An advertisement shown to a player whose hotel room costs $300 per night costs a marketer more than the cost of an advertisement shown to a player whose hotel room costs $50 per night. There may be.

8.5. Advertisers are charged more for customers with certain demographic data.
In various embodiments, the price of the promotion may depend on one or more demographic data of the target audience. For example, a marketer may be required to pay more to display an advertisement to a player with one child than to a player with two children.

8.6. Honest price.
In various embodiments, the price of a promotion with certain features (eg, presented to a particular target audience, during a particular period of time, etc.) may be fixed. That is, this price may not be subject to change or negotiation. This price can be estimated in various ways. For example, the price of an advertisement may be quoted on a per-player basis (eg, the price of an advertisement is 5 cents per player to whom it is displayed). The price of an advertisement can be estimated by the group of players who will view the advertisement. For example, the price of the promotion may be quoted as the price of displaying the promotion to 500 players.

8.7. A bidding process is possible. Marketers get advertising space if they are successful bidders.
In various embodiments, marketers may bid against each other for opportunities to present promotions. The opportunity to present a promotion may include the opportunity to present a promotion under certain combinations of circumstances. Opportunities for presenting advertisements include one or more of the following: (a) the time of day during which the promotion is presented; (b) the players to whom the promotion is presented; (c) the set of players to whom the promotion is presented; (d) the games in which the promotion is presented (e.g. (e) the amount of time the promotion is presented; (f) the amount of space taken up by the promotion; and (g) the mobile gaming device on which the promotion is presented. type or model (e.g., a promotion may be presented on models of mobile gaming devices that have a particular large, bright screen); (h) location where the promotion is presented (e.g., only to players in a particular restaurant); The promotion may be presented, for example, only to players who are within 6 meters (20 feet) of a particular jewelry store; for example, the promotion may only be presented to players who are by a pool. ), and any other circumstances. As will be appreciated, the circumstances surrounding the presentation of a promotion may affect the desirability of presenting the promotion, which may affect the amount a marketer would be willing to pay for presentation of the promotion. .

In various embodiments, marketers can bid on opportunities to present promotions under certain sets of circumstances. For example, a casino may guide you through a set of situations. This guide was sent to 300 women aged 35 to 55 between 2:30 p.m. and 2:35 p.m. on 25.8 square centimeters (4 square inches) of screen space. It may also be possible to present a 30-second advertisement. In other words, the winning marketer's promotion is displayed to 300 different players as described, with each promotion being displayed on a player's respective mobile gaming device.

When this opportunity is advertised, the marketer may have the opportunity to bid for the promotion to be presented under the advertised circumstances. Marketers may become aware of this guidance by checking the casino server's web page. For example, a marketer may register with a casino server and thereby obtain access to websites presenting opportunities to present advertisements. In various embodiments, a marketer may become aware of this opportunity through an email or other alert sent by the casino. For example, at any time a casino advertises an opportunity to present a promotion, the casino may alert marketers on a mailing list of this opportunity.

Marketers can enter bids on opportunities to present promotions in a variety of ways. In various embodiments, marketers can key in the price they are willing to pay. Marketers can key in bid prices into a web page operated by a casino server. In various embodiments, the marketer may deliver the bid to the casino representative over the phone. In various embodiments, marketers may submit bidding strategies to casinos. For example, a bidding strategy may declare that the marketer is always willing to place a bid $10 higher than any competing bid until the bidding level reaches $300. Thus, the casino can automatically enter bid prices for this marketer in accordance with this marketer's bidding strategy.

In various embodiments, marketers can bid on only a portion of the promotional opportunities offered. For example, a casino may offer an opportunity to display still images to 300 Midwesterners between 3:00 PM and 3:05 PM. A marketer may wish to present an advertisement to Westerners between 3:00 PM and 3:05 PM. However, a marketer may only want to present the promotion to 100 people. Thus, a marketer may bid for the opportunity to present an advertisement to 100 out of 300 people from the Midwest. Another marketer may wish to present to 200 people between 3:00 PM and 3:05 PM. Therefore, it is possible for the first marketer and the second marketer to get what they want. In various embodiments, all winning bidders pay the same price per person. For example, a marketer who successfully bids to present an advertisement to 200 people out of 300 available is a marketer who successfully bids to present an advertisement to 100 people out of 300 available; You may pay the same price per person. The amount paid per person by both marketers may be based on the lower asking price. The amount paid per person may be based on the higher limit price. The amount paid per person by both marketers may be an average or weighted average of their bids (eg, the weighting is proportional to the number of people who would view each marketer's respective promotion).

8.8. An advertiser monopolizes a specific "slot" (card-like medium). Advertisers can pay a separate fee for this.
In various embodiments, marketers may obtain exclusive use of slots, media, or other advertising venues or opportunities. Marketers may obtain exclusive rights to: (a) a mobile gaming device (e.g., a marketer may have exclusive rights to present promotions on a particular mobile gaming device during a period of time); (b) a particular symbol (e.g., a marketer may have The marketer may have the exclusive right to present a promotion on the spade jackpot; for example, the marketer may have the exclusive right to present the promotion on the third symbol of the second reel of the gaming device). , (c) a particular area of the screen (e.g., the marketer may have exclusive rights to present promotions in the upper right corner of the display screen of the mobile gaming device; (d) certain display monitors (e.g., a marketer may have exclusive rights to present promotions under a very busy aisle within a casino); (d) a particular display monitor (e.g., a marketer may (e) a particular gaming device (e.g., a marketer may have exclusive rights to present an advertisement on a particular gaming device); (f) (g) specific locations (e.g., the marketer may have exclusive rights to present promotions when the player is at a specific location), (g) specific times of the day (e.g., the marketer may have (h) a particular group of people (e.g., a marketer may have the exclusive right to present an advertisement to certain demographic data of persons within a casino); For example, a marketer may have an exclusive right to present advertisements to a defined set of people, such as the Jones family; for example, a marketer may have exclusive rights to present advertisements to a defined set of people, such as the Jones family; or any other category of promotional opportunities.

In various embodiments, when a marketer obtains exclusive use of a slot, medium, or other advertising venue or opportunity, the marketer does not allow other marketers to present advertisements in that venue for the duration of the monopoly. You can eliminate it. In various embodiments, marketers with exclusive rights may, at their discretion, allow other marketers to present advertisements. Marketers who enable other marketers to present advertisements may receive fees from other marketers.

In various embodiments, marketers may pay additional fees for exclusive rights to use particular slots, media, venues, etc. For example, assume that advertising space on a mobile gaming device typically costs 10 cents per square centimeter (6.45 square inches) per minute. If a marketer wants to purchase every square inch of screen space on a mobile gaming device for an hour, the marketer may pay 12 cents per square inch per minute.

In various embodiments, a marketer, along with a group of marketers, may obtain exclusive rights to particular slots, media, venues, etc. The group of marketers may be, for example, a group of competitive marketers. For example, a marketer may obtain exclusive rights to present promotions related to air routes on a particular mobile gaming device. As another example, a marketer may have exclusive rights to display promotions related to meals on all mobile gaming devices within a casino between the hours of 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Good too. In various embodiments, a marketer may pay additional fees for the exclusive right to present a particular type of advertisement, or the right to exclude a particular group of other marketers from presenting the advertisement.

8.9. If different advertisers seek slots, one ad will be randomly selected each time the slot appears in the game. Advertisers can pay more for higher probabilistic weightings applied to their advertisements. For example, if four advertisers pay $2, $5, $6, and $10, respectively, the respective weights may be 2/23, 5/23, 6/23, and 10/23.
In various embodiments, marketers can pay for the chance or probability that their advertisements will be presented. For example, a marketer may pay 5 cents and thus have a 50% chance of presenting his promotion on a particular slot. In various embodiments, different marketers may pay to present promotions in the same slot. For each marketer, the opportunities for promotions to be presented in that slot can be determined. For example, it may be determined that there is a 40% chance that Marketer 1's promotion will be presented, a 20% chance that Marketer 2's advertisement will be presented, and a 20% chance that Marketer 32's advertisement will be presented. It can be determined that The opportunity for each marketer's promotion to be presented may be based on the amount each marketer pays. In various embodiments, the opportunity for a marketer's promotion to be presented is set in proportion to the amount the marketer pays. Thus, if Marketer 1 pays twice as much as Marketer 2 to have his promotion presented, then the chances of Marketer 1's promotion being presented may be set to be twice as high as Marketer 2's.

In various embodiments, a slot may include a number of presentation opportunities. For example, a slot may include an opportunity to present a promotion to 100 people during a particular 5 minute time slot. If multiple marketers pay to present promotions in the same slot, the promotional opportunity may be divided among the marketers. For example, one marketer may present his advertisement to 60 out of 100 people, while another marketer may present his advertisement to 40 out of 100 people.

In various embodiments, the number of presentation opportunities available to each marketer may be proportional to the amount paid by that marketer. For example, if Marketer 1 pays $7 and Marketer 2 pays $3, Marketer 1 can present his advertisement to 70 people and Marketer 2 can present his advertisement to 30 people.

In various embodiments, a slot may include an opportunity to present a promotion on (or in place of) a particular symbol when that symbol appears in the game. As will be appreciated, symbols may appear multiple times over the course of multiple games. If multiple marketers pay to present advertisements on their slots, one of the marketers' advertisements may be randomly selected each time the opportunity occurs (e.g., each time that symbol appears in the game). . The probability that a marketer's promotion will be presented at each time an opportunity occurs may be proportional to the amount paid by that marketer. In various embodiments, the promotions presented may alternate among all marketers who have paid to present promotions in a particular slot. Marketers who pay more can present their promotions more frequently. For example, a first marketer may pay twice as much as a second marketer to present a promotion in a particular slot. Then, for every third opportunity to present a promotion in that slot, the first marketer may be given the first and third opportunities, while the second marketer may be given the second opportunity. May be given.

8.10. A second market may also exist for advertising space. This advertising space may, for example, be made into small cuts by the central service and transferred.
In various embodiments, marketers may purchase slots, places, etc. directly from casinos. In various embodiments, a first marketer may purchase slots, places, etc. from another marketer or from any other third party. In various embodiments, slots, venues, and any other promotional opportunities may be purchased and resold. There may also be a second marketer for promotional opportunities.

In various embodiments, a casino may operate exchange transactions for promotional opportunities. In various embodiments, an exchange transaction may be operated by a third party. In various embodiments, an exchange transaction may be free of individuals controlling power. An exchange transaction may allow marketers to post offers to sell promotional opportunities. An exchange transaction may allow marketers to post offers to purchase promotional opportunities. An offer to purchase may include quantity and price. For example, an offer to buy may specify the number of people to whom the promotion will be presented as well as the amount to be paid for presentation of the promotion. Similarly, an offer to sell may also specify a price and quantity.

In various embodiments, offers to buy and offers to sell may include a description of the opportunity to be purchased or sold. The description includes the following: (a) the number of people to whom the promotion will be presented; (b) the time of day the promotion will be presented; (c) the number of mobile gaming devices to which the promotion will be presented; (d) the advertisement. (e) the amount of time the promotion will occupy (e.g. the promotion should be a 30-second spot); (f) the format of the declaration (e.g. the promotion should be a 30-second spot); (g) the amount of screen or display space that the promotion may occupy; (j) the symbol that the promotion represents or replaces (e.g., the promotion represents a jackpot symbol), and any other promotion, or under which the promotion is presented; situation that will occur.

Descriptions of promotions to be purchased or sold may be provided by the casino. In fact, the casino may be the source of this opportunity and therefore may have a description of the occasion that it generated. In various embodiments, each opportunity may receive a unique identifier. For example, an opportunity to advertise to 100 people between the ages of 55 and 65, each with an income of more than $100,000, in a 30-second video spot that takes up half the screen between 11:00 and 11:05 a.m. It may have a unique identifier of 1112223453. In various embodiments, identical or interchangeable opportunities may receive the same identifier. For example, an opportunity advertised to a first person from Tennessee at 9:00 a.m. may be indistinguishable from an opportunity presented to a second person from Tennessee at 9:00 a.m. Therefore, the two occasions may have the same identifier. However, any occasion that is different in some way may receive a different identifier. A description of the occasion may be associated with each identifier. A marketer interested in purchasing a particular opportunity may have the opportunity to access a description of that opportunity using, for example, an identifier associated with that opportunity. For example, a casino may store a database containing descriptions of opportunities with identifiers. Once a marketer submits an identifier to the database, the casino can search for the description and present the description to the marketer. The description may be presented to a marketer, for example, on a web interface to an exchange transaction.

In various embodiments, the quantity specified by the marketer may refer to the number of particular occasions associated with the identifier. For example, a marketer may want to purchase 100 opportunities with the identifier 1112223999. This may correspond to an opportunity to present a still image to 100 people who are in a particular restaurant within a casino on a Sunday between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

In various embodiments, the opportunity may include an opportunity to present a 10 second video clip to a particular individual between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. 100 such opportunities may be available in the sense that the same individual displays 100 10 second video clips on his or her mobile gaming device between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. . However, since the particular times at which video clips are presented may be chosen randomly, each independent occasion within this 100 may not be distinguishable a priori from one another. Therefore, each of the 100 opportunities may have the same identifier. Thus, for example, a marketer may bid on ten such opportunities to present to a player. If a marketer needs to find sellers of 10 opportunities, the marketer can send 10 10-second video clips to a person at any time between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. It has the ability to present.

In various embodiments, one purpose of an exchange transaction may be to match like-minded buyers and sellers. Buyers and sellers can be matched if a buyer bids a certain price for a certain quantity of a specific opportunity and a seller offers the same price for the same quantity of the same specific opportunity. . Sales can be made. The purchaser can then have the opportunity to present the promotion, and the seller can deliver the opportunity. In an exchange transaction, a seller can receive payment from a buyer based on a limit price and an offering fee. The authority in charge of the casino or other exchange transaction may receive a fee for matching buyers and sellers. For example, a casino may receive transaction fees from either the purchaser, the seller, or both. This fee may be derived from the last one the buyer and seller matched to the other's price. This fee may be derived from the initial price posted by the buyer and seller at which the transaction occurred. This fee may take the form of a percentage of the sales price and may be deducted from the amount the seller collects from the purchaser.

In various embodiments, potential buyers may pay only for limit bids. In various embodiments, a potential seller may pay a fee only for providing an offer. In various embodiments, participants in an exchange transaction may pay a fixed fee, a fixed fee per time period, a fixed fee per completed transaction, for the purpose of participating in the exchange transaction.

When an opportunity is in the hands of a purchaser, the purchaser's name or other identifying information may be stored in association with the opportunity. Thus, the casino can keep a record of which marketers own which opportunities for the presentation of promotions. When it is time to present a promotion, the casino may allow owners of promotional opportunities to present their promotions during that time.

In various embodiments, the owner of a promotional opportunity must submit the promotion to the casino within a predetermined amount of time leading up to possession of the opportunity. For example, within one hour of purchasing a promotional opportunity, the purchaser may be required to submit an advertisement to the casino. The casino may then approve the advertisement before it can be displayed. In various embodiments, the owner of the promotional opportunity must submit the promotion to the casino within a predetermined period of time to display the promotion or to potentially display the promotion first. For example, a promotion may have a 10% chance of being displayed as early as 8:00 AM. At this time, the promotional opportunity owner may be required to submit the promotion by 7:00 am. If a promotion is not submitted on time, the owner of the promotional opportunity may lose the opportunity and may not be able to display his promotion. In various embodiments, if an opportunity owner does not submit his promotion in time, the opportunity may be returned to the market for acquisition by a new owner.

In various embodiments, contingent opportunities to present promotions may be sold. A contingent opportunity may include an opportunity for a second marketer to present a promotion if a first marketer in preference to a second marketer decides not to present the promotion. For example, a first marketer may purchase the opportunity to present an advertisement to a particular person at a particular time. A second marketer can purchase the opportunity to present an advertisement to the same person at the same time if the first marketer does not.

In various embodiments, an identifier for an opportunity may include a ticker symbol. A ticker symbol may be a compact way to display or identify an opportunity. For example, a ticker symbol may consist of four characters.

8.11. Depending on the means of presentation (audio vs. video).
In various embodiments, the price of a promotional opportunity may depend on the type of broadcast signal used to broadcast the promotion. For example, an advertisement that uses visual or light-based presentations may have a different price than an advertisement that uses auditory or audio-based presentations. Promotions that use video and audio may be priced differently than promotions that use only video. Promotions that use video and audio may have a different price than ads that use only audio. Promotions that use vibration or other tactile stimulation may have a different price than promotions that do not use tactile stimulation. Promotions that use scent may have different prices than promotions that do not use scent.

9. Data about players available for reference.
In various embodiments, a casino may store various data related to players. Data may be received in a variety of ways. Players may provide data about themselves to the casino. For example, a player may provide data when making a reservation or registering for a player tracking card. A casino may receive data about a player when performing checks on the player, such as when performing checks on the player before extending credits to the player. A casino may receive data about players by tracking interactions with players. For example, through a player's interaction with the casino, the casino may collect data, etc. about the player's wins and losses.

In various embodiments, data about players may be used by marketers to select target audiences for promotions. For example, a marketer may decide that they only want to advertise to players who have a high skill level for video poker. In various embodiments, a marketer may select a target audience through a series of menus. One menu may be age-related. Using this menu, marketers may select an age range for their target audience. Another menu may be related to income. Using this menu, marketers may select income ranges for their target audience.

In various ways, selecting a target audience allows a marketer to indicate a desire for his/her advertisements to go to the target audience. In various embodiments, upon selecting a target audience, a marketer may first view statistics that describe how many of their target audiences are currently available to hear the promotion. For example, a marketer may view statistics that describe how many of their target audiences are currently using mobile gaming devices. If the marketer is satisfied with the number of his target audience available, he may indicate his desire for his promotion to be displayed to that target audience.

In various embodiments, one or more of the following data types may be available regarding a player. (a) Name, (b) Address, (c) Gender, (d) Birthday, (e) Data derived from the game played by the player, (f) Skill level of the player in the game, (g) Black (h) the skill level of the player in video poker; (i) transaction data for the player; (j) the average deposit size for the player; (k) the amount of bets made by the player. , (l) the average bet amount made by a player; (m) a player's bet limit (e.g., the maximum amount the player is allowed to bet per game; (n) a player-imposed betting limit on a player (e.g., the maximum amount a player is allowed to play per game at the player's request); (o ) a loss limit for a player (e.g., the maximum amount a player is allowed to lose over some period of time, beyond which the player is deterred from further gaming); (p) a limit for a player; Deposit limits (e.g., the maximum amount a player is allowed to deposit at a gaming machine; e.g., the maximum amount of chips a player is allowed to purchase at a gaming table).

In various embodiments, one or more of the following data types may be available regarding a player. (a) address of residence; (b) city of residence; (c) country of residence; (d) residence preference; (e) street of residence; (f) city of residence. suburb, (g) postal code of residential address, (h) mailing address, (i) city of mailing address, (j) country of mailing address, (k) mailing address preference, (l) mailing. Street Address, (m) Suburb of Mailing Address, (n) Postal Code of Mailing Address, (o) Contact Details, (p) Email, (q) Secondary Email, (r) facsimile number; (s) mobile (e.g., phone number of the player's mobile device); (t) pager (e.g., contact number of the player's pager); (u) preferred contact method; (v) work. (w) home number (e.g., the player's home phone number); (x) credit card details; (y) person details; (z) ) agent code, (aa) birthday, (bb) first name, (cc) last name, (dd) middle name, (ee) country ID, (ff) nationality (e.g. player's origin) country (e.g. the country of which the player is a citizen), (gg) promotion code, (hh) gender, (ii) title, (jj) authentication questions and answers (e.g. the player's mother's maiden name; (answers to questions), (kk) bank account details, (ll) bank name, (mm) bank account ID, (nn) branch address, (oo) branch code, (pp) branch country name, (qq) account name, and (rr) account number.

The player selects the type of advertisement when checking the mobile device.
In various embodiments, a player may make one or more specifications when receiving a mobile device. Such designations may affect the promotions and advertisements displayed to that player. For example, such a designation may affect the types of companies that advertise to the player and the types of products that are advertised to the player.

A player can receive a mobile device in many ways. In various embodiments, a player may pick up a mobile device at a casino cage, vending machine, or casino hotel front desk. In various embodiments, a player may receive a mobile device from a casino representative. For example, a player may be at a slot machine and wish to continue participating in the game and move around the casino. Accordingly, a player may request that a casino representative provide the player with a mobile device for gaming. A player may own his or her own mobile device (eg, a player may own a personal cell phone). A player who already owns a mobile device may attach one or more designations to an advertisement at the time he or she configures or enables his or her mobile device as an object in a game.

When receiving or configuring a mobile device, a player may make a number of specifications. The player may instruct the following: (a) product (e.g. Coca-Cola®), (b) product category (e.g. soft drink, e.g. leisure cruise), (c) brand, (d) country, (e) manufacturer, (f) product purpose (e.g., wedding present, bath cleaning supplies), (g) price range (e.g., price range that the player would like to purchase), (h) budget range (e.g., amount that the player can spend), ( i) Desired sales representatives or types of sales representatives that the player may be interested in contacting (eg, life insurance agents). Such specifications by the player allow the marketer to determine the desirability of sending advertisements or promotions to the player. For example, if a player specifies a particular marketer's product category, that marketer may be more willing to pay to have the player view advertisements for the marketer's products. This designation may also assist the casino in selling advertising space to marketers. For example, a casino can persuade a cruise line marketer to place advertisements on players' mobile devices if the casino can show the cruise line marketer that many of its players are interested in a cruise vacation. There are cases.

When receiving or configuring the mobile device, the player may also indicate characteristics about himself/herself. A player may indicate age, race, income level, location of residence, family structure, gender, political affiliation, occupation, or any other piece of information. Such information may further assist marketers in determining which players to advertise to, how much to pay for serving the advertisements, and in determining what advertisements to send to one or more players. It may help.

Bonus Rounds on Separate Devices In various embodiments, a player may participate in a portion of a game on a mobile device and a portion of the same game on another device. The other device may be a gaming device that is not a mobile device. For example, the other device may be a slot machine, a video poker machine, a video blackjack machine, etc. In some embodiments, gaming devices can provide experiences to players that are not available on mobile devices. Therefore, it may be more exciting or otherwise interesting for a player to play a portion of a game on another gaming device rather than playing the entire game on a mobile gaming device. In some embodiments, a player may reach reach times while playing on a mobile gaming device. The bonus round of the game may feature random events embodied in physical processes. For example, a bonus round may feature the rotation of a rotating disk. For example, while the rotation of a spinning disk can be visually imitated using the display screen of a mobile gaming device, it may be more exciting for the player to actually see the rotation of a physical disk. There is. Accordingly, a player may use a non-mobile gaming device to play out bonus rounds of his game. The gaming device used for the bonus round may include a physical rotating disk. This wheel may be rotated to reveal the player's prize in the bonus round.

In various embodiments, when a first portion of the game is played on a mobile gaming device and a second portion of the game is played on another device, the outcome of the game can be determined in various ways. The outcome of the game may be determined solely based on random numbers or events generated by the mobile gaming device. The outcome of the game may be determined solely based on random numbers or events generated by other devices (eg, non-mobile gaming devices). The outcome of the game may be determined solely by a third device, such as a casino server. The outcome of the game may be determined solely based on random numbers or events generated by both the mobile gaming device and other devices (eg, non-mobile gaming devices). For example, entering a bonus round may be determined based on random numbers generated on the mobile gaming device. The outcome of the bonus round may be based on random numbers generated at another device (eg, a non-mobile gaming device). The outcome of the game may be determined solely based on random numbers or events generated by both the mobile gaming device and a third device (eg, a casino server). The outcome of a game may be determined solely based on random numbers or events generated by both another device (e.g., a non-mobile gaming device) and a third device (e.g., a casino server). . The outcome of the game is solely determined based on random numbers or events generated by the mobile gaming device, other devices (e.g., non-mobile gaming devices), and third devices (e.g., casino servers). Good too.

100% Refund Devices In various embodiments, games on mobile gaming devices may have a 0% house edge. In various embodiments, games on mobile gaming devices may have a negative house edge. As will be appreciated, a game with a 0% house edge may not be profitable to the casino. As will be appreciated, games with negative house edges can potentially cost the casino money. Accordingly, in various embodiments, a casino may utilize revenue from the presentation of promotions to offset costs associated with games that have a 0% or negative house edge.

In various embodiments, a casino can present enough promotions on a mobile gaming device to generate a desired positive house edge when a profit is expected from the promotion. For example, five promotions may be presented for each $1 game played on a mobile gaming device. For example, the five promotions may include five products that replace the symbols on the simulated slot machine reels. For each promotion presented, the marketer who funds the promotion can pay the casino one cent. In this way, the casino can earn 5 cents from the marketer for each $1 game played. Even if the house edge on the game itself is 0%, the casino can effectively maintain a 5% house edge when taking into account the profits from advertising. In order to reach a desired effective house edge, the casino may adjust the number of promotions presented per game played and/or the fee charged to the marketer per promotion. For example, in the example above, if the casino wanted to receive a 6% house edge, the casino could have had six promotions per game instead of five.

In various embodiments, a player of a game may be required to view or peruse one or more promotions in order to play a game that has a zero or negative house edge. While viewing promotions, players may accumulate points, tokens, or other credentials. A player may be required to accumulate a certain number of points for the purpose of playing a game that has a zero or negative house edge. As the player reaches the target number of points, the house edge becomes lower and lower, and becomes zero when the player reaches the target number of points. For example, a game may typically have a house edge of 10%. However, when a player views half of the advertisements required to play a game with a 0% house edge, the house edge may drop to 5%. In various embodiments, as a player accumulates points, the player may use the points to play games that have a 0% or negative house edge. Once a player runs out of points, the player may be asked to earn more points (e.g., by watching more ads) for the purpose of playing games with a 0% or negative house edge. ).

In various embodiments, a meter or other memory may indicate a player's progress toward playing games with a 0% or negative house edge. As the player views more promotions, for example, this meter may approach closer to the target. Upon reaching a goal, a player may be allowed to play a game with a 0% house edge. In various embodiments, a player is required to view additional advertisements on an ongoing, periodic, or sporadic basis in order to maintain the privilege of playing games with a 0% or negative house edge. If a player who may be able to play the game fails to view the promotion at a desired rate, the player may lose points and/or the meter may move away from its target range. Thus, a player may be forced to play a game with a positive house edge until such time as the player views additional promotions.

Obtaining Regulatory Permission for Advertising In various embodiments, a casino may seek regulatory permission to place or insert advertisements into a game. In various embodiments, a casino may seek regulatory permission to post or insert promotional images into a game. In various embodiments, the casino may seek regulatory permission to post or insert any images into the game. The game may be a game of chance for money, such as a slot machine game or a video poker game. In various embodiments, the casino may receive full permission, at the casino's discretion, to insert any one of the various images into the game. For example, a casino may desire regulatory permission to insert any one of 50 different images into a game. For example, a casino may desire regulatory permission to insert any one of 50 different images as a symbol into a game. The image, or any data related to the promotion, may be shown to regulatory authorities in advance. The regulatory authority may approve all images or other data and then authorize the casino to insert any one of the images into the game at its discretion.

Regulatory authority approval terms for inserting images into a game may include any one or more of the following: (a) The presence of an image that has no effect on the game when compared to the situation of the game played if the image were not present; (b) The presence of an image that has no effect on the game when compared to the game payout if the image were not present. (c) the existence of an image that has no effect on the payouts for that game; (c) the image does not form part of a winning outcome; (d) the image does not show or represent the game itself (e.g., the image does not show or represent the game itself (for example, the image may not show the amount of payouts, the results of wins or losses, the bonus rounds); (e) the image is not offensive; (f) the image is not intended to be used by another person who is already part of the game; (e) the image is not offensive; (g) Images are not to be confused with images that are part of any game (e.g., images of clowns may be prohibited because they may be confused with the Joker symbol); , (h) the image must not appeal to children or minors (e.g., the image must not display a toy or brand that is appealing to children), etc. Note that the foregoing terms apply to videos, cartoons, animations, audio, or any other information that is characteristic of a promotion.

Obtaining regulatory approval in respect of the foregoing will enable casinos to solicit and then plug into games any advertising they can get from marketers. New promotions can be received and then introduced without the need for regulatory approval between the time the promotion is received and the time the promotion is introduced. This allows marketers to quickly speed up the turnaround time between the point of submission of an advertisement and the point of introduction of that advertisement.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may display promotions that serve to encourage play by a player at a stationary gaming device. For example, a player may be holding a mobile gaming device while walking within a casino. The mobile gaming device may sound a buzzer and then display a message. The message may inform the player that some type of stationary gaming device is nearby. For example, the message may read, "There's a great game on your right called Jackpot Junkle. You're lucky today!" In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may or may not detect the presence of a stationary gaming device in its vicinity. The mobile gaming device may then prompt the player to go to a nearby stationary gaming device. There may be any number of trigger conditions that trigger the display of a message to a player encouraging the player to go to a nearby stationary gaming device. Trigger conditions include the following. (a) the fixed gaming device is within a predetermined distance of the mobile gaming device; (b) the fixed gaming device has a higher bet limit than the mobile gaming device; (c) the player plays on the mobile gaming device; (d) the fixed gaming device supports the same game that the player has played in the past; (e) the fixed gaming device supports the same game that the player has played in the past; (f) the fixed gaming device supports a game in which the player has experienced an outcome (e.g., a game in which the player has previously won more than $100); (f) the fixed gaming device supports a new game (e.g., a casino has The game you want to test, such as a game that a manufacturer wants to test, such as a new game that a casino wants to promote, and any other trigger conditions.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device, or any other device, may function as an information display or information conduit for nearby objects, people, or other things or entities. In various embodiments, a player may hold a mobile gaming device near a stationary gaming device for the purpose of finding information about the stationary gaming device. For example, a player may lift a mobile gaming device near a stationary gaming device for the purpose of finding historical game results on the stationary gaming device. Information about fixed gaming devices that appears on mobile gaming devices includes: (a) Last result, (b) Last payout, (c) Last 10 results, (d) Last 10 payouts, (e) Last X result, (f) Last X (g) the last time a bonus round was reached; (h) the net winnings of previous players at that fixed gaming device; (i) the total winnings of previous players at that fixed gaming device; (j) the amount won in the last X number of hours at the stationary gaming device; (k) the last time the jackpot was bought; ) The identification of any celebrity who played on the stationary gaming device, and any other information about the stationary gaming device.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may publish information about a gaming table. A mobile gaming device may publish achievements or results at its table. For example, a mobile gaming device may show a display of the cards currently being played at its table. For example, a mobile gaming device may show a display of community cards currently being played in a game of Texas Hold'em. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may show an indication of the total size or bet amount of the current stakes at the table. The mobile gaming device may show a display of hidden or secret cards. For example, a mobile gaming device may show a display of cards that a player has in hand, or a display of further cards that are being dealt. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device is capable of (a) identifying one or more players at a table; (b) identifying the gaming history of one or more players at a table (e.g., (c) the identity of the dealer at the table; (d) the wager on the table; (e) the bet limit on the table; (f) the last X cards dealt at the table; (g) the manufacturer of the table; (i) information about the dealers at the table; (i) information about the dealers at the table; ) Information about how much the player won when playing with that dealer, and any other information about the games at that table, and any other information about that table.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may display information about a restaurant. Information that the mobile gaming device may display includes the following: (a) display of one or more menu items available at the restaurant; (b) display of restaurant prices; (c) display of ratings or reviews for the restaurant; (c) display of available seating at the restaurant; (d) restaurant. (e) an indication of the expected wait time; (f) an indication of the time dinner is expected to be served; (g) an indication of any special items to be served; Indication of any associated promotions (for example, current offers include half-price drinks) and any other information about the restaurant.

In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may display information about other stores or retail establishments. Information that the mobile gaming device may display includes the following: (a) product listings; (b) product prices; (c) promotions (e.g., you may advertise a 50% discount on all items in the store); (d) product reviews; (e) product sizes (e.g. (garment sizes), (f) available quantities of all products, and any other information about the store.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may be limited in terms of what type of information or how much information it may reveal about the stationary gaming device, about a person, or about any other entity. , may have different settings. In various embodiments, different settings may allow a player to view information for different time periods. The first setting may allow the player to view information from a specific point in time in the past. A second setting may allow the player to view information from another, more distant point in the past. For example, a first setting may allow a player to view historical gaming information for a stationary gaming device within the past 10 minutes. In other words, the player may be able to see what results have occurred on the game device in the past 10 minutes. However, results that have occurred on the gaming device over the past 10 minutes must not be visible by the player. A second setting on the mobile gaming device may allow the player to view historical gaming results from the gaming device within the past hour. In various embodiments, settings may determine the extent to which a mobile gaming device may display information about a stationary gaming device or other person, object, or entity. In a first setting, the mobile gaming device may be able to display information about stationary gaming devices that are within 3 meters (10 feet) away. In a second setting, the mobile gaming device may be able to display information about stationary gaming devices that are within 15 meters (50 feet) away. If a player has a mobile gaming device in the second setting, the player can swing the mobile gaming device in an arc with his or her hand, thereby receiving information about many different stationary gaming devices without having to move his or her feet. may be able to be found. In various embodiments, settings may determine the types of stationary gaming devices, people, objects, or other entities that a mobile gaming device may display. For example, in a first setting, a mobile gaming device may only display information about stationary gaming devices that feature video poker games. In a second setting, the mobile gaming device may only display information about stationary gaming devices that feature slot machine games.

In various embodiments, prior to displaying information about the stationary gaming device, a person or other object or entity, the mobile gaming device must first detect the stationary gaming device. Additionally, in various embodiments, it must be determined which stationary gaming device among various proximate gaming devices has information displayed on the mobile gaming device. For example, a mobile gaming device may be in close proximity to various stationary gaming devices. It must then be determined which of the various proximate stationary gaming device presences has information displayed on the mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device displays information about the nearest stationary gaming device. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device displays information about the nearest stationary gaming device. For example, a mobile gaming device may have a side or surface that may be considered to constitute the front side of the mobile gaming device. When the front side of the mobile gaming device is facing or facing a particular stationary gaming device, the mobile gaming device may display information about that stationary gaming device. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may display information about a stationary gaming device that is facing the mobile gaming device. Thus, for example, a mobile gaming device may transmit information about a first stationary gaming device that is further away than a second stationary gaming device if the presence of this first stationary gaming device If the presence of a second stationary gaming device faces a different direction, it may be displayed.

In various embodiments, a player may pay to have certain settings on his or her mobile gaming device, and such settings control the amount of information that may be displayed on that mobile gaming device. decide. For example, in a first setting where you can hold your mobile gaming device up to your stationary gaming device and have the last 10 results of that stationary gaming device displayed on your mobile gaming device for viewing. Alternatively, the player may pay $5 per day. For a second configuration where you hold your mobile gaming device up to your stationary gaming device and the last 100 results of that stationary gaming device are displayed on your mobile gaming device and can be viewed. , the player may pay $10 per day. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may receive information such that it can display information available for any possible configuration. However, the mobile gaming device may withhold or not display certain received information based on current settings. For example, the mobile gaming device may be in a first setting that allows only the last ten results that occurred on the stationary gaming device to be displayed. The stationary gaming device may actually communicate the last 100 results that occurred at the stationary gaming device to the mobile gaming device. However, the mobile gaming device may only display ten of those results due to its current settings. If the mobile gaming device is in the second setting, the mobile gaming device may display all 100 of those results. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device only communicates information to the player from the fixed gaming device, from the casino server, or from any other source based on the mobile gaming device's current settings. can be requested.

Some aspects will be described below.
[Aspect 1]
receiving a wireless-based signal from a mobile gaming device, the mobile gaming device being operable to enable a player of the mobile gaming device to gamble;
outputting a promotion to the player based at least in part on receiving the wireless-based signal, the promotion including at least one of video and audio;
method including.
[Aspect 2]
The method of aspect 1, wherein outputting the promotion includes outputting the promotion to the player via the mobile gaming device.
[Aspect 3]
determining the promotion;
transmitting the promotion to the mobile gaming device;
3. The method of aspect 2, further comprising:
[Aspect 4]
3. The method of aspect 2, wherein the mobile gaming device at least partially determines the promotion.
[Aspect 5]
receiving an indication from the mobile gaming device to obtain additional information related to the promotion;
transmitting the additional information to the mobile gaming device;
outputting the additional information to the player via the mobile gaming device;
3. The method of aspect 2, further comprising:
[Aspect 6]
receiving an indication from the mobile gaming device to obtain additional information related to the promotion;
transmitting the additional information to another device other than the mobile gaming device;
outputting the additional information to the player via the other device;
3. The method of aspect 2, further comprising:
[Aspect 7]
7. The method of aspect 6, wherein the other device is adjacent to the player.
[Aspect 8]
8. The method according to aspect 7, wherein the other device includes a slot machine.
[Aspect 9]
The method of aspect 1, wherein outputting the promotion includes outputting the promotion to the player via another device than the mobile gaming device.
[Aspect 10]
10. The method of aspect 9, wherein the other device is adjacent to the player.
[Aspect 11]
11. The method of aspect 10, wherein the other device includes a slot machine.
[Aspect 12]
Outputting the advertisement includes outputting a first portion of the advertisement to the player via the mobile gaming device, and outputting a first portion of the advertisement to the player via the other device. The method according to aspect 1, comprising: outputting a second portion.
[Aspect 13]
Receiving the wireless signal includes receiving the wireless signal via another device other than the mobile game device,
Outputting the advertisement includes outputting the advertisement to the player via the other device;
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 14]
The wireless signal originates at least partially from a device other than the game device,
Outputting the advertisement includes outputting the advertisement to the player via the other device;
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 15]
receiving the wireless signal includes a device other than the mobile game device receiving the wireless signal;
outputting the advertisement includes the other device outputting the advertisement to the player;
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 16]
16. The method of aspect 15, wherein the other device is adjacent to the player.
[Aspect 17]
17. The method of aspect 16, wherein the other device includes a slot machine.
[Aspect 18]
16. The method of aspect 15, wherein the wireless-based signal encodes the advertisement.
[Aspect 19]
the radio-based signal identifies the advertisement;
The method further includes the other apparatus determining the signal based at least in part on the signal.
The method according to aspect 15.
[Aspect 20]
determining that the mobile gaming device is in proximity to another device other than the mobile gaming device based at least in part on the wireless-based signal;
The outputting of the promotion may include transmitting the promotion to the player via the other device based at least in part on determining that the mobile gaming device is in proximity to the other device. further including being output,
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 21]
21. A method according to aspect 20, wherein the method is at least partially performed by the other device.
[Aspect 22]
21. The method according to aspect 20, wherein receiving the wireless-based signal includes receiving the wireless-based signal via the other device.
[Aspect 23]
21. The method of aspect 20, wherein the wireless-based signal originates at least in part from the other device.
[Aspect 24]
21. The method of aspect 20, wherein the other device includes a slot machine.
[Aspect 25]
determining that the mobile gaming device is in proximity to another device other than the gaming device based at least in part on the wireless-based signal;
Outputting the promotion may include communicating the promotion to the player via the mobile gaming device based at least in part on determining that the mobile gaming device is in proximity to the other device. further including being output,
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 26]
26. The method of aspect 25, wherein receiving the wireless-based signal includes receiving the wireless-based signal via the other device.
[Aspect 27]
26. The method of aspect 25, wherein the wireless-based signal originates, at least in part, from the other device.
[Aspect 28]
determining that the mobile gaming device is within a predetermined distance of another device other than the mobile gaming device based at least in part on the wireless-based signal;
The promotion may be output to the player via the other device based at least in part on determining that the mobile gaming device is within the predetermined distance of the other device. further comprising: the advertisement being output;
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 29]
29. The method of aspect 28, wherein the other device includes a slot machine.
[Aspect 30]
determining that the mobile gaming device is within a predetermined distance of another device other than the mobile gaming device based at least in part on the wireless-based signal;
The promotion may be output to the player via the mobile gaming device based at least in part on determining that the mobile gaming device is within the predetermined distance of the other device. further comprising: the advertisement being output;
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 31]
determining that the mobile gaming device is in proximity to a retailer based at least in part on the wireless-based signal;
The outputting of the promotion may include outputting the promotion to the player via the mobile gaming device based at least in part on determining that the mobile gaming device is in proximity to the retailer. further including,
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 32]
32. The method of aspect 31, wherein the promotion is associated with the retailer.
[Aspect 33]
33. The method of aspect 32, further comprising determining the promotion and transmitting the promotion to the mobile gaming device.
[Aspect 34]
33. The method of aspect 32, wherein the mobile gaming device at least partially determines the promotion.
[Aspect 35]
determining that the mobile gaming device is within a predetermined distance of a retailer based at least in part on the wireless-based signal;
The outputting of the promotion includes outputting the promotion to the player via the mobile gaming device based at least in part on determining that the mobile gaming device is within a predetermined distance of the retailer. further including being
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 36]
36. The method of aspect 35, wherein the promotion is associated with the retailer.
[Aspect 37]
37. The method of aspect 36, wherein the mobile gaming device at least partially determines the promotion.
[Aspect 38]
determining that the mobile gaming device is within the predetermined location based at least in part on the wireless-based signal;
The outputting of the promotion includes outputting the promotion to the player via the mobile gaming device based at least in part on determining that the mobile gaming device is within a predetermined location. further including,
The method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 39]
39. The method of aspect 38, further comprising determining the promotion based at least in part within the predetermined location.
[Aspect 40]
39. The method of aspect 38, wherein the signal includes a location of the mobile gaming device.
[Aspect 41]
The method of aspect 1, further comprising determining the promotion based at least in part on information about the player.
[Aspect 42]
42. The method of aspect 41, wherein the signal includes the information about the player.
[Aspect 43]
42. The method of aspect 41, wherein the signal identifies a mechanism for accessing the information about the player.
[Aspect 44]
44. The method of aspect 43, further comprising retrieving the information about the player using the mechanism identified in the signal.
[Aspect 45]
a processor;
a computer-readable medium storing instructions;
the instructions, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform the method of aspect 1;
Device.
[Aspect 46]
determining, for a user of a mobile gaming device, a gambling outcome based on a game played by the user via the mobile gaming device;
determining that the mobile gaming device is proximate to a retail establishment;
determining a promotion based at least in part on the result and based at least in part on the proximity of the mobile gaming device to the retail establishment, the promotion at least one of the retail establishments; What we think about the product,
outputting the advertisement to the user on the mobile gaming device;
method including.
[Aspect 47]
47. The method of aspect 46, wherein determining that the mobile gaming device is proximate to the retail establishment includes determining that the mobile gaming device is within a predetermined distance of the retail establishment.
[Aspect 48]
a processor;
a computer-readable medium storing instructions;
47. The apparatus, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the method of aspect 46.
[Aspect 49]
displaying at least one display to at least one marketer, said display including an opportunity for said marketer to present a promotion via at least one mobile gaming device, said mobile gaming device offering a gambling-type game; be capable of operating to
receiving a bid price for the opportunity from the marketer, the bid price including a monetary quantity, and determining that the bid price matches a first set of one or more predetermined criteria;
accepting the limit price based at least in part on the limit price meeting the first set of the one or more predetermined criteria;
identifying at least one mobile gaming device, the at least one mobile gaming device being currently in use by a player;
causing the identified mobile gaming device to provide the marketer's promotions to the player;
method including.
[Aspect 50]
50. The method of aspect 49, wherein the opportunity includes at least one situation in which the promotion of the marketer is offered.
[Aspect 51]
51. The method of claim 50, wherein causing the identified mobile gaming device to provide the promotion of the marketer includes causing the identified mobile gaming device to provide the promotion of the marketer according to the at least one condition. Method.
[Aspect 52]
51. The method of aspect 50, wherein identifying the at least one mobile gaming device includes identifying the at least one mobile gaming device based on the at least one condition.
[Aspect 53]
The at least one situation is
(a) the date on which said promotion of said marketer is provided;
(b) the time at which said promotion of said marketer is provided;
(c) at least one person to whom the promotion of the marketer is presented; and (d) demographic data of the at least one person to whom the promotion of the marketer is presented. the method of.
[Aspect 54]
50. The method of aspect 49, wherein determining that the limit price meets the first set of one or more predetermined criteria includes determining that the quantity of money exceeds a predetermined amount.
[Aspect 55]
Determining that the limit price meets the first set of one or more predetermined criteria includes determining that the quantity of money exceeds the quantity of money associated with any other limit price. , the method according to aspect 49.
[Aspect 56]
receiving the promotion of the marketer from the marketer;
determining that the promotion of the marketer meets a second set of one or more predetermined criteria;
50. The method of aspect 49, further comprising:
[Aspect 57]
Said second set of predetermined criteria is:
(a) said advertisement of said marketer does not contain any abusive language;
(b) the advertisement of the marketer includes only images having certain pixel dimensions;
(c) the advertisement of the marketer has a predetermined run length;
(d) said advertisement of said marketer does not contain any images that are identical to images used in one or more prescribed games; and (e) said advertisement of said marketer does not include any images that are used in one or more prescribed games. 57. The method according to aspect 56, comprising at least one of: not including any audio that is the same as the audio.
[Aspect 58]
50. The method of aspect 49, further comprising transmitting the promotion of the marketer to the identified mobile gaming device.
[Aspect 59]
59. The method of aspect 58, further comprising sending first instructions to the identified mobile gaming device, the first instructions describing how to present the promotion of the marketer.
[Aspect 60]
The first command is:
(a) a location on a display screen presenting the promotion of the marketer;
(b) the time during which the marketer presents the promotion;
(c) the volume at which said marketer presents said promotion;
(d) the length of time for which the marketer presents the promotion;
60. The method of aspect 59, comprising at least one of: (e) a condition that must occur in the game before the marketer's promotion is presented.
[Aspect 61]
further comprising transmitting second instructions to the identified mobile gaming device, the second instructions determining if the identified mobile gaming device is not present when the promotion of the marketer is presented. 60. The method according to aspect 59, wherein the method describes the location where the content is not allowed.
[Aspect 62]
62. The method of aspect 61, wherein the location includes a restaurant.
[Aspect 63]
determining a category of the promotion of the marketer;
the identified mobile gaming device has not presented a different promotion within the same category within a previous predetermined period;
causing the identified mobile gaming device to present the promotion of the marketer may be configured such that the identified mobile gaming device has not previously presented a different promotion within the same category within the predetermined period of time; causing the identified mobile gaming device to present the promotion of the marketer to the player based at least in part on the
50. The method according to aspect 49.
[Aspect 64]
50. An apparatus comprising a processor and a computer readable medium storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the processor, instructing the processor to perform the method of aspect 49.
[Aspect 65]
receiving at least one display, the display including an opportunity to present a promotion via the at least one mobile gaming device when the mobile gaming device is within a particular location within a casino; the mobile gaming device is operable to provide gambling-based games;
bidding a limit price for the opportunity, the limit price including a monetary quantity;
receiving an indication that the limit price has been accepted;
transmitting data to a server that may present a particular promotion; and receiving an indication that the particular promotion has been presented by a mobile gaming device at the location within the casino;
method including.
[Aspect 66]
receiving a limit price for the monetary quantity;
providing said quantity of money;
66. The method of aspect 65, further comprising:
[Aspect 67]
66. The method of aspect 65, further comprising generating the data that may present the particular promotion.
[Aspect 68]
Generating the data includes:
(a) Image data,
68. The method of aspect 67, comprising generating at least one of: (b) video data; and (c) audio data.
[Aspect 69]
a processor;
a computer-readable medium storing instructions;
the instructions, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the method of aspect 65;
Device.
[Aspect 70]
determining a first game played by a first player on the mobile gaming device;
identifying a stationary device operable to perform a game of the same type as the first game;
determining that the fixed device is available for use; and presenting an offer to the first player to participate in a second game at the fixed device;
receiving an indication from the first player that the first player accepts the proposal;
reserving the fixed device for the first player;
method including.
[Aspect 71]
71. The method of aspect 70, wherein the first game includes a slot machine game and the stationary device includes a slot machine.
[Aspect 72]
71. The method of aspect 70, wherein the first game includes a game of poker and the stationary device includes a poker table.
[Aspect 73]
Aspect 70, wherein reserving includes inhibiting a second player from using the fixed device prior to the first player using the fixed device. Method.
[Aspect 74]
determining a first credit balance for the first player, the first credit balance being associated with the mobile gaming device;
transmitting instructions to the fixed device, the instructions directing the fixed device to establish a second credit balance;
transmitting instructions to the mobile gaming device, the instructions directing the mobile gaming device to establish a zero credit balance;
71. The method of aspect 70, further comprising:
[Aspect 75]
75. The method of aspect 74, wherein the second credit balance is equal to the first credit balance.
[Aspect 76]
75. The method of aspect 74, wherein the second credit balance is larger than the first credit balance.
[Aspect 77]
71. The method of aspect 70, further comprising transmitting an indication of the location of the stationary device to the mobile gaming device.
[Aspect 78]
a processor;
a computer-readable medium storing instructions;
the instructions, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the method of aspect 70;
Device.
[Aspect 79]
receiving a promotion to present to a user of the mobile gaming device at a mobile gaming device, the mobile gaming device being operable to provide a gambling-based game;
receiving first instructions at the mobile gaming device, the first instructions describing a method for presenting the promotion;
presenting the promotion to the user according to the first instruction;
method including.
[Aspect 80]
The first command is:
(a) a location on a display screen for presenting said promotion;
(b) the time during which said promotion is presented;
(c) the volume at which said advertisement is presented;
(d) the length of time for which said promotion is presented;
79. The method of aspect 79, comprising at least one of: (e) a condition that must occur in the game before the promotion is presented.
[Aspect 81]
further comprising receiving second instructions at the mobile gaming device;
The second instruction describes a location where the mobile gaming device must be present when the promotion is presented, and presenting the promotion includes providing information to the user when the mobile gaming device is at the location. including presenting said promotion;
80. The method according to aspect 79.
[Aspect 82]
receiving an advertisement on a mobile phone, the advertisement including audio, the advertisement promoting at least one of a product and a service;
receiving an indication of an incoming call on the mobile phone;
playing the promotion as a ringtone in response to the incoming call;
method including.
[Aspect 83]
83. The method of aspect 82, further comprising reporting on use of the promotion as a ringtone.
[Aspect 84]
84. The method of aspect 83, wherein the use includes a number of times the promotion was played as the ringtone.
[Aspect 85]
further comprising: reporting at least one of at least one location at which the promotion was played as the ringtone; and at least one time at which the promotion was played as the ringtone.
85. The method according to aspect 84.
[Aspect 86]
presenting a first promotion to a player of the gaming device at a gaming device, the gaming device being operable to provide a gambling-type game to the player;
receiving an indication from the gaming device, the indication being transmitted by the gaming device in response to an action by the player;
determining a second promotion based at least in part on the display;
presenting the second advertisement to the player on the gaming device;
method including.
[Aspect 87]
the display includes a display of a reaction by the player to the promotion;
determining the second promotion includes determining the second promotion based at least in part on the reaction of the player;
87. The method according to aspect 86.
[Aspect 88]
88. The method of aspect 87, further comprising inhibiting another gaming device from presenting the first promotion based at least in part on the reaction by the player.
[Aspect 89]
The first advertisement is a first category;
The display includes a display of a second category different from the first category,
determining the second promotion includes determining the second promotion based at least in part on the second category;
87. The method according to aspect 86.
[Aspect 90]
determining, by a mobile gaming device, a stationary gaming device that is proximate to the mobile gaming device;
requesting, by the mobile gaming device, historical game results that occurred at the stationary gaming device;
displaying the historical game results by the mobile gaming device;
method including.
[Aspect 91]
The historical game results are:
at least one result of a game occurring on the stationary gaming device;
at least one payout made by the stationary gaming device;
the last time a bonus round was reached on the fixed gaming device;
91. The method of aspect 90, comprising at least one of: a net win of a previous player at the fixed gaming device; and an overall win of a previous player at the fixed gaming device.
[Aspect 92]
91. The method of aspect 90, wherein determining the stationary gaming device by the mobile gaming device includes detecting the stationary gaming device by the mobile gaming device.
[Aspect 93]
91. The method of aspect 90, further comprising receiving the historical game results from the stationary gaming device by the mobile gaming device.

Claims (10)

receiving an indication of a predetermined location within a predetermined area where future opportunities for presenting promotions to the mobile computing device may occur;
bidding a limit price for the opportunity to present the promotion to the mobile computing device in the future, the limit price including a monetary amount;
receiving an indication that the limit price has been accepted;
generating data upon which to present the promotion based on a comparison of content of the promotion and content items displayed in a portion of the game in multiple areas of a display screen when the promotion is presented; the comparison may allow content of the promotion to be displayed in the portion of the game in a first region of the plurality of regions; not being allowed to be displayed in the part of the game in a second area, the first area being different from the second area;
transmitting the data to a server;
and receiving an indication from the server that the promotion has been presented by the mobile computing device at the predetermined location. The above data is:
(a) Image data;
2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one of: (b) video data; or (c) audio data. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to control receiving an indication that the advertisement matches a set of criteria used to filter out unwanted advertisements. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive an indication of a response to the promotion and control determining adjustments to future promotions based on the response. The comparison may allow the promotional content to be displayed in the portion of the game at a second predetermined position of the display screen in relation to a given area of the plurality of areas. , the apparatus of claim 1. By at least one processor:
receiving an indication of a predetermined location within a predetermined area where future opportunities for presenting promotions to the mobile computing device may occur;
bidding a limit price for the opportunity to present the promotion to the mobile computing device in the future, the limit price including a monetary amount;
receiving an indication that the limit price has been accepted;
generating data upon which to present the promotion based on a comparison of content of the promotion and content items displayed in a portion of the game in multiple areas of a display screen when the promotion is presented; the comparison may allow content of the promotion to be displayed in the portion of the game in a first region of the plurality of regions; not being allowed to be displayed in the part of the game in a second area, the first area being different from the second area;
transmitting the data to a server;
receiving an indication from the server that the promotion was presented by the mobile computing device at the predetermined location;
Method. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising controlling receiving by the at least one processor an indication that the advertisement matches a set of criteria used to filter out undesired advertisements. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising controlling, by the at least one processor, receiving an indication of a response to the promotion and determining adjustments to future promotions based on the response. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising controlling by the at least one processor to receive an indication of a winning characteristic by a player in which the opportunity to present the promotion may occur in the future. The comparison may allow the promotional content to be displayed in the portion of the game at a second predetermined position of the display screen in relation to a given area of the plurality of areas. , The method according to claim 6.

Images