WO2020220069A1

WO2020220069A1 - A computer-enabled method, system and computer program for monitoring a plurality of gaming machines and other games of chance, and providing a booking and monitoring service for gaming enthusiasts and gaming venues

Info

Publication number: WO2020220069A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/050409
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Petroulas
Original assignee: Grand Performance Online Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-29
Filing date: 2020-04-28
Publication date: 2020-11-05
Also published as: AU2021201204A1; AU2020200610A1; AU2023201980A1

Abstract

In one embodiment, the invention provides a computer-enabled method for creating a volumetric space/time framework of constraints for the dynamic allocation of a booking request to control access to at least one of a plurality of gaming tables, gaming machines and electronic games within one or more spaces, including providing a booking and monitoring service for a booking requestor.

Description

A COMPUTER-ENABLED METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR MONITORING A PLURALITY OF GAMING MACHINES AND OTHER GAMES OF CHANCE, AND PROVIDING A BOOKING AND MONITORING SERVICE FOR GAMING ENTHUSIASTS AND GAMING VENUES

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-enabled system, method and computer program for monitoring a plurality of gaming machines and other games of chance and providing a booking and monitoring service for gaming enthusiasts and gaming venues.

[0002] In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a computer-enabled method including a user interface arranged to allow an operator to control the booking of a series of gaming machines and allow gaming enthusiasts to interact with a central authority or operator of the gaming machines in booking a gaming machine or a space in a gaming venue.

[0003] In one specific embodiment, the invention is directed to an online reservation system utilising allocation methodologies, or one or more configurable allocation algorithms for gaming sessions and spaces within a gaming environment, such as a casino.

[0004] It will be understood that in the context of the present specification, the term“gaming environment” is intended to encompass both physical spaces (e.g a casino) and virtual spaces (e.g. a virtual casino).

Background

[0005] To better understand the inventive concepts and embodiments of the invention described herein, an abridged history of the restaurant industry and known booking systems may be found in an earlier filed PCT application PCT/AU2018/051168 (and co-pending PCT application PCT/AU2018/051169, PCT/AU2018/051170 and PCT/AU2018/051171), as well as in Australian provisional application AU2019/900128.

[0006] Casinos and other gaming venues generally have a large number of games, from so-called“table games” (such as Blackjack, 21 and other card-based games) to traditional“roulette” and other“wheel” based games, to dice-based games, and also lottery-type games, such as Keno. Such games generally use a“dealer” or other supervisor, which is an employee of the gaming venue, who exercises some control over where gaming enthusiasts sit at the table. However, in recent years many venues have moved towards self-managed games, which include a“virtual” dealer (i.e. a computer program arranged to simulate and carry out the functions of a dealer).

[0007] Another major source of revenues for casinos and other gaming venues are electronic gaming machines (sometimes colloquially referred to as“poker machines”). Such games are essentially autonomous and are largely“self-serve”, in the sense that a gaming enthusiast simply sits at a gaming machine and begin to play, without requiring any assistance or intervention by casino or gaming venue staff.

[0008] Many superstitions abound regarding games of chance, and many gaming enthusiasts develop habits where they prefer to sit at a particular table, specific seats at a particular table, or at a particular gaming machine. Gaming enthusiasts may go to great lengths to secure a favourite or“lucky” machine or table, such as arriving early at a gaming venue, placing items on seats to signal to others that the particular machine is“taken”, etc. It is not uncommon for confrontations to occur between gaming enthusiasts when one gamer believes another gamer has "unfairly” occupied a seat at a table, or at a gaming machine.

[0009] Moreover, gaming machines and tables have traditionally been grouped not only by game type, but also by specific minimum bets. As different gaming enthusiasts have different amounts of money they are willing to risk and different appetites for risk, different tables and/or machines with different minimum bets allow each enthusiast to find a machine and/or table that suits their particular requirements. However, in more recent times, electronic technology allows enthusiasts to select a desired level of risk (e.g. vary the minimum bet size) on any machine, thereby removing the strict requirement to group machines. However, casinos and gaming venues still group machines, primarily for marketing and customer satisfaction reasons. For example, a casino may wish to create a“VIP” area, where only selected gaming enthusiasts may enter.

[0010] As casinos and other gaming venues have marketed themselves as entertainment venues, it follows that casinos and other gaming venues invest resources into ensuring that gaming enthusiasts develop a loyalty to the casino or gaming venue. The casinos and other gaming venues foster loyalty by providing incentives,“comps” (i.e. complimentary products and services) and by keeping track of and catering to the desires and needs of gaming enthusiasts. Many casinos and other gaming venues have loyalty schemes, usually implemented via the use of electronic or magnetic cards which identify the gaming enthusiast when they sit at a table or gaming machine, and can therefore monitor the total spend of the gaming enthusiast when they are in the casino or gaming venue. There are also less sophisticated mechanisms, such as assigning personal assistants to selected gaming enthusiasts to provide an extra level of personalised service. There are in fact many mechanisms, largely copied from other service industries (such as restaurants, clubs, theatres, etc.) that are used to build and foster loyalty amongst gaming enthusiasts.

[001 1] It is also important that operators of gaming machines and/or gaming tables remain aware of the money being spent by each gaming enthusiast, and often casinos and gaming venues have legal obligations imposed by state or federal regulatory bodies and governments to ensure gaming enthusiasts do not“overspend" or engage in financially risky behaviour.

[0012] In other words, casinos and gaming venues, in addition to all other requirements imposed by state and federal laws, have an increasing burden with regard to providing personalised service to gaming enthusiasts by providing ancillary services that provide for a pleasant environment, while ensuring that such personalised service does not encourage destructive behaviour from gaming enthusiasts (such as wagering too much money, spending too much time in the gaming venue, combining over consumption of alcohol or other drug use with gaming, etc.)

[0013] It is with these issues in mind that the present invention has been developed.

Summary

[0014] In a first aspect, the invention provides a computer-enabled method for creating a volumetric space/time framework of constraints for the dynamic allocation of a booking request to control access to at least one of a plurality of gaming tables, gaming machines and electronic games within one or more spaces, including providing a booking and monitoring service for a booking requestor, comprising the steps of, receiving, at a user interface arranged to interact with the booking requestor, a booking request for a gaming machine from the booking requestor, identifying the booking requestor and accessing information associated with the booking requestor, the information including one or more constraints, and upon identification, invoking a dynamic allocation module arranged retrieve constraints concerning the one or more spaces within the venue and one or more further products and services associated with the venue and utilising those constraints to generate a customised user interface including selectable options regarding the available games, the available time and dates for booking the game, the selectable options being selected by the utilisation of the constraints associated with the gaming enthusiast and spatial and qualitative attributes associated with the available games within a volumetric space/time framework, whereby, upon selection of at least one of the selectable options by the booking requestor, the system utilises a dynamic allocation algorithm to allocate the booking requestor to an appropriate game and/or machine within the volumetric space/time framework, whereby on execution of the dynamic allocation algorithm, the framework is utilised to produce an optimised allocation instruction set for the one or more spaces and the associated bookings, whereby the optimised allocation instruction set is saved in a database and displayed, upon request, by a space allocation user interface to one or more users.

[0015] In one embodiment, the step of assigning the gaming enthusiast to an appropriate game includes the step of allocating a gaming space in a venue to the gaming enthusiast

[0016] In one embodiment, the gaming enthusiast information includes responsible service of gaming information as related to the gaming enthusiast, including a rank of the gaming enthusiast, a maximum spend amount per bet on a game, a total spend for a predefined time period, preferences with regard to one or more of games, machines and tables, and preferred ancillary products consumed by the gaming enthusiast whilst gaming.

[0017] In one embodiment, the booking algorithm, on not being capable of providing a booking based on the booking request information, is arranged to provide at least one alternative booking option, utilising information from the enthusiast database.

[0018] In one embodiment, the constraints regarding the enthusiast includes one of personally requested and legally mandated limits of at least one of a maximum spend per bet on a game, a total spend for a predefined period, a maximum allocation of time per gaming session, and a legally mandated exclusion from gaming for a defined period of time.

[0019] The method may include the further step of providing a recording module arranged to record the behaviour of the gaming enthusiast, including at least one of, total spend across all gaming machines, total spend at individual gaming machines, total number of transactions performed in a defined period of time, total time spent gaming and frequency of attendance at a gaming venue.

[0020] In one embodiment, the gaming space is one of a seat associated with a gaming machine, a seat associated with a gaming table, or a seat associated with a lottery game table.

[0021] In one embodiment, the gaming space is a virtual gaming space such as dedicated computing hardware, wherein the user selects one or more of a virtual space, a virtual game, a series of virtual spaces and a series of virtual games.

[0022] In another aspect, the invention provides a computer-enabled method for creating a volumetric space/time framework of constraints for the dynamic allocation of a booking request to control access to at least one of a plurality of resources within one or more spaces, including providing a booking and monitoring service for a booking requestor, comprising the steps of, receiving, at a user interface arranged to interact with the booking requestor, a booking request for a resource from the booking requestor, identifying the booking requestor and accessing information associated with the booking requestor, the information including one or more constraints, and upon identification, invoking an dynamic allocation module arranged retrieve constraints concerning the one or more spaces within the venue and the resources associated with the venue and utilises the constraints to generate a customised user interface including selectable options regarding the available resources, the available time and dates for booking the resource, the selectable options being selected by the utilisation of the constraints associated with the booking requestor and spatial and qualitative attributes associated with the available resources within a volumetric space/time framework, whereby, upon selection of at least one of the selectable options by the requestor, the system utilises a dynamic allocation algorithm to allocate the requestor to an appropriate resource within the volumetric space/time framework, whereby on execution of the dynamic allocation algorithm, the framework is utilised to produce an optimised allocation instruction set for the one or more spaces and the associated bookings, whereby the optimised allocation instruction set is saved in a database and displayed, upon request, by a space allocation user interface to one or more users.

[0023] A computer enabled method with claim 9, whereby the one or more spaces and resources are for products and services that require the use of a physical space and one or more physical products and/or services including beauty and hair treatments, gyms and sporting facilities, travel, accommodation, , workspaces, manufacturing facilities, and workshops.

[0024] In another aspect, the invention provides a computer-enabled method for controlling access to at least one of a plurality of gaming machines and electronic games including providing a booking and monitoring service for a gaming enthusiast, comprising the steps of, receiving, at a user interface arranged to interact with the gaming enthusiast, a booking request for a gaming machine from the gaming enthusiast, identifying the gaming enthusiast and accessing a gaming enthusiast information associated with the gaming enthusiast, the information including one or more constraints, and upon identification, invoking an allocation module arranged to receive generate a customised user interface including selectable options regarding the available games, the available time and dates for booking the game, the selectable options being selected by the utilisation of the constraints associated with the gaming enthusiast and spatial and qualitative attributes associated with the available games within a volumetric space/time framework, whereby, upon selection of at least one of the selectable options by the gaming enthusiast, the system utilises a booking algorithm to assign the gaming enthusiast to an appropriate game and/or machine within the volumetric space/time framework.

[0025] In one embodiment, the step of assigning the gaming enthusiast to an appropriate game includes the step of allocating a gaming space in a venue to the gaming enthusiast.

[0026] In one embodiment, the gaming enthusiast information includes responsible service of gaming information as related to the gaming enthusiast, including a rank of the gaming enthusiast, a maximum spend amount per bet on a game, a total spend for a predefined time period, preferences with regard to one or more of games, machines and tables, and preferred ancillary products consumed by the gaming enthusiast whilst gaming. [0027] In one embodiment, the booking algorithm, on not being capable of providing a booking based on the booking request information, is arranged to provide at least one alternative booking option, utilising information from the enthusiast database.

[0028] In one embodiment, the constraints regarding the enthusiast includes one of personally requested and legally mandated limits of at least one of a maximum spend per bet on a game, a total spend for a predefined period, a maximum allocation of time per gaming session, and a legally mandated exclusion from gaming for a defined period of time.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method includes the further step of providing a recording module arranged to record the behaviour of the gaming enthusiast, including at least one of, total spend across all gaming machines, total spend at individual gaming machines, total number of transactions performed in a defined period of time, total time spent gaming and frequency of attendance at a gaming venue.

[0030] In one embodiment, the gaming space is one of a seat associated with a gaming machine, a seat associated with a gaming table, or a seat associated with a lottery game table.

[0031] In one embodiment, the gaming space is a virtual gaming space wherein the user selects one or more of a virtual space, a virtual game, a series of virtual spaces and a series of virtual games.

[0032] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-enabled method for controlling a plurality of gaming machines and providing a booking and monitoring service for gaming enthusiasts, comprising the steps of, receiving, at an interface, a request for a booking of a gaming machine, wherein upon the gaming enthusiast being identified, an allocation module generates a customised interface including options regarding the available games, the times available, and any constraints placed on the gaming enthusiast, whereby, upon selection of options by the gaming enthusiast on the user interface, the system utilises a booking algorithm to assign the user to an appropriate space in the gaming venue.

[0033] In one embodiment, the step of identification includes the step of accessing a database, the database containing information and constraints regarding the gaming enthusiast, whereby the allocation module utilises the enthusiast information in order to assign the user to an appropriate gaming space.

[0034] In one embodiment the gaming enthusiast information includes a rank of the gaming enthusiast, a maximum spend, a total spend for a predefined time period, preferences with regard to one or more of games, machines and tables, and other ancillary products consumed.

[0035] In one embodiment the booking algorithm, on not being capable of providing a requested booking, is arranged to provide at least one possible alternative, utilising information from the enthusiast database.

[0036] In one embodiment the constraints regarding the enthusiast include legally mandated limits of at least one of a maximum spend, a total spend for a predefined period, or a legally mandated exclusion for a defined period of time.

[0037] In one embodiment the method includes the further step of tracking behaviour patterns of the gaming enthusiast, including at least one of, total spend, spend at a gaming machine, total time and frequency of attendance.

[0038] In one embodiment the gaming space is one of a seat at a gaming machine, a seat at a gaming table, or a seat at a lottery game. [0039] In one embodiment the gaming space is a virtual gaming space wherein the user selects a virtual space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0041] FIG. 1 a is an example computing system on which a method and/or a computer program may be operated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] FIG. 1 b is an example of a flowchart illustrating a computer system upon which a computer enabled method may be operated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] FIG. 1 c-f are representations of a volumetric (cartesian) framework utilised by the system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention to allocate according to a series of constraints over time;

[0044] FIGs. 2a-2f are flowcharts illustrating a method and system components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0045] FIG 3a is a diagrammatic representation of an electronic gaming machine allocation system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0046] The present invention relates generally to a computing system, method and computer program and data signal for a computer-enabled method for controlling a plurality of gaming machines and providing a booking and monitoring service for gaming enthusiasts, comprising the steps of, receiving, at an interface, a request for a booking of a gaming machine, wherein upon the gaming enthusiast being identified, an allocation module generates a customised interface including options regarding the available games, the times available, and any constraints placed on the gaming enthusiast, whereby, upon selection of options by the gaming enthusiast, the system utilises a booking algorithm to assign the user to an appropriate space in the gaming venue.

The Computing System

[0047] One embodiment of the computing system is shown at FIG. 1 a.

[0048] In FIG. 1 a there is shown a schematic diagram of a computing system, which in this embodiment is a computing system 100 suitable for use with an embodiment of the present invention. The computing system 100 may be used to execute application and/or system services such as a computer program and an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 1 a, the computing system 100 may comprise suitable components necessary to receive, store and execute appropriate computer instructions. The components may include a processor 102, read only memory (ROM) 104, random access memory (RAM) 106, an input/output devices such as disc drives 108, remote or connected mobile devices 110 (such as computers, smartphones or tablets and the like), and one or more communications link(s) 114 including internet links to other applications, websites and system services including Internet cloud services 120. [0050] The computing system 100 includes instructions that may be installed in ROM 104, RAM 106 or disc drives 1 12 and may be executed by the processor 102. There may be provided a plurality of communication links 114 which may variously connect to one or more user devices 110, such as computers, smartphones or tablets, wherein the one or more user devices have a user interface for interacting with user by collecting and displaying data or information using the conventional means provided by such devices. At least one of a plurality of communications link 114 may be connected to an external computing network through a telecommunications network, including Internet cloud services 120.

[0051] In one particular embodiment the device may include a database 116 which may reside on the storage device 1 12. It will be understood that the database may reside on any suitable storage device, which may encompass solid state drives, hard disc drives, optical drives or magnetic tape drives. The database 1 16 may reside on a single physical storage device or may be spread across multiple storage devices, either locally or remotely.

[0052] The computing system 100 includes a suitable operating system 118 which may also reside on a storage device or in the ROM of the server 100. The operating system is arranged to interact with the database 116 and with one or more computer programs to cause the server to carry out the steps, functions and/or procedures in accordance with the embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0053] The user interface 1 10 of one or more mobile devices facilitates the collection and display of user data for the computing system 100. The user interface 1 10 may be a program or website accessed on a computer or mobile device via a communication network, such as the Internet. Alternatively, the user interface 110 may be a widget arranged on a website that may be accessed by a user using a computer or mobile device via a communication network such as the Internet. The user interface 110 may also be provided as a mobile application or "app” present on the user device, such as a tablet or smart phone.

[0054] The at least one user interacts with the user interface 110 and may be a first user (also referred to as the "gaming enthusiast”) requesting to use a space in a venue. The at least one user may also include a second user (referred to as the "operator” or "venue operator”), who is associated with the venue and utilizes the optimised space allocation instruction set provided by the allocation module to enable the use of the space by the gaming enthusiast.

[0055] The enthusiast interacts with the computing system to make a request. The enthusiast may make a request for one or more patrons of the venue to use the space in a venue, where the enthusiast may also be one of the patrons of the venue. That is, a user that interacts with the system is referred to as a gaming enthusiast.

[0056] An embodiment includes the computer system 100 processing the request and undertaking all subsequent steps in an autonomous manner. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the user or operator may use one of the user interfaces 1 10 provided to one or more devices to receive, input, or modify information in order to provide further input to the computer system 100, so that the computing system may process the request and provide instructions to the entity.

[0057] In processing the request, the computer system 100 may allocate bookings in the gaming venue in accordance with a set of constraints and a booking algorithm which are described in more detail below. That is, the gaming enthusiast acts as a customer making a request which is to be provided with a service and one or more products by the operator in accordance with the set of constraints and the booking algorithm. As may be appreciated by a skilled addressee, there may be any number of remote users and operators who are able to interact with the computing system via the user interface 1 10 via any number of different computing devices.

[0058] Referring to Figure 1 b there is shown a schematic diagram of the ResButler project. The ResButler application 126 is hosted in a cloud computing environment. The ResButler project 128 includes a web server 130 a venue login and security database 132, an allocation module or system 134 comprising one or more modules or algorithms 136, which connect to a venue database 138 and a venue web server 140. The ResButler project 128 connects with multiple devices 142, 148 and 152. The device 142 is a third party desktop forward/laptop that is capable of displaying a website rendered by venue web server 140. The venue web server 144 incorporates a venue booking widget 146. Similarly, device 148 is a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computing system. The device 148 includes an instance of the menu app 150. Analogously, device 152 is a kiosk including a computing system capable of executing a venue kiosk app 154. The ResButler project 128 also interfaces with a device 120 which is located within the venue. The devices 120 may include a Point Of Sale device (POS) 124 and or a device capable of displaying a dashboard 122 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] Referring now to FIGs. 1 c-f, there is shown a conceptual illustration (with reference to a cartesian framework) for the underlying geometric and mathematical concept embodied in the embodiment of the invention described in more detail hereinbelow. As previously described, the embodiment described and defined herein is broadly directed to a system capable of developing, managing and utilising a floor plan for a space to allocate bookings and provide personalised service to customers, in addition to assisting in the operation of the space.

[0060] Broadly, referring to FIG. 1c, the operation of the method and system described herein is based on a cartesian three-dimensional framework, which acts as a frame of reference to allow for the visualisation of the elements required to operate a space, including the physical movement of items within the space. The volumetric framework 158 operates across three axes, generically labelled the x-axis 162, the y-axis 156 and the z-axis 160. Each of the axes allow a constraint to be physically mapped relative to the two other constraints that constitute the framework. This provides an additional dimension with which to provide a complete visualisation and operation of the management of a space, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 1d.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1d, there is shown the three-dimensional framework 170 with dimension x 178, dimension y 164 and dimension z 166, compared to a prior art framework 168 which illustrates a Gantt chart 176 including a first dimension 172 and a second dimension 174.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1e there is described a practical application of the concept of FIG. 1d where the framework 180 with dimensions x 188, y 182 and z 184 are located within the context of a posting calendar, which is arranged to interact with a user-defined reporting calendar 190. This reduction to practice is further described with reference to FIG. 1f, where a gaming venue floor plan is overlaid on the three-dimensional framework. In more detail, a floor plan creation module 194 is utilised to create a floor plan for a gaming venue, including the size and shape of the gaming space, the creation of sub-areas and sections, the division of the areas and/or sub areas into classes, the addition of gaming machines, gaming tables and chairs (including dimensions), etc. The floor plan is placed in the volumetric framework 109 within the calendar 197, where the x and y axes represent the length and width of the space, and the z axis represents time. As such, each area, sub area, class, machine, table, chair, etc. can be tracked over time. The z axis is controlled by a time constraint module 196 which includes time constraints 195 such as opening hours, seating periods, etc.

[0063] In other words, the volumetric framework, in addition to the calendar and the floor creation module and time constraint module create a real time simulation of the gaming venue, allowing the operator to track all aspects of the venue/space over time. This framework is derived from the realisation that the pivotal structure (both physical and conceptual) in the operation of a space such as a gaming venue, is the booking and how the booking is allocated and managed. The placement of gaming machines, gaming tables and chairs, the opening hours, the ancillary services offered (e.g. food and drink), the staff employed, etc., are ultimately all connected to the booking. As such, the volumetric model is a completely different manner in which to conceptualise the operation of a space (and in particular a gaming venue or any other space where a gaming service is provided and there are multiple constraints, including a ''virtual” gaming venue).

[0064] Referring to Figure 2a there is shown a modular diagram of an online reservations system for gaming sessions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where input fields and constraint selections are displayed or hidden based on a user’s unique data and user history as saved in the CRM. There is shown a booking channel 200 which interacts with a gaming registry database 204 via a booking widget 202 which requests user (gaming enthusiast) information 218. The booking widget 202 allows an enthusiast to input an identifier 212, and the booking widget fields 214 are constrained by information in a Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) 210 which is in database 206 and are determined by CRM information sent to the widget (222) and by information provided by a user personalisation facility 220. The CRM database 206 includes information on enthusiasts, held in a file format such as files 210 and 208, wherein each individual file such as 208 includes a registration ID 224, gaming history information 226, transaction history information 228, spending limit information 230, session limit information 232, gaming preference information 234 and user behaviour information 236. Once the fields 214 are displayed on the user interface, the enthusiast can enter information, or update information if the fields are pre-filled, and subsequently submits the booking request at 216.

[0065] Referring to Figures 2b and 2c there is shown a user (gaming enthusiast) booking process in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 200, in some embodiments, an optional login form is shown. At step 201 a the user logs in, then at step 202 customer information unique to the user is utilised to customise one or more options available to the user. Subsequently, at step 203 an option is available to search by venue, date or date range or location or precinct. At step 204a the user selects the date or date range option and at step 204b the date or date range options are displayed to the user on the user interface. The user selects a date or a date range at step 204c and is then provided with the option to further filter the search results by filtering by venue, or filtering by location or precinct at step 204d. If the user elects to filer by venue or venues at step 204d, the venue options are displayed at 204e, the user selects a venue or venues at 204f, and the user is subsequently provided with the opportunity to further filter by location or precinct at step 204g by displaying the location or precinct options. The user selects the location or precinct at step 204h, and the system proceeds to step 207, described later. Alternatively, if the user elects to filer by location or precinct at step 204i, the location or precinct options are displayed at 204j, the user selects a location or precinct at 204k, and the user is subsequently provided with the opportunity to further filter by venue or venues at step 204I by displaying the venue or venue options. The user selects the venue or venues at step 204m, and the system proceeds to step 207, described later.

[0066] Returning to step 203, if the user selects the venue or venues option at step 205a, then at step 205b the venue or venues options are displayed to the user on the user interface. The user selects a venue or venues at step 205c and is then provided with the option to further filter the search results by filtering by date or date range, or filtering by location or precinct at step 205d. If the user elects to filer by date or date range at step 205d, the date or date range options are displayed at 205e, the user selects a date or date range at 205f, and the user is subsequently provided with the opportunity to further filter by location or precinct at step 205g by displaying the location or precinct options. The user selects the location or precinct at step 205h, and the system proceeds to step 207, described later. Alternatively, if the user elects to filer by location or precinct at step 205i, the location or precinct options are displayed at 205j, the user selects a location or precinct at 205k, and the user is subsequently provided with the opportunity to further filter by date or date range at step 205I by displaying the date or date range options. The user selects the date or date range at step 205m, and the system proceeds to step 207, described later.

[0067] Returning to step 203, if the user selects the location or precinct option at step 206a, then at step 206b the location or precinct options are displayed to the user on the user interface The user selects a location or precinct at step 206c and is then provided with the option to further filter the search results by filtering by venue or venues, or filtering by date or date range at step 206d. If the user elects to filer by venue or venues at step 206d, the venue or venues options are displayed at 206e, the user selects a venue or venues at 206f, and the user is subsequently provided with the opportunity to further filter by date or date range at step 206g by displaying the date or date range options. The user selects the date or date range at step 206h, and the system proceeds to step 207, described later. Alternatively, if the user elects to filer by date or date range at step 206i, the date or date range options are displayed at 206j, the user selects a date or date range at 206k, and the user is subsequently provided with the opportunity to further filter by venue or venues at step 206I by displaying the venue or venues options. The user selects the venue or venues at step 206m, and the system proceeds to step 207.

[0068] At step 207, the dates within the selected date or date range are loaded and any relevant optional fields are displayed at step 208. The user may elect to skip the selection of optional fields at step 209a, in which case the user is taken to step 211 a, in which the user selects one or more specific dates, and consequently at step 211b any options relevant to preselected fields are populated. Alternatively, at step 209 the desired search fields are selected in an order defined by the user. Subsequently, the system at step 210 filters date options based on selected constraints, before proceeding to step 211 and then the process continues to Figure 2c along arrow 1.

[0069] With reference to the option to select a“date or date range”, it will be understood that the widget is capable of personalising bookings by identifying the user and therefore using user specific data, such as preferences, prior searches, prior bookings, etc., to determine what types of events, tournaments and/or specials a user may be interested in.

[0070] Once the above“cascading” selections are made then the user continues their search, narrowing via the use of further options (e.g. specific service or booking time, etc.). At any point where the user has found their preferred selection, the user does not need to make further selections and can select to "leave” the search process and proceed to the complete the booking confirmation and additional concierge item selections.

[0071] The user can make more than one selection to make multiple bookings or a single booking at the same time. There is provided a validation process to ensure that the user cannot make separate booking at the same time or two bookings that they could not make in time due to their location or some other limiting factor.

[0072] It will be understood that in the context of a virtual gaming environment, there is still a requirement for a gaming enthusiast to select a "seat". This is due to the fact that table games, in particular, require a defined number of people to play, and in the case of some games, such as Blackjack, the position of a player at a table (real or virtual) can potentially have an effect on the probability of being dealt specific cards. In other words, some gaming enthusiasts wish to retain the ability to decide where they sit, even if the game is a virtual game rather than a real game.

[0073] Referring to Figure 2c, at step 294, and following on from Figure 2b and arrow 1, a booking for the session is placed on hold for a set time until the user takes the final step of submitting the form. If the user’s booking limit is not exhausted at step 296, at step 298 the user may book another session. If the user opts to book another session at step 300, the user is returned to step 252 in Figure 2b.

[0074] Referring to Figure 2d there is shown a general process flow for a user (gaming enthusiast) check in and payment process for electronic gaming machines in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 2d there is shown a gaming venue monitoring system 350 in communication with an electronic gaming machine 352 and a kiosk 354. The gaming monitoring system 350 includes live session data 360 which is accessible by staff, the live data being provided to a plurality of devices such as device 362 and 366. Each device may be arranged to receive different notifications, such as example notifications 364 and 368.

[0075] The monitoring system 350 is in communication with an electronic gaming machine 352, which has a facility which allows a user to submit an identifier as shown at step 370. The user subsequently inputs a monetary amount 372 and starts a gaming session 374. At a given time before the gaming session 376, the user is notified, as shown at 378, that the gaming session will end at a predetermined time. Thereafter, when the session end time is reached at step 380, the user is locked out at step 382.

[0076] The gaming machine 352 is also capable of interacting with third party systems 388, which may include food and beverage ordering systems. A user may reserve a seat and/or a gaming machine by utilising kiosk 354, into which the user submits an identifier to gain access to the booking process (384). As previously described, the identifier may be an alphanumeric code, or a physical device such as a RFID device or a NFC device.

[0077] Moreover, there is provided a CRM 356 which communicates with the gaming machine 352. The CRM 356 tracks session data 386, which in turn includes transaction details 388 and customer behaviour 390.

[0078] It will also be understood that the gaming machine 352 may include an additional facility to allow the machine to indicate whether a booking is allowed, finished, etc. For example, the machine may“lock out” a user once their allotted time has finished by making the machine unresponsive to their input. Where the enthusiast is located at a physical machine and/or table (i.e. they are not in a virtual environment) there may also be provided other hardware devices integrated into or physically proximate the gaming machine and/or tables, such as flashing lights, audio speakers arranged to output warning tones, or other audio or visual cues to indicate that the machine may no longer be used by the gaming enthusiast. In one embodiment, there may be provided a“chatbot" or other Artificial Intelligence agent arranged to engage the enthusiast in dialogue and attempt to convince the enthusiast to leave the machine and/or table. This may be necessary in situations where an equivalent to human intervention is required, but the situation has not escalated to the point that requires actual human intervention.

[0079] However, if the enthusiast continues to attempt to engage with the machine and/or attempts to cajole or threaten fellow gaming enthusiasts, the audible or visual alarms, or the Artificial Intelligence agent may draw attention to the situation and cause staff to investigate.

[0080] It will also be understood that the machine may communicate with staff directly via the live data feed 360, to notify staff if a gaming enthusiast is not willing to leave the gaming machine or another circumstance arises that requires intervention by staff. This additional step may be performed in lieu of the use of audible or visual signals, and/or use of an Artificial Intelligence agent, or in addition to the use of the aforementioned signals and agent. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art.

[0081] Referring to Figure 2e there is shown a general process flow for a user (gaming enthusiast) check in and payment process for tables games (including electronic table games) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 2e there is shown a general process flow for a user (gaming enthusiast) check-in and payment process for table games (including electronic table games accessed via a user interface) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment, there is provided a self-seating kiosk 400 for playing a table game, which is in communication with a CRM database 402. The kiosk 400 allows an enthusiast to input an identifier to verify their identity This may include the use of a hardware identifier (such as a magnetic strip card, a RFID or NFC device, or other similar hardware device) and/or a soft identifier (such as a password). It is also envisaged that biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, retinal scans, etc., may also be utilised as a means for identification and/or for obtaining other relevant behaviour, such as the movement of people within the venue, the behaviour of people within the venue, etc. At step 406, a determination is made as to whether prepayment is a necessary condition for reservation of a seat. If not, the kiosk takes the user to step 412, which is described later. If prepayment is required, the system checks to determine whether the user has prepaid for the session at step 408. If so, the process proceeds to step 412, described later. If not, the user is required to provide prepayment at step 410, which may be provided in any suitable manner, including credit cards, cash, or other payment method, as desired or required by local laws, regulations and/or customs.

[0082] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 412, where the user is provided with an interactive floor plan and the user is provided with a map to direct them to their seat. It will be understood that instructions may be provided in any suitable way, including via the use of an Artificial Intelligence agent, which may use spoken voice (audio) instructions to direct the enthusiast to their seat. This may be combined with image recognition to track the progress of the enthusiast through the venue. Once the user is at their seat, at step 414, which may be verified by use of a sensor in the seat, a camera, or by the enthusiast confirming that they are in the seat by inputting a code or using their RFID or NFC device, the user may bet an amount at step 416, as set by the CRM 452, wherein each transaction is recorded at step 418 in the session data of the user 420, which includes transaction details 422 and customer behaviour details 424. [0083] It will also be understood that where the user sits at a table game which is manned by a human operator, the operator may have access to an electronic device which communicates with the operator by providing a live data feed 360, to notify the operator of the identity of the user, and also alert the operator to any specific conditions, such as if the gaming enthusiast is a VIP, or conversely, when the enthusiast has reached a limit, or another circumstance that may arise that requires intervention by the operator. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art.

[0084] Referring to Figure 2f there is shown a general process flow for a user (gaming enthusiast) check-in and payment process for lottery games (including electronic lottery games accessed via a user interface) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment, there is provided a self-seating kiosk 450 for playing a lottery game, which is in communication with a CRM database 452. The kiosk 450 allows an enthusiast to input an identifier to verify their identity. This may include the use of a hardware identifier (such as a magnetic strip card, a RFID or NFC device, or other similar hardware device capable of holding information regarding the identity of the user) and/or a soft identifier (such as a password). It is also envisaged that biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, retinal scans, facial recognition, etc., may also be utilised. It will also be understood that external devices such as wall mounted cameras, etc., may also be utilised to identify the enthusiast In other words, while identification of the enthusiast is integral to the method described herein, the general method utilised to identify the enthusiast may vary depending on the specific requirements of a gaming venue, the technologies available or otherwise integrated into the gaming venue or gaming venue network, and local laws and regulations. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art.

[0085] At step 456, a determination is made as to whether prepayment is a necessary condition for reservation of a seat. If not, the kiosk takes the user to step 462, which is described later. If so, the system checks to determine whether the user has prepaid for the session at step 458. If so, the process proceeds to step 462, described later. If not, the user is required to provide funds at step 460, which may be provided in any suitable manner, including credit cards, cash, or other payment method.

[0086] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 462, where the user is provided with an interactive floor plan which directs the enthusiast to their seat. Once the enthusiast is at their seat, at step 464, which may be verified by use of a sensor (as described previously), the enthusiast may bet an amount at step 466, as set by the CRM 452, wherein each transaction is recorded at step 468 in the session data of the enthusiast 470, which includes transaction details 472 and customer behaviour details 474.

[0087] In this manner, a enthusiast’s total spend, total time at a table or machine, total time in the gaming venue or spent at the enthusiast’s device (in the case where the enthusiast is engaging in game play in a virtual gaming environment such as an online casino), and other information about the enthusiast, can be collected and utilised to ensure that the venue is engaging in responsible behaviour towards gaming enthusiasts.

[0088] Moreover, an enthusiast is provided with a more personalised service and in turn, is more likely to build a loyalty to the gaming venue, which in turn may allow the venue to ensure that the enthusiast is engaging in more responsible behaviour.

[0089] Referring to Figure 3a, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of the process for allocation of gaming machines. A gaming machine allocation system 610 provides information about the allocation of a machine (614) to customer 616 subsequent to the customer interacting with a self-seating kiosk (612). Each machine, such as machine 618, may include sensors (624) and communication devices 620 and 622, which may include a light, a computing system, a clock, or any other devices capable of communicating with a customer. The machines may also be monitored by a camera system (625), which can be used to determine whether a customer is seated at the correct machine.

Advantages

[0090] The use of the computer-enabled method, system and computer program disclosed herein has provided examples within the restaurant industry, however, they are equally applicable within other industries and businesses such as airlines, accommodation, hotels, travel, cruise ships, car rentals, clubs, pubs, gyms, hairdressers, workspaces, and the provision of advice and consulting services.

[0091] The embodiment and broader invention described herein provides a number of advantages.

[0092] Firstly, the system is able to interact with any type of game, from table games and wheel games, through to gaming machines and lotteries, including so-called ''virtual” games - that is, games that are accessed via a computing system.

[0093] Secondly, by allowing a gaming enthusiast to select their preferred seat, the embodiment allows an enthusiast to derive maximum utility from their gaming experience and cater to the requirements imposed by the gaming enthusiast, as well as ensuring that all applicable laws, regulations, laws and policies are enforced.

[0094] Moreover, as the system learns the preferences of a gaming enthusiast, the gaming machine and/or table can be automatically set up for the gaming enthusiast, including bet sizes, etc which improves the experience of the gaming enthusiast.

[0095] Importantly, providing a personalised service fosters loyalty to the casino or gaming venue. The booking system can be integrated with incentives,“comps” (i.e. complimentary products and services) and also keeps track of and catering to the desires and needs to gaming enthusiasts.

[0096] As a corollary, the system can also be used to police undesirable behaviour and autonomously prevent enthusiasts from engaging in destructive behaviour, including alerting staff should any human intervention be required.

[0097] More importantly, operators of gaming machines and/or gaming tables remain aware of the money and time being spent by gaming enthusiasts and are better able to meet legal obligations imposed by state or federal regulatory bodies and governments to ensure gaming enthusiasts do not“overspend” or engage in financially risky or other types of destructive behaviour, including socially undesirable behaviour. Analogously, lottery games benefit from being able to positively identify winners, to prevent fraudulent activity or theft.

[0098] The use of the computer-enabled method, system and computer program disclosed herein has provided examples within the restaurant industry, however, they are equally applicable within other industries and businesses such as airlines, accommodation, hotels, travel, cruise ships, car rentals, clubs, pubs, gyms, hairdressers, workspaces, and the provision of advice and consulting services.

Disclaimers [0099] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as“comprises” or“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or group of features but not the explicit exclusion of any other feature or group of features.

[00100] It will be understood that the present specification makes reference to“constraints”. It will be understood that constraints may be categorised in any suitable manner, including in a hierarchical manner where some constraints are applied to certain spaces and not to other spaces. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art.

[00101] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein are susceptible to obvious variations and modifications other than those specifically described and it is intended that the broadest claims cover all such variations and modifications. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the inventive concept that underpins the broadest claims may include any number of the steps, features, and concepts referred to or indicated in the specification, either individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the steps or features may constitute an invention.

[00102] Where definitions for selected terms used herein are found within the detailed description of the invention, it is intended that such definitions apply to the claimed invention However, if not explicitly defined, all scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs

[00103] Although not required, the embodiments described with reference to the method, computer program, computer interface and aspects of the system can be implemented via an Application Programming Interface (API), an Application Development Kit (ADK) or as a series of program libraries, for use by a developer, for the creation of software applications which are to be used on any one or more computing platforms or devices, such as a terminal or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device, a smartphone or a tablet computing system operating system, or within a larger server structure, such as a‘data farm’ or within a larger computing transaction processing system.

[00104] Generally, as program modules include routines, programs, objects, components and data files that perform or assist in the performance of particular functions, it will be understood that the functionality of the method, computer program and computer interface defined herein may be distributed across a number of routines, programs, objects or components to achieve the same functionality as the embodiment and the broader invention claimed herein. Such variations and modifications are contemplated by the inventor and are within the purview of those skilled in the art.

[00105] It will also be appreciated that where methods and systems of the present invention and/or embodiments are implemented by computing systems or implemented across multiple computing systems then any appropriate computing system architecture may be utilised without departing from the inventive concept. This includes standalone computers, networked computers and dedicated computing devices that do not utilise software as it is colloquially understood (such as field-programmable gate arrays).

[00106] Where the terms“computer”,“computing system",“computing device” and“mobile device” are used in the specification, these terms are intended to cover any appropriate arrangement of computer hardware for implementing the inventive concept and/or embodiments described herein. [00107] Where the terms“software application”, “application”,“app”, “computer program”,“program” and “widget” are used in the specification when referring to an embodiment of the invention, these terms are intended to cover any appropriate software which is capable of performing the functions and/or achieving the outcomes as broadly described herein.

[00108] Where reference is made to communication standards, methods and/or systems, it will be understood that the devices, computing systems, servers, etc., that constitute the embodiments and/or invention or interact with the embodiments and/or invention may transmit and receive data via any suitable hardware mechanism and software protocol, including wired and wireless communications protocols, such as but not limited to second, third, fourth and fifth generation (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G) telecommunications protocols (in accordance with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification), Wi-Fi (in accordance with the IEEE 802.1 1 standards), Bluetooth (in accordance with the I EEE 802.15.1 standard and/or standards set by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group), or any other radio frequency, optical, acoustic, magnetic, or any other form or method of communication that may become available from time to time.

Claims

Claims:

1. A computer-enabled method for creating a volumetric space/time framework of constraints for the dynamic allocation of a booking request to control access to at least one of a plurality of gaming tables, gaming machines and electronic games within one or more spaces, including providing a booking and monitoring service for a booking requestor, comprising the steps of, receiving, at a user interface arranged to interact with the booking requestor, a booking request for a gaming machine from the booking requestor, identifying the booking requestor and accessing information associated with the booking requestor, the information including one or more constraints, and upon identification, invoking an dynamic allocation module arranged retrieve constraints concerning the one or more spaces within the venue and one or more further products and services associated with the venue and utilising those constraints to generate a customised user interface including selectable options regarding the available games, the available time and dates for booking the game, the selectable options being selected by the utilisation of the constraints associated with the gaming enthusiast and spatial and qualitative attributes associated with the available games within a volumetric space/time framework, whereby, upon selection of at least one of the selectable options by the gaming enthusiast, the system utilises a dynamic allocation algorithm to allocate the gaming enthusiast to an appropriate game and/or machine within the volumetric space/time framework, whereby on execution of the dynamic allocation algorithm, the framework is utilised to produce an optimised allocation instruction set for the one or more spaces and the associated bookings, whereby the optimised allocation instruction set is saved in a database and displayed, upon request, by a space allocation user interface to one or more users

2. A computer-enabled method in accordance with claim 1 , whereby the step of assigning the gaming enthusiast to an appropriate game includes the step of allocating a gaming space in a venue to the gaming enthusiast.

3. A computer-enabled method in accordance with claim 1 or 2, whereby the gaming enthusiast information includes responsible service of gaming information as related to the gaming enthusiast, including a rank of the gaming enthusiast, a maximum spend amount per bet on a game, a total spend for a predefined time period, preferences with regard to one or more of games, machines and tables, and preferred ancillary products consumed by the gaming enthusiast whilst gaming.

4. A computer-enabled method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, whereby the booking algorithm, on not being capable of providing a booking based on the booking request information, is arranged to provide at least one alternative booking option, utilising information from the enthusiast database.

5. A computer-enabled method in accordance with claim 5, whereby the constraints regarding the enthusiast includes one of personally requested and legally mandated limits of at least one of a maximum spend per bet on a game, a total spend for a predefined period, a maximum allocation of time per gaming session, and a legally mandated exclusion from gaming for a defined period of time.

6. A computer-enabled method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, including the further step of providing a recording module arranged to record the behaviour of the gaming enthusiast, including at least one of, total spend across all gaming machines, total spend at individual gaming machines, total number of transactions performed in a defined period of time, total time spent gaming and frequency of attendance at a gaming venue.

7. A computer-enabled method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, whereby the gaming space is one of a seat associated with a gaming machine, a seat associated with a gaming table, or a seat associated with a lottery game table.

8. A computer-enabled method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 7, whereby the gaming space is a virtual gaming space such as dedicated computing hardware, wherein the user selects one or more of a virtual space, a virtual game, a series of virtual spaces and a series of virtual games.

9 A computer-enabled method for creating a volumetric space/time framework of constraints for the dynamic allocation of a booking request to control access to at least one of a plurality of resources within one or more spaces, including providing a booking and monitoring service for a booking requestor, comprising the steps of, receiving, at a user interface arranged to interact with the booking requestor, a booking request for a resource from the booking requestor, identifying the booking requestor and accessing information associated with the booking requestor, the information including one or more constraints, and upon identification, invoking an dynamic allocation module arranged retrieve constraints concerning the one or more spaces within the venue and the resources associated with the venue and utilises the constraints to generate a customised user interface including selectable options regarding the available resources, the available time and dates for booking the resource, the selectable options being selected by the utilisation of the constraints associated with the booking requestor and spatial and qualitative attributes associated with the available resources within a volumetric space/time framework, whereby, upon selection of at least one of the selectable options by the requestor, the system utilises a dynamic allocation algorithm to allocate the requestor to an appropriate resource within the volumetric space/time framework, whereby on execution of the dynamic allocation algorithm, the framework is utilised to produce an optimised allocation instruction set for the one or more spaces and the associated bookings, whereby the optimised allocation instruction set is saved in a database and displayed, upon request, by a space allocation user interface to one or more users.

10. A computer enabled method with claim 9, whereby the one or more spaces and resources are for products and services that require the use of a physical space and one or more physical products and/or services including beauty and hair treatments, gyms and sporting facilities, travel, accommodation, , workspaces, manufacturing facilities, and workshops.