Gaming machine and method for evaluating player reactions

A method of analyzing player focus during a game play session, the method being implemented on an electronic gaming machine, the electronic gaming machine including a game controller in communication with at least one memory device, a digital camera device configured to capture digital image data of the player during a game play session of a wagering game, and with a primary display, the method comprising:

• identifying a pre-determined area of focus associated with the primary display relative to a pre-determined player position and orientation when occupying the electronic gaming machine;
• capturing, from the digital camera device, a digital image of the player during a game play session at a first time;
• analyzing the digital image to determine a gaze direction of the player, the gaze direction identifying where the player is focusing their vision at the first time;
• comparing the gaze direction of the player with the pre-determined area of focus associated with the primary display;
• automatically initiating a game session action when the gaze direction of the player is determined to be outside of the pre-determined area of focus associated with the primary display, the game session action being configured to cause the player to refocus on the primary display.

A game controller of an electronic gaming machine configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed by the game controller, cause the game controller to at least:

• identify a pre-determined area of focus associated with a primary display of an electronic gaming machine relative to a pre-determined player position and orientation when occupying the electronic gaming machine;
• capture, from a digital camera device, a digital image of a player during a game play session at a first time;
• analyze the digital image to determine a gaze direction of the player, the gaze direction identifying where the player is focusing their vision at the first time;
• compare the gaze direction of the player with the pre-determined area of focus associated with the primary display;
• automatically initiate a game session action when the gaze direction of the player is determined to be outside of the pre-determined area of focus associated with the primary display, the game session action being configured to cause the player to refocus on the primary display.