Gaming system with ticket-in/ticket-out capability

A gaming apparatus that pays credits responsive to the outcome of the game played comprising:

• a. an electronic memory means for storing the amount of credit available for the play of said game;
• b. a code reader for reading a code on a permanent storage record means corresponding to the amount of credit represented by said code;
• and
• c. a means for generating a first code on a first permanent storage record representing the amount of credit stored.

A method employing gaming apparatus said gaming apparatus consisting of:

• a. a game that pays credits responsive to the outcome of the game played, said game associated with an electronic memory means for storing the amount of credit available for the play of said game;
• b. a paper currency recognition means for recognizing and validating paper currency and providing a first input signal to said electronic memory means representing the amount of the credit represented by said paper currency;
• C. a means for generating a first code on a first permanent storage record representing the amount of credit stored;
• d. a code reading means for reading said first code on said first permanent storage record and means for providing a signal to said electronic memory means representing the amount of credit represented by said first code, consisting of the steps of depositing paper currency or a permanent storage record having a code in the paper currency recognition means or code reading means and upon completion of use of the gaming apparatus generating a first permanent storage record corresponding to the credits available.

A gaming system comprising:

• a. a game that pays credits responsive to the outcome of the game played, said game associated with an electronic memory means for storing the amount of credit available for the play of said game;
• b. a change system for providing currency in exchange for said credits;
• c. a input means for receiving a permanent storage record;
• d. a code reading means for reading a code on said permanent storage record corresponding to the amount of credit represented by said code;
• e. a means for validating said code and for providing a first signal to said electronic memory means representing the amount of credit represented by said first code;
• and
• f. a means for storing currency, and a currency recognition means for recognizing and dispensing currency in response to a second signal from said electronic memory means representing the amount of currency to be dispensed.

A change station comprising an exchange system for providing currency in exchange for credits generated by a game in response to the outcome of the game played comprising:

• an input means for receiving a permanent storage record;
• a code reading means for reading a code on said permanent storage records corresponding to the amount of credit represented by said code;
• a means for validating said code and for providing a first signal to an electronic memory means representing the amount of credit represented by said first code;
• and
• a means for storing currency, and a currency recognition means for recognizing and dispensing currency in response to a second signal from said electronic memory means representing the amount of currency to be dispensed.