Method and apparatus for employee access to a gaming system

A radio frequency identification system for facilitating access to a gaming environment, said system comprising:

• an employee identification device transmitting an identification signal in response to an interrogation signal;
• a gaming system including gaming functions and administrative functions;
• and
• a reader positioned with respect to said gaming system transmitting an interrogation signal and receiving said identification signal for access to said administrative functions at said gaming system.

A method for allowing access in a gaming environment, said method comprising:

• transmitting an interrogation signal;
• generating an identification signal in response to said interrogation signal;
• authorizing access to a gaming system based on said identification signal;
• and
• maintaining said access to said gaming system based on said identification signal.

A system in a gaming environment of the type including a plurality of gaming terminals at which players may engage in gaming activity, at least one central processor linked to the terminals to receive, store and download data related to the operation of the terminal and/or the player and at least one workstation located remote from and linked to the central processor for communication therewith, said system comprising:

• an electromagnetic signal transmitter in possession of a person authorized to operate the workstation to communicate with the central processor, said electromagnetic signal configured to be unique for each authorized person;
• a receiver to receive an electromagnetic signal from a transmitter when an authorized person is proximate the workstation;
• an interface for said person to input authorization data of at least one of a password and data corresponding to a unique biometric feature of the person, one of said central processor and workstation configured to, from the electromagnetic signal and input of one of said password and data corresponding to a unique biometric feature of the person, authorize said person to have access to said central processor;
• a transceiver for periodically transmitting said signal to confirm that said authorized person remains proximate the workstation;
• and
• said central processor configured to terminate authorization upon the failure to confirm that said authorized person remains proximate the workstation.