System and method for cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device

A method of operating a gaming system, the gaming system including game-logic circuitry and a gaming machine, the gaming machine primarily dedicated to playing at least one casino wagering game, the method comprising:

• establishing a communication link between the gaming machine and a mobile device to enable a gaming session using the gaming machine and the mobile device;
• establishing a credit balance on the gaming machine;
• initiating play of the wagering game in response to a wager input indicative of a wager covered by the credit balance;
• in response to disconnection of the mobile device from the gaming machine, initiating a payout of the credit balance to a player account stored on a server.

A method of operating a gaming system, the gaming system including game-logic circuitry and a gaming machine, the gaming machine primarily dedicated to playing at least one casino wagering game, the method comprising:

• establishing a communication link between the gaming machine and a mobile device to enable a gaming session using the gaming machine and the mobile device;
• establishing a credit balance on the gaming machine from a player account stored on a server, the establishment of the credit balance facilitated by the mobile device;
• initiating remote play of the wagering game on the mobile device in response to a wager input indicative of a wager covered by the credit balance;
• in response to disconnection of the mobile device from the gaming machine, initiating a payout of the credit balance to the player account.