Method for implementing scheduled return play at gaming machine networks
AssigneeAcres Gaming Incorporated
InventorsVincent S. Manfredi, Richard J. Schneider
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices during certain off-peak hours comprises three types of periods: an earning period over which earned credits are accumulated responsive to the level of play on the gaming device, a redeeming period where the earned credits can be played, and a regular period where credits are neither earnable or playable. In this way, the player is given an incentive to play during certain times of the week which are otherwise off-peak playing times where the casino might be relatively empty. The amount of credits earned and redeemed can also be dependent upon the player level so that more valuable customers are given preferential bonuses to encourage play.
Claims10
A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer comprising:
- creating a player account accessible by the host computer;
- designating an earning time period and a redeeming time period;
- tracking the level of gaming-device play of a player associated with the account during the earning time period;
- applying credit to the player account when the level of play exceeds a predetermined level;
- preventing the player from wagering the credit on any of the gaming devices until the redeeming time period;
- and
- permitting the player to wager the credit on one of the gaming devices during the redeeming time period.
A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer comprising:
- enabling a player to earn credits responsive to play on the gaming machines during an earning time period;
- redeeming the credits during a redeeming time period, said redeeming time period is different from said earning time period;
- tracking the redeemed credits within a player account;
- and
- wagering the redeemed credits on one of the gaming machines during the redeeming time period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.