Stress detecting input device for a gaming machine

A method for determining a mental state of a player during play of a game on a gaming machine, the method comprising:

• receiving an interaction of a player at an input device;
• carrying out a player action within the game for the player in response to receiving the interaction by the input device, the player action associated with the input device;
• receiving, from a sensor of the input device, data associated with the interaction of the player with the input device, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, and a force sensor;
• determining, from the data, that the interaction of the player with the input device exceeds an acceptable interaction threshold level;
• identifying one or more gaming events within the game corresponding to the interaction of the player;
• and
• determine a mental state of the player based on:
• the one or more gaming events;
• and
• the determination that the interaction of the player with the input device exceeds the acceptable interaction threshold level.

An input device that enables a player to execute one or more inputs in a game of chance on a gaming machine, the input device comprising:

• an interface configured to receive an interaction from the player;
• transmit a signal to a game controller indicating a player action to be carried out within the game of chance in response to receiving the interaction by the interface, the player action associated with the interface;
• a sensor, the sensor configured to measure data associated with the interaction of the player with the input device, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, and a force sensor;
• and
• a processor programmed to:
• receive measured data from the sensor;
• determine, from the measured data, that the interaction of the player with the input device exceeds an acceptable interaction threshold level;
• associate one or more gaming events within the game of chance with the determination that the interaction of the player with the input device exceeds the acceptable interaction threshold level, wherein the one or more gaming events correspond with the interaction of the player with the input device;
• and
• determine a mental state of the player based on:
• the associated one or more gaming events;
• and
• the determination that the interaction of the player with the input device exceeds the acceptable interaction threshold level.