US008998.708B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Sanford et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
`*Apr. 7, 2015
`
`(54) SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`ADMINISTRATION OF NON-WAGERING
`ACCOUNTASSOCATED WITH GAMING
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`(71) Applicant: Sightline Interactive LLC, Las Vegas,
`NV (US)
`(72) Inventors: Kirk E. Sanford, Las Vegas, NV (US);
`Thomas M. Sears, Henderson, NV
`(US); Omer Sattar, Las Vegas, NV (US)
`(73) Assignee: Sightline Interactive LLC, Las Vegas,
`NV (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis
`claimer.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/228,363
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar 28, 2014
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2014/O213347 A1
`Jul. 31, 2014
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 14/033,493, filed on
`Sep. 22, 2013, now Pat. No. 8,708,809.
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/744,564, filed on Sep.
`28, 2012.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`G06O20/02
`G07F 17/32
`G06O20/22
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ........ G07F 17/3239 (2013.01); G07F 17/3255
`
`(2012.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2012.01)
`
`(2013.01); G07F 17/3244 (2013.01); G07F
`17/3237 (2013.01); G06O20/227 (2013.01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC ......................................... 463/25; 705/39, 40
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6/2012 Ruppert et al.
`8,201,229 B2
`8,282.468 B2 10/2012 Huntley et al.
`8,550,900 B2 10/2013 Walker et al.
`2001/0054003 A1 12/2001 Chien et al.
`2002/0152125 A1 * 10, 2002 Goedde ........................... 705/22
`2006, O154722 A1
`7/2006 Walker et al.
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`“Sightline Payments Along With Industry Leading Partners
`Announces Loyalty Card Plus Prepaid Card for the Gaming Indus
`try': <http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201209260060917
`en; Sep. 26, 2012; 2 pages.
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Pierre E Elisca
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Ulmer & Berne LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A transaction facilitation system is disclosed that is config
`ured to affect substantially real-time crediting and debiting of
`a gaming accounts maintained within a gaming environment
`and structured to communicate by a private restricted com
`munication link with an issuing financial institution of a
`stored value account to effect real-time crediting and debiting
`of the stored value account. Financial transactions using the
`stored value account can be and used customer relationship
`purposes.
`
`20 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`188
`
`
`
`114
`
`PLAYER
`
`GAMING
`ACCOUNT
`
`STORED WALUE
`PAYMENT VEHICLE
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 1
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`US 8,998,708 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2006/021 1488
`2008.0113776
`2008. O139306
`2009 OO48012
`2010/0076892
`2011 0145139
`2011 O151964
`2011/0231314
`2012/O123943
`
`9, 2006
`5/2008
`6, 2008
`2, 2009
`3, 2010
`6, 2011
`6, 2011
`9, 2011
`5, 2012
`
`Walker et al.
`Sommer
`Lutnicket al.
`Patel et al.
`Babi et al.
`Valdes et al. .................... 705/39
`Race
`Sears et al.
`Potts et al. ...................... TOS/44
`
`6, 2012 Prather et al.
`2012/0142403 A1
`6, 2012 Rowe et al.
`2012/0166265 A1
`2012/019 1977 A1* 7, 2012 Foster et al. .................. 713/17O
`2013/0046675 A1
`2/2013 Chiulli et al. ................... 705/37
`2013/03 11376 A1* 11/2013 Blair et al. ...................... TO5/44
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Patent
`Application No. PCT/US2013,062074, mailed on Jul. 8, 2014, 11
`pageS.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 2
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 16
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`188
`--------------------------------- Y,
`GAMINGENVIRONMENT
`
`
`
`114
`
`PLAYER
`
`GAMING
`ACCOUNT
`
`STORED WALUE
`PAYMENT VEHICLE
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 3
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

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`US 8,998,708 B2
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`EVERI EX. 1028
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`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
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`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
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`Apr. 7, 2015
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`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 4 of 16
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
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`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 6
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
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`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 7
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 6 of 16
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`US 8,998,708 B2
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`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 8
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 7 of 16
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`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 9
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
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`

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`
`Apr. 7, 2015
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`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 10
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
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`EVERI EX. 1028
`9
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
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`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
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`US 8,998,708 B2
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`EVERI EX. 1028
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
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`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 12
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 11 of 16
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`ISSUER PROCESSOR COMPUTING SYSTEM
`STOREDVALUEACCOUNT /1028
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`APPROVED
`
`APPROVALI
`DATE
`LAST4DIGITS
`AMOUNT
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`
`LOAD FUNDS:
`SOURCE1
`
`SOURCE 2
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 13
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 12 of 16
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`
`
`LOAD FUNDS
`EXISTING CARD
`LOADJACKPOT D NEWCARD
`WITHDRAW
`FUNDS
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`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 14
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 13 of 16
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`
`
`1018N
`
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`FUNDS
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`AMOUNT
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`
`FIG. 12
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 15
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 14 of 16
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`LOAD FUNDS
`LOADJACKPOT
`
`WTHDRAW
`FUNDS
`SEARCH
`
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`FUNDS FROM
`PREPAID
`
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`APPROVED
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`AMOUNT
`
`FIG. 13
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 16
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 15 of 16
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`1018V
`
`LOAD FUNDS
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`TransType
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`121/2013 4:07 PM CREDIT
`SMITH, STEVE
`$1000 1046 FAILED
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`DOE, JOHN
`$750
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`SMITH, JANE
`$600
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`1211
`
`FIG. 14
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 17
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 16 of 16
`
`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`CASINOKIOSK
`
`COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`DISPLAY
`
`104A
`/ y
`
`DEPOSITTOPREPAID
`ACCOUNT
`
`PURCHASESLOTTICKET
`
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`
`FIG. 15
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`DEVICE
`
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`
`PURCHASE CHIPS WITH
`PREPAID CARD
`
`DEPOST CHIPS TO PREPAID
`CARD
`
`FIG. 16
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 18
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`1.
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`ADMINISTRATION OF NON-WAGERING
`ACCOUNTASSOCATED WITH GAMING
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of prior application U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 14/033,493, entitled “SYSTEMS
`AND METHODS FORADMINISTRATION OF NON-WA
`GERING ACCOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH GAMING
`ENVIRONMENT filed Sep. 22, 2013, which claims priority
`to the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
`No. 61/744,564, entitled “DUAL PREPAID/LOYALTY
`CARD FOR GAMING, filed Sep. 28, 2012, the disclosures
`of which are both incorporated herein by reference in their
`entirety.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`25
`
`30
`
`40
`
`45
`
`Within gaming establishments, such as casinos, gaming
`devices are typically networked via a central computer. Such
`configuration allows for the gaming establishment to monitor
`a player's gameplay for tracking purposes. Gaming devices
`typically issue paper tickets that are redeemable for cash.
`These paper tickets can be redeemed either at assisted-service
`counters (i.e., a casino cage) or through self-service computer
`systems, sometimes called Ticket-In-Ticket-Out (TITO)
`machines. Drawbacks of using paper tickets, however, is that
`the players may very easily lose tickets, tickets can become
`destroyed or damaged, casinos incur cost from replenishing
`tickets, and casinos incur cost for maintaining ticket printers.
`Additionally, the use of tickets requires that operators of
`casinos ensure that sufficient amounts of cash are available on
`the gaming floor to accommodate redemptions at both the
`assisted-service counters and the TITO machines. Players
`wishing to play a table game at a casino typically first
`exchange cash for an amount of chips which can then be used
`for gaming. When the player wants to convert the chips back
`to the cash, the player typically exchanges their chips for an
`equivalent amount of cash at a cashier cage at the casino.
`Thus, in addition to ensure sufficient cash is available for
`ticket redemptions, operators of casinos must ensure also
`Sufficient amounts of cash are available at the cashier cage to
`accommodate player exchanging chips for cash. This process
`for routinely replenishing cash by the casino operator is both
`costly and burdensome.
`Additionally, in many gaming establishments players can
`register demographic information to obtain a player card,
`Sometimes referred to as a loyalty card. Typical player cards
`include a unique identifier that enables the casino to centrally
`track the players wagering activity. Applying the players
`historic activity, the gaming establishment can, for example,
`develop a targeted marketing campaign including promo
`tions, gifts, and advertisements. A problem with casino loy
`alty systems, however, is that they do not capture spending
`player activity that occurs in non-gaming environments, such
`60
`the player's purchases at a merchant or the player's ATM
`activity.
`Therefore, the field can benefit from systems and methods
`providing cashless wagering and redemption, which provides
`advantages to both game players and casino operators. The
`field can also benefit from systems and methods that conve
`niently allow a gaming establishment to track player gaming
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`2
`activity and player purchase activity, both inside and outside
`the casino, to associate Such activity with the player's loyalty
`profile.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in
`part, to a computer-based method of gaming. The method
`comprises receiving, by a transaction facilitator, from a gam
`ing computing system affiliated with a gaming environment,
`a player identifier, wherein the player identifier is associated
`with a gaming account having an account balance, and
`wherein the transaction facilitator comprises a processor and
`a memory unit. The method also comprises, based at least
`partially on the player identifier, identifying, by the transac
`tion facilitator computing system, a stored value account,
`wherein the stored value account is associated with a stored
`value payment vehicle issued to the player, and wherein an
`account balance of the stored value account is maintained by
`an issuer processor computing system. The method also com
`prises, communicating, by a transaction facilitator, with the
`financial institution and the gaming computing system to
`decrease the account balance and increase the account bal
`ance the gaming account.
`In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
`in part, to a computer-based method of funding an account
`associated with a player. The method comprises receiving, by
`a transaction facilitator computing system, a load request
`from a casino computing system that is associated with a
`casino, wherein the load request comprises a request to load
`player funds to a stored value account associated with a stored
`value payment vehicle, wherein the stored value account has
`a first available balance amount. The method also comprises
`receiving, by the transaction facilitator computing system,
`player funds information from the casino computing system,
`wherein the funds information comprises at least a total value
`of the player funds. The method also comprises communicat
`ing, by the transaction facilitator computing system, with an
`issuer processor computing system to increase a balance
`amount of the stored value account based on the total value of
`the player funds, wherein the balance amount is available for
`access by the stored value payment vehicle in Substantially
`real-time.
`In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
`in part, to a computer-based method of funding an account
`associated with a stored value payment vehicle. The method
`comprises receiving, by a casino computing system, a load
`request initiated by a player, wherein the load request com
`prises a request to load player-sourced funds to a stored value
`account that is associated with any of a stored value payment
`vehicle and a player identifier, wherein the stored value
`account has a first available balance amount. The method also
`comprises communicating, by the casino computing system,
`with an issuer processor computing system to increase the
`first available balance amount of the stored value account to a
`second available balance amount based on a total value of
`funds to be loaded.
`In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
`in part, to a gaming system for a gaming environment. The
`gaming system comprises a stored value payment vehicle
`issued to a player, wherein funds accessible by the stored
`value payment vehicle are maintained by an issuer processor
`computing system in a stored value account and accessible
`through payment networks. The system also comprises a
`gaming account maintained by the casino computing system.
`The system also comprises transaction facilitator that com
`prises at least one processor and non-transitory computer
`
`EVERI EX. 1028; Page 19
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`US 8,998,708 B2
`
`3
`readable medium having instructions stored thereon which
`when executed by a processor cause the processor to selec
`tively credit and debit the stored value account and the gam
`ing account Secured communication links.
`In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
`in part, to a computer-based method of player tracking. The
`method comprises associating, by a computing system and in
`computer memory, a stored value account of a player with a
`player identifier of the player. The method also comprises
`receiving, by the computing system, transaction-related
`information associated with the use of the stored value
`account. The method also comprises providing, by the com
`puting system, to the casino computing system a player intel
`ligence report, wherein the player intelligence report com
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`prises the player identifier and a transaction report based at
`least partially on the transaction-related information.
`In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
`in part, to a computer-based method. The method comprises
`associating, by a computing system and in computer memory,
`a stored value account of a player with a gaming loyalty
`account of the player. The method also comprises receiving,
`by the computing system, a transaction incentive associated
`with the stored value account of the player and the gaming
`loyalty account of the player. The method also comprises
`when the stored value account is used in the processing of a
`transaction, determining, by the computing system, if the
`transaction incentive is applicable to the transaction.
`In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
`in part, to a player tracking system. The player tracking sys
`tem comprises a stored value payment vehicle issued to a
`player, wherein funds accessible by the stored value payment
`vehicle are maintained by an issuer of the stored value pay
`ment vehicle in a stored value account, wherein the stored
`value payment account is linked to a loyalty profile of the
`player maintained by a computing system. The player track
`ing system also comprises a transaction facilitator comprising
`at least one processor and non-transitory computer readable
`medium having instructions stored thereon which when
`executed by a processor cause the processor to receive trans
`40
`action information, wherein the transaction information iden
`tifies purchase transactions using the funds that are accessible
`by the stored value payment vehicle and provide, to the com
`puting system that maintains the loyalty profile of the player,
`purchase-related data, wherein the purchase-related data is
`based on the transaction information and identifies the loyalty
`profile linked to the player.
`In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
`in part, to a player tracking system. The player tracking sys
`tem comprises a transaction facilitator comprising at least one
`processor and non-transitory computer readable medium
`having instructions stored thereon which when executed by a
`processor cause the processor to receive transaction-related
`information associated with purchase transaction, the pur
`chase transaction initiated by a stored value payment vehicle
`issued to a player, wherein funds accessible by the stored
`value payment vehicle are maintained in a stored value
`account, wherein the stored value payment account is linked
`to a loyalty profile of the player that is managed by a casino
`computing system, and communicate with the casino com
`60
`puting system to update the loyalty profile of the player based
`on the transaction-related information.
`
`4
`with the accompanying drawings, in which like references
`indicate similar elements and in which:
`FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an association between a
`stored value payment vehicle and a gaming account in accor
`dance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present dis
`closure.
`FIG. 2A depicts an example system view and flow process
`utilizing the stored value payment vehicle of FIG. 1 in accor
`dance with one non-limiting embodiment.
`FIG. 2B depicts the system view and flow process of FIG.
`2A further comprising a casino level player account in accor
`dance with one non-limiting embodiment.
`FIGS. 3-4 are diagrammatic representations of associa
`tions between stored value payment vehicles and gaming
`accounts in accordance with various non-limiting embodi
`mentS.
`FIG. 5 schematically illustrates example cash flows
`between example gaming accounts associated with a player
`and cash flows between the gaming accounts and stored value
`payment vehicle issued to the player in accordance with one
`non-limiting embodiment.
`FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of an example
`gaming system and flow process in accordance with one
`non-limiting embodiment.
`FIG. 7 is an example arrangement of a transaction facilita
`tor interacting with a gaming environment and an issuer pro
`cessor computing system in accordance with one non-limit
`ing embodiment.
`FIG. 8 is an example arrangement for tracking and reward
`ing player activity in accordance with one non-limiting
`embodiment.
`FIG. 9 schematically illustrates various techniques for a
`player to load funds to a stored value account.
`FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of various com
`puting devices associated with a casino that are in communi
`cation with a transaction facilitator that performs various
`financial transactions associated with a stored value account
`managed by an issuer processor computing system.
`FIGS. 11-14 depict example simplified screen displays of
`the casino cage computing device of FIG. 10.
`FIG. 15 depicts an example user interface screen on a
`display of a computing device that is associated with an
`unattended casino kiosk.
`FIG. 16 depicts an example user interface screen on a
`display of a computing device that is associated with a casino
`gaming pit.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The presently disclosed system and methods can generally
`allow for gaming-related financial transactions. As described
`in more detail below, utilizing a financial facilitator, a player
`can selectively transfer funds between various types of gam
`ing accounts and an associated account, such as a stored value
`account and/or a casino level player account. The stored value
`account can be a financial account that is maintained by an
`issuing financial institution, with funds in the stored value
`account accessible to the cardholder through an associated
`stored value payment vehicle using open-loop or closed-loop
`payment processing, for example. The stored value payment
`vehicle can be any suitable payment vehicle. Such as a physi
`cal card, a virtual payment device, or have any other Suitable
`format. In some embodiments the stored value payment
`vehicle is a general purpose reloadable prepaid card.
`Gaming environments can utilize different types of gaming
`accounts, such as casino level player accounts and/or wager
`ing accounts. With regard to wagering accounts, some types
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`It is believed that certain embodiments will be better under
`stood from the following description taken in conjunction
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`of wagering accounts are regulated by jurisdictional gaming
`statutes. For the purposes of illustration, three different types
`of wagering accounts are described herein (internet gaming
`wagering accounts, brick-and-mortar wagering accounts, and
`race-and-sports wagering accounts), although this disclosure
`is not so limited. In fact, the systems and methods described
`herein are generally applicable to the transfer of between any
`Suitable wagering account and an associated Stored value
`account, or intermediary account, such as a casino level
`player account, as described below.
`As used herein, internet gaming wagering account (or
`iGaming wagering account), generally means an electronic
`ledger wherein the following types of transactions relative to
`internet or mobile gaming system are recorded: (a) deposits;
`(b) withdrawals; (c) amounts wagered; (d) amounts paid on
`winning wagers; (e) service or other transaction-related
`charges authorized by the patron; and (f) adjustments to the
`acCOunt.
`As used herein, brick-and-mortar wagering account gen
`erally means an electronicledgerfor a brick-and-mortar cash
`less wagering system patron deposit account wherein the
`following types of transactions are recorded to and from
`gaming devices (i.e., slots): (a) deposits and withdrawals of
`cash or cash equivalents at a designated area of accountabil
`ity; (b) deposits initiated with a debit instrument; (c) wagering
`account transfers to and from gaming devices; (d) wagering
`account adjustments.
`As used herein, race-and-sports wagering account gener
`ally means an electronic ledger wherein the following types
`of transactions relative to sports and non-pari-mutuel race
`wagers are recorded: (a) deposits; (b) withdrawals; (c)
`amounts wagered; (d) amounts paid on winning wagers; (e)
`amounts paid for horse racing-related services or merchan
`dise, (f) service or other transaction-related charges autho
`rized by the patron; and (g) adjustments to the account.
`As described in more detail below, a financial facilitator
`can generally direct or enable transactions with the issuing
`financial institution to affect the increasing and decreasing of
`an account balance of the stored value account. A financial
`facilitator can also generally direct or enable transactions
`with a computing System that manages a gaming account of a
`gaming environment to affect the increasing and decreasing
`of an account balance of the gaming account. The issuing
`financial institution can also receive communications related
`to the stored value account in a traditional fashion via an open
`system from merchants through existing bank card networks.
`Such communications can authorize? decline purchases using
`funds held in the stored value account.
`In some embodiments, a player can be associated with a
`unique player identifier that can be used by a casino or other
`gaming environment to identify a particular player. Such a
`player identifier may be issued Subsequent to the player
`enrolling in a casino loyalty program, for example. In some
`cases, the unique player identifier is embossed on a player
`card, Sometimes referred to as a loyalty card, or is otherwise
`accessible or presentable by a player. In some embodiments,
`the player identifier can be a graphical code, Such as a quick
`response (QR) code displayable on a mobile computing
`device or the player identifier can be a barcode printed on a
`keychain fob or other substrate. In any event, the player
`identifier can be provided to a gaming device or casino rep
`resentative to enable the casino to centrally track the players
`wagering activity. The player identifier is linked by the issu
`ingentity (such as a casino) a loyalty profile that can be stored
`or otherwise maintained by customer relationship software
`that is maintained by the casino or on behalf of the casino by
`an affiliated service provider.
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`As described in more detail below, a player identifier for a
`particular player can be linked to, or otherwise associated
`with, a stored value account held by a financial institution and
`accessible by the particular player. Such a linkage or associa
`tion offers a variety of benefits, both to players and an asso
`ciated casino. For example, in one example implementation,
`a player can interact with a gaming device (such as a slot
`machine) by providing a player identifier to the device. In
`Some cases, additional credentials, such as a PIN or password,
`can be provided by the player. Through network communi
`cations, the gaming device can communicate with various
`computing platforms, such as a slot management system and/
`or casino management system, which generally may be
`referred to as a casino computing system, to authenticate the
`player's identity. Once authenticated, the player can selec
`tively access funds that are maintained in the stored value
`account of an issuing financial institution for use at the gam
`ing device. The casino computing system can communicate
`with a transaction facilitator (Such as through API-calls, or
`other Suitable communication techniques) to provide the
`information to identify the player that is seeking to access
`funds. In one embodiment, a player identifier of the player is
`provided to the transaction facilitator. As described in more
`detail below, the player identifier can be the loyalty account
`number or other type of identifier. The transaction facilitator,
`in turn, can determine a stored value account associated with
`that player and, through closed network communications
`with the issuing financial institution, dispatch appropriate
`messaging to debit the stored value account. Indication of a
`Successful debit can be provided to the casino computing
`system by the transaction facilitator. The casino computing
`system can then credita one or more gaming accounts of the
`player to increase their available balance. Funds, in the form
`of gaming credits, can then be distributed to the gaming
`device (sometimes referred to as a wagering account transfer
`in “WAT in'). At a laterpoint in time, when the player wishes
`to "cash out the credits of the gaming device can be trans
`ferred to a gaming account (sometimes referred to as a wager
`ing account transfer out “WAT out”). Once received into the
`gaming account, the gaming credits can be converted to a
`fund amount and used to credit the stored value account, held
`in the gaming account, or even transferred to another gaming
`acCOunt.
`In some embodiments, various transfers described below
`can be performed in Substantially real-time. As used herein,
`Substantially real-time means generally less than about 20
`minutes, generally less than about 10 minutes, generally less
`that about 5 minutes, generally less than about 1 minutes, or
`generally less than about 30 seconds. Therefore, in the
`example described above, Subsequent to the player "cashing
`out', the funds transferred to the stored value account can be
`accessible to make purchases using the associated Stored
`value payment vehicle in Substantially real-time
`The stored value payment vehicle can be, for example, a
`general purpose reloadable card (sometimes referred to as a
`GPR card) that is an open-loop payment vehicle. Being an
`open loop payment vehicle, it is associated with a bank card
`network (MASTERCARD, VISA, DISCOVER, and so forth)
`and can generally be used at any merchant or ATM accepting
`payment cards associated with the bank card network. Open
`loop transactions seeking authorization from funds of the
`stored value account send authorization requests to the issu
`ing financial institution through an open bank card network.
`In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein,
`using secured communication links, the issuing financial
`institution can provide a financial facilitator with information
`based on Stored value card transactions. The financial facili
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`tator can determine a player identifier associated with that
`stored value account and then provide reporting to the casino
`computing system. This reporting can be used, for example,
`to Supplement or update a loyalty profile of a player based on
`the increased knowledge about the player gained from track
`ing their spending.
`Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connec
`tion FIGS. 1-16, wherein like numbers indicate the same or
`corresponding elements throughout the figures. It is noted
`that reference throughout the specification to “various
`embodiments.” “some embodiment