(12) United States Patent
`Sanford et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`*Oct. 11, 2016
`
`USOO9466 176B2
`
`(54)
`
`(71)
`
`(72)
`
`(73)
`
`(*)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`SYSTEMIS AND METHODS FOR BALANCE
`TRANSFERS ASSOCATED WITH GAMING
`ENVIRONMENTS
`
`Applicant: Sightline Interactive LLC, Las Vegas,
`NV (US)
`Inventors: Kirk E. Sanford, Las Vegas, NV (US);
`Thomas M. Sears, Henderson, NV
`(US); Omer Sattar, Las Vegas, NV
`(US)
`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:
`
`Appl. No.: 14/921,094
`
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 23, 2015
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2016/0042606 A1
`Feb. 11, 2016
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of application No. 14/326,527, filed on
`Jul. 9, 2014, now Pat. No. 9,196,123, which is a
`continuation-in-part of application No. 14/228,363,
`filed on Mar. 28, 2014, now Pat. No. 8,998,708,
`which is a continuation of application No.
`14/033,493, filed on Sep. 22, 2013, now Pat. No.
`8,708,809.
`Provisional application No. 61/744,564, filed on Sep.
`28, 2012.
`
`Int. C.
`G07F 17/32
`G06O 50/34
`G06O 20/22
`
`
`
`(2006.01)
`(2012.01)
`(2012.01)
`
`(2012.01)
`(2012.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`G06O 20/36
`G06O 20/10
`A63F 9/24
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ........... G07F 17/3244 (2013.01); G06O 20/10
`(2013.01); G06O 20/227 (2013.01); G06O
`20/3676 (2013.01); G06O 50/34 (2013.01);
`G07F 17/3255 (2013.01); A63F 2009/2488
`(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
`
`6/2015 Gagner .................. G06Q 20/04
`9,047,731 B2 *
`2002/0152125 A1 * 10, 2002 Goedde ................ G06Q 10/087
`705/22
`2011 0145139 A1* 6, 2011 Valdes ................... G06Q 20/10
`705/39
`2012/O123943 A1* 5, 2012 Potts ...................... G06Q 20/04
`TO5/44
`2012,019 1977 A1* 7, 2012 Foster ................... HO4L 9,3242
`713/17O
`2013,0046675 A1* 2, 2013 Chiuli ................. G06Q 40/025
`705/37
`2013/0172075 A1* 7/2013 Gagner .................. G06Q 20/04
`463,25
`2013/03 11376 A1* 11/2013 Blair ...................... G06Q 20/32
`TO5/44
`
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner — Pierre E Elisca
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Ulmer & Berne LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Systems and methods are disclosed for selectively increas
`ing and decreasing the balances of gaming accounts and
`stored value accounts. Each of the gaming account and the
`stored value account are associated with a player. Instruc
`tions for balance transfers can be provided by the player to
`a remote computing device.
`
`20 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`GAMING
`ACCOUNT
`
`STORED WALUE
`PAYMENT VEHICLE
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 1
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 1 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`E.--------------------------------- Y,
`GAMINGENVIRONMENT
`
`:
`
`114
`
`PLAYER
`
`GAMING
`ACCOUNT
`
`STORED WALUE
`PAYMENT VEHICLE
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 2
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 2 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 3
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 3 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`EN|HOW W WIW
`
`
`
`| NWHOHEN ENITNO
`
`OOZ
`
`*
`
`- - - - - - - -
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 4
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 4 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`
`
`GAMING
`ACCOUNT
`
`STORED WALUE
`PAYMENT VEHICLE
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 5
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 5 Of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GAMING
`ACCOUNT
`
`
`
`STORED WALUE
`PAYMENT VEHICLE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CUSTOMERRELATIONSHIP
`MANAGEMENTENGINE
`
`PLAYER
`LOYALTY
`PROFILE
`
`
`
`MERCHANT
`
`s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`- -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`- - - - - - - 1
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 6
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 6 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 7
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 7 Of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`{ 019
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 8
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 8 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`
`
`AMVAGIYOLS
`
`
`
`JTOIHSALNSWAVd
`
`QLz
`
`YSAVId
`
`ZOld
`
`S1IdauO
`
`31140ud
`
`06C0l-7
`
`
`SOVGMLN|2)LINDAWONANze,][_¥oss300¥d
`79/JOINSCONINVD=QL
`
`
`WAISASONILNNIODONISHO
`ONINYS||avidsid
`oycl
`
`INJNNOMIANSONIN
`
`LNNOQOVALWAOT
`
`SONARLAN!
`
`d3YOLS
`
`
`
`WALSASONILAWOO
`
`YOSSIOONdYSNSS!
`
`
`YOLVINOVNOLLOWSNVUL
`
`YsAVId
`
`Asvavlvd
`
`uO002
`
`--
`
`ONINYSAVId
`
`
`Neem eee ee ee ee ee ee He eH He ee ee ee ee eee ee ee ee eee ee eee
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 9
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 9
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 9 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`QSOS
`
`
`
`ANTWAdaYdOL$
`
`
`
`FTOIHSAINSWAVd
`
`daAV1d
`
`Asvavlvd
`
`
`
`
`
`NOLLWONddFOIAIGLAN!
`
`
`
`
`
`JOINSONLAdNOOSLOWS
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Yanss!
`
`YOSSIOOd
`
`ONILAdMIOO
`
`V
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`WSLSAS
`
`JOVIYSLN|
`
`MYOMLAN vel
`
`
`SLid3x9>MW1dSI0
`
`
`WALSASONILAdNOOONISYO
`
`LINNAMOWSAN|]¥OSS300¥d72]
`LNAQOOVALVAO]
`
`ONINdaAV1d
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`882
`
`
`
`JOIASCONINVO
`
`31140ud
`
`ee ew ww ww ww ww we ww ee ee we ee ee we we ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee”
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 10
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 10
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 10 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`
`
`WALSASONILNEWODYAYTd
`
`HOSS3IONdH3NSS!HOLYLIMIOWS
`
`
`NOILOVSNVYLee
`
`
`
`068* = = = = = = = = = = = •;-------------------•
`
`
`
`LNSWNOYIANSONINVD
`
`
`
`ONDIOWYLJONSOIMALNI
`
`SNIDNSLYOd34
`
`
`ONILAGNOOONISYO0¢8
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`928
`
`QaYuOLS
`
`ANA
`
`LNNODOV
`
`ONINOdNOD
`
`ANIONS
`
`008~OSLVMISSVNA
`
`WSLSAS
`
`168
`
`
`
`ALTVAO1SAVTd
`
`311404
`
`058
`
`8Old
`
`INIHOWWWLY
`
`
`
`AMWAGSYOLS
`
`
`
`JTOIHSALNIWAVd
`
`
`
`
`
`LNVHOUSMpoweredeenececeenceeneneeeeeeneeee.
`
`eee ee end eee ee ee ee eee ee ee ee ee
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 11
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 11
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 11 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`e671LINNAMON
`HOLVLITIOVANOLLOVSNVUL
`
`
`WALSASONILAdOD
`
`YOSSIOOUdYSNSS!
`yoss300ud686
`d3uOLS
`.
`LNAQQOY
`wanyas-~9%
`
`SMA
`
`
`
`
`
`ANTWAG3y0LS
`
`
`
`JTOIHSALNAWAYd
`
`916
`
`Lid
`
`JTNGON
`
`JTACON
`JTNGOW
`JINGOW
`JTIgON
`MSO
`LOIS
`EEL
`
`wee eee eee ee ee ee ee dKee ee eee”
`
`Ov6
`
`C76
`
`bv6
`
`946
`
`|
`
`
`
`QF0UNOS-HSAVTd
`Csd)_)Cuso_)San
`vadCS10)
`JOYNNOSANNI
`YalsILNAOI
`waldo
`LNNQQOY
`LOdHOvE
`LOdHOvE
`
`OANI
`
`SaNn
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 12
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 12
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 12 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1026
`
`ISSUER PROCESSORCOMPUTING SYSTEM
`STOREDVALUEACCOUNT /1028
`
`TRANSACTION FACLATOR
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`1092
`1094
`
`
`
`MEMORY UNIT
`GAMINGPT
`
`1096
`
`KIOSKMODULE
`
`1098
`
`EXISTING CARD
`
`
`
`NEWCARD
`
`CARDHOLDER
`INFO:
`
`/
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TRANSACTION
`APPROVED
`
`APPROVAL if
`DATE
`LAST4DGTS
`AMOUNT
`N-T-
`
`LOAD FUNDS:
`SOURCE1
`
`SOURCE 2
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 13
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 13 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`
`
`CARDHOLDER
`
`
`
`
`
`LOAD FUNDS
`EXISTING CARD
`LOADJACKPOT D NEWCARD
`WITHDRAW
`FUNDS
`SEARCH
`
`1018K
`/ ACPOTLOADTO
`PREPAD ACCOUNT
`JACKPOTD
`C
`D
`AMOUNT
`
`
`
`
`
`TRANSACTION
`APPROVED
`
`APPROVALI
`DATE
`LAST4DIGITS
`AMOUNT
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 14
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 14 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`
`
`WITHDRAW
`FUNDS
`SEARCH
`
`EXISTING CARD
`
`NEWCARD
`
`
`
`
`
`CARDHOLDER
`INFO:
`
`CARD INFO:
`
`1018O
`
`8P
`
`ty
`JACKPOTLOAD TO
`PREPAD ACCOUNT
`JACKPOTD
`
`AMOUNT
`
`TRANSACTION
`APPROVED
`
`
`
`APPROVAL
`DATE
`LAST4DIGITS
`AMOUNT
`
`FIG. 12
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 15
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 15 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`WITHDRAW
`FUNDSFROM
`PREPAID
`
`7
`
`
`
`1018T
`ty
`WITHDRAW FINDS /
`FROMPREPAID
`AMOUNT
`
`/
`1
`
`LOAD FUNDS
`LOADJACKPOT
`WITHDRAW
`FUNDS
`SEARCH
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TRANSACTION
`APPROVED
`
`
`
`APPROVAL if
`DATE
`LAST4DIGITS
`AMOUNT
`
`FIG. 13
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 16
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 16 of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`TRANSACTION
`SEARCH:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`LOAD FUNDS
`
`LOADJACKPOT
`WITHDRAW
`FUNDS
`
`SEARCH
`
`a
`
`e
`
`
`
`1040
`
`1050
`1052
`1054
`1048
`104.4
`1042 Transaction Search
`v / Device: aros?Devices v
`last hous\s 24 HOUrs
`USername: All Users
`TransType
`Patron Name
`"Amount ,
`status
`1/21
`S
`View
`(20134:07 PM CREDIT
`SMITH, STEVE
`OOO 1046 FAILED
`View
`1/21/20134:04 PM CREDIT
`$7.50
`DOE, JOHN
`FAILED
`1121/2013 2:55 PM DEBIT
`SMITH, JANE
`$6.00
`APPROVED View
`21/2013254 PM CREDIT
`DOE, JOHN
`$600
`APPROVED View
`I
`21/2013252 PM CREDIT
`DOE, JOHN
`$52.00
`DECLINED View
`11
`21/201325 PM. JACKPOTCREDIT DOE, JOHN
`$9,63
`DECLINED View
`11
`
`v
`
`FIG. 14
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 17
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 11, 2016
`
`Sheet 17 Of 17
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`CASINOKIOSK
`
`COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`DISPLAY
`
`
`
`COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`1016A
`
`PURCHASECHIPS WITH
`PREPAID CARD
`
`DEPOST CHIPS TO PREPAID
`CARD
`
`FIG. 16
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 18
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`1.
`SYSTEMIS AND METHODS FOR BALANCE
`TRANSFERS ASSOCATED WITH GAMING
`ENVIRONMENTS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of prior application U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 14/326,527, entitled “SYSTEMS
`10
`AND METHODS FOR BALANCE TRANSFERS ASSO
`CIATED WITH GAMING ENVIRONMENTS, filed on
`Jul. 9, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of prior appli
`cation U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/228,363, entitled
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTRATION
`OF NON-WAGERING ACCOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH
`GAMING ENVIRONMENT, filed on Mar. 28, 2014,
`which is a continuation of prior application U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 14/033,493, entitled “SYSTEMS AND
`METHODS FOR ADMINISTRATION OF NON-WAGER
`ING ACCOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH GAMING ENVI
`RONMENT, filed Sep. 22, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,
`809, 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 all incor
`porated herein by reference in their entirety.
`
`25
`
`15
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`Within gaming establishments, such as casinos, gaming
`devices are typically networked via a central computer. Such
`configuration allows for the gaming establishment to moni
`tor a players 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, how
`ever, is that the players may very easily lose tickets, tickets
`40
`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 redemp
`tions 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 replen
`ishing cash by the casino operator is both costly and bur
`densome.
`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 cen
`trally track the player's wagering activity. Applying the
`player's historic activity, the gaming establishment can, for
`example, develop a targeted marketing campaign including
`promotions, gifts, and advertisements. A problem with
`casino loyalty systems, however, is that they do not capture
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`spending player activity that occurs in non-gaming environ
`ments, such 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 pro
`vides advantages to both game players and casino operators.
`The field can also benefit from systems and methods that
`conveniently allow a gaming establishment to track player
`gaming activity and player purchase activity, both inside and
`outside the casino, to associate such activity with the play
`er's loyalty profile.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in
`part, to a computer-based computer-based method of trans
`ferring funds between a stored value account and a gaming
`account. The method comprises receiving, by one or more
`processors, player credentials for a player, wherein the
`player credentials are associated with a player identifier and
`a gaming account having a balance, wherein the player
`credentials were entered into a remote computing device.
`The method further comprises, based at least partially on the
`player identifier, identifying, by any of the one or more
`processors, a stored value account, wherein the stored value
`account is associated with a stored value payment vehicle
`issued to the player, and wherein a balance of the stored
`value account is maintained by an issuer processor comput
`ing system. The method further comprises receiving, by any
`of the one or more processors, a funding instruction, wherein
`the funding instruction identifies a balance amount to be
`transferred from the stored valued account to the gaming
`account, wherein the funding instruction was entered into
`the remote computing device. The method further comprises
`causing, by any of the one or more processors, a decrease of
`the balance of the stored value account and an increase of the
`balance of 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,
`wherein the load request is initiated at an application
`executed on a remote computing device and comprises a
`request to fund a gaming account with player funds held by
`a stored value account associated with a stored value pay
`ment vehicle, wherein the gaming account has a balance
`amount. The method also comprises causing, by the trans
`action facilitator computing system, an increase of the
`balance amount of the gaming account based on an amount
`of funds requested in the load request.
`In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed,
`in part, to a gaming account funding System. The gaming
`account funding system comprises 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 and are accessible through a payment net
`work. The gaming account funding system also comprises a
`gaming account to hold funds for the player and a loyalty
`account assigned to the player, wherein the loyalty account
`is maintained by a customer management system, wherein
`the loyalty account assigned to the player is associated with
`the stored value account. The gaming account funding
`system also comprises at least one processor and non
`transitory computer readable medium having instructions
`stored thereon which when executed by a processor cause
`the processor to selectively increase and decrease funds held
`by the stored value account and the gaming account based on
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 19
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`3
`one funding commands provided by the player through an
`application executing on a remote computing device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`4
`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 physical 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 gam
`ing accounts. Such as casino level player accounts and/or
`wagering accounts. With regard to wagering accounts, some
`types 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 electronic ledger for a brick-and-mortar
`cashless 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 account
`ability; (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 decreas
`ing 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 pur
`chases 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,
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`It is believed that certain embodiments will be better
`understood from the following description taken in conjunc
`tion with the accompanying drawings, in which like refer
`ences indicate similar elements and in which:
`FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an association between a
`stored value payment vehicle and a gaming account in
`accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the pres
`ent disclosure.
`FIG. 2A depicts an example system view and flow process
`utilizing the stored value payment vehicle of FIG. 1 in
`accordance 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
`accordance 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 facili
`tator interacting with a gaming environment and an issuer
`processor computing system in accordance with one non
`limiting embodiment.
`FIG. 7A depicts an example system diagram that includes
`a computing device executing an application for facilitating
`balance transfers.
`FIG. 8 is an example arrangement for tracking and
`rewarding player activity in accordance with one non
`40
`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
`computing devices associated with a casino that are in
`communication 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.
`50
`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.
`
`45
`
`55
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The presently disclosed system and methods can gener
`ally allow for gaming-related financial transactions. As
`described in more detail below, utilizing a financial facili
`tator, a player can selectively transfer funds between various
`types of gaming 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
`
`60
`
`65
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 20
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`5
`the player identifier can be a graphical code. Such as a
`quick-response (QR) code displayable on a mobile comput
`ing 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
`representative to enable the casino to centrally track the
`player's wagering activity. The player identifier is linked by
`the issuing entity (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.
`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
`association offers a variety of benefits, both to players and
`an associated casino. For example, in one example imple
`mentation, 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 net
`work communications, the gaming device can communicate
`with various computing platforms, such as a slot manage
`ment 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 selectively access funds that are maintained in the
`stored value account of an issuing financial institution for
`use at the gaming 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, dis
`patch 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 credit a 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 later point in
`time, when the player wishes to “cash out, the credits of the
`gaming device can be transferred to a gaming account
`(sometimes referred to as a wagering 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
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`6
`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 issuing 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 facilitator 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 tracking their spending.
`Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in con
`nection 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 embodiments.” “one embodiment,’
`“some example embodiments.” “one example embodiment,”
`or “an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, struc
`ture, or characteristic described in connection with the
`embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,
`appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments.” “in
`some embodiments.” “in one embodiment,” “some example
`embodiments.” “one example embodiment, or “in an
`embodiment in places throughout the specification are not
`necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further
`more, the particular features, structures or characteristics
`may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more
`embodiments.
`FIG. 1 is a schematically illustrates an association
`between a stored value payment vehicle 116 and a gaming
`account 188 in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present disclosure. The gaming account 188 can be associ
`ated with a gaming environment 102. As used herein,
`gaming environment can refer to, without limitation, a
`brick-and-mortar casino and/or an online or virtual casino.
`In Some cases, the gaming environment also extends to
`entities or services, such as third party computer systems
`generally controlled by or operated on behalf of a casino
`operator. FIG. 2A depicts an example system view and flow
`process 100 utilizing the stored value payment vehicle 116
`in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.
`Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2A, a player 114 can be
`issued the stored value payment vehicle 116 that is associ
`ated with a stored value account 128 maintained by an issuer
`processor computing system 126. The issuer processor com
`puting system 126 can be a system used to maintain and/or
`process transactions associated with the stored value pay
`ment vehicle 116 and the stored value account 128. The
`stored value payment vehicle 116 can be a physical card, a
`virtual card, or any other suitable type of vehicle. In some
`embodiments, the stored value payment vehicle 116 is a
`general purpose reloadable card (sometimes referred to as a
`prepaid card). The stored value payment vehicle 116 can be
`an “open-loop card,” which a consumer can use anywhere
`that accepts payment from a retail electronic payments
`network associated with the stored value payment vehicle,
`such as MASTERCARD, VISA, DISCOVER, and so forth,
`as discussed above. The stored value payment vehicle 116
`can be a “closed-loop card, which a consumer can use at
`particular merchant locations, for example. The player 114
`can fund (i.e., increase the available balance) the stored
`
`EVERI EX. 1036; Page 21
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00707
`
`

`

`US 9,466,176 B2
`
`10
`
`15
`
`7
`value account 128 through traditional techniques, such as by
`transfers funds from a demand access account (DDA) and/or
`funds loaded from a credit card to the stored value account
`128 through an online interface. As described in more detail
`below, the player 114 can also selectively fund the stored
`value account 128 from the gaming environment 102 using
`cash, jackpot payouts, and numerous other ways, such as
`chip and slot ticket redemption.
`The stored value payment vehicle 116 can be used by the
`player 114 to make “purchases at a variety of merchant
`types. As shown in FIG. 2B, non-limiting e