US20120021822A1

US20120021822A1 - Internet bonusing

Info

Publication number: US20120021822A1
Application number: US12/841,706
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel deWaal; Vincent Smith; Anthony Baerlocher; Glen K. Russell; Darren W. White; David L. Kern, JR.
Original assignee: International Game Technology
Current assignee: International Game Technology
Priority date: 2010-07-22
Filing date: 2010-07-22
Publication date: 2012-01-26
Also published as: AU2011204840A1; AU2011204840B2

Abstract

An Internet bonusing system includes an electronic gaming machine (EGM) having a memory area for receiving information relating to game play on the EGM and a player's activity associated with game play on the EGM and for storing the information. The EGM also includes a processor that is programmed to record play of the player on the EGM, encode at least a portion of the recorded play, and output a result of the encoding in a tangible form to the player. The Internet bonusing system also includes an Internet-enabled computer programmed to communicatively couple to a gaming website and to receive the result of the encoding through an input device communicatively coupled to the computer.

Description

BACKGROUND

The field of the invention relates generally to gaming, and more specifically, to methods and systems for extending game play outside a “brick and mortar” casino.
Casinos typically are located within buildings and operated by operators licensed by state authorities. Such casinos are generally referred to herein as “brick and mortar” casinos. Casino operators typically are very interested in collecting and analyzing gaming information about the players who visit such casinos, and use such information to provide enhanced game play and other benefits to the players. Since casinos compete with each other for attracting players, the casino operators generally maintain their player information confidential and are reluctant to release any such information, even to their own suppliers.
For example, a casino operator may develop a database of information related to players who visit their casinos. Such information is used to attract the players to make return visits to the casino and well as to enhance the gaming experience of the player while at the casino. As explained above, casino operators typically maintain such player information confidential. Knowledge of at least some player information, however, may be beneficial for at least certain casino suppliers, such as the creators and designers of the gaming machines. Specifically, in creating and designing a new game, knowledge of player preferences and habits would be very helpful in guiding the game design and creation process.
Since casino operators are reluctant to share such player information, the game creators and designers generally look for alternative sources in order to build their own database of player preferences and habits. Such information can be gathered, for example, through surveys, focus groups and simulated gaming environments. Game creators and designers also must rely on their intuition and own gaming experiences in creating concepts and designs. While game creators and designers have been successful in creating and designing new games even without actual player information from casino operators, having access to such information would further aide and benefit the game creation and design process.
In addition, many players enjoy discovering and sharing special modes or secret “unlock” aspects of games. Codes and activation combinations have been used in home leisure systems and arcade systems in order to prolong interest, increase popularity of games, and, therefore, increase the commercial life of games. In addition, the Internet has become a valuable tool to the leisure gaming industry through community sharing of such codes and activation combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a system that facilitates the collection of player information is described. The system, in one embodiment, includes an electronic gaming machine (EGM) configured for being located within a brick and mortar casino. The EGM includes a memory area for receiving and storing information relating to game play on the EGM and a player's activity associated with game play on the EGM. The EGM also includes a processor programmed to control storage of the game play and player information in the memory area and encode at least a portion of such information. The processor also is coupled to an output device (e.g., a ticket printer) and controls generation of an output in a tangible form (e.g., a ticket) to the player.
The system further includes an Internet-enabled device programmed to communicatively couple to a server hosted gaming system and to receive at least a portion of the encoded information. The player inputs the encoded information on the ticket into the Internet-enabled device, which then communicates such information to the central gaming system server. Using the encoded information, the server then functions to offer the player opportunities to earn points or other credits by playing games via the Internet-enabled device. Player information (e.g., game preferences, duration of play) derived from the ticket and online activities can then be collected by the server. Such player information can then be used, for example, by game creators and designers in connection with creating, designing, and fabricating new games and new game machines (e.g., EGMs).
In another aspect, a method is described for tracking player activity. The method includes recording play of a player on an EGM, encoding at least a portion of the recorded play using a hash function, and outputting a result of the hash function to the player.
In another aspect, a method is described for providing players with bonuses via the Internet. The method includes receiving, at a host server associated with a centralized gaming system (which, in some embodiments is a web site), information that represents recorded play of an associated player on an EGM at a first gaming venue. Such information may, for example, be encoded in an output generated by the EGM using a hash function. The method also includes providing credit to the plurality of players for gaming on an Internet-based gaming site based on the respective received output, scoring outcomes of the Internet gaming played by the plurality of players, selecting at least one of the plurality of players based on at least one of a ranking of outcomes of the Internet gaming and a random selection, and awarding a bonus to at least one selected player.
In another aspect, a method is provided for generating a redemption code. The method includes recording information related to the play of a player on an EGM, correlating the recorded play information to a level of play, detecting whether the level of play meets a threshold, executing a hash function using the recorded play to generate a hash function output, encoding the hash function output in a message, and presenting the message to the player.
In yet another aspect, a gaming method is provided that enables gaming machines to implement “unlock codes” into an underlying game. During play of a game, an EGM tracks player activity and outputs a code to the player via, for example, a ticket or an electronic message. A host server associated with a centralized system receives the code as entered by the player at a device, such as a computer. The host server then provides the player with a trigger, such as a symbol combination or an input combination, that the player is to achieve within a specified time period. The player can then return to the casino to play the EGM during the time period to either enter the input combination or to achieve the symbol combination. Upon detecting the trigger, the EGM prompts the player to enter the previously provided code, and enables a special feature mode of play, such as an additional bonus multiplier or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments described herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary Internet enabled computer system at an offsite location;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary method of transforming player data in a raw form at the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 to an offsite play ticket redemption code value;

FIG. 4 is a screen capture of an exemplary graphic display such as a splash screen or home page of a website that may be used with the Internet bonusing system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a screen capture of an alternative graphic display such as a splash screen or home page of a website that be used with the Internet bonusing system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a screen capture of an exemplary graphic display during game play at the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a screen capture of a second exemplary graphic display during game play at the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a screen capture of a third exemplary graphic display during game play at the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes embodiments of the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is contemplated that the invention has general application to analytical and methodical embodiments of tracking player progress and providing encoded historical data in commercial and residential applications.
As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic gaming machine (EGM) 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes at least one processor 102, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Processor 102 is communicably coupled with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device 104. In one embodiment, processor 102 and memory device 104 reside within a cabinet (not shown in FIG. 1) of gaming machine 100. Processor 102 and memory device 104 may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”
Memory device 104 stores program code and instructions, executable by processor 102, to control gaming machine 100. Memory device 104 also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of gaming machine 100. Memory device 104 may include one, or more than one, forms of memory. For example, memory device 104 can include random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms of memory. Memory device may also include read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, by itself or in combination with other forms of memory, may be included in memory device 104.
Memory device 104 may also be, or include, a detachable or removable memory, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory. A player can use such removable memory in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other computerized platform.
In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, gaming machine 100 randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. That is, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and gaming machine 100 generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, because gaming machine 100 generates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation, there is no certainty that gaming machine 100 will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome. Such random determination could be provided through utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator or other suitable randomization process.
In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, gaming machine 100 employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, gaming machine 100 removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.
In yet another embodiment, upon a player initiating game play at gaming machine 100, gaming machine 100 enrolls in a bingo game. In this embodiment, a bingo server calls the bingo balls that result in a specific game outcome. The resultant game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming machine 100 to be provided to a player.
Referring still to FIG. 1, gaming machine 100 includes one or more display devices 106, 108 controlled by processor 102. Display devices 106 and 108 are mounted to the cabinet of gaming machine 100. Gaming machine 100 includes a central display device 106, which displays a primary game. Display device 106 may also display any secondary game associated with the primary game as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game. Display device 108 may, for example, be an upper display device 108. Upper display device 108 may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game and/or information relating to the primary or secondary game. At least one display device 106 and 108 may be a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC that enables play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a location remote from other components of gaming machine 100.
Gaming machine 100 includes a credit display 110, which displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. Gaming machine 100 also includes a bet display 112 which displays a player's amount wagered. Credit display 110 and bet display 112 may be standalone displays independent of display devices 106 and 108, or credit display 110 and bet display 112 may be incorporated into display devices 106 and/or 108.
Display devices 106 and/or 108 may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting diodes (LED), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, display devices 106 and/or 108 includes a touch-screen 114 with an associated touch-screen controller 116. Display devices 106 and/or 108 may be of any suitable configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle. Touch-screen 114 is coupled with touch-screen controller 116, or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to enable player interaction with the images on display devices 106 and/or 108.
Display devices 106 and/or 108 are configured to display one or more game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, tournament advertisements and the like.
In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
Still referring to FIG. 1, gaming machine 100 includes at least one payment acceptor 118 in communication with processor 102. Payment acceptor 118 includes a coin slot 120 and a payment, note or bill acceptor 122, where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player can place coins in coin slot 120 or paper money, ticket or voucher into payment, note or bill acceptor 122. Devices such as a card reader or validator 124 for credit cards, debit cards or credit slips may be used to accept payment. An identification card and/or a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals and other relevant information may be used. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming machine through electronic funds transfer (EFT). When a player funds gaming machine 100, processor 102 determines the amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on credit display 110 as described above.
Gaming machine 100 further includes one or more input devices 126 communicatively coupled to processor 102. Input devices 126 include any suitable device which enables the player to produce an input signal which is readable by processor 102. In one embodiment, input device 126 is a game activation device, such as a pull arm or a play button which is used by the player to start any primary game or sequence of events in gaming machine 100. The play button can be any suitable play activator such as, but not limited to, a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button. In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, gaming machine 100 begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one of the play buttons, gaming machine 100 automatically activates game play.
One input device 126 may be a “Bet One” button. The player places a bet by pushing the Bet One button. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the Bet One button. When the player pushes the Bet One button, the number of credits shown in credit display 110 decrements by one, and the number of credits shown in bet display 112 increments by one. Another input device may be a “Bet Max” button which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of gaming machine 100.
Yet another input device 126 may be a “Cash Out” button. The player may push the Cash Out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. When the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray (not shown in FIG. 1) or other payout mechanisms, such as tickets or credit slips, redeemable by a cashier, or funding to the player's electronically recordable identification card.
Touch-screen 114 and touch-screen controller 116 are communicatively coupled to a video controller 128. A player can make decisions and input signals into gaming machine 100 by touching touch-screen 114 at appropriate places. Gaming machine 100 also includes one or more communication ports 130 that enable communication of processor 102 with external peripherals (not shown in FIG. 1), such as, but not limited to, external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, a SCSI port or a key pad.
In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a sound generating device 132 that is controlled by one or more sounds cards 134, which function in conjunction with processor 102. Sound generating device 132 includes at least one speaker or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of gaming machine 100, such as an attract mode. Gaming machine 100 provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of display devices 106 and/or 108 to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to gaming machine 100. During idle periods, gaming machine 100 may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to gaming machine 100. The videos may also be customized for or to provide any appropriate information.
In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a sensor 136, such as a camera communicatively coupled to and/or controlled by processor 102. Sensor 136 is selectively positionable to acquire an image of a player actively using gaming machine 100 and/or an area surrounding gaming machine 100. In one embodiment, the camera may selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. Display devices 106 and/or 108 may display the image acquired by the camera, as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
In addition to cash or tickets redeemable for cash, and in accordance with one embodiment, the player receives an offsite play ticket 140 that includes a code printed in a code field 142 and may include a URL printed in a URL field 144. Typically, no data is encoded on ticket 140 that identifies the player. The code does include, for example, an identification of a manufacturer of gaming machine 100. The ticket is printed by a printer 146 communicatively coupled to processor 102. More specifically, and in one embodiment, players wager on participating gaming machines 100 in brick and mortar casinos (not shown). Any win on participating gaming machines 100 above a predetermined threshold (e.g., $20) triggers offsite play ticket 140 to be printed. In the example embodiment, offsite play ticket 140 includes a code printed on it and a URL. Offsite play ticket 140 may advise the player that logging into the printed URL with the printed code will give them an opportunity to play additional games. Offsite play ticket 140 allows the player to continue playing games at an offsite location such as, but not limited to, their own home through the Internet. Alternatively, offsite play ticket 140 allows the player to access a trigger, such as an input combination or a symbol combination, which may be acquired during a subsequent play session on gaming machine 100. Upon detection of the trigger, gaming machine 100 then prompts the player to input the code provided in code field 142 to activate a special feature that is otherwise hidden from the player. As used herein, offsite location refers to a location other than a location of gaming machine 100. For example, gaming machine 100 may be physically located on a casino floor in a hotel. The offsite location could be a general purpose computer or laptop computer also located in the hotel but not communicatively coupled to the same network as gaming device 100. Offsite play ticket 140 may, for example, be used at the player's home potentially many hundreds of miles from the hotel and communicatively coupled to the Internet through the player's own Internet Service Provider (ISP). In an alternative embodiment, the code is transmitted to the player via, for example, email, a Short Message Service (SMS) text message, a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) text message, or any other suitable electronic message.
Gaming machine 100 is capable of communicatively coupling to a network 148 in the casino used to connect to a plurality of gaming machines 100 throughout the casino or to gaming machines 100 located remotely from the casino. In the exemplary embodiment, the network is hosted by a server 150 that can monitor and control each of the plurality of gaming machines 100 coupled to it. Server 150 may facilitate game play by providing support for tournament play amongst the plurality of gaming machines 100. Such support may include tallying relative scores of players and determining a ranking of each player based on a score achieved during tournament play or other criteria, usually made known to each player prior to a start of the tournament.
Gaming machine 100 can incorporate any suitable wagering primary or base game. Gaming machine 100 may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, number game or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form which produces a random outcome based on probability data upon activation from a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video Keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.
Data acquired from gaming machine 100 during play by each player is stored in one or more storage locations. The storage locations may include one or more databases, data registers, gaming machine meters, or a combination thereof. The source data is derived from gaming machine 100 to which a collection device is attached. The data collection device may be an integral component of gaming machine 100 embodied in hardware, firmware, or software, or may be an add-on device in retrofit applications. Additionally, the data collection device may include a single device or may include a plurality of devices communicatively coupled to accomplish the functions described herein.
In one embodiment, an accumulation of the specified data occurs over an indeterminate period of time based on an event occurring on gaming machine 100. For example at an end of each game cycle and/or upon the receipt of a cash-out event, the state of the accumulated data is evaluated. Predetermined rules are established based on threshold values (games played and credits wagered) and the accumulated data is compared, such as periodically compared or continuously compared, to these rule sets. Once the rule set is satisfied, the action associated with that rule is executed.
In each instance certain key accumulated data is gathered and filtered such that a valid redemption code is generated. One or more guidelines are used to initiate generation of the redemption code. An exemplary guideline is a length of the code needed to encode all the accumulated data. The code cannot exceed a specified maximum number of characters in length, so as the data accumulated requires a larger number of characters to encode the accumulated data a redemption code generation event may be triggered and an offsite play tickets 140 is printed and the accumulation of data resumes after the data associated with the data encoded on the offsite play tickets 140 is removed. Another exemplary guideline relates to security of the code. The code needs to contain a specified minimum level of security.
In the exemplary embodiment, the algorithm evaluates and transposes the data to provide threshold approximations and to reduce size. The resulting fields are packed together into a single unique value, which is hashed and encrypted using stored encryption keys. The encrypted value is then encoded into a printable character set. At the end of the process a data string is output that when formatted appropriately is printed on offsite play tickets 140 and provided to the player for later usage, as described below. After the rule set executes and the ticket is printed, key accumulated data will be reset to predefined default values and the process of rules evaluations continues.
Data that may be accumulated includes, but is not limited to only including, data that is retrieved from the meters on gaming machine 100 and that may be used to establish a baseline player profile on the offsite location. Moreover, the data may include time and date data, an identifier or serial number of gaming machine 100, a gaming machine theme identifier and/or name, a pay table identifier, an amount of coin in, and/or an amount of cash out. Further, the data may include gaming data such as denomination played or accepted by gaming machine 100, credit bet amounts, credit win amounts, a date or time of a game's end, and/or externally generated data that is relevant to third party affiliates and can be used to establish a baseline player profile on the offsite location. In addition, the data that may be accumulated includes data that is accumulated and/or derived from data retrieved from gaming machine 100 and is based on the player's session. As used herein, the term “player session” refers generally to a time period being bounded by, for example, a game start time and a game end time. Such accumulated data includes, but is not limited to, a time duration since the start of game play, a time duration of a current session, a last rule set triggered since the start of game play, a total player buy-in since the start of game play, and/or a total player buy-in during the current session. Moreover, such accumulated data may also include a total number of games played since the start of game play of all themes and/or denominations, a total number of games played during the current session of all themes and/or denominations, a total number of credits wagered since the start of game play of all themes and/or denominations, and/or a total number of credits wagered during the current session of all themes and/or denominations.
In the exemplary embodiment, the accumulated data is analyzed according to, for example, a game theme, duration of play using the game theme, and a denomination during the duration of play. For example, a first subset of accumulated data includes a first game theme identifier, duration of play of the game with the first game theme identifier, a number of games played and a total number of credits wagered at a first denomination, and/or a number of games played and a total number of credits wagered at a second denomination. The accumulated data may also indicate whether it was externally generated by, for example, a trusted partner or affiliate of the casino.
In the exemplary embodiment, one or more factors are used to determine when a redemption code should be generated. Exemplary factors associated with gaming machine 100 include, but are not limited to only including, when a player initiated cash out occurs or when a player's credits reach or approach a cash out threshold, when a game change occurs with credits still available for use, when a denomination change occurs with credits still available for use, when a total number of credits wagered reaches a threshold number, and/or when a total number of games played reaches a threshold number.
In some embodiments, one or more constraints are placed on generating the redemption code and/or offsite play ticket 140. For example, a denomination maybe limited to a multiple of a specified value, such as one cent, five cents, ten cents, twenty-five cents, fifty cents, one dollar, five dollars, ten dollars, and/or any other suitable value. Another exemplary constraint prevents a code from being duplicated during a specified time interval during which the accumulated data is equal or nearly equal. Moreover, the date and/or time of generation of the redemption code and/or offsite play ticket 140 may be rounded to the nearest ten-minute boundary. Further, accumulated meter data from gaming machine 100 may be reset upon each redemption code generation. In some embodiments, a six-digit code will be used to determine where the redemption code was generated. For example, redemption codes 00001-49999 are reserved for gaming machine 100. There may also be a limited number of rule sets used to determine when to print the redemption code and/or offsite play ticket 140. Moreover, in some embodiments, in order for a particular rule to fire the rule preceding it must have fired immediately before or within the current session. For example, in order for Rule 4 to fire, the previous rule that fired must be Rule 3. However, in some embodiments, Rule 0, which represents a cash-out event, does not have a prerequisite rule. Rather, a cash-out-generated rule resets all accumulated values back to the default values.
In the exemplary embodiment, a number of games played and/or a total amount wagered are considered to be an “AND” vs. “OR” conditional test. The number of games played may have a minimum threshold, such as 100 games played. Similarly, the amount wagered may have a minimum threshold, such as 100 credits wagered. Table 1, shown below, illustrates exemplary thresholds for a number of games played and a number of credits wagered that are used to determine whether to generate offsite play ticket 140. After Rule 4 fires, from that point forward a ticket generation event occurs at a fixed interval determined by the last rule fired. For example, in the scenario listed in Table 1, after Rule 4 initially fires then that rule repeats until a cash out event occurs. Notably, the values shown in Table 1 are exemplary values. The number of rules and/or the thresholds associated with the rules may vary. Moreover, alternative data may be used to represent the thresholds other than those shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1

Rule		Credit	Games	Credits
ID	Description	Threshold	Played	Wagered

0	Cash out or near Zero	0	X	Y
	Credits
1	Initial redemption code	N/A	X * 5	Y * 5
2	Secondary redemption	N/A	X * 4	Y * 4
	code - rule 1 previously
	triggered
3	Tertiary redemption code -	N/A	X * 3	Y * 3
	rule 2 previously
	triggered
4	Quaternary redemption	N/A	X * 2	Y * 2
	code - rule 3 previously
	triggered

In the exemplary embodiment, the redemption code is related to data such as, but not limited to, a time and date to determine session-to-session frequency of game play, a theme name, a pay table identifier, and/or a denomination. In some embodiments, the theme name, the pay table identifier, and/or the denomination relate to a particular game, such as a game that was played most frequently during a specified time period or during a period of heaviest wagering. Moreover, in some embodiments, the redemption code is also related to an actual amount wagered during a specified time period and/or a number or identifier of games played during a specified time period. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, a variety of data is encoded into the redemption code using the hash function. Table 2 illustrates exemplary ticketing data that is encoded into the redemption code. Notably, the values shown in Table 2 are exemplary values. The fields and/or the values associated with the fields may vary.

TABLE 2

Field	Description

Source ID	00001-49999
Game Theme	Text representation of the most frequent game theme
Julian Date	Range	0 . . . 365 (counting leap day)
Time of Day	In 10 min intervals 0 . . . 143
Denomination	Range	0 . . . 8: [.01, .05, .10, .25, .50, 1.00, 5.00, 10.00,
	and “other”]
Rule ID	Range	0 . . . 7
Delta	Range	0 . . . 11: Value greater than rule threshold amount
	for non-triggered field. Taken from the list: [0%, 10%,
	20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, >=100%]
Trigger Field	0 = Game count triggered, 1 = wager amount triggered

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, the data shown below in Table 3 will be printed on the ticket in clear text format.

TABLE 3

Data Type	Field	Constraint

Alphanumeric	Date/Time
Alphanumeric	Theme Name	Most frequent
Alphanumeric	Pay table ID	Most frequent

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, offsite play ticket 140 is printed based on one or more dependencies including, but not limited to only including, a procedural scripting language with basic flow control such as if-then statements and looping, arbitrary precision integer math using, for example, at least 32 decimal digits, addition, multiplication, division, and/or subtraction operations, raising a value to an integer power and log base 10, access to secure storage with room for multiple binary data keys that are each associated with a start and end date, and/or a 64-bit block sized cipher such as Blowfish. Furthermore, offsite play ticket 140 is formatted using, for example, a 13-character ASCII string that includes any suitable character.
The tracking of players' gaming and preferences and generation of offsite play ticket 140 permits extending legal gaming play outside of traditional bricks and mortar casinos by awarding players of brick and mortar casino games with tickets that may be used to generate free Internet play (for a score instead of credits). This play remains meaningful for the player because players earning high enough scores are invited (e.g., all expenses paid) to a later tournament in a brick and mortar casino through which they may win large cash prizes. Moreover, in some embodiments, allowing a player to access an unlock code enables a casino or gaming machine manufacturer to form a cycle or loop of repeat patronage. Offering an unlock code also generates interest by players in forming Internet community groups for sharing unlock codes, which offers inexpensive advertising for particular gaming machines or themes.
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an Internet enabled computer system 200 at an offsite location in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, computer system 200, such as a player's home computer, includes a monitor 202, and input devices, such as a keyboard 204 and a mouse 206. A processor 208 is housed within a cabinet 210. Processor 208 is communicatively coupled to monitor 202, keyboard 204, mouse 206, and a conduit 212 to the Internet 214 either directly or through various peripheral components. Conduit 212 and Internet 214 permit computer system 200 to communicatively couple to a website 216 associated with a casino where gaming machine 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is located or otherwise affiliated with, or website 216 may be associated with a manufacturer of gaming machine 100 or associated with a third party sponsor that is not affiliated with either the casino or the manufacturer.
As explained above, players may have offsite play tickets 140 that include a code printed and a URL. Offsite play ticket 140 may advise the player that logging into the printed URL with the printed code will give them an opportunity to enter sweepstakes or contests, or to play additional games. In an alternative embodiment, the code is transmitted to the player. For example, the code may be emailed to an email address that the player uses to receive other messages or invitations from the casino, or to an email address that is input into gaming machine 100. Alternatively, the code may be transmitted to the player via text message, such as an SMS text message or an MMS text message. It should be understood that the code may be transmitted to the player using any suitable electronic messaging method.
From an offsite location, players may log into dedicated website 216 and input the code on their ticket or tickets into website 216. Each of these codes enables an internet play session, or other activities. The player may elect to use his play session to play games in a variety of categories such as Slots, Video Poker, and Casual Games. During each play session the player earns a score. An aggregate score for each player may be generated based on a number of different factors such as scores earned in each game category, bonus points awarded for filling out customer surveys, and earning a very high score in a particular game category.
The codes printed on offsite play ticket 140 issued to players correspond to key data about the player's play history at the brick and mortar casinos. In the example embodiment, the printed code is generated (e.g., encoded and can be decoded) by an algorithm that includes a hash function. The generated code is used to build and update player profiles. The manufacturer of gaming machine 100 or other entity that sponsors the use of offsite play ticket 140 can, for example, use this information to make intelligent dynamic offers to these players and to reward the players for their loyalty.
In one example, a leader board is created and kept up to date using data associated with offsite play. The leader board can be viewed by the players so that each player knows his/her status relative to the other players. At a set cut off time, for example, but not limited to, once a month, the leader board is locked and the players with, for example, the top 10 aggregate scores are invited to participate in a tournament at a brick and mortar casino. The player's lodging fees during the event may be covered by the host property, and there is no tournament entry fee for any of the players who earned or have been randomly awarded the right to participate.
After the conclusion of the tournament, players are rewarded based on their finishing position. For example, the first place player may win $50,000, the second place player may win $25,000, and the third place, $15,000. The prize pool for this event is to be funded by the manufacturer of gaming machine 100 and/or other entities that sponsor the use of offsite play ticket 140.
The information encoded and printed on each offsite play ticket 140, and then supplied by the player to website 216 for offsite play, is stored for later use by the manufacturer of gaming machine 100 or other entity that sponsors the use of offsite play ticket 140. While playing at the bricks and mortar casino, various events can occur during a single round of the players' play that cause offsite play ticket 140 to be printed. Consequently, the player may have several offsite play tickets 140 to use at the offsite location to build an even greater score, thereby increasing their chances of finishing in a high position in the tournament.
While the specific encoding used in generating ticket 140 may take one of many different forms, there are benefits to encoding as much relevant information as possible into a simple code that can then be provided by the player to website 216. The more information encoded into the code about the players' activities at the brick and mortar casino, for example, the more information that can be used by others involved in website 216 (e.g., game manufacturers) to ascertain the playing habits, activities and patterns, for example, of that player. Encoding as much relevant data as possible into a code, however, presents a challenge in keeping the code simple.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary method 300 of transforming player data to code(s) printed on an offsite play ticket 140. In the exemplary embodiment, information accumulated about a player at each of a plurality of gaming machines 100 in a bricks and mortar casino is collected 302 in predetermined locations. Rules applied to the information and the locations trigger a print event where one or more offsite play tickets 140 are generated and printed for the players' use at an offsite location. When triggered, an algorithm processes the accumulated information using, for example, a hash function, and encrypts 304 it into, for example, a ten digit alphanumeric code. In various other embodiments, the code comprises a different number of digits and may include additional characters other than alphanumeric characters depending upon system requirements, an amount of data to be encoded, and/or a desired level of security. The encoded and encrypted information is printed 306 on offsite play ticket 140 at the respective gaming machine 100 for the player's later use. Alternatively, the code may be electronically transmitted to the player. In the exemplary embodiment, and at an offsite location and, generally, at the player's convenience, the code from the offsite play ticket 140 is entered 308 into a website dedicated to playing additional games using points stored in the code. Additionally, information about the player's history and preferences are also encoded in the code. The player profile is also generated 310 from the code and stored through the website for the use of the sponsor of the offsite play, which may be, for example, but not limited to, a manufacturer of gaming machine 100 or a third party commercial sponsor.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary screen capture of a graphic display 400, such as a splash screen or home page of a website, which may be used with the Internet bonusing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, display 400 includes a plurality of message fields and a plurality of input fields for interaction with the player. Display 400 includes a menu bar 402 that permits the player to select various menu selections that advance the player to different areas of the website, for example, but not limited to, a “Home” page by selecting a “Home” button 404, a “Security” page by selecting a “Security” button 406, a “My Account” page by selecting a “My Account” button 408, a “Contact Us” page by selecting a “Contact Us” button 410, and a “Help” page by selecting a “Help” button 412.
Display 400 also includes an identification field 414 that includes a name field 416, an avatar or photo field 418, and a logout field 420. Display 400 further includes a marquee field 422 that displays the name of the game the player will be playing. In the exemplary embodiment, the name of the game is “Big Board Game.” However, in other embodiments, the names of other selected games are displayed. A player may select a game from a plurality of available games using a game selector field 424. Game selector field 424 includes a plurality of game selector buttons 426 and one or more field advance buttons 428. If a desired one of the available games is not displayed in game selector field 424 a player can select field advance buttons 428 to bring the desired game into the game selector field 424 display.
The players' total standing with respect to other players is displayed in a total standings field 430. To play the selected game, the player enters a code from any of offsite play tickets 140 the player may have collected into a code entry field 432. A credit meter field 434 indicates a number of plays available to the player and a game standings field 436 indicates the player's standing in each game relative to other player's also playing each game. Additional messaging fields 438 permit the website sponsor to provide encouragement, enticement, notices of special offers, or general informational messages and/or help to the players. A “Store” button 440 advances the player to an online store where the player can purchase merchandise using the credits won or may purchase merchandise using money to gain additional credits. The player may also take surveys to increase their credit point total.
FIGS. 5-8 are exemplary screen captures of graphic displays for use in an alternative embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5 is an exemplary screen capture of a graphic display 500, such as a splash screen or home page of a website, which may be used to provide an unlock code in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 6-8 are exemplary screen captures 600 of a graphic display of gaming machine 100 (shown in FIG. 1) in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
In the alternative embodiment, gaming machine 100 emits a code via offsite play ticket 140 (shown in FIG. 1) under various play conditions. For example, a player may be provided with offsite play ticket 140 according to the above-described rules. Alternatively, the player may be provided with offsite play ticket 140 after wagering a preselected amount, inserting a preselected number of credits, obtaining a preselected symbol or symbol combination, or any other suitable triggering event. As explained above, players may have offsite play tickets 140 that include a code printed and a URL. Offsite play ticket 140 may advise the player that logging into the printed URL with the printed code will entitle them to an unlock code for use on one or more specific gaming machines 100 within the brick and mortar casino. In an alternative embodiment, the code and/or the URL are transmitted to the player. For example, the code and/or the URL may be emailed to an email address that the player uses to receive other messages or invitations from the casino, or to an email address that is input into gaming machine 100. Alternatively, the code and/or the URL may be transmitted to the player via text message, such as an SMS text message or an MMS text message. It should be understood that the code and/or the URL may be transmitted to the player using any suitable electronic messaging method. In addition to unlocking a feature, the code printed on offsite play ticket 140 may correspond to key data about the player's play history at the brick and mortar casinos. In the example embodiment, the printed code is generated (e.g., encoded and can be decoded) by an algorithm that includes a hash function as described above. The generated code is used to build and update player profiles. The manufacturer of gaming machine 100 or other entity that sponsors the use of offsite play ticket 140 can, for example, use this information to make intelligent dynamic offers to these players and to reward the players for their loyalty.
From an offsite location, such as an Internet-enabled computer 202 players may log into dedicated website 216 (each shown in FIG. 2) and input the code on their ticket or tickets into website 216. As shown in FIG. 5, display 500 is then provided to the player, and describes the one or more triggers that are required to unlock a special feature that is associated with the code and the triggers. For example, display 500 includes an instruction portion 502 that includes a set of operations 504 that the player can complete within a specified a time period 506 to unlock the special feature. Display 500 may also include a sample display portion 508 that provides the player with a sample screen from gaming machine 100 where the player is to complete operations 504. Display 500 also includes a publication portion 510 that offers the player options for publishing or outputting operations 504. For example, the player may print operations 504 and/or sample display portion 508 to use as a reference while playing the game during time period 506. The player may instead transfer operations 504 and/or sample display portion 508 to a device, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a Personal Digital Assistant. In addition, the player may send an email to another player that includes operations 504, time period 506, and/or sample display portion 508. Furthermore, the player may post operations 504, time period 506, and/or sample display portion 508 to a blog. Publishing unlock codes facilitates promoting new and continual patronage at a casino to play specific games.
After obtaining operations 504 and time period 506 from website 216, the player then returns to a casino, which may be the casino that issued offsite play ticket 140 or another casino. The player may be required to play gaming machine 100 until a particular symbol or combination of symbols is displayed. Alternatively, the player may bypass additional play on gaming machine 100 and may simply input operations 504. Display 600 of FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a particular screen that includes a specified combination of symbols. The player can then operate gaming machine 100 according to operations 504. When the player enables the special feature, as shown in FIG. 6, gaming machine 100 alerts the player accordingly. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 7, the player may then be required to enter the code provided on offsite play ticket 140. Finally, when operations 504 are complete and the code has been entered, and as shown in FIG. 8, gaming machine 100 indicates to the player that the special feature has been activated. Gaming machine 100 also indicates to the player the reward that is associated with the special feature.
Exemplary rewards associated with the special feature include, but are not limited to only including, free game sequences, multipliers, addition of one or more wild symbols, addition of one or more scatter symbols, re-population of a paytable used by gaming machine 100 to increase a win percentage, additional trigger opportunities for bonus games, new triggers for bonus games, entry into a progressive tournament, adjustment of a wager necessary to enter a progressive tournament, free meals and/or entertainment, or any other suitable reward.
The casino and/or gaming machine manufacturer may require other actions or enrollments prior to providing offsite gaming ticket 140 or prior to enabling the code or activating the special feature based on the code. Exemplary requirements include, but are not limited to, requiring two or more players to activate a shared or communal code during the same time period, requiring a player to follow a code sequence that uses multiple gaming machines 100 in a particular sequence and then combines clues to generate the code, and requiring the player to solve a puzzle in order to receive a code and/or activate the special feature. In addition, a code and/or operations associated with a code and a special feature may be dynamic in time such that a value of the special feature decreases in time. A player may also be able to sustain the valid time period of a code via payment.
The above-described alternative embodiment includes benefits to casinos, gaming machine manufacturers, advertisers, and players alike. For example, casinos gain valuable repeat business from players, and may also gain additional members to player tracking systems. In addition, casinos may gain new revenue streams through advertiser-supplied unlock codes, and may be able to optimize floor usage based on additional player tracking data. Players benefit through use of unlock codes that may be published for consumption by other players. Use of the unlock codes also benefits players by offering additional rewards that are generally unavailable without the use of such codes. Gaming machine manufacturers gain an opportunity to funnel players to specific games and to collect valuable play history of players.
As will be appreciated based on the foregoing specification, the above-described embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof, wherein the technical effect is extending legal gaming play outside of traditional bricks and mortar casinos by awarding players of brick and mortar casino games with tickets that may be used to generate free Internet play (for a score instead of credits) that remains meaningful for the player because players earning high enough scores are invited (e.g., all expenses paid) to a later tournament in a brick and mortar casino through which they may win large cash prizes. Additionally, the Internet play tickets issued to players for Internet-enabled games have a code, or a hash, that when input into the dedicated website, will communicate valuable information about the player's historical play and allow gaming manufacturers to build player profiles and thus more intelligently market to and reward that player. Any such resulting program, having computer-readable code means, may be embodied or provided within one or more computer-readable media, thereby making a computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture, according to the discussed embodiments of the disclosure. The computer readable media may be, for example, but is not limited to, a fixed (hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor memory such as read-only memory (ROM), and/or any transmitting/receiving medium such as the Internet or other communication network or link. The article of manufacture containing the computer code may be made and/or used by executing the code directly from one medium, by copying the code from one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a network.
The above-described embodiments of a method and system of Internet bonusing provides a cost-effective and reliable means for extending a gaming device manufacturer or other sponsor's contact with a player after the player leaves a traditional bricks and mortar casino location. More specifically, the methods and system described herein facilitate extending legal gaming play outside of traditional bricks and mortar casinos by awarding players of brick and mortar casino games with tickets that may be used to generate free Internet play (for a score instead of credits). In addition, the above-described methods and system facilitate maintaining the Internet play meaningful for the player because players earning high enough scores using the dedicated Internet website are invited (all expenses paid) to a later tournament in a brick and mortar casino through which they may win large cash prizes. As a result, the methods and system described herein facilitate generating and maintaining gaming tracking information and a continuing relationship with players after they leave the bricks and mortar casino in a cost-effective and reliable manner.
The term “processor,” as used herein, refers to central processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein.
As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by processor 102, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types are exemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program.
A computer or controller, such as those described herein, includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory. The computer or controller typically has at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.
Although the present invention is described in connection with an exemplary gaming system environment, embodiments of the invention are operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose gaming system environments or configurations. The gaming system environment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of any aspect of the invention. Moreover, the gaming system environment should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment. Examples of well known gaming systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program components or modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Aspects of the invention may be implemented with any number and organization of components or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.
The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a memory area configured to receive information relating to game play on the gaming machine and a player's activity associated with game play on the gaming machine and to store the information; and

a processor coupled to the memory area and programmed to:

record play of the player on the gaming machine;

encode at least a portion of the recorded play; and

output a result of the encoding in a tangible form to the player for use in accessing a gaming website via the Internet.

2. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gaming website is associated with a manufacturer of the gaming machine.

3. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is located in a casino and the gaming website is associated with an owner of the casino.

4. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gaming website is associated with a third party sponsor of at least a portion of the game play.

5. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein an outcome above a predetermined threshold triggers the processor to encode at least a portion of the recorded play.

6. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the result of the encoding is printed on a substrate.

7. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 6, wherein the substrate comprises a paper product.

8. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to encode at least a portion of the recorded play using a hash function.

9. A method of tracking player activity, said method comprising:

recording play of a player on a gaming machine;

encoding at least a portion of the recorded play using a hash function; and

outputting a result of the hash function to the player.

10. A method in accordance with claim 9, wherein recording play of a player on a gaming machine comprises accumulating predetermined portions of data over an indeterminate period of time.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10, further comprising evaluating the accumulated data in comparison to at least one rule.

12. A method of Internet bonusing, said method comprising:

receiving an output of a hash function from each of a plurality of players, the hash function output including a representation of recorded play of an associated player on a gaming machine at a first gaming venue encoded in the hash function output;

providing credit to the plurality of players for gaming on an Internet-based gaming site based on the respective received output;

scoring outcomes of the Internet gaming played by the plurality of players;

selecting a portion of the plurality of players based on at least one of a ranking of outcomes of the Internet gaming and a random selection; and

awarding a bonus to the selected portion.

13. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash function that is printed as graphical characters on a physical ticket.

14. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash function that IS electronically transmitted to at least a portion of the plurality of players.

15. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash function that is entered into an input device into a computer communicatively coupled to the Internet.

16. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash function that includes an identifier of the player whose play is recorded in the hash function output.

17. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash function that includes information relating to the type of games the player played on the gaming machine.

18. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash function that includes information relating to a wagering of the player on the gaming machine.

19. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein providing credit to the plurality of players for gaming on an Internet-based gaming site based on the respective received output comprises providing credit to the plurality of players that logon to a predetermined Internet gaming website associated with the output of the hash function.

20. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein selecting a portion of the plurality of players comprises selecting a portion of the plurality of players at a predetermined cutoff event.

21. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein awarding a bonus to the selected portion comprises awarding an invitation to compete in a gaming tournament at the first gaming venue.

22. An Internet bonusing system comprising:

a first server configured to host a gaming website and to receive a code via a network, the code based on information relating to player activity associated with game play on a gaming machine, the code generated when the information relating to player activity meets one of a plurality of rules, the code embodied on an offsite play ticket.

23. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 22, wherein the first server includes programming code programmed instruct a processor to decode the received code and to determine a player profile that includes the player's gaming preferences and the player's game play activity prior to generation of the offsite play ticket.

24. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 23, wherein the first server includes programming code programmed instruct the processor to facilitate game play by the player on the gaming website using the determined player profile.

25. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 22, wherein the first server includes programming code programmed to instruct the processor to:

for a plurality of players, determine a relative score of each player based on each player's game play on the gaming website;

determine a plurality of winning players after a predetermined period of game play on the gaming website; and

output an identification of the determined plurality of winning players.

26. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 25, further comprising a second server communicatively coupled to a plurality of gaming machines through a network, each of the plurality of gaming machines configured to receive game play commands from a respective one of the determined plurality of winning players.

27. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 26, wherein said second server includes programming code programmed to instruct a second processor to:

determine a relative score of each player based on each player's game play on an associated one of the plurality of gaming machines;

determine a rank of the plurality of winning players after a predetermined period of game play on the associated one of the plurality of gaming machines; and

output an identification of the determined winning players.

28. A method of generating a redemption code, said method comprising:

recording data related play of a player on an electronic gaming machine (EGM);

detecting that the recorded data meets a threshold value;

combining the data to form a single value in response to the detection;

generating a hash value from the single value using a hash function;

encoding the hash value in a message; and

presenting the message to the player.

29. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein combining the data to form a single value comprises transposing the recorded data and combining the transposed data to form the single value.

30. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein encoding the hash value in a message comprises encrypting the hash value and encoding the encrypted hash value in the message.

31. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein presenting the message to the player comprises printing the message on a medium.

32. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein presenting the message to the player comprises electronically transmitting the message to the player.

33. A gaming machine comprising:

a memory area configured to store information relating to game play on said gaming machine and a player's activity associated with game play on said gaming machine; and

a processor coupled to said memory area, wherein said processor is programmed to:

monitor the game play information;

process the game play information using a plurality of rules;

initiate generation of an offsite play ticket when at least one of the plurality of rules is met;

encode the game play information; and

present the code to the player.

34. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 33, wherein said processor is programmed to encode the game play information based on an identifier associated with the at least one of the plurality of rules.

35. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 33, wherein said memory area is further configured to store at least one encryption key, and wherein said processor is further programmed to encrypt the code.

36. A gaming machine comprising:

a memory area configured to store information relating to initiation of at least one feature mode of operation; and

a processor coupled to the memory area and configured to:

detect a trigger during the game play by the player;

prompt the player to enter a code; and

initiate the at least one feature mode of operation on the gaming machine based on the code.

37. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 36, wherein the processor is further configured to store game play information relating to play on the gaming machine by a player to the memory area, to generate the code based on the game play information, and to present the code to the player.

38. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 37, wherein the processor is configured to generate the code by encoding at least a portion of the stored game play information using a hash function.

39. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 36, wherein the trigger is a preselected outcome during game play by the player.

40. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 36, wherein the trigger is a preselected combination of inputs by the player at the gaming machine.

41. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 36, wherein the processor is further configured to detect an expiration status of the code when entered by the player.

42. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 41, wherein the processor is further configured to present the player with an option to extend an expiration date of the code upon a detection that the code has expired.

43. A gaming method comprising:

receiving a code from a player via a network;

providing a trigger to the player for entry into a gaming machine;

detecting the trigger during play by the player on the gaming machine;

enabling a feature mode of play on the gaming machine in response to detecting the trigger.

44. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein receiving a code comprises receiving an output of the gaming machine as graphical characters on a physical ticket.

45. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein receiving a code comprises receiving a code that is electronically transmitted to the player.

46. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein receiving a code comprises receiving an output of a hash function that is provided to the player.

47. A gaming method in accordance with claim 46, further comprising encoding at least a portion of recorded play by the player on the gaming machine.

48. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein detecting a trigger comprises detecting a preselected outcome during game play by the player on the gaming machine.

49. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein detecting a trigger comprises detecting a preselected combination of inputs by the player at the gaming machine.

50. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein enabling a feature mode of play on the gaming machine comprises enabling a bonus feature that is accessible on the gaming machine during a preselected time period.

51. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein enabling a feature mode of play on the gaming machine comprises:

identifying a second gaming machine to be played by the player;

detecting play by the player on the second gaming machine; and

enabling the feature mode of play on the second gaming machine.

52. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein enabling a feature mode of play on the gaming machine comprises:

detecting the trigger during play by a second player on a second gaming machine; and

enabling the feature mode of play on the first gaming machine and the second gaming machine.

53. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein enabling a feature mode of play on the gaming machine comprises providing the player with entry into a gaming tournament.

54. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, further comprising:

tracking an identifier of the feature mode of play enabled on the gaming machine; and

enabling a second feature mode of play on the gaming machine in response to detection of a second trigger.

55. A gaming machine comprising:

a memory area configured to store information relating to initiation of at least one feature mode of operation and information relating to game play by a player at the gaming machine; and

a processor coupled to the memory area and configured to:

record play by the player on the gaming machine;

encode at least a portion of the recorded play;

output a result of the encoding in a tangible form to the player for use in accessing a gaming website via the Internet;

detect a trigger during the game play by the player;

prompt the player to enter the result; and

initiate the at least one feature mode of operation on the gaming machine based on the code and the trigger.