US20030050806A1 - Method and apparatus for managing hotel transactions from a gaming device - Google Patents

Abstract

A customer may be permitted to use a gaming device such as a slot machine to manage various transactions related to a hotel, such as checking in and/or checking out of the customer's room at the hotel. A customer may receive a benefit in exchange for using a gaming device for a transaction.

Description

• This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/302,063, filed Jun. 29, 2001, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.[0001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to the gaming and hospitality industries, and more specifically to hotel transaction functions.[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The hotel industry provides rooms to millions of travelers each year. Travelers may encounter delays in checking in and/or checking out of a hotel. When there are more customers desiring to check in or check out than employees available to assist them, a waiting line for check-in or check-out is likely. Check-in delays may be particularly frustrating for visitors to casino resort hotels, who are often anxious to begin their gaming experience.[0003]
• One method that a resort casino has used to attempt to decrease long check-in lines has been to use a portable hand-held check-in device. Such a device, referred to as the EXPRESS CHECK-IN developed by INTER-AMERICAN DATA/LODGING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (IAD/LMS), enables hotel employees to check-in guests quickly and to give the guests room assignments based on swiping a credit card. The device uses hand-held wireless technology, and communicates in real-time over the known SPECTRUM24 wireless infrastructure to an AS/400-based property management system. Information concerning this device may be available at http://www.symbol.com/news/pressreleases/press_releases_wirelesslans[0004]_—8.html.
• One disadvantage of this device is that the system can only be operated by a hotel employee. As with conventional check-in procedures, the number of incoming or outgoing customers may exceed the number of employees equipped with the device. Thus, waiting lines are not likely to be eliminated in all cases.[0005]
• It has also been proposed, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,477, that a hotel guest perform check-in without assistance from hotel employees by using a kiosk that is operated with smartcards carried by the hotel guests. Among the disadvantages of this proposal are the costs of providing and maintaining the kiosk.[0006]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.[0007]
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;[0008]
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server;[0009]
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a gaming device;[0010]
• FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless terminal;[0011]
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a room lock mechanism;[0012]
• FIG. 6 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of a customer database;[0013]
• FIG. 7 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of a room database;[0014]
• FIG. 8 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of an offer database;[0015]
• FIG. 9 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of a reservation database;[0016]
• FIGS. 10A and 10B together are a flow chart of an exemplary process according to one or more embodiments;[0017]
• FIG. 11 is a sample of a preferences page in accordance with one or more embodiments; and[0018]
• FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an exemplary process according to one or more embodiments.[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• According to various embodiments of the invention, a method for handling a hotel transaction, such as a check-in process or a check-out process, includes conducting the hotel transaction via a gaming device. According to other embodiments of the invention, a method is provided for communicating information with a person via a gaming device, such as reservation information, room information, guest preference information, message information, and/or offer information.[0020]
• Various embodiments of the invention provide a method for handling a hotel transaction, including receiving a player identifier at a gaming device and assigning a hotel room to the player identified by the player identifier. Some embodiments provide a method including using the gaming device to communicate to the player information regarding the assigning of a hotel room (e.g., the number of the assigned hotel room may be displayed to the player by a slot machine).[0021]
• In some embodiments of the invention, a method for handling a hotel transaction includes receiving a player identifier at a gaming device, and accessing a hotel reservation database on the basis of the received player identifier.[0022]
• In one or more embodiments of the invention, a method for handling a hotel transaction includes receiving a player identifier at a gaming device and associating the received player identifier with a room identifier.[0023]
• Some embodiments of the invention include presenting to a player identified by a player identifier at least one of a reservation confirmation page and a hotel room preferences page.[0024]
• In some embodiments of the invention, a method for handling a hotel transaction includes receiving a player identifier at a gaming device, and receiving at the gaming device an indication that the player identified by the player identifier wishes to check out of a hotel room.[0025]
• One or more embodiments of the invention provide for a method including offering and/or providing a benefit to a player in exchange for the player using a gaming device for all or a portion of a check-in process, and/or a check-out process.[0026]
• Some embodiments of the invention provide for a method including offering and/or providing a benefit to a player in exchange for the player using a gaming device to obtain and/or provide information (e.g., hotel reservation information, restaurant reservation information, messages, or theater information) in lieu of receiving/providing the information from/to a hotel representative.[0027]
• Systems, apparatus and computer program products are provided for carrying out the above-described embodiments and numerous other embodiments of the present invention. Each computer program product described herein may be carried by a medium readable by a computer (e.g., a carrier wave signal, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a random access memory, etc.).[0028]
• Applicants have recognized that many different types of hotel guests, customers and players would find it appealing to use a gaming device for at least part of a check-in or check-out process. Applicants have also recognized that many different types of parties would find it appealing to permit guests and players to use a gaming device for at least part of a check-in or check-out process. With the methods and apparatus of the present invention, gaming devices such as slot machines and/or video poker machines may be used to supplement a casino hotel's facilities for checking in and/or checking out hotel guests. Consequently, waiting lines for checking in and/or checking out may be reduced or eliminated, thereby providing more free time for hotel guests to engage in gaming activities. As a result, gaming profits of the casino hotel may be increased.[0029]
• Also, by allowing check-in and/or check-out via a gaming machine, hotel guests may be encouraged to engage in gaming activity at the gaming machine immediately upon arriving at the casino hotel, and/or prior to departing from the casino hotel. Again, the hotel guest's time spent in gaming activity may be increased, thereby increasing gaming profits of the casino hotel.[0030]
• Applicants have also recognized that many different types of parties would find it appealing to use a gaming device for various types of hotel and information transactions. Gaming devices may be used to exchange communications with hotel guests, for example, concerning other aspects of their hotel stay in addition to check-in and/or check-out. Once more, the guests' time spent in gaming activity at the gaming devices may thereby be increased. Furthermore, promotional offers (e.g., from the hotel, from a third party) and other incentives may be communicated through and/or implemented by gaming devices, so that the satisfaction of guests, players, and other customers or potential customers with the casino hotel may be enhanced, and repeat business may be promoted.[0031]
• Moreover, providing information exchange with the hotel guest via gaming devices, implementing functions related to the hotel reservation system via gaming devices, and presenting offers to customers via gaming devices all may lead customers to interact with gaming devices more frequently, to continue interacting with gaming devices for longer periods of time, or even to interact with gaming devices when they would not otherwise be inclined to do so. In some cases, guests who customarily do not engage in gaming activity may be encouraged, through interaction with a gaming device for non-gaming purposes, to engage in gaming activity also. The flexibility and convenience provided by devices offering access to various aspects of the casino experience, both gaming and non-gaming (e.g., hotel reservation information, restaurant reservation information, theater information, or a message center), may encourage guests and players to seek out such gaming devices and to patronize the hotels that offer them.[0032]
• With these and other advantages and features of the invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, to the appended claims and to the several drawings attached herein.[0033]
• Novel methods, apparatus, systems and computer program products are provided that efficiently handle check-in and check-out transactions at a casino hotel. For example, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, a player may arrive at a casino and observe a line at the hotel registration counter. The player may then approach one of a bank of slot machines located near the hotel registration counter. The slot machine is in data communication with a casino server. The player enters his player tracking card into the slot machine and is presented with a customized welcome message on the slot machine's video display. The slot machine may permit the player to indicate that the player desires to check in to the hotel. In response to such an indication, the casino server accesses a reservation database and locates the player's reservation. Alternatively, searching of the database for a reservation may occur automatically upon the player entering his player tracking card into the slot machine.[0034]
• The slot machine presents a registration screen to the player on its video display. The slot machine may prompt the player to enter personal information and preferences. For example, the slot machine may prompt the player to confirm that the displayed hotel reservation information is correct and to choose from a list of personal preferences for perks related to the desired hotel room.[0035]
• The slot machine may then prompt the player to enter his credit card into a credit card reader that is part of the slot machine. Alternatively, the casino server may automatically retrieve a previously stored credit card number from a database that is indexed by a player identifier code read by the slot machine from the player tracking card. The slot machine may then display a message to the player indicating that the player tracking card may be used as a hotel room key. In addition, the slot machine may display to the player the number of a room that has been assigned to the player.[0036]
• The slot machine may include a printer that is used to print out for the player information such as a map of the hotel, directions to the player's room and/or a list of activities and shops within the casino hotel complex. The slot machine may also display a message to the player indicating that the player is being rewarded for using the slot machine to check in. The reward may be, for example, gaming credits that are usable for wagering at that slot machine.[0037]
• At the end of the player's stay at the casino hotel, the player may also use a slot machine to handle a check-out transaction. To do so, the player enters his player tracking card into the slot machine and selects a check-out option. The casino server then accesses data relating to the player's room account (e.g., in a reservation or room database) and causes the slot machine to display to the player a statement of the player's account. The player can then approve the statement and receive a printed version of the statement from the printer of the slot machine. From the point of view of the player, check-out is now complete.[0038]
• The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. Through use of one or more embodiments of the invention, a player may be able to begin slot machine play almost immediately after arriving at the casino hotel, and without being delayed by lines at the registration counter. Accordingly, the total time available for the player to engage in gaming activity may be increased. The invention may provide increased convenience to the player in other ways, since the player may be able to check in or check out of the casino at any time of the day or night and without requiring assistance of hotel employees. The player may also be permitted, in one or more embodiments of the invention, to conveniently handle via a slot machine other hotel transactions in addition to check-in or check-out. In one or more embodiments, the player may also receive benefits and offers from the casino hotel based on one or more of the player's gaming activity and/or information or requests submitted by the player via the slot machine. For example, by filling out a customer preference survey, a player may request specific items to be delivered to his room. As another example, a player may automatically receive a room upgrade as a reward for playing the slot machine for a certain minimum period of time.[0039]
• In addition to providing benefits to players, embodiments of the invention also provide benefits to the casino hotel. For example, since the player avoids wasting time on check-in and check-out, the time available to the player for gaming activities may increase, with a corresponding increase in casino revenue. Also, the interaction with the slot machine by the player for non-gaming activities may lead the player to visit the slot machine more frequently and to stay at the slot machine longer, resulting in more gaming activity by the player and enhanced gaming profits for the casino. Further, the casino may experience increased repeat visits from players due to the convenience and benefits offered by handling hotel transactions at a slot machine. In addition, information provided by the player, such as a customer and/or preference survey, may provide the casino hotel with a better understanding of customer needs and an ability to better serve customers. The casino hotel may also benefit from reduced overhead and/or labor costs, since guests are able to check in and/or check out of the hotel without the assistance of hotel employees.[0040]
• The term “player” is frequently used herein to indicate a person interacting with a gaming device. It will be understood that “player” may refer to any person or entity (e.g., a hotel guest, a casino customer or potential customer, a tourist visiting a casino, or a slot machine player) using the gaming device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Thus, a “player” need not play the gaming device (e.g., need not make a wager on a game of chance at the gaming device) and need not have been or plan to be a player of any gaming device. For example, a customer may use a gaming device only for non-gaming purposes, such as to make a future hotel reservation, to receive voice mail messages, or to schedule a room cleaning.[0041]
• 1. System[0042]
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a[0043]system100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Thesystem100 includes aserver102 in communication with one ormore gaming devices104,room lock mechanisms106,wireless terminals108, andhotel reservation systems110. Each of the gaming devices, room lock mechanisms, wireless terminals, and hotel reservation systems may comprise one or more computing devices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® processor, adapted to communicate with theserver102. Well-known computing devices include, without limitation, a personal computer; a portable type of computer, such as a laptop computer, a palm-top computer, a wearable computer, or a hand-held computer; and/or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Other equivalent devices capable of performing the methods specified herein are well known in the art.
• The[0044]gaming devices104 may be, for example, slot machines and/or video poker machines. Theserver102 and/or thegaming devices104 may include features provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, as described further below. Although fourgaming devices104 are shown in the drawing, it should be understood that any number of gaming devices may communicate with theserver102.
• The[0045]system100 also includes aroom lock mechanism106 in communication with theserver102. Theroom lock mechanism106 includes features provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, as described further below. Although only oneroom lock mechanism106 is shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that any number of room lock mechanisms may communicate with theserver102. In one or more embodiments of the invention, a respectiveroom lock mechanism106 provided in one or more embodiments and in communication with theserver102 is installed to control entry at each guest room of the hotel served by theserver102.
• The[0046]system100 also includes awireless terminal108 which is in communication (via a wireless data link) with theserver102. Thewireless terminal108 is provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, as described further below. Although only onewireless terminal108 is shown in the drawing, it should be understood that any number ofwireless terminals108 may communicate with theserver102. While thewireless terminal108 is a desirable feature of thesystem100, it is not essential, and may be omitted from thesystem100.
• The[0047]system100 also includes areservation system110 that is in communication with theserver102. Thehotel reservation system110 is provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, as described further below. Thehotel reservation system110 may operate in a conventional fashion, for example, to handle requests for reservations from prospective guests, to obtain room availability information from theserver102, and to provide reservation information to theserver102. In one or more embodiments of the invention, theserver102 may comprise thehotel reservation system110.
• The[0048]server102 may communicate with the gaming devices, room lock mechanisms and the reservation system directly or via a network, including, without limitation, the Internet, wireless network protocol, local area network or a combination thereof; through a Web site maintained by theserver102 on a remote server; or over an on-line data network including, without limitation, commercial on-line service providers and bulletin board systems. Theserver102 may communicate with the gaming devices, room lock mechanisms and the reservation system directly or indirectly. In yet other embodiments, communication with theserver102 may be via a radio frequency, infrared, cable TV, satellite links and the like.
• Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in communication with each other need only be capable of communicating with each other and need not be continually transmitting data to or receiving data from each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit data to or receive data from each other as necessary, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. Further, devices may be in communication even though steps may be required to establish a communication link (e.g., dialing a network service provider).[0049]
• The[0050]server102 may function as a “Web server” that generates Web pages (documents on the Web that typically include an HTML file and associated graphics and script files) that may be accessed via the Web and allows communication with theserver102 in a manner known in the art.
• 2. Devices[0051]
• 2.1. Server[0052]
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the[0053]server102 of FIG. 1. Thecasino server200 may be implemented as a system controller, as a dedicated hardware circuit, as an appropriately programmed general purpose computer, or as any other equivalent electronic, mechanical or electromechanical device. Thecasino server200 is preferably operable to process various hotel transactions and casino transactions.
• With reference to FIG. 2, the[0054]casino server200 comprises aprocessor201, such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or more INTEL® PENTIUM® processors). Theprocessor201 is in communication with acommunications port202 through which theprocessor201 communicates with other devices (e.g., with gaming devices, with room lock mechanisms, with wireless terminals, and with a hotel reservation system). Thecommunications port202 may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous communication with, for example, thegaming devices104, theroom lock mechanism106, other room lock mechanisms (not shown), thewireless terminal108, other wireless terminals (not shown) and/or thehotel reservation system110. As previously stated, devices in communication with each other need not be continually transmitting to each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as necessary, may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time, and may require several steps to be performed to establish a communication link between the devices.
• The[0055]processor201 also is in communication with adata storage device204. Thedata storage device204 may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a compact disk and/or a hard disk. Theprocessor201 and thedata storage device204 each may be, for example, (i) located entirely within a single computer or other computing device; or (ii) connected to each other by a communication medium for remote communication, such as a serial port cable, a telephone line, a network connection or a radio frequency transceiver. Alternatively, thecasino server200 may comprise one or more computers that are connected to a remote server computer for maintaining databases.
• The[0056]data storage device204 may store, for example, (i) a program206 (e.g., computer program code and/or a computer program product) adapted to direct theprocessor201 in accordance with the present invention, and particularly in accordance with the processes described in detail hereinafter in regard to thecasino server200; (ii) acustomer database208 adapted to store information regarding individuals (e.g., players who have registered as members of a “players' club” or similar program sponsored by the casino served by thecasino server200; guests registered with a hotel; or other customers or potential customers of a casino, such as those included in a mailing list for promotional materials); (iii) aroom database210 adapted to store information about the individual guest rooms of the hotel served by thecasino server200; (iv) anoffer database212 adapted to store information concerning offers that thecasino server200 may communicate to players from time to time via gaming devices and/or wireless terminals; and (v) areservation database214 adapted to store information regarding room reservations made by players and other hotel patrons via a reservation system.
• The[0057]program206 may be stored in a compressed, an uncompiled and/or an encrypted format, and may include computer program code that allows thecasino server200 to employ thecommunications port202 to:
• 1. communicate with the[0058]gaming devices104 and thewireless terminal108 to handle hotel transactions such as check-in and check-out;
• 2. communicate control information to the[0059]room lock mechanism106 and other room lock mechanisms (not shown);
• 3. exchange information concerning reservations (e.g., hotel reservations, or restaurant reservations) and reservation confirmations with the[0060]hotel reservation system110;
• 4. use the[0061]gaming devices104 and/or thewireless terminal108 to provide one or more offers to players operating thegaming devices104 and/or thewireless terminal108, and to receive responses from the players to the one or more offers provided to the players; and/or
• 5. exchange data with other devices which are not shown concerning transactions chargeable to hotel patrons' room accounts, including restaurant charges, room service charges, telephone charges, and charges for other products and services provided by the hotel to hotel patrons.[0062]
• The computer program code required to implement the above functions (and the other functions described herein) can be easily developed by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not described in detail herein. The[0063]casino server200 may include any peripheral devices (e.g., telephone keypads, handsets, headsets, microphones, speakers, keyboards, computer displays, etc.) required to implement the above functionality. Theprogram206 also may include program elements such as an operating system, a database management system, and device drivers that allow theprocessor201 to interface with computer peripheral devices (e.g., a video display, a keyboard, a computer mouse, etc.).
• Note that instructions of the[0064]program206 may be read into a main memory (not shown) of theprocessor201 from a computer readable medium other than thedata storage device204, such as from a ROM or from a RAM. While execution of sequences of instructions in theprogram206 causes theprocessor201 to perform the process steps described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with software instructions for implementation of the processes of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software. Theprocessor201 also may be in communication with aclock216 that supplies time and date information to theprocessor201 and/or controls the timing of operations of theprocessor201. Theclock216 may be a clock external to theprocessor201, as indicated, or may alternatively be a clock internal to theprocessor201 or a clock embodied within the program206 (e.g., based on a system clock which is not shown).
• The[0065]casino server200 could be implemented as two or more interconnected servers, such as a slot server and a hotel server.
• 2.2. Gaming Device[0066]
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of one or more of the[0067]gaming devices104 of FIG. 1. Thegaming device300 may have all of the components of a conventional gaming device such as a slot machine or a video poker machine. The schematic diagram of FIG. 3 is somewhat simplified, and it accordingly should be understood that conventional gaming device components may be present notwithstanding that such components are not explicitly indicated in FIG. 3.
• The[0068]gaming device300 may include various well-known devices that allow wagering, including slot machines. Well-known examples of slot machines include, without limitation, mechanical slot machines, video slot machines, video poker machines, video blackjack machines, video keno machines, video bingo machines, pachinko machines, and video lottery terminals. Thegaming device300 may be implemented as a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any other appropriate device including, without limitation, electronic, mechanical or electromechanical devices. Accordingly, the gaming device need not include the various exemplary components depicted in FIG. 3.
• With reference to FIG. 3, the[0069]gaming device300 comprises aprocessor301, such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or more INTEL® PENTIUM® processors). Theprocessor301 is in communication with acommunications interface302, through which theprocessor301 communicates with the above-describedcasino server200. Thecommunications interface302 may also include a capability for wireless communication with, e.g., telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like.
• Although not shown in FIG. 3, there may be associated with the[0070]processor301 conventional volatile and/or non-volatile memory that may function as program storage and/or working memory. Thegaming device300 also includes aconventional currency receiver304 which is in communication with theprocessor301 and is adapted to receive coins and/or bills and/or tokens. Thegaming device300 also includes conventional game functionality (indicated by block306) which is associated with theprocessor301 and may include suitable software for displaying game indicia such as simulated slot reels or representations of playing cards. Thegame functionality306 may also include a random number generator and/or other elements required to generate a game outcome. Thegame functionality306 may also include mechanical components such as conventional slot machine reels.
• The[0071]gaming device300 also includes adisplay308 which is driven by theprocessor301. Under the control of theprocessor301, thedisplay308 may display game indicia in accordance with thegame functionality306.
• The[0072]gaming device300 also includes aplayer input device310 that is in communication with theprocessor301 and which may include two or more separate devices. For example, theplayer input device310 may allow a player to indicate an amount of a wager and to initiate a cycle of game play, such as a spin of mechanical or simulated slot machine reels. Alternatively, in the case of a video poker machine, theplayer input device310 may allow the player to select cards to be discarded. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the player input device may permit the player to engage in hotel transactions such as check-in or check-out and/or to enter alphanumeric information. In the case that thedisplay308 is a touch screen, thedisplay308 and theplayer input device310 may be integrated together.
• The[0073]gaming device300 also includes a conventional playertracking card reader312 which is in communication with theprocessor301. As is familiar to those who are skilled in the art, the playertracking card reader312 is adapted to have a player tracking card interfaced therewith, and to read information from a magnetic stripe on the player tracking card. The information read from the player tracking card may include, for example, a player identifier.
• The[0074]gaming device300 also includes aconventional hopper controller314 which is controlled by theprocessor301, and which controls dispensing of coins and/or tokens from a conventional hopper (not separately shown) in response to awarding of a jackpot and/or the player exercising a cash out option.
• Also included in the[0075]gaming device300, in one or more embodiments, is aprinter316 which is driven by theprocessor301, and which may be used to print out items such as billing statements, access code tickets and/or hotel information, offers or coupons, or cashless gaming receipts (e.g., coupons representing monetary value usable at gaming devices).
• Also shown in FIG. 3 is a[0076]preferences button318 connected to theprocessor301. In one or more embodiments of the invention, actuation of thepreferences button318 by the player may initiate a hotel transaction and/or an opportunity for the player to request services or benefits from the hotel casino. It should be understood that thepreferences button318 may be integrated with the display308 (if the display is a touch screen) and/or with theplayer input device310.
• In one or more embodiments, the[0077]gaming device300 may also include a conventionalcredit card reader318. In accordance with conventional practices, thecredit card reader318 may read data such as a credit card account number from a credit card that is interfaced to thecredit card reader318.
• In some embodiments, the[0078]gaming device300 may include a card reader (not shown) that is configured to read both player tracking cards and credit cards. In other embodiments, thegaming device300 may include one or more devices configured to receive one or more of various well-known types of removable media, including, without limitation, floppy disks, player tracking cards, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, flash memory cards, multimedia cards, and memory sticks.
• 2.3. Wireless Terminal[0079]
• FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a[0080]wireless terminal108. Thewireless terminal400 comprises aprocessor401, such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or more INTEL® PENTIUM® processors). Although not separately shown, there may be volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory associated with theprocessor401. Such memory may be used for program storage, working memory, etc. There may also be one or more mass storage devices, such as hard disks, included in thewireless terminal400.
• The[0081]processor401 is in communication with acommunications port402, which enables thewireless terminal400 to be in wireless communication with thecasino server200. Thecommunications port402 may also include a capability for wireless communication with, e.g., telephones, PDAs, and the like.
• The[0082]wireless terminal400 also includes aconventional display404 which is driven by theprocessor401. Also included in thewireless terminal400 are one or more user input devices (indicated by block406) which may be conventional devices for providing user input to theprocessor401. If thedisplay404 is a touch screen, then it will be appreciated that thedisplay404 and theinput device406 may be integrated together.
• The[0083]wireless terminal400 also includes a conventional playertracking card reader408, which may be like the playertracking card reader312 discussed in connection with FIG. 3. The playertracking card reader408 reads information such as a player identifier from a player tracking card and provides the information to theprocessor401. Thewireless terminal400 may also include a conventionalcredit card reader410. In accordance with conventional practices, thecredit card reader410 may read data such as a credit card account number from a credit card that is interfaced to thecredit card reader410. Thecredit card reader410 then provides the data to theprocessor401. Thewireless terminal400 may also include a printer, which is not shown. The printer may print out information of the types described in connection with theprinter316 of the gaming device300 (FIG. 3).
• In general, the[0084]wireless terminal400 may have all of the capabilities of thegaming device300 except for gaming capabilities. Accordingly, thewireless terminal400, in communication with thecasino server200, may be adapted to perform hotel transactions such as check-in or check-out and/or may allow the user to state preferences, request benefits or services from the hotel, and/or to receive offers from the hotel. One ormore wireless terminals400 may be placed at the front door of the casino hotel and/or outside the casino hotel or at the curb, to allow hotel guests to conveniently check in or check out of the casino hotel. In some embodiments, thewireless terminal400 may resemble a conventional kiosk in appearance.
• 2.4. Room Lock Mechanism[0085]
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the[0086]room lock mechanism106. It will be appreciated that such a room lock mechanism may be installed in or in association with the door of each guest room of the casino hotel.
• With reference to FIG. 5, the[0087]room lock mechanism500 comprises aprocessor501, such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or more INTEL® PENTIUM® processors). Although not separately shown, theroom lock mechanism500 may also include volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory associated with theprocessor501. Such memory may be used for program storage, working memory, etc. Theprocessor501 is in communication with acommunications port502 through which theprocessor501 is in communication with thecasino server200.
• The[0088]room lock mechanism500 also preferably includes a conventional playertracking card reader504. The playertracking card reader504 is adapted to read information such as a player identifier from a player tracking card interfaced to the playertracking card reader504. The playertracking card reader504 then provides the information to theprocessor501. In accordance with the present invention, theroom lock mechanism500 may operate so that a player tracking card belonging to a player to whom the respective room has been assigned may function as a room key. In addition, or alternatively, entry of an access code may be required to unlock the door. Accordingly, adisplay screen506 and an input/output device508 may be included in theroom lock mechanism500. If thedisplay506 is a touch screen, thedisplay506 and the input/output device508 may be integrated together. The I/O device508 may take the form of a simple pushbutton input or keypad to be used in inputting an alphanumeric access code. In such a case, thedisplay506 may be dispensed with.
• The[0089]room lock mechanism500 also includes alock controller510 which may be a conventional electromechanical device adapted to selectively release the door lock (not separately shown) in response to an instruction or actuation signal from theprocessor501.
• 3. Databases[0090]
• Exemplary embodiments of the[0091]customer database208, of theroom database210, of theoffer database212 and of the reservation database214 (shown in association with thecasino server200 as illustrated in FIG. 2) are shown in FIGS.6-9, respectively. The specific data and fields illustrated in these drawings represent only one embodiment of the records stored in the databases of the invention. The data and fields of these databases, as well as the number of databases, can be readily modified, for example, to include more or fewer data fields. A single database also may be employed. Note that in the databases, a different reference numeral is employed to identify each field of each database. However, in at least one embodiment of the invention, fields that are similarly named (e.g., player identifier fields) store similar or the same data in a similar or in the same data format.
• 3.1. Customer Database[0092]
• FIG. 6 is a tabular representation of one embodiment of the[0093]customer database208 of FIG. 1. Theplayer database600 of FIG. 6 contains information related to players who have registered or become members in a players' club or similar program sponsored by the casino hotel served by thecasino server200. (Alternatively, the players could be registered in or members of a players' club sponsored by a group of casino hotels or another organization, and participated in by the casino hotel served by thecasino server200.)
• As shown in FIG. 6, a sample of the contents of the[0094]player database600 contains player information related to four players identified in records602-608, respectively. Specifically, for each player, theplayer database600 contains records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1) aplayer identifier610, used by thecasino server200 to identify the player; (2) aplayer name612; (3) aplayer mailing address614; (4) aplayer e-mail address616; (5) acredit card number618 of the player; (6) theoretical win data for a gaming session that the player is currently engaged in (reference numeral620); (7) data indicating a quantity of coins or other tendered currency or currency equivalent inserted by the player into a gaming device in the current gaming session (reference numeral622); (8) data indicating an amount that the player has actually won or lost in the current gaming session (reference numeral624); (9) data indicating total theoretical win information for the player over the course of all of the player's gaming activity at the casino hotel (reference numeral626); and (10) an indication as to whether the player is currently checked into the hotel (reference numeral628).
• Player identifiers may include identifiers, such as a sequence of digits or a sequence of alphanumeric characters, that uniquely identify a particular player. Player identifiers may include, for example, a player tracking number and/or a credit card account number. In one embodiment, a player identifier may be recorded in a physical form such as by a player tracking card and/or a credit card.[0095]
• Although not shown in FIG. 6, the[0096]player database600 could include an additional field that stores, for each player, an identifier of a gaming device that the player is currently playing. It will be understood that there would be no entry in such a field at times when the respective player is not currently playing a gaming device. Other player information not shown in FIG. 6 that may be stored within the player database includes player preferences (e.g., non-smoking room), one or more player identifiers corresponding to players or other individuals associated with the player (e.g., family, friends, fellow tour group members, or team members), and/or benefits that the casino hotel customarily provides to the player (e.g., welcome fruit basket in room because of the player's past or anticipated future gaming activity). It will be appreciated that the data in fields620-626 may be used by the casino hotel to “rate” the level of the player's gaming activity to determine what complimentary benefits (“comps”) the casino hotel may offer to the player. Other rating information may also be included in theplayer database600.
• Note that the customer database[0097]208 (and theroom database210, theoffer database212 and the reservation database214) may be populated with data provided to thecasino server200 via thecommunications port202, and that the data may be provided to thecasino server200 from data entry terminals (not shown), from other computer systems (not shown) and/or from the hotel reservation system110 (FIG. 1) and/or from any other source.
• With reference to the[0098]player database600 of FIG. 6, therecord602 illustrates exemplary data for a player PL-901-902132 (player identifier610) named Jane Thomas (player name612) who lives at54 Rock Way (address614). Jane Thomas' e-mail address is JT@HOTMAIL.COM (e-mail address616). Jane Thomas has a credit card number 1234-5678-9123-4567 (credit card number618). The rating data in fields620-626 indicates that Jane Thomas has a current session theoretical win of $70.00, a current session coin in amount of $1,000.00, a current session actual win of $80.00 and a historical theoretical win amount of $220.00.Field628 indicates that Jane Thomas is not currently checked in to the hotel.
• 3.2. Room Database[0099]
• The[0100]room database210 contains information related to rooms in the hotel. FIG. 7 is atabular representation700 of theroom database210. Thetabular representation700 of theroom database210 contains room information relating to five rooms that are identified in records702-710, respectively. (In practice, it will be understood that the hotel is likely to have many more than the five rooms recorded in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7. There may be, for example, hundreds or thousands of rooms in the hotel and recorded in theroom database210.) Specifically, for each room, the tabular representation contains sample records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1) aroom identifier712 that uniquely identifies the room; (2) a room type714 (such as standard, suite, luxury suite, villa, king bed, etc.); (3) aroom rate716 which indicates a standard or “rack” rate charged for one night's stay in the room; (4) an indication as to whether the room is a smoking room or a nonsmoking room (reference numeral718); (5) an indication of the “status” of the room (i.e., whether the room is occupied or unoccupied; that is whether the room is currently assigned to a hotel guest; reference numeral720); and (6) anaccess code722 that is currently assigned to theroom lock mechanism500 for the room to control unlocking of theroom lock mechanism500. Additional fields that may be included in theroom database210, but are not shown, might be the physical room number (i.e., the number which appears on the door of the room), a player identifier field to indicate a player to whom the room is currently assigned and/or an indication as to whether the room is suitably equipped to accommodate handicapped hotel guests.
• Room identifiers may include identifiers such as, without limitation, a sequence of digits or a sequence of alphanumeric characters, that uniquely identify a particular room. In one embodiment, a player identifier may be recorded in a physical form such as by a player tracking card and/or a credit card.[0101]
• Access codes may include, for example, a sequence of digits or a sequence of alphanumeric characters that grants a player access to his hotel room. In one embodiment, the room access code may be generated and stored on the casino server. In addition, upon generating the room access code, the casino server may transmit the code to the player's hotel room locking mechanism so that the player is required to input the code at the hotel room door in order to gain access to his or her hotel room. A room access code may also refer to a code specified or generated by a player or entity other than a casino server. For example, a player may be prompted to indicate a room access code, or a gaming device may generate a room access code. In some embodiments, the room access code is not an alphanumeric code. For example, a room access code may be based on biometric information about a player (e.g., a fingerprint, or a retinal scan). The depicted fields of FIG. 7, for example the various room identifiers and room access codes, are for illustration only. Various other forms of identifiers and codes are described herein and still others will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.[0102]
• 3.3. Offer Database[0103]
• The[0104]offer database212 contains information related to offers that may be communicated from thecasino server200 to players via thegaming device300 and/or thewireless terminal400. FIG. 8 illustrates atabular representation800 of theoffer database212. As shown in FIG. 8, thetabular representation800 of theoffer database212 contains information for six offers identified in records802-812, respectively. Specifically, for each offer, thetabular representation800 contains sample records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1) anoffer identifier812 that identifies the offer; and (2) anoffer description814 that describes the offer. Possible offers may include, but are not limited to, one or more of: a free shoe shine, gaming credits (e.g., for use at one or more of the gaming device300), a complimentary copy of a newspaper, free soft drinks from the room refrigerator, a coupon for a hotel restaurant, a free room upgrade, and improved payouts or odds or other benefits associated with game play in the gaming device300 (e.g., jackpots pay double for a certain time period). Theoffer database212 may include additional fields, which are not shown, such as a description of what the player has to do to qualify for the offer (e.g., check in and/or check out using agaming device300 or thewireless terminal400; engage in gaming activity with agaming device300 for a certain period of time, or wager a certain amount of money during gaming activity at agaming device300; defer checking in to a room for which the player has a reservation; check out early from a room that has been assigned to the player; relinquish a room that has been assigned to the player or relinquish a room reservation; purchase a meal or a drink at a hotel restaurant or bar; defer, limit or eliminate cleaning of the player's room; move to another, commonly-owned hotel).
• 3.4. Reservation Database[0105]
• The[0106]reservation database214 contains information related to room reservations made by players or other hotel patrons. It will be appreciated that some or all of the room reservations may have been made through the hotel reservation system110 (FIG. 1). FIG. 9 illustrates atabular representation900 of thereservation database214. As shown in FIG. 9, thetabular representation900 of thereservation database214 contains information for four reservations identified by records902-908, respectively. Specifically, for each room reservation, thetabular representation900 contains sample records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1) areservation identifier910 that identifies the room reservation; (2) aroom identifier912 that identifies a room that has been assigned to satisfy the reservation; (3) aplayer identifier914 that identifies a player who made the reservation; (4) a check-in date916; and (5) a check-out date918. Other fields that may be included in thereservation database214 but which are not shown, include a confirmation number, a credit card account number to which charges for the room are to be applied, the physical room number (i.e., the number of the room which appears on the door of the room), fields for requested room characteristics, such as room type, smoking/non-smoking, handicap accessible, etc., and possibly additional information concerning the player, including name, address, etc. Thereservation database214 may also include accounting fields which record all transactions and/or charges that are chargeable to the player's room account, such as room charges, meals, room service and other services or items ordered by the player and charged to the player's room account. Alternatively, such accounting fields may be included in theroom database210, or in a separate database (not shown) which is accessible by at least one of the room identifier, the reservation identifier and the player identifier.
• 4. Processes[0107]
• FIGS.[0108]10A-10B together form a flow chart of anexemplary process1000 performed by thesystem100 of FIGS.1-9 in connection with an automated hotel check-in operation. Theprocess1000 may be embodied within computer program code of theprogram206 of thecasino server200 and may comprise a computer program product.
• With reference to FIG. 10A, the[0109]process1000 begins instep1002, at which a player identifier is received via agaming device300. This may occur, for example, by a player interfacing (swiping or inserting) his player tracking card into the player tracking card reader312 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device300. Alternatively, the player may communicate the player identifier to thegaming device300 by wireless communication via a hand-held device such as a PDA, a cellular telephone, or a notebook computer. As another alternative, thegaming device300 may be equipped with a credit card reader (not shown) and the player identifier (or alternatively a credit card account number) may be entered into thegaming device300 by interfacing the player's credit card or debit card with the credit card reader. The player identifier or credit card number could also be entered by the player typing into a keyboard or touch screen, or by speaking into a microphone. Alternatively, the player identifier may comprise biometric data (e.g., a fingerprint, a voice print, or a retinal scan) input via an appropriate biometric device (not shown). Once the player identifier or credit card number has been entered into thegaming device300, the player identifier or credit card number is communicated from thegaming device300 to thecasino server200 and theplayer database600 is accessed to retrieve the record for the player. Thereservation database214 may also be accessed to determine whether the player is holding a room reservation. In response to the entry of the player identifier, thegaming device300, upon suitable direction from thecasino server200, may present a personalized greeting to the player.
• As another alternative, the reservation database[0110]215 may not be accessed unless and until the player selects a check-in option (as indicated at step1004 (FIG. 10A)). The hotel check-in option may be selected in response to a suitable prompt presented to the player via the display308 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device300. If the hotel check-in option is not selected, then other functions (step1006, FIG. 10A), such as conventional gaming activity, may take place. If the hotel check-in option is selected, and if thereservation database214 was not previously accessed, then thecasino server200 accesses the reservation database (step1008) in response to selection of the hotel check-in option. It is then determined (step1010) whether a room reservation for the player is stored in thereservation database214. If so, then thecasino server200 may instruct thegaming device300 to display to the player, via thedisplay308 of thegaming device300, reservation data (step1012). For example, the reservation information may be presented as a reservation confirmation page, such as an electronic display of information regarding the player's reservation of a hotel room. In other embodiments, thegaming device300 may print a representation of reservation information (e.g., using the printer316). The reservation information may, for example, include all of the reservation information customarily provided on a hotel registration card (e.g., the player's name, address, credit card number, and/or e-mail address) plus additional data such as dates of check-in and check-out, room characteristics, etc. The player may then be prompted to review the reservation data (e.g., as displayed on a reservation confirmation page) and to indicate whether the information contained therein is correct. If it is determined (step1014) that the player has indicated that the information is not correct, then the player may be prompted to enter corrected information (step1016). The player may enter the corrected information via the player input device310 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device300, which may, as noted above, be a touch screen (display308).
• After an indication that the reservation confirmation page is correct, or after correction of the reservation data, the[0111]casino server200 may instruct thegaming device300 to display to the player via thedisplay308 of thegaming device300 preferences data (step1018, FIG. 10B), such as various preference options or other information, from which the player may select preferred features and services in connection with the player's hotel stay.
• In some embodiments, preferences information may be represented to a player as an electronic display. An[0112]exemplary preferences page1100 is illustrated in FIG. 11. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the preferences page is a menu or form presented to a player to display hotel offers and/or features, products, and/or services that may be selected by the player in connection with the player's hotel stay. Exemplary preference options for food, entertainment, literature, hotel room and hotel cleaning are depicted.
• Not all of the information depicted in FIG. 11 is required, and various substitutions, deletions and other changes to the representation will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the literature category may not be used in some embodiments. The depicted fields, for example, the depicted options within each category, are for illustration only. Various other forms of categories and options are described herein and still others will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Further, other arrangements of preference categories and options will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.[0113]
• In connection with selection of preferences, the[0114]gaming device300 may present to the player an image (actual or simulated) of a room or a type of room that the player may select. Such an image may be a still image (e.g., a photograph) or a moving image (e.g., a video, or an animated depiction). The player may then be prompted to select his preferences from the preferences page. Selection of preferences by the player is represented bystep1020. The player may also be permitted to enter additional or supplemental preferences in text form.
• Considering again step[0115]1010 (FIG. 10A) if it is found that the player does not have a reservation, then the player is prompted to input data required to allow the player to check in. Such data may include the player's desired length of stay (i.e., the player's desired check-out date) and room preferences such as room type, smoking/non-smoking, etc. The inputting of the room selection data is represented bystep1022 in FIG. 10A. At this step, registration information such as the player's name, address and credit card number may be retrieved automatically from theplayer database600. Alternatively, some or all of this information may be entered by the player via theplayer input device310 of thegaming device300. Following entry and/or retrieval of room selection data are the previously described steps of presenting and selecting from the preferences information (steps1018 and1020).
• Next, the[0116]casino server200 assigns a room to the player (step1024, FIG. 10B) in accordance with either the reservation information (possibly collected atstep1016, FIG. 10A) or in accordance with the room selection data collected atstep1022. The assignment of a room to the player may entail thecasino server200 populating the room identifier field912 (FIG. 9) of the record of thereservation database214 corresponding to the player with a particular room identifier that corresponds to an unoccupied room that satisfies the room characteristics desired by the player. In this way, it will be appreciated that the room identifier for the assigned room is associated with the player identifier corresponding to the player to whom the room is assigned. In addition, the corresponding record for the assigned room in the room database210 (FIG. 7) may be modified such that the entry in thestatus field720 is changed from “unoccupied” to “occupied”. If theroom database210 includes a player identifier field (not shown) then the player identifier of the player to whom the room has been assigned may be entered into the player identifier field for the record corresponding to the room that has been assigned.
• If there are no rooms available that match the player's preferences, but other rooms are available, the player may be invited via the[0117]gaming device300 to change his or her preferences to match an available room. Room assignment may then take place.
• Referring once again to FIG. 10B, after assignment of the room to the player, the[0118]casino server200 may generate an access code (step1026) to be used to control operation of theroom lock mechanism500 for the assigned room. In one embodiment, the casino server may randomly generate a room access code. This may be done each time a room is assigned, such that a unique code is generated for each player's stay in the hotel. Such a randomly generated access code would be very difficult for a would-be thief to guess or predict. As an alternative, the room access code may be determined through cryptographic encoding of information related to the player, such as the player identifier. In another embodiment, thecasino server200 may retrieve the predetermined access code that has previously been assigned to the room and is stored in theroom database210. Assuming that the access code has been randomly or cryptographically generated, or otherwise generated specifically for the player's stay in the hotel, the access code may be entered into the access code field722 (FIG. 7) of the record which corresponds to the assigned room. In this way, the room access code is associated with the room identifier for the assigned room.
• Referring once more to FIG. 10B, in[0119]step1028, thecasino server200 causes thegaming device300 to communicate to the player information regarding the room assignment. This information may include, for example, the physical room number for the assigned room. Also included in the room assignment information may be the access code to be entered by the player into theroom lock mechanism500 to unlock the door of the assigned room. The information provided to the player at this time may also include a map of the hotel and/or directions to the assigned room. The room assignment information may be displayed on thedisplay308 of thegaming device300 and/or may be printed out by theprinter316 of thegaming device300. It may be especially advantageous to print out the access code for the player, so that the player is not required to memorize the access code. In addition, or alternatively, the player may be informed that the player's player tracking card may be used as a room key. The physical number of the assigned room may also be printed out by theprinter316 of thegaming device300.
• If one or more other individuals will be occupying the room with the player, the[0120]casino server200 may cause thegaming device300 to prompt the player to provide information for identifying any other players with whom the player is associated (e.g., family, friends, hotel roommates, fellow tour group members, or team members). For example, thegaming device300 may prompt the player to interface to thegaming device300 the player tracking cards of the other individuals so that they may be identified as other occupants of the room and enabled to use their player tracking cards as room keys. Or, if necessary, the player may be instructed to obtain additional player tracking cards for the other individuals.
• Then, in[0121]step1030, thecasino server200 transmits to theroom lock mechanism500 for the assigned room data that is to be used by theroom lock mechanism500 in determining that the door to the assigned room is to be unlocked. For example, the transmitted data may include both the player identifier for the player to whom the room is assigned and the access code that was generated instep1026. As referred to herein and in the appended claims, transmitting the player identifier to theroom lock mechanism500 may include transmitting to theroom lock mechanism500 only a portion (e.g., the last n digits) of the player identifier. Based upon the transmitted data, theroom lock mechanism500 for the assigned room may operate such that the room door is unlocked upon the player interfacing his or her player tracking card to the player tracking card reader504 (FIG. 5) of theroom lock mechanism500, plus entry via the input/output device508 of the access code. For example, theroom lock mechanism500 may read the player identifier from the player tracking card and compare the read player identifier with the player identifier data transmitted to theroom lock mechanism500 by thecasino server200. If the read player identifier and the transmitted player identifier match, and the proper access code has been entered, the room lock is opened.
• Alternatively, only one of interfacing the player tracking card and entry of the access code may be required to unlock the door. In another embodiment of the invention, no access code is used, and only interfacing of the player tracking card to the player[0122]tracking card reader504 is required to unlock the door. In this embodiment, the input/output device508 and thedisplay screen506 may be omitted from theroom lock mechanism500. In another embodiment, the player tracking card is not used as a room key and entry to the room is obtained by entering the access code into the input/output device508 of theroom lock mechanism500. In this case, the playertracking card reader504 may be omitted from theroom lock mechanism500.
• It is also contemplated that the access code may be transmitted to the[0123]room lock mechanism500 by being magnetically written on the player tracking card by thegaming device300 and then read by the playertracking card reader504 of theroom lock mechanism500. In such an arrangement, the player tracking card reader312 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device300 may be provided with a magnetic writing capability.
• According to other embodiments of the invention, the[0124]room lock mechanism500 need not be in communication with thecasino server200 and need not be electronic. Theroom lock mechanism500 could be operable, for example, by a conventional mechanical or data-based key, which could be provided to the player by a hotel representative.
• Upon completion of the check-in process of FIGS.[0125]10A-10B, the player may proceed with conventional gaming activity on thegaming device300.
• If, at the time the player wishes to check in, no rooms are currently available, the player may be placed on a waiting list maintained by the[0126]casino server200. When a room becomes available for the player, he or she may be so advised via agaming device300 which the player is playing. Check-in may then occur as described in connection with FIGS.10A-10B.
• FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an exemplary process of the[0127]system100 of FIGS.1-9 in connection with a check-out operation. Theprocess1200 may be embodied with computer program code of theprogram206 of thecasino server200 and may comprise a computer program product. Initially in theprocess1200, atstep1202, a player identifier is received via agaming device300. As described in connection with step1002 (FIG. 10A), receiving of the player identifier may occur by the player interfacing his or her player card to the player tracking card reader312 (FIG. 3.) of thegaming device300 and by allowing thegaming device300 to read the player identifier from the player tracking card. Alternatively, the player identifier may be wirelessly transmitted to thegaming device300 via a hand-held device carried by the player, as also described above in connection withstep1002. After the player identifier is received, the player may be given the option to select a check-out procedure. This may be done by displaying a suitable message on the display308 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device300. If it is determined that the player has not selected the check-out option (step1204, FIG. 12) then other functions (step1206) may be performed, such as conventional gaming activities.
• If the check-out option is selected in[0128]step1204, then thecasino server200 may access the reservation database214 (step1208). As noted before, thereservation database214 may include accounting fields, which are not shown, to record all transactions and/or charges that are chargeable to the player's room. Alternatively, such information may be stored in theroom database210, in fields that are not shown, or in a separate database, that is not shown, in which room charges are stored. In any case, thecasino server200 retrieves billing information reflecting all charges attributable to the player's stay at the hotel. Thecasino server200 then instructs thegaming device300 to present the billing information to the player (step1210). For example, the billing information may be displayed on the display308 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device300. The player may then be prompted to indicate whether he or she approves of the billing information. A determination as to whether the player has indicated approval of the billing information is made instep1212. If the player indicates disapproval of the billing information, then thecasino server200 may cause thegaming device300 to display a message indicating that the player should seek assistance with check-out at the hotel registration desk (step1214).
• In some embodiments, the player may be given the opportunity to have one or more items removed from the bill in return for one or more of: (a) playing the gaming device[0129]300 (and/or any other gaming device) for a certain period of time; (b) wagering a certain amount; (c) agreeing to accept a reduced payout or less favorable odds in future game play; (d) making a future reservation at the hotel; (e) agreeing to dine at a hotel restaurant; (f) accepting a cross-subsidy/third party offer; (g) agreeing to establish a certain threshold credit balance at thegaming device300; and (h) answering one or more survey questions. Of course, the player need not disapprove of the item to be removed, or of any item on the bill, in order to receive such an offer. Items may also be removed at times other than at check-out. Credits and/or discounts may also be earned that are not related to any particular item or items on the bill, and/or that do not correspond to the removal of an item or items from the bill. For example, the player may earn a $5 discount or credit applied to the total bill.
• If in[0130]step1212 it is determined that the player has indicated approval of the billing information, then check-out can be automatically completed. In such a case, thecasino server200 instructs thegaming device300 to print out an itemized check-out statement (step1216) via the printer316 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device300. In addition, as indicated instep1218, thecasino server200 may update its databases to indicate that the player has checked out of his assigned room. For example, the record corresponding to the assigned room may be modified by changing the entry in the status field720 (FIG. 7) from “occupied” to “unoccupied”. Also, concerning thereservation database214, the record corresponding to the player's reservation and hotel stay may be purged from the database and suitable information may be stored in an archival database, which is not shown. Furthermore, a billing database (not shown) may be updated to cause the player's hotel stay to be charged to the player's credit card account.
• Upon completion of the check-out process of FIG. 12, the player may proceed with conventional gaming activity on the[0131]gaming device300.
• Although the check-in process of FIGS.[0132]10A-10B and the check-out process of FIG. 12 have been described in connection with a player interacting with agaming device300, it should be understood that those processes may alternatively be performed in conjunction with a player interacting with the wireless terminal108 (FIG. 1).
• 5. Additional Embodiments[0133]
• It is contemplated to modify the check-in process of FIGS.[0134]10A-10B and/or the check-out process of FIG. 12 so as to include interaction between the player and hotel personnel. In some embodiments, at any time after the player identifier is received (step1002), a hotel representative may be signaled to assist the player with check-in. For example, thecasino server200 may signal the hotel representative via a wireless terminal carried by the hotel representative, or via a visible or audible signal (e.g., via a display at a workstation manned by the hotel representative). In another example, thegaming device300 could emit a visible or audible signal (such as a flashing light) to call a hotel representative to assist the player. The hotel representative could meet with the player at thegaming device300 and assist the player with check-in via thegaming device300 and/or the wireless terminal. Similarly, when check-out is desired, as indicated atstep1204 of FIG. 12, a hotel representative could be signaled to go to thegaming device300 to assist the player with check-out.
• The player, for example, could be permitted to confirm a reservation with the hotel representative, to indicate preferences, and/or to approve check-out information. The player may be able to sign a corresponding document printed out by the[0135]gaming device300 or provided by a hotel representative, and provide the signed document to the hotel representative as part of a check-in or check-out process. A hotel representative could receive a room key from, or deliver a room key to, the player. In some alternative embodiments, a porter may be signaled to come to thegaming device300 to pick up the player's luggage and/or escort the player to his room, or to remove the player's luggage from the room.
• As still another alternative, test input/display, a microphone and headset arrangement and/or a video display at the[0136]gaming device300 might be used to allow the player to communicate with a remotely-located hotel representative for the purpose of check-in or check-out.
• The player could be allowed to provide a communication address (e.g., telephone number, an email address, or a pager number) at which the player could receive a message or reminder from the hotel. For example, the player could provide a cellular telephone number. The hotel could call the number, for example, when the player's room is ready. Alternatively, the player could be provided with a pager that would be used to inform the player, for example, when his room is ready, or when a hotel representative is available to assist the player with check-in or check-out.[0137]
• In addition to, or instead of the check-in and check-out processes described above, the player may interact with the[0138]gaming device300 in regard to other transactions related to his or her hotel stay and/or in other ways that do not involve gaming activity.
• In some embodiments, the[0139]gaming device300 and thecasino server200 may be operated as a messaging or communication system. For example, the player may be permitted to retrieve and manage telephone messages via agaming device300. If such an option is to be provided, it will be understood that a conventional voice mail system (not shown) may be interfaced to thecasino server200. When the player receives or has received a telephone message, an indication thereof is provided from the voice mail system to thecasino server200. Thecasino server200 then instructs agaming device300 with which the player is engaged in gaming activity to display a message or an icon or other indication to inform the player that he or she has a phone message. By selecting the icon or with another suitable input, the player may instruct the gaming device to retrieve and reproduce the phone message. The phone message may be transmitted from the voice mail system to thecasino server200 and then converted from speech to text. Then the resulting text can be displayed to the player via thegaming device300. Alternatively, the phone message may be transmitted from thecasino server200 to thegaming device300 in the form of a voice file, and the voice file may be audibly reproduced via a loudspeaker (not shown) or a headset (not shown) provided at thegaming device300.
• In similar fashion, the player may be allowed to manage, retrieve and/or send messages (e.g., electronic mail, instant text messages, discussion forum postings, bulletin board postings) via the[0140]gaming device300. For example, a player may post a message on a virtual bulletin board operated by thecasino server200. Other players may access the bulletin board via a gaming device and view the posted message. In some embodiments, only associated players (e.g., family members, roommates, or fellow members of a tour group) may view the message.
• In another example, players may be allowed to locate each other and/or to send text messages to each other. For instance, a player may be able to request information about the location (or approximate location) of a particular player or group of players or about recent activity of such players, and/or may request any messages by such players. Alternatively, the[0141]casino server200 may automatically provide such information or messages to the player based on the player's preferences. Thecasino server200 may be able to approximate a location of an associated player or determine activities of an associated player based on the associated player's use of a corresponding credit card or player tracking card (e.g., at a restaurant, at agaming device300, or at a gift shop). This information may enable thecasino server200 to locate an associated player at aparticular gaming device300, or in a particular part of the casino, and provide an indication of the associated player's location to the inquiring player at agaming device300. Thecasino server200 could then provide an indication of the approximate location and/or activity to the inquiring player at agaming device300.
• In some embodiments, the[0142]gaming device300 and thecasino server200 may be operated as a scheduling system. The player may be permitted to store, retrieve, and manage appointments via agaming device300. Personal information managers, organizers, and scheduling applications are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and may be configured to allow for interaction with a user via agaming device300. A scheduling system may be integrated with or separate from a messaging system such as described above. In one example, the player may indicate via the scheduling system that he plans to eat dinner from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., and then plans to play slot machines from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. In some embodiments, the player may receive recommendations and/or offers related to appointments scheduled by the player. For example, the player may request via a gaming device300 a suggestion on where to eat during his planned dinner period, and may indicate further information and/or preferences, such as a preferred type of cuisine, a number of people in his dinner party, and an estimated amount to be spent on dinner. Thecasino server200 and/or a hotel representative may search a database of restaurants and/or offers in order to identify one or more recommendations and/or offers based on the player's request. For example, the player may receive via thegaming device300 an offer for four entrees for the price of three entrees at a hotel restaurant.
• In some embodiments, the player may request suggestions for activities or events to do during periods of time in which no appointments are scheduled. For example, the player may indicate via a[0143]gaming device300 that the player wishes to receive a suggestion for an activity between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. at which smoking is not permitted. Thecasino server200 and/or a hotel representative may search a database of activities and/or offers in order to identify one or more events meeting the player's requirements. For example, the player may receive via thegaming device300 an offer to attend a show, or to participate in a bingo game in a smoke-free room.
• In some embodiments, the[0144]casino server200 and/or thegaming device300 may provide one or more offers for unscheduled time without receiving a request from the player. In one or more embodiments, the player may access the scheduling system via a Web server operated by the hotel, for example, prior to or during the player's stay at the hotel.
• Players operating the[0145]gaming device300 may also be permitted to transmit messages via the gaming devices to request various services and/or benefits from the casino hotel. For example, a player may transmit a message via a gaming device300 (by using theplayer input device310, FIG. 3, of the gaming device300) to request the hotel housekeeping staff to clean the player's room.
• Moreover, the[0146]casino server200 may employ thedisplays308 of thegaming device300 to communicate messages to particular ones of the players operating thegaming device300. One such message could be, “Mr. Smith, your room number 336 is now ready.” Other messages may communicate offers made by the hotel to the players. For example, thecasino server200 could offer compensation (such as gaming credit to be employed on the gaming device300) to a player to switch rooms (e.g., from a non-smoking to a smoking room, in the event that there is a shortage of non-smoking rooms). The player's response to the offer may be provided via the player input device310 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device300.
• The player may be offered a benefit, such as a certain amount of gaming credit for use at[0147]gaming machine104, in exchange for using thegaming machine104 for check-in or check-out. Such an offer may lead a player to use agaming machine104 for check-out instead of using in-room check-out. Consequently the player may engage in a visit to a gaming machine and in gaming activity at the gaming machine which would not otherwise have occurred.
• Alternatively, the[0148]casino server200 may offer the player a benefit for checking out of his or her room early. Another type of offer would provide a benefit to a player for delaying check-in, or delaying occupancy of the room.
• As still another sort of offer, the[0149]casino server200 may inquire of a player at agaming device300 whether the player is willing to relinquish his or her room entirely for the night. Such an inquiry may be made to a player who has already stayed up late (say until 3 a.m.) and who may wish to forego sleeping that night.
• As another possible offer, the[0150]casino server200 may inquire of the player whether the player is willing to move to another hotel (e.g., to a hotel under common ownership with the hotel served by the casino server200).
• The player may also be offered a benefit for waiving some or all of the customary cleaning services for the player's room.[0151]
• In any or all of the above offers, the benefit to be provided to the player may include one or more gaming credits, cashless gaming receipts, cash payments, free goods or services (such as free meals, free room service, free room stays), discounts on room stays or other goods or services, discounts or free goods or services to be provided at subsequent visits to the casino hotel, players' club points and so forth. Other benefits that may be provided to players in conjunction with offers from the[0152]casino server200 may relate to game play on agaming device300. Such benefits may include an increased payout for certain gaming outcomes (e.g., double payout for a royal flush on a video poker machine), or improved odds of favorable outcomes, or other advantages in game play.
• One or more benefits may be provided to the player if the player answers a survey by using the[0153]gaming device300 or thewireless terminal400. Survey questions could include the player's planned length of stay, preferred entertainment (e.g., shopping, sports, shows), occupation, planned activities/interests, etc. The results of the survey could be used to select and/or tailor offers to be made to the player.
• The[0154]gaming device300 could be caused to operate such that certain game outcomes result in a free stay in a hotel room, a discount on the room rate, or a free room upgrade. For example, room upgrades may be provided as prizes for certain game outcomes when a relatively large number of more desirable rooms are not reserved or occupied on a given night.
• Selection by the[0155]casino server200 of particular players to receive offers, or determination of an order in which players are to receive offers, may be based upon a “rating” of the player which is intended to predict a likelihood that the player would accept the offer. The “rating” of the player may be determined by the casino server based on information regarding the player that is stored in the casino server, or may be inputted by casino employees based on observations of the player by the casino employees. For example, if a casino employee observes that a particular player is relatively young and appears interested in gambling all night, the casino employee may input a high rating for the player to receive an offer to relinquish his or her room for the night. Similarly, if thecasino server200 detects that a player has been continuously playing one of thegaming device300 from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., the player may be given a high rating by thecasino server200 for an offer that the player relinquish his or her room.
• The[0156]server102 may also offer benefits to players contingent on the player engaging in certain amounts of gaming activity on one ormore gaming devices104. For example, the player may be offered a free stay in a hotel room or a free room upgrade if the player plays for three hours on thegaming device300, or if the player bets a certain amount over time on thegaming device300. In connection with such an offer, an image (actual or simulated) of the offered room may be provided. Other types of benefits, such as free products or services, may be provided.
• The player may also be permitted to apply gaming credits in the[0157]gaming device300, including credits won, to payment of items on the player's hotel account, such as room charges, restaurant meal charges, room service, etc.
• Another type of benefit that may be provided to a player in response to gaming activity, using the[0158]gaming device300 for check-in or check-out or acceptance of an offer may be entries in sweepstakes for various benefits, including free room stays or room upgrades. Sweepstakes entries, and/or awards of prizes, may be awarded for playing at agaming device300 for a certain amount of time, or at a certain point in time, or for wagering a particular amount. Such incentives may lead players to increase their gaming activity at thegaming device300.
• The player may be permitted to use the[0159]gaming device300 or thewireless terminal400 for other purposes relating to his or her room, such as requesting delivery of the player's luggage to his or her room or removal of luggage from his or her room. The player may also be allowed to indicate via agaming device300 that his or her room is not to be entered by cleaning staff at certain times. Alternatively, the player might be permitted to register a complaint via input provided by the player through thegaming device300.
• Some hotels may require that a guest provide a deposit at check-in or during a hotel stay for a room and/or for products or services associated with the room. In some embodiments, a player may use a[0160]gaming device300 to provide a deposit for a room and/or for the use of hotel amenities (e.g., a telephone, an in-room entertainment system, a room safe, a video cassette recorder, or a game console). A player may be prompted to insert an amount of funds (e.g., cash, or gaming tokens) at the game device to cover a deposit, or to approve the billing of a deposit amount to a financial account (e.g., credit card account) associated with the player. In some embodiments, the player may be permitted to satisfy an obligation in lieu of providing a deposit amount. For example, in an offer to a player to waive or otherwise satisfy a deposit, a hotel may require that a player play at agaming device300 for a predetermined amount of time, or that the player wager a predetermined amount at agaming device300. A deposit may be credited to a player's bill at check-out or at any time. Also, a deposit amount may be returned/refunded to the player at agaming device300 during check-out or at any time.
• A player may also be permitted to use a[0161]gaming device300 to make reservations for future stays at the casino hotel. The player may be accorded benefits for making such a reservation, such as gaming credit that may be made available immediately on thegaming device300, or that may be made available upon the future visit to the casino hotel. The player may also be permitted to cancel a reservation at a competing casino hotel, and may be provided with one or more benefits for so doing. An offer made to a player to switch from a competing hotel may be based on the room rate at the competing hotel. For example, one or more terms of the offer, and/or whether or not the offer is made, may be based on the room rate. The offer may include assistance in moving from the competing hotel, including retrieving the player's luggage from the competing hotel, and/or providing transportation for the player's family. The player may also be permitted to request services such as exchange of foreign currency into U.S. dollars via thegaming device300.
• The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of the invention; modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. While the above embodiments have been described with respect to a gaming device, it should be understood that alternatively a player could manage hotel transactions from table games such as blackjack, craps or roulette. In such cases, a player may interface his or her player tracking card to a player tracking card reader at the table game, or the dealer may interface the player tracking card to the player tracking card reader. A display device at the table could show the player his or her reservation information and allow the player to make changes. Benefits could be provided by the dealer in the form of gaming tokens.[0162]
• All of the[0163]gaming devices104 and thewireless terminal108 of the system may be located in or adjacent to the hotel casino served by theserver102. Alternatively, one or more of thegaming device104 and/or thewireless terminal108 may be located remotely from the casino hotel, e.g., at an airport for the city in which the casino hotel is located. In such a case, a player may be permitted to check in to the hotel by using agaming device104 upon arriving at the airport.
• Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.[0164]

Claims (68)

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising:

receiving a player identifier at a gaming device;

assigning a hotel room to a player identified by the player identifier; and

using the gaming device to communicate to the player information regarding the assigning of the hotel room.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the receiving step includes reading the player identifier from a player tracking card interfaced to the gaming device.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the receiving step includes reading the player identifier from a credit or debit card interfaced to the gaming device.

4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the communicated information includes a room number which corresponds to the assigned hotel room.

5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

transmitting the player identifier to an electronic door lock mechanism associated with the assigned hotel room.

6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

generating a room access code.

7. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising:

transmitting the room access code to an electronic door lock mechanism associated with the assigned hotel room.

8. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising:

magnetically writing the room access code on a player tracking card interfaced to the gaming device.

9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the gaming device is located at a hotel that includes the assigned hotel room.

10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the gaming device is a slot machine.

11. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

accessing a hotel reservation database on the basis of the received player identifier.

12. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

associating the received player identifier with a room identifier that corresponds to the assigned hotel room.

13. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

using the gaming device to present hotel room preferences information to the player.

14. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

using the gaming device to present a reservation confirmation page to the player.

15. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

receiving at the gaming device information regarding a hotel stay desired by the player.

16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the information regarding the hotel stay includes a desired check-out date.

17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the information regarding the hotel stay includes a desired type of room.

18. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

using the gaming device to communicate to the player an offer for the player to relinquish the assigned room.

19. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

using the gaming device to communicate to the player an offer for the player to delay occupying the assigned room.

20. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

applying to payment for the assigned room gaming credits won via the gaming device.

21. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

awarding free use of the assigned room based on a game outcome provided by the gaming device.

22. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

offering a benefit to the player in exchange for using the gaming device to check in.

23. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

awarding gaming credit at the gaming device in response to the player using the gaming device to check in to a hotel that includes the assigned hotel room.

24. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

using the gaming device to inform the player concerning a telephone message for the player.

25. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

allowing the player to use the gaming device to access or send an electronic mail message.

26. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

retrieving a credit card number for the player in response to receiving the player identifier.

27. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising:

charging payment for the assigned hotel room to a credit card account associated with the retrieved credit card number.

28. A method comprising:

receiving a player identifier at a gaming device; and

accessing a hotel reservation database on the basis of the received player identifier.

29. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising:

using the gaming device to present hotel room preferences information to a player identified by the player identifier.

30. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising:

using the gaming device to present a reservation confirmation page to a player identified by the player identifier.

31. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising:

assigning a hotel room to a player identified by the player identifier.

32. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the receiving step includes reading the player identifier from a player tracking card interfaced to the gaming device.

33. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the receiving step includes reading the player identifier from a credit or debit card interfaced to the gaming device.

34. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the gaming device is a slot machine.

35. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising:

offering a benefit to the player in exchange for using the gaming device to check in.

36. A method comprising:

receiving a player identifier at a gaming device;

associating the received player identifier with a room identifier;

presenting to a player identified by the player identifier at least one of a reservation confirmation page and hotel room preferences information; and

generating a room access code associated with the room identifier.

37. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the gaming device is a slot machine.

38. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the receiving step includes reading the player identifier from a player tracking card interfaced to the gaming device.

39. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the receiving step includes reading the player identifier from a credit or debit card interfaced to the gaming device.

40. The method ofclaim 36, further comprising:

magnetically writing the room access code on a player tracking card interfaced to the gaming device.

41. The method ofclaim 36, further comprising:

transmitting the received player identifier to an electronic door lock mechanism.

42. The method ofclaim 36, further comprising:

transmitting the room access code to an electronic door lock mechanism.

43. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the gaming device is located at a hotel that includes a room associated with the room identifier.

44. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the at least one of a reservation confirmation page and the hotel room preferences information is presented to the player via the gaming device.

45. The method ofclaim 36, further comprising:

retrieving a credit card number for the player in response to receiving the player identifier.

46. The method ofclaim 36, further comprising:

offering a benefit to the player in exchange for using the gaming device to check in.

47. A method comprising:

receiving a player identifier at a gaming device; and

receiving at the gaming device an indication that a player identified by the player identifier wishes to check out of a hotel room.

48. The method ofclaim 47, further comprising:

accessing a hotel reservation database on the basis of the received player identifier.

49. The method ofclaim 47, further comprising:

accessing a hotel room database on the basis of the received player identifier.

50. The method ofclaim 47, wherein the receiving step includes reading the player identifier from a player tracking card interfaced to the gaming device.

51. The method ofclaim 47, wherein the gaming device is a slot machine.

52. The method ofclaim 47, further comprising:

presenting to the player a billing statement in response to the received indication.

53. The method ofclaim 52, further comprising:

receiving from the player an indication that the player approves the billing statement.

54. The method ofclaim 53, wherein the indication that the player approves the billing statement is received via the gaming device.

55. The method ofclaim 52, wherein the billing statement is presented to the player via the gaming device.

56. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising:

printing the billing statement at the gaming device.

57. The method ofclaim 47, further comprising:

offering a benefit to the player in exchange for using the gaming device to check out.

58. A method comprising:

receiving at a gaming device an identifier that identifies a customer;

receiving via the gaming device a request by the customer for a hotel room;

associating a hotel room with the customer; and

transmitting to the customer an identifier that identifies the hotel room.

59. A method comprising:

receiving at a gaming device an identifier that identifies a customer;

receiving at the gaming device a request by the customer to check in; and

transmitting a signal to a casino representative, the signal indicating an instruction to assist the customer at the gaming device with check-in.

60. A method comprising:

receiving an identifier that identifies a player at a gaming device;

receiving a wager from the player at the gaming device;

assigning a hotel room to the player; and

transmitting to the player at the gaming device data that indicates the assignment of the hotel room.

61. An apparatus for handling a hotel transaction, comprising:

a processor; and

a storage device coupled to the processor, the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor and the processor operative with the program to:

receive a player identifier via a gaming device;

assign a hotel room to a player identified by the player identifier; and

use the gaming device to communicate to the player information regarding assignment of the hotel room.

62. An apparatus for handling a hotel transaction, comprising:

a processor; and

a storage device coupled to the processor, the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor and the processor operative with the program to:

receive a player identifier via a gaming device; and

access a hotel reservation database on the basis of the received player identifier.

63. An apparatus for handling a hotel transaction, comprising:

a processor; and

a storage device coupled to the processor, the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor and the processor operative with the program to:

receive a player identifier via a gaming device;

associate the received player identifier with a room identifier;

present to a player identified by the player identifier at least one of a reservation confirmation page and hotel room preferences information; and

generate a room access code associated with the room identifier.

64. An apparatus for handling a hotel transaction, comprising:

a processor; and

a storage device coupled to the processor, the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor and the processor operative with the program to:

receive a player identifier via a gaming device;

receive via the gaming device an indication that a player identified by the player identifier wishes to check out of a hotel room.

65. A computer program product comprising:

a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having:

program code adapted to receive a player identifier via a gaming device;

program code adapted to assign a hotel room to a player identified by the player identifier; and

program code adapted to use the gaming device to communicate to the player information regarding the assigning of the hotel room.

66. A computer program product comprising:

a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having:

program code adapted to receive a player identifier via a gaming device; and

program code adapted to access a hotel reservation database on the basis of the received player identifier.

67. A computer program product comprising:

a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having:

program code adapted to receive a player identifier via a gaming device;

program code adapted to associate the received player identifier with a room identifier;

program code adapted to present to a player identified by the player identifier at least one of a reservation confirmation page and hotel room preferences information; and

program code adapted to generate a room access code associated with the room identifier.

68. A computer program product comprising:

a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having:

program code adapted to receive a player identifier via a gaming device; and

program code adapted to receive via the gaming device an indication that a player identified by the player identifier wishes to check out of a hotel room.

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