- POSP=Point Of Sale Profit (includes hotel, retail, food and beverage and entertainment)
- SFD=Slot Floor Drop
- Continuing: $SFD = \sum_{time} (PL - promotions) (RETURNVISIT)$
  Where:
- RETURNVISIT=probability that the player will return to the casino.
- PL=Player Loss
- Promotions=marketing money the casino contributes to player kickbacks, comps, and system games.
- Still continuing:
- PL=ST*GCT*HPC*WAGER
  Where:
- ST=time the player spends at the slot machine, i.e., seat time
- GCT=Game Cycle Time
- HPC=Hold Percentage for the game
- Further continuing:
- WAGER=LINESBET*CREDITS*DENOM
  Where:
- LINESBET is the number of lines on which the player is betting.
- CREDITS is the number of credits the player chooses to bet.
- DENOM is denomination, i.e., the worth of an individual credit.

It should be noted that LINESBET, CREDITS, and DENOM can each be set to a minimum and are option-able parameters. As such, LINESBET, CREDITS, and DENOM are each under yield management control. Interestingly, changes in parameters within the PL (Player Loss) formula above can have a significant effect. Even if PL (Player Loss) is held constant, other element can still be modified within the formula. For example, GCT (Game Cycle Time) could be reduced by half while ST (Seat Time) is doubled. In this scenario, the player spends much more time at the game. Accordingly, such a players' chances of winning a progressive or system game are increased. Continuing this example, during slow times for the casino the above-described configuration change provides a method for the casino operator to enhance the attractiveness of the games to players without adversely compromising player loss or modifying progressive rules or systems games. The capability of the configuration andmanagement system10 provides a distinct advantage over prior gaming systems, in that no regulatory review of “new game rules” (i.e., new game configuration) is required.

A preferred embodiment of the configuration andmanagement system10 includes the capability to link the above-described changes to marketing programs such as mailings, advertisements, phone calls, other marketing methods, and the like. In addition, configuration andmanagement system10 includes a linkage to system game operation and individual yield management, as described above.

In one preferred embodiment of the configuration andmanagement system10, the yield management feature of thesystem10 includes the ability to advertise, annunciate, and/or otherwise alert the player that yield management configuration change has occurred. Otherwise stated, in one specific, non-limiting embodiment, when the player sits at a gaming machine and is identified, the configuration andmanagement system10 annunciates to the player, “you are at 98% payback.” In one preferred embodiment, such an announcement is made and maintained for the player to observe through at least one game cycle.

In another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the configuration andmanagement system10, the yield management parameter modifications are applied interactively as the casino operates. For example, in one specific, non-limiting embodiment, every fifteen minutes, the “forward looking” algorithms for yield management operation note that a particular carousel is being heavily played. In such an embodiment, yield management parameters (e.g., minimum bet and the like) are then immediately modified on those gaming cabinets (in the carousel) that are not currently in play. Thus, any new players joining the “hot” carousel are joining into game play that has had “tighter” yield management parameters applied. Accordingly, in such an example, those gaming patrons already on the “hot” carousel who have been a part of creating the “hot” feeling are at an advantage to those players joining later.

Likewise, in another specific, non-limiting embodiment, if the “forward-looking” algorithms for yield management operation detect that a carousel is “cooling,” then yield management parameters (e.g., denomination and the like) can be immediately lowered or modified for ALL players. In this manner, those loyal players receive the same reward as new players joining the “action.” Moreover, from a regulatory standpoint, relaxing yield management parameters on players during a gaming session is viewed far less restrictively than tightening yield management parameters on players during a gaming session. In this regard, in one preferred embodiment, tightening yield management parameters on players requires at least an announcement (and possibly active acceptance of the modifications by the player), and more commonly instituting the above configuration changes between player sessions.

In a preferred embodiment of the configuration andmanagement system10, the yield management feature necessitates an audio and/or visual announcement to the players that yield management parameters have been changed. In this regard, parameter changes in the players' favor may be displayed on the game screen, presented in the systems interface (iView-type device), announced by sound and/or the like. As explained above, parameter changes that are not in the players' favor (i.e., changes that tighten yield management parameters on the players) typically require higher levels of announcement to the players and possibly active acceptance of the modifications by the players.

Referring again to the formula above, slot floor drop, the parameter RETURNVISIT (probability that the player will return to the casino) is a significant term. In a preferred embodiment of the configuration andmanagement system10, yield management accounts for the importance of maximizing the RETURNVISIT probability, while at the same time maximizing SFD (Slot Floor Drop, i.e., the money collected). In a preferred embodiment of thesystem10, a balance between these two elements is significant, and advantageously, is customizable by a casino administrator through the use of the yield management feature of the configuration andmanagement system10.

In a preferred embodiment of thesystem10, the yield management feature enables cyclic patterns to be identified in order to both increase operator profitability and optimize player satisfaction, and thus return visits. Such factors, which are examined by the yield management feature in determining such cycles include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: demographics, weather, and entertainment events. In a preferred embodiment of thesystem10, use of the yield management feature enables casinos that have implemented thesystem10 to provide a much more personalized and individualized gaming experience.

In another aspect of a preferred embodiment of thesystem10, the yield management feature combines individual player performance over time with gross property-wide yield management information. This combination gives each player their own unique play characteristics. In this regard, individualized characterization, control, and promotion are prominent features of such an embodiment. By combining yield management with player information, thesystem10 enables customization of the game offerings specific to that customer.

Thus, in one specific, non-limiting embodiment, if a game cabinet holds fifteen game themes (i.e., game titles), only those game themes that the yield management predicts are most attractive to the player will be presented. Preferably, this extends to new game offerings as well, so that when new game themes are introduced, the yield management feature predicts if a particular player might like this new game theme, provides that game theme to the player, and announces to the player the existence of the new game theme. Additionally, as described above, parameters such as wager, game cycle time, and percentage can be set by thesystem10, based upon player characteristics and overall yield management parameters.

In another specific, non-limiting embodiment of the configuration andmanagement system10, if the “forward-looking” yield management algorithms predict over 80% occupancy then GCT (game cycle time) is reduced, thereby increasing profitability. Moreover, if indications are that occupancy will remain over 80%, then yield management can move to adjusting WAGER to higher minimums. In one preferred embodiment, this adjustment might take the form of changing minimum lines, minimum credits, or denomination. As described above, the yield management feature of the configuration andmanagement system10 has a wide area of variables for affecting and adjusting slot floor profit.

In a preferred embodiment, the yield management aspect of the configuration andmanagement system10, coordinates game performance data from multiple input sources into an analytic engine. The sources include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: (1) slot data accounting, (2) multi-game cabinet accounting, (3) player tracking data, comps, (4) hotel, (5) point of sale system data, (6) location, (7) game mix nearby, (8) entertainment data, (9) weather, (10) off site user group demographic data, and (11) grouping of players, including the monitoring of those groups and presentation of bonusing specific to that group.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of thesystem10, the regulatory rules that allow control over gaming devices by electronic means are (1) GLI-21, and (2) NVGCB Proposed System Based and System Supported gaming regulations. Gaming devices with one or more modifiable parameters affecting yield management calculations include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: (1) theme, (2) wager (a) minimum bet, (b) maximum bet, (c) minimum lines bet, and (d) denomination, (3) percentage, and (4) play time, (a) spin cycle time, and (b) bonus round time.

In a preferred embodiment of thesystem10, the uses of the yield analysis feature, include by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: system-games, gaming user groups, casino gaming areas, casinos and multi-property gaming, base game play of relating system-games, and modification of system-game operation for optimization of overall property profitability. In another aspect of a preferred embodiment of thesystem10, the yield analysis feature includes predictive analysis engine for optimizing any desirable parameter (e.g., drop or occupancy during some future time). In one preferred embodiment of thesystem10, the yield analysis feature includes an automation system for aiding and advising slot floor managers in the optimal configuration of a casino floor, including individual parameterization of slot machines.

A preferred embodiment of the yield management aspect of thesystem10 is directed towards manipulation of gaming device parameters including, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: wager, theme, percentage, and time in play to provide optimal casino profitability based upon predictive modeling. Additionally, in another aspect of a preferred embodiment, predictive modeling includes parameters related to player, property occupancy, time of day, week, month, year, events, weather, demographics, and other similar parameters.

Another preferred embodiment of the yield management aspect of thesystem10 is directed towards linkage of yield management manipulation ofgaming devices30 with player-targeted marketing, including advertisements and inducements from casino to patrons. Still another preferred embodiment the yield management aspect of thesystem10 is directed towards notifying a player for at least one game cycle that a yield management parameter has been modified on the gaming device being used by the player. Moreover, yet another preferred embodiment the yield management aspect of thesystem10 is directed towards asystem10 configured to combine message set capability with game design, wherein the game design enables capturing, analyzing, and reporting on individual machine, machine grouping, as well as individual player and player grouping performance over time.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a preferred embodiment of anIP gaming hub200 is utilized as a controlled access device that includes agame monitoring system210, aninternal Ethernet switch220, and a plurality ofports230. Agame monitoring system210 has the functionality of a GMU, as described above. Typically, a GMU is an in-cabinet device that connects the internal components of gaming devices to the network. In one preferred embodiment, theIP gaming hub200 can be embodied as an advanced Mastercom type of the device (but incorporating many additional types of functionality beyond that of prior Mastercom devices), as sold by Bally Gaming of Las Vegas Nev.

Preferably, theinternal Ethernet switch220 is not controlled by port location. In one preferred embodiment, theIP gaming hub200 includes a 6-port Ethernet switch220. Preferably, one of theports230 is the uplink port (in QoS vernacular, the “egress port”). Continuing, in such a preferred embodiment, four of theports230 are used to connect to any Ethernet device within the game cabinet. Theseports230 are connectable to the game motherboard, iView-type devices, Alpha-type devices, and the like. Typically, the last of theports230 is used internally for SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and formation of the GMU/SDS data packets. Simple Network Management Protocol is a method for a network device to communicate management and error information to a remote server. SNMP can also be used to query a device for information about the device. The SNMP protocol can support monitoring of network-attached devices for any conditions that warrant administrative attention. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other standard broadband protocols, networks, switches, and ports, may be substituted for Ethernet in other embodiments of the invention.

As shown inFIG. 6, the network includes acore layer301 over adistribution layer302 above anaccess layer303. Thecore layer301 serves as a gateway between the servers and the gaming devices. Thecore layer301 is contemplated to be a so-called “back end” layer that resides in an administrative location, separate from the gaming floor, for example, and protected physically and electronically.

Thedistribution layer302 serves to collect traffic between thecore layer301 and theaccess layer303. The distribution layer may comprise trunks and switches that route message and signal traffic through the network. Theaccess layer303 provides a physical interface between the gaming machines (and any of their associated devices) and the rest of the network. In one preferred embodiment, this is done via managed switches.

In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, thecore layer301 includes one or more servers that are coupled via a communication path to one or more switches. In one embodiment, the servers and switches of thecore layer301 are located within the gaming establishment premises in a secure administrative area. The servers may, but are not required to be, game servers. The communication path may be hardwire (e.g., copper), fiber, wireless, microwave, or any other suitable communication path that may be protected from attack.

Thedistribution layer302 communicates with thecore layer301 via high bandwidth communications links. These links may be copper, fiber, or any other suitable link. If desired, redundant links may be built into the system to provide more failsafe operation. The communications links couple the core layer switches to the distribution layer switches.

In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, thedistribution layer302 communicates with theaccess layer303 via a high capacity communication link. The link may be wire, fiber, wireless, or any other suitable communication link. In the embodiment, the communication link is coupled to a gaming carousel that comprises a plurality of gaming machines. A managed switch is coupled to the link to provide an interface switch to a plurality of other managed switches.

In one embodiment of the gaming network, the network uses TCP/IP sessions between the gaming machines and the servers. The TCP/IP sessions are used to exchange private information concerning game operations, game performance, network management, patron information, revised game code, accounting information, and other sensitive information. In one embodiment, sessions may be a single message and acknowledgement, or the sessions may be an extended interactive, multiple transaction session. Other instantiations may include UDP/IP, token ring, MQ, and the like.

Moreover, the gaming network may use a number of network services for administration and operation. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) allows central management and assignment of IP addresses within the gaming network. The dynamic assignment of IP addresses is used in one embodiment instead of statically assigned IP addresses for each network component. A DNS (domain name service) is used to translate between the domain names and the IP addresses of network components and services. DNS servers are well known in the art and are used to resolve the domain names to IP addresses on the Internet.

In one embodiment, the network may be implemented using the IPv6 protocol designed by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force). When using IPv6, the network may take advantage of the Quality of Service (QoS) features available with IPv6. QoS refers to the ability of a network to provide a guaranteed level of service (e.g., transmission rate, loss rate, minimum bandwidth, packet delay, and the like). QoS may be used as an additional security feature in that certain transactions may request a certain QoS as a rule or pursuant to some schedule.

Referring again toFIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, all of theports230 are internal to theIP gaming hub200, which enables total control of the ports and a QoS (or other packet delivery prioritizing technology)encoding mechanism240. As identified above, the SDS data packets are programmatically encoded with a specific QoS high priority level (or other packet delivery prioritizing technology), while all the other data packets are programmatically encoded with a lower priority level (e.g., zero) as the data passes into the downlink port (ingress) and moves to the uplink port (egress). This procedure ensures that the SDS data (or other specifically designated game accounting data) is encoded with a QoS high priority level (or other packet delivery prioritizing technology) at the inception of the packets on the network. Preferably, all of theother ports230 are set to zero.

In another embodiment the QoS priority level of packets from the ingress ports may be programmatically encoded with a lower priority by hardware located at the egress port rather than by the switch hardware directly at the ingress ports. This allows the use of any available switching circuit whether or not it has the built-in capability of re-marking the priority of ingress packets.

In one preferred embodiment the configuration of the packet QoS encoding methodology inIP gaming hub200 is administered through the use of an SNMP server located at the core layer of the network. This server allows on-the-fly adjustment of the encoding scheme to which the devices that attach to theports230 receive high-priority switching. This server may also be used as an access manager for devices attached to theports230 to make requests to be treated as high-priority traffic. In this implementation, a device that is authorized to transmit high-priority traffic but that is currently being treated as a low-priority device, may dynamically request that its data transmissions be re-prioritized to a different priority level.

In a preferred embodiment, as a result of the SDS data (or other specifically designated game accounting data) being encoded within theIP gaming hub200, there is no possibility of personnel either intentionally or accidentally plugging cables into theincorrect ports230, since all the cables plugging into theIP gaming hub200 have the same priority (e.g. zero or other low priority). In one preferred embodiment of theIP gaming hub200, the SDS data packets always go out first before any data from the ingress ports due to the QoS high packet delivery priority encoding that is implemented on theinternal switch220.

In a preferred embodiment, the uplink (or egress)port230 of theIP gaming hub200 connects to a QoS-enabled switch in a carousel. Thisinternal switch220 has the ability to take the data from itsingress ports230 and move them to the egress port230 (i.e., the uplink to the Distribution Layer devices), using QoS prioritizing techniques, thus ensuring that the high priority QoS-encoded packets are passed first. Having the controlledswitch220 located within theIP gaming hub200 also provides the ability to extract other information from the controlled layer environment. For example, in some embodiments, theIP gaming hub200 is capable of supplying information about the motherboard and other elements within the cabinet, as well as their relationship with the GMU.

In a preferred embodiment, the controlled ingress system built into theIP gaming hub200 ensures that the SDS data packets on a shared Ethernet network have correct (i.e. high delivery priority) QoS encoding and ensures that the other ports in the cabinet are set to a standard best delivery encoding (e.g. zero or other low priority). This configuration also presents a suitable cabling configuration sincemultiple Ethernet ports230 are accommodated within a cabinet. Accordingly, themultiple Ethernet ports230 are all accommodated by theIP gaming hub200 while having only a single wire leave the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment, the Ethernet switches that are utilized are QoS aware.

In one preferred embodiment, these Ethernet switches220 are connected to a distribution switch in a nearby closet (or other suitable location) and use aQoS encoder240 to ensure the high priority delivery of the SDS data. In one preferred embodiment, the distribution switch is set to “trust” and uses the QoS encoding that is conveyed by the uplink switch in the carousel. Using the QoS delivery prioritizing information supplied in the IP packets, the packets are moved from the ingress ports (all the carousel switches) to the egress port, which is preferably a gigabit Ethernet connection to the core switch, as shown inFIG. 6.

Referring now to the data flowing from theSDS servers260 back to the game units, as shown inFIG. 6, the Core Layer switch preferably knows where the SDS servers are attached. Preferably, the switch is in a controlled IT area. In another aspect of one preferred embodiment, the QoS encoding is applied to any packets sent out from theSDS servers260 and entering the core switch on their assigned port, thereby ensuring that the same delivery priority that is used on the incoming data from the SDS servers is replicated on any outgoing data.

In one preferred embodiment, theIP gaming hub200 is an 802.1x enabled smart device (using extensible authentication protocol) that is intelligent enough to perform an 802.1x secure authentication procedure. 802.1x is a methodology typically used for securing a carousel switch (i.e., locking down the switch), so that only allow approved devices can access a port on the switch. Specifically, 802.1x is an IEEE standard for network access control. 802.1x keeps a network port disconnected until authentication is completed. Depending on the results, the port is either made available to the user, or the user is denied access to the network.

802.1x provides an authentication framework, allowing a user to be authenticated by a central authority. 802.1x uses an existing protocol, the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP, RFC 2284), that works on Ethernet, Token Ring, or wireless LANs, for message exchange during the authentication process. The device that contains usernames and passwords and authorizes the access-requesting device is the “authentication server.” The authentication server may use the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS), although 802.1x does not require it.

Although the invention has been described in language specific to computer structural features, methodological acts, and by computer-readable media, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, acts, or media described. Therefore, the specific structural features, acts and mediums are disclosed as exemplary embodiments implementing the claimed invention.

Furthermore, the various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.