Method and apparatus for securing gaming machine operating data

Abstract

A method and apparatus for securing control or operating code or data of a gaming machine is disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of obtaining gaming device operational code encrypted in a symmetrical encryption process with a first private key, providing the encrypted code to the gaming device, decrypting the code using the first private key, storing the decrypted code at the gaming device, and utilizing the decrypted code to operate the gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a master gaming controller having an associated memory, a processor for executing code, and a secure access module having the decryption key associated therewith.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method of providing control code for operating a gaming device comprising the steps of: 
 obtaining gaming device operational code encrypted with a first private key;    providing said encrypted code to said gaming device;    decrypting said encrypted code using said first private key;    storing said decrypted code at said gaming device; and    utilizing said decrypted code to control at least some aspect of the operation of said gaming device.    
     
     
         2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  including the step of encrypting said operational code with said first private key.  
     
     
         3 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said providing step comprises the step of transmitting said encrypted code to said gaming device.  
     
     
         4 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  including the step of storing the encrypted code provided to said gaming device at said gaming device.  
     
     
         5 . A method of providing data for the operation of a gaming device of the type presenting a game for play to a player in which if the player receives a predetermined outcome the player is declared a winner of the game comprising the steps of: 
 encrypting said data in a symmetrical encryption process with a first key;    providing said encrypted data to said gaming device;    initiating operation of said gaming device;    locating a decryption device;    providing said encrypted data to said decryption device;    decrypting said encrypted data with said decryption device using said first key; and    storing said decrypted data.    
     
     
         6 . The method in accordance with  claim 5  including the step of utilizing said data in the operation of said gaming device.  
     
     
         7 . The method in accordance with  claim 5  wherein said decryption device comprises a secure access module having said first key associated therewith.  
     
     
         8 . The method in accordance with  claim 5  including the step of verifying the authenticity of said decrypted data before storing said data.  
     
     
         9 . The method in accordance with  claim 5  including the step of transmitting said first key to said decryption device.  
     
     
         10 . A gaming device of the type in which a player is permitted to participate in a game upon placing a wager and in which the player is provided an award if the player receives a predetermining winning event, said gaming device comprising: 
 a memory device for storing data encrypted in a symmetrical encryption process;    a decryption device for decrypting data encrypted in a symmetrical encryption process;    a programmable memory for storing said decrypted data; and    a controller adapted to use said decrypted data in the operation of said gaming device.    
     
     
         11 . The gaming device in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said decryption device comprises a secure access module.  
     
     
         12 . The gaming device in accordance with  claim 11  wherein said secure access module has a private decryption key associated therewith.  
     
     
         13 . The gaming device in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said controller includes a processor for executing code, said processor is in communication with said memory, and said decrypted code comprises code for execution by said processor.  
     
     
         14 . The gaming device in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said programmable memory comprises RAM.  
     
     
         15 . The gaming device in accordance with  claim 10  including a communications link associated with said controller permitting data to be transmitted to said game device control from a remote location.