Gaming system with reader and code printer

Abstract

A gaming apparatus which comprises a slot machine capable of accepting either paper currency, p0reprinted coupons, or cash out slips. Ths slot machine also includes a printer that prints and dispenses cash out slips which include a bar code representing a unique identification that provides the amount of “winnings”. The cash out slips can be scanned into a separate currency dispenser at a Cashier's Station for receiving currency, either frm the dispenser or from an attendant. A central processing unit (CPU) generates the unique codes for retualting the game to be palyed, the wager limits of the game and the validity of the free play coupons or the cahs out tickets. The above gaming system avoids having to use coins or tokens in the operation of slot machines.

1 . A gaming system that pays credits responsive to an outcome of a game played comprising: 
 a. a plurality of gaming apparatuses;    b. an electronic memory storing an amount of credit available for play;    c. means associated with a first of said plurality of gaming apparatuses for printing a permanent storage record with a unique code representing an identification code;    d. a reader associated with a second of said plurality of gaming apparatuses, said reader being capable of reading said permanent storage record that was printed by said printing means associated with said first of said plurality of said gaming apparatuses; and    e. means for providing a first signal to a host computer operatively coupled to said plurality of gaming apparatuses in response to reading of said permanent storage record to facilitate validation of said permanent storage record;    whereby said permanent storage record printed by said printing means associated with said first of said plurality of gaming apparatuses can be read by said reader associated with said second of said plurality of gaming apparatuses and credit can be authorized for play of said second of said plurality of gaming apparatuses.    
   
   
       2 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1  in which said unique code printed is in the form of a bar code and said code reader comprises a bar code reader.  
   
   
       3 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1  in which said means for printing said unique code is a bar code printer.  
   
   
       4 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1  in which said permanent storage record is paper, said paper being stored in said gaming apparatus.  
   
   
       5 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 4  in which said paper is stored in said gaming apparatus in the form of a roll.  
   
   
       6 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1  comprising a means for accepting paper currency.  
   
   
       7 . A gaming system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein one of said gaming apparatuses comprises a slot machine and wherein said slot machine comprises a coinless slot machine.