Method and apparatus for operating a gaming device to dispense a specified amount

Abstract

A gaming device, such as a slot machine, determines a balance and a “dispensed amount” that is less than the balance. The dispensed amount may be determined by, for example, receiving signals from one or more key presses that specify the dispensed amount. Alternatively, the dispensed amount may be determined in accordance with one or more “balance management rules”. The gaming device in turn dispenses the dispensed amount, for example, by dispensing an amount of currency, transferring the dispensed amount to an account or adjusting a balance of a remote gaming device. The balance is adjusted by the dispensed amount, and this adjusted balance is available for initiating a subsequent play of the gaming device.

1 . A device, comprising: 
 a processor operable to:    access a memory of a slot machine, the memory storing a monetary balance available for wagering at the slot machine, wherein the monetary balance is a balance resulting from a player providing the slot machine with monetary input; and    determine an amount of monetary output, the amount being less than an entirety of the monetary balance, the device further comprising    a means for dispensing the amount of monetary output.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the entirety of the monetary balance is available for dispensing to a player, in response to the player's request for a dispensing of the entirety of the monetary balance.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further operable to: 
 determine a request from a player for the amount; and    cause the amount to be dispensed in response to the request.    
   
   
       4 . The gaming device of  claim 3 , wherein the request defines the amount.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the means for dispensing comprises a means for dispensing the amount in cashless form.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a slot machine, and    the device of  claim 1  in communication with the slot machine.