Method and apparatus for gaming token verification

Abstract

An apparatus and method for verifying the integrity and correct value of a game token. The token includes a primary and a secondary source of identification. The preferred primary token identification is an embedded RFID tag. The secondary token identification may be an alphanumeric serial number, a bar code or combination thereof. The game token is produced in conjunction with an electronic manifest. The manifest provides a production history of the game tokens and is a source of verification data. The data is subsequently used by a gaming establishment to verify the face value of the game token as compared to the physical appearance of the game token. In this way, counterfeit or altered game tokens may be identified prior to redemption.

1 . A game token comprising:
 a token having a recess formed therein;   a carrier substantially received within said recess, wherein said carrier has a primary identification element and a secondary identification element formed thereon;   said primary identification element having game token information encoded therein; and   said secondary identification element providing identification information associated with a manifest.   
     
     
         2 . The game token of  claim 1 , wherein the primary identification element further comprises an electronic transponder. 
     
     
         3 . The game token of  claim 2 , wherein the electronic transponder is a radio frequency identification chip. 
     
     
         4 . The game token of  claim 1 , wherein said secondary identification element, is an alphanumeric code, a bar code or both. 
     
     
         5 . The game token of  claim 4 , wherein said secondary identification is configured to be readable using a reader. 
     
     
         6 . The game token of  claim 5 , wherein said reader comprises is a radio frequency identification chip reader, an X-ray device or T-Ray device. 
     
     
         7 . The game token of  claim 1 , wherein the game token information comprises at least the currency value of said token. 
     
     
         8 . A game token verification system comprising:
 at least one reader capable of accessing a secondary identification element of a game token;   a computer in communication with said reader, the computer configured to access a database, wherein said database contains a manifest of game token identification data;   a display connected with said computer for displaying game token data to a system operator; and   a computer program operatively running on said computer, where said computer program compares game token data obtained from at least one said reader with game token data within said manifest.   
     
     
         9 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said reader is a radio frequency identification reader. 
     
     
         10 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said reader is an X-ray imaging device. 
     
     
         11 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said X-ray imaging device further comprises a bar code scanner. 
     
     
         12 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said secondary identification element comprises an alphanumeric code, a bar code or both. 
     
     
         13 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the game token data comprises at least the currency value of said token. 
     
     
         14 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the manifest comprises a history of the game token production process. 
     
     
         15 . A method of game token verification prior to redemption, the method comprising:
 reading a secondary identification element of a game token to obtain a secondary game token identification;   accessing a database containing a list of game token data;   locating the secondary game token identification;   obtaining a currency value for the game token from the database, wherein the currency values is associated with the secondary game token identification;   paying the currency value of the game token if the currency value, as received from the database, matches a face value of the game token;   refusing to pay the currency value of the game token if the currency value does not match the face vale of the game token.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the secondary identification element comprises an alphanumeric code, a bar code or both. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the step of reading the secondary identification element uses an X-ray reader, a bar code scanner or both. 
     
     
         18 . A game token comprising:
 a token having a first side and a second side and a token identifier visible from the either the first side, the second side, or both;   a primary identification element having game token information encoded therein, the primary identification element contained within the token and accessible by electronic activation; and   a secondary identification element providing identification information regarding the token.   
     
     
         19 . The game token of  claim 18 , wherein the primary identification element comprises an electronic transponder. 
     
     
         20 . The game token of  claim 19 , wherein the electronic transponder is a radio frequency identification chip. 
     
     
         21 . The game token of  claim 18 , wherein said secondary identification element, is an alphanumeric code, a bar code or both contained within the game token. 
     
     
         22 . The game token of  claim 21 , wherein said secondary identification is configured to be readable using a reader. 
     
     
         23 . The game token of  claim 22 , wherein said reader comprises is a radio frequency identification chip reader, an X-ray device or T-Ray device. 
     
     
         24 . The game token of  claim 18 , wherein the game token information comprises at least the currency value of said token.