Funds transfer system and method of use in gaming environment

Abstract

A system and method for electronically transferring funds in a gaming environment is disclosed. The system includes a memory device operable to store a game value and memory device interface operable to retrieve data from, and transfer data to, said memory device. The memory device interface may be integrated into an electronic gaming machine or proximate a live table game or in a retail outlet. Monetary value may be added to the memory device by casino personnel or a kiosk. A player may then use the memory device to download credits to a gaming machine or in exchange for game chips at a live table game or to purchase goods and/or services at a retail outlet. The memory device maintains multiple accounts including a gaming account and retail account. The separate accounts have associated keys or secrets that permit the gaming machines and retail outlets to automatically select the correct account to transfer funds from and to.

1 . A electronic funds transfer system comprising:
 a memory device configured for use with a gaming machine and memory device readers located in retail outlets, said memory device including a microchip therein for storing and tracking multiple funds accounts wherein at least a first account is dedicated to funds for gaming activities and a second account is dedicated to funds for retail activities;   means for automatically selecting one of said multiple accounts from which to transfer funds based on the activity for which the memory device is being used; and   means for transferring funds from the selected account to a gaming machine or a retail outlet based on the activity for which the memory device is being used.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising one or more kiosks operable to transfer funds form one of said multiple accounts to another one of said multiple accounts. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the one or more kiosks are further operable to add funds to said multiple accounts. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the one or more kiosks are further operable to dispense funds from said multiple accounts. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the memory device is configured to operate across multiple distinct casino and retail properties. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the funds from the gaming and retail accounts may be transferred to one or more other accounts. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said gaming and retail accounts each has a unique key associated therewith. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein said gaming account key and retail account key are identifiable to said gaming machine and retail outlet, respectively. 
   
   
       9 . An electronic funds transfer system comprising:
 a memory device configured to maintain at least two separate funds accounts, wherein a first funds account corresponds to gaming activities and a second funds account corresponds to retail activities;   a plurality of gaming machines configured to communicate with said memory device such that funds from said first funds account are used only relative to said gaming machines;   one or more retail outlets including memory device readers configured to communicate with said memory device such that funds from said second funds account are used only relative to said retail outlets.   
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising means for automatically selecting the first or second funds account based on the activity for which the memory device is being used. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising means for transferring funds from the first or second funds account based on the activity for which the memory device is being used. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising one or more kiosks operable to transfer funds between multiple accounts. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the one or more kiosks are further operable to add funds to said multiple accounts. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the one or more kiosks are further operable to dispense funds from said multiple accounts. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the memory device is configured to operate across multiple distinct casino and retail properties. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the funds from the first and second funds accounts may be transferred to one or more other accounts. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said first and second funds accounts each has a unique key associated therewith. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein said keys are individually identifiable to said gaming machines and retail outlets. 
   
   
       19 . A method of configuring an electronic funds transfer system comprising:
 configuring a memory device for use with a gaming machine and memory device readers located in retail outlets such that said memory device:
 stores and tracks multiple funds accounts wherein at least a first account is dedicated to funds for gaming activities and a second account is dedicated to funds for retail activities; 
 automatically selects one of said multiple accounts from which to transfer funds based on the activity for which the memory device is being used; and 
 transfers funds from the selected account to a gaming machine or a retail outlet based on the activity for which the memory device is being used. 
   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising configuring utilizing one or more kiosks to transfer funds form one of said multiple accounts to another one of said multiple accounts. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising configuring the one or more kiosks to add funds to said multiple accounts. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising configuring the one or more kiosks to dispense funds from said multiple accounts. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising configuring the memory device to operate across multiple distinct casino and retail properties. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising configuring the memory device to permit the funds from the gaming and retail accounts to be transferred to one or more other accounts. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising associating a unique key with each of said gaming and retail accounts. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising configuring said memory device such that said gaming account key and retail account key are identifiable to said gaming machine and retail outlet, respectively. 
   
   
       27 . A method of operating an electronic funds transfer system in a casino environment comprising:
 issuing memory devices configured for use with a gaming machine and memory device readers located in retail outlets wherein said memory devices include microchips programmed to store and track multiple funds accounts wherein at least a first account is dedicated to funds for gaming activities and a second account is dedicated to funds for retail activities; and   configuring gaming machines and retail outlet readers to accept said memory devices as means of payment wherein said gaming machines and retail outlet readers are operable to automatically select one of said multiple accounts from which to transfer funds based on the activity for which the memory device is being used.   
   
   
       28 . A gaming machine comprising:
 a processor;   display;   user interface; and   means for attachment of a memory device configured to transfer funds to the gaming machine.