Method and apparatus for authenticating data relating to usage of a gaming device

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for managing and authenticating usage of features of gaming devices is presented. The methods include tracking and/or accumulating usage data relating to gaming device features, determining an authentication code based on the usage data, outputting the authentication code to an operator for transmission to an interested party, and verifying the authentication code. The present invention allows regulatory agencies and manufacturers of gaming devices to reliably verify the usage of individual features of gaming devices without having to rely upon a casino to report the usage data.

1 . A method comprising:
 determining a measure of usage of a first feature on a first gaming device;   determining a measure of usage of a second feature on the first gaming device;   determining a first payment rate that is associated with a first party;   determining a first payment amount based on the first payment rate and the measure of usage of the first feature;   determining a first code based on the measure of usage of the first feature;   initiating payment of the first payment amount to the first party;   outputting the first code for transmission to the first party;   determining a second payment rate that is associated with a second party;   determining a second payment amount based on the second payment rate and the measure of usage of the second feature;   determining a second code based on the measure of usage of the second feature;   initiating payment of the second payment amount to the second party; and   outputting the second code for transmission to the second party.