Gaming device with integrated advertising

Abstract

A method of operating an arcade game device having a video display is described in which revenue is obtained from an advertiser. An arcade game device is provided with advertising programming adapted and constructed to appear on the video display. The arcade game device is placed in a publicly accessible location, and members of the public are permitted to play games on the arcade game device without requiring payment.

1 . A method of operating an arcade game device having a video display, the method comprising the following steps:
 obtaining revenue from an advertiser;   providing the arcade game device with advertising programming adapted and constructed to appear on the video display;   placing the arcade game device in a publicly accessible location; and   permitting members of the public to play games on the arcade game device without requiring payment.   
     
     
         2 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the arcade game device with advertising programming comprises providing the arcade game device with advertising programming pertaining to the location in which the gaming device is placed. 
     
     
         3 . A method in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the step of providing the arcade game device with advertising programming comprises providing the arcade game device with advertising programming pertaining to the geographical area of the location in which the gaming device is placed. 
     
     
         4 . A method in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the step of providing the arcade game device with advertising programming comprises providing the arcade game device with advertising programming pertaining to the demographic profile of individuals likely to be at the location in which the gaming device is placed. 
     
     
         5 . A method in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the step of providing the arcade game device with advertising programming comprises providing the arcade game device with advertising programming pertaining to the type of business of the location in which the gaming device is placed. 
     
     
         6 . A method in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the step of permitting members of the public to play games on the arcade game device further comprises permitting members of the public to play games on the arcade game device after collecting demographic information from the person playing the device. 
     
     
         7 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the arcade game device with advertising programming comprises providing the arcade game device with advertising programming via an external communications link. 
     
     
         8 . A method in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the step of providing the arcade game device with advertising programming comprises providing the arcade game device with advertising programming via a data connection. 
     
     
         9 . A method in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the step of providing the arcade game device with advertising programming comprises providing the arcade game device with advertising programming via an external network connection. 
     
     
         10 . A method in accordance with  claim 9 , wherein the step of providing the arcade game device with advertising programming comprises providing the arcade game device with advertising programming via an internet connection. 
     
     
         11 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the step of permitting members of the public to play games on the arcade game device without requiring payment comprises permitting members of the public to play games on the arcade game device at a first level without requiring payment, and permitting members of the public to play games on the arcade game device on at least one other level with payment. 
     
     
         12 . A method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein the step of permitting members of the public to play games on the arcade game device on at least one other level with payment further comprises the step of accepting payment via an internet connection. 
     
     
         13 . A method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein the step of permitting members of the public to play games on the arcade game device on at least one other level comprises permitting members of the public to play at a level selected from a group consisting of enhanced play, tournament play, head-to-head play, and sweepstakes play.