Patent ID: 7922581
Filing Date: 2011-04-12
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A cash access system for use by an entertainment station customer within an entertainment environment, the cash access system comprising: a user-controlled remote control unit adapted for customer performance of a cash access transaction proximate to an entertainment station, the remote control unit comprising a portable unit having a self-contained processor, a power supply, and a user interface operable by the customer, the remote control unit being physically separate from the entertainment station and being configured to perform the cash access transaction at multiple locations within the entertainment environment, and the remote control unit provided to the customer by a entertainment station provider or an agent thereof; and a base processor adapted to communicate with the remote control unit, the base processor configured to conduct a withdrawal from one or more external financial accounts, the withdrawal obtaining funds used in connection with the cash access transaction; wherein the remote control unit is adapted to receive customer commands within the user interface of the remote control, the customer commands including requesting the cash access transaction, receiving customer financial account information of the one or more external financial accounts, and receiving a customer signature, and wherein the remote control unit is further adapted to transmit a communication signal to the base processor, the communication signal including data representing the customer signature and the customer financial account information; wherein the base processor is adapted to receive the communication signal from the remote control unit, process the customer financial account information, store the customer signature, request the funds from the one or more external financial accounts using the customer financial account information, and provide approval for physical distribution of at least one of cash or cash equivalent to the customer; wherein the cash access transaction is conducted independent of game play at the entertainment station, and wherein responsive to the base processor providing approval of the physical distribution of the at least one of cash or cash equivalent, the entertainment station provider or an agent thereof physically provides the physical distribution of the at least one of cash or cash equivalent to the customer at a location of the remote control unit.