Systems, methods, and devices for a progressive jackpot for automatic teller machine (ATM) transactions

An automated teller machine (ATM) server includes a processor circuit and a memory including machine-readable instructions that cause the server processor circuit to, based on receipt transaction request messages, cause a transaction fee to be debited from a credit account that is associated with an account identifier contained in the transaction request message. A portion of the transaction fee is credited to a prize pool for a progressive jackpot, and the ATM server determines when a triggering condition has been satisfied by content of one of the transaction request messages for one of the ATM transactions. When the triggering condition has been satisfied for a particular one of the transaction request messages, an award message is transmitted including an instruction to award a portion of the prize pool to a user associated with the transaction request message.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments described herein relate to systems, methods, and devices for automatic teller machine (ATM) transactions, and in particular for providing a progressive jackpot for ATM transactions. ATMs may be commonly located in casinos, among other locations, where a player can withdraw cash. One drawback for a player at a casino withdrawing cash at an ATM is that the ATM often includes a transaction fee for various ATM transactions, such as withdrawing cash from a financial institution, particularly if the financial institution is not affiliated with the ATM. Transaction fees, which may be substantial, may have the effect of discouraging players from withdrawing funds from the ATM at a casino or other property and instead obtain funds in other ways, such as by using casino credit.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an automated teller machine (ATM) server is disclosed. The ATM server includes a server processor circuit, and a server memory coupled to the server processor circuit. The server memory includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the server processor circuit, cause the server processor circuit to receive transaction request messages for ATM transactions being conducted through ATM devices. The machine-readable instructions further cause the server processing circuit to, based on receipt of each of the transaction request messages, transmit a first debit message including an instruction to debit a transaction fee from a credit account that is associated with an account identifier contained in the transaction request message. The machine-readable instructions further cause the server processing circuit to credit a portion of the transaction fee to a prize pool for a progressive jackpot. The machine-readable instructions further cause the server processing circuit to determine when a triggering condition has been satisfied by content of one of the transaction request messages for one of the ATM transactions. The machine-readable instructions further cause the server processing circuit to, in response to determining that the triggering condition has been satisfied for a particular one of the transaction request messages, transmit an award message including an instruction to award a portion of the prize pool to a user associated with the particular one of the transaction request messages.

According to another embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes receiving transaction request messages for ATM transactions being conducted through ATM devices. The method further includes, based on receipt of each of the transaction request messages, transmitting a first debit message including an instruction to debit a transaction fee from a credit account that is associated with an account identifier contained in the transaction request message. The method further includes crediting a portion of the transaction fee to a prize pool for a progressive jackpot. The method further includes determining when a triggering condition has been satisfied by content of one of the transaction request messages for one of the ATM transactions. The method further includes, in response to determining that the triggering condition has been satisfied for a particular one of the transaction request messages, transmitting an award message including an instruction to award a portion of the prize pool to a user associated with the particular one of the transaction request messages.

According to another embodiment, an ATM device is disclosed. The ATM device includes an input device, an electronically controlled dispenser device, a processor circuit, and a memory coupled to the processor circuit. The memory includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit cause the processor circuit to receive, at the input device, a request from a user to conduct an ATM transaction. The machine-readable instructions further cause the processing circuit to, in response to receiving the request from the user, transmit a transaction request message to an ATM server. The machine-readable instructions further cause the processing circuit to, in response to the ATM server crediting a portion of a transaction fee for the ATM transaction to a prize pool for a progressive jackpot based on the transaction request message and determining that a triggering condition has been satisfied for the transaction request message, receive, from the ATM server, an award message including an instruction to award a portion of the prize pool to a user associated with the transaction request message. The machine-readable instructions further cause the processing circuit to, in response to receiving the award message, dispense, via the electronically controlled dispenser device, a physical item having a monetary value that has been increased based on the portion of the prize pool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein relate to systems, methods, and devices for automatic teller machine (ATM) transactions, and in particular for providing a progressive jackpot for ATM transactions. In some embodiments, an automated teller machine (ATM) server may cause a transaction fee to be debited from a credit account that is associated with an account identifier contained in the transaction request message. A portion of the transaction fee may be credited to a prize pool for a progressive jackpot, with the ATM server determining when a triggering condition has been satisfied for one of the ATM transactions. When the triggering condition has been satisfied for a particular one of the ATM transactions, a portion of the prize pool may be awarded to a user associated with the transaction request message.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an ATM server system10including a plurality of automated teller machines (ATMs)100is illustrated. The ATM server system10may also include a plurality of dedicated electronic gaming machines (EGMs)101or other gaming devices, as desired. The system10may include a secure gaming network104for managing gaming network communications, e.g., communications relating to gaming activity within a casino, and a separate secure financial network116for managing communications with outside financial institutions, e.g., communications relating to ATM transactions for ATMs100associated with a casino property. Some or all of the components of the system10, particularly the components associated with the secure gaming network104, may be located, for example, on the premises of a gaming establishment, such as a casino. Communications on the secure gaming network104may be managed by a central controller102. The secure gaming network104may be a private data communication network that is operated, for example, by the gaming facility that operates the EGMs101and other gaming devices. Communications over the secure gaming network104may be encrypted for security. The central controller102may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor circuit (such as a microprocessor or other processor, for example) and at least one memory or storage device. Each EGM101may include a processor circuit that transmits and receives events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the EGM101and the central controller102. The EGM processor circuit is operable to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in conjunction with the operation of the EGM101. Moreover, the processor circuit of the central controller102is configured to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the central controller102and each of the individual EGMs101. In some embodiments, one or more of the functions of the central controller102may be performed by one or more EGM processor circuits. Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more of the functions of one or more EGM processor circuits as disclosed herein may be performed by the central controller102.

A wireless access point106may provide wireless access to the secure gaming network104. The wireless access point106may be connected to the secure gaming network104as illustrated inFIG. 1, or may be connected directly to the central controller102or another server connected to the secure gaming network104.

A player tracking server108may also be connected through the secure gaming network104. The player tracking server108may manage a player tracking account that tracks the player's gameplay and spending and/or other player preferences and customizations, manages loyalty awards for the player, manages funds deposited or advanced on behalf of the player, and other functions. Player information managed by the player tracking server108may be stored in a player information database110. A back bet server112may also be provided to manage back bets placed using an EGM101or other gaming device.

In this example, an ATM network server114manages communications between the ATMs100and the secure gaming network104and may also manage communications between the ATMs and the secure financial network116. An ATM100may communicate through a wired connection with the secure gaming network104, via a wireless link118between the ATM100and the wireless access point106, and/or via a direct wireless link120between the ATM and the ATM network server114, for example.

The ATM100may include a processor circuit that transmits and receives events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the ATM100and the ATM network server114. The ATM processor circuit is operable to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in conjunction with the operation of the ATM100. Moreover, the processor circuit of the ATM network server114is configured to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the central ATM network server114and each of the individual ATMs100. In some embodiments, one or more of the functions of the ATM network server114may be performed by one or more ATM processor circuits or other component of the system10. Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more of the functions of one or more ATM processor circuits as disclosed herein may be performed by the ATM network server114or other component of the system10.

ATMs100may be commonly located in casinos, among other locations. Additionally, operators may want to encourage customers withdrawing cash at ATMs100, as opposed to receiving cash advances or credit form the casino or other methods, because there is no need for the casino to track a player's credit balance or take steps to collect from the player if the player provides his own cash for wagering activity. One drawback for the player withdrawing cash at an ATM100is that the ATM100often includes a transaction fee for ATM transactions. The fee may often be substantial, and may also be higher for players withdrawing cash from another bank that is not affiliated with the ATM100. Therefore, it may be desirable for the operator to offer an incentive for players to use ATMs100for withdrawing cash at the casino.

In some embodiments, the transaction fee can be structured so that a portion of the transaction fee is credited by the ATM network server114to a prize pool for a progressive jackpot. The progressive jackpot may be configured by the ATM network server114to pay out in response to the ATM network server114determining that a triggering condition has been satisfied. The triggering condition may be based on the prize pool reaching a predetermined and/or a randomly determined threshold amount. Some embodiments provide that the triggering condition may correspond to a predetermined and/or a randomly determined time interval, such as paying out daily, every few days, weekly, and/or every few weeks, for example.

When the triggering condition is satisfied, the ATM network server114may cause an award, such as a payout of some or all of the prize pool, to be provided to the ATM user. The award may be provided to the user at the time of the ATM transaction or at some later time. For example, the ATM network server114may determine, based on the triggering condition being satisfied, that the next customer that makes a withdrawal from a particular ATM100, or any of a predetermined plurality of ATMs100, will be awarded some or all of the prize pool. In this way, these and other embodiments provide a technical solution to the uniquely challenging technical problem of providing funding a progressive jackpot game at a non-gaming device to encourage ATM use at a gaming or other establishment.

As noted above, the system10, which may be a back office or other server based system, for example, receives data and/or a financial component that is used to fund (e.g. receive coin-in) for the prize pool from the ATM transaction fees. In some embodiments, the transaction fee is fixed, with the user of the ATM qualifying for the progressive jackpot automatically upon paying the transaction fee. In some embodiments, the user may have the option to pay a higher transaction fee, or a separate transaction fee, in exchange for being entered into the progressive jackpot. Entry into the progressive jackpot and/or the size of the transaction fee may be further based on a player status of the user of the ATM. For example, if a player is a member of a casino player's club, the player may be eligible for the award, and/or may have increased odds of winning the award. In some examples, the transaction fee is fixed for all users of the ATM, but the prize pool is only funded by portions of the transaction fees from eligible players. In this manner, coin-in for the progressive jackpot may be received from a non-wagering ATM device and paid to customers who are paying for a non-wagering ATM service, e.g., the withdrawal of cash.

Each ATM100may include an identifier, such as a sign, that identifies the ATM100as a progressive jackpot ATM. In some embodiments, the sign may include information regarding the current level of the jackpot and/or historical information regarding previous awards. By offering a progressive jackpot feature for ATM transactions, an operator of the ATMs100can offer an incentive for users to frequent properties that utilize this feature, including casinos, or to otherwise incentivize user loyalty to a particular ATM operator, such as a particular financial institution or ATM transaction provider.

Referring now toFIG. 2, an ATM200having a progressive jackpot feature is illustrated, according to some embodiments. The ATM200may have a housing224that may be permanently or semi-permanently installed in a location, e.g., at a predetermined location within a casino, for example. A user222of the ATM200may interact with the ATM200using one or more input devices226, including buttons228and/or a keypad230for example, and a display devices232, which may be a touchscreen display device. The ATM200may include an electronically controlled acceptor device234, such as a card reader and/or a slot for accepting cash, checks, tickets, or other items having monetary or other value. The ATM200may also include an electronically controlled dispenser device236for dispensing cash, coins, tickets, or other items having monetary or other value. In this example, the electronically controlled acceptor device234and the electronically controlled dispenser device236are separate components, but it should be understood that, in other embodiments, a single component may perform both functions.

In this example, the display device232includes user interface elements, such as a graphical user interface for managing aspects of the ATM transactions and the progressive jackpot. The ATM200in this example may also include a secondary display238containing a real-time or near-real-time indication of the current size of the prize pool for the progressive jackpot, or other information as desired.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, a graphical user interface (GUI)340for a managing an ATM transaction and progressive jackpot award is illustrated, according to an embodiment. The GUI340ofFIG. 3Amay include an information display342, which may include various messages, such as a transaction fee message344that notifies a user that the requested ATM transaction will incur a transaction fee, and a progressive jackpot message346that notifies a user that the user will be entered into the ATM progressive jackpot. The GUI340may also include one or more interface buttons, such as a confirm button348to confirm the transaction, authorize payment of the transaction fee and qualify the user for the progressive jackpot, and a cancel button350to cancel the transaction and avoid payment of the transaction fee.

Referring now toFIG. 3B, in response to the user winning the progressive jackpot (e.g., by an ATM network determining that a triggering condition has been satisfied), the information display342displays an award message352to the user indicating that the user has won a portion of the prize pool, and provides one or more options for the user to collect the award. In this example, a deposit button354gives the user the option of depositing his winnings in the financial account associated with the original ATM transaction, but it should be understood that the user may also be given the option of depositing the funds into another account. A dispense button356may give the user the option to receive the award in cash from the ATM, and a help button358may give the user the option of requesting assistance from an attendant, who may be affiliated with the casino for example, who may be able to help the user with collecting the award. In this embodiment, the GUI340is displayed on a display332of an ATM device, but it should be understood that features of the GUI340may be used with other devices in an ATM network system, as desired.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a flowchart illustrates operations of systems/methods according to some embodiments. The operations400include receiving transaction request messages for ATM transactions being conducted through ATM devices (Block402) and, based on receipt of each of the transaction request messages, transmitting a first debit message including an instruction to debit a transaction fee from a credit account that is associated with an account identifier contained in the transaction request message (Block404).

The operations400next include crediting a portion of the transaction fee to a prize pool for a progressive jackpot (Block406), and determining when a triggering condition has been satisfied by content of one of the transaction request messages for one of the ATM transactions (Block408). In some embodiments, for each of the transaction request messages, prior to crediting the portion of the transaction fee to the prize pool, a player status identifier contained in the transaction request message may be determined to be a predetermined player status, with crediting the portion of the transaction fee to the prize pool being performed responsive to determining that the player status identifier is the predetermined player status.

The triggering condition may be determined to be satisfied based on the prize pool being above a predetermined threshold, which may be based on a result generated by a random number generator, and which may be determined before the transaction request messages are received. In some examples, determining that the triggering condition has been satisfied may be based on determining that the player status identifier is the predetermined player status, and based on determining that the prize pool is above a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, determining that the triggering condition has been satisfied may be based on determining that a player status identifier contained in the particular one of the transaction request messages is a predetermined player status, and based on determining that the prize pool is above a predetermined threshold.

In response to determining that the triggering condition has been satisfied for a particular one of the transaction request messages, the operations400include transmitting an award message including an instruction to award a portion of the prize pool to a user associated with the particular one of the transaction request messages (Block410). The instruction to award the portion of the prize pool to the user may include an instruction to credit the portion of the prize pool to the credit account that is associated with the account identifier contained in the particular one of the transaction request messages. The award message may be directed to a device identifier obtained from the particular one of the transaction request messages for a particular one of the ATM device, with the instruction to award the portion of the prize pool to the user further including an instruction to the particular one of the ATM devices to dispense, via an electronically controlled dispenser apparatus, a physical item having a monetary value that has been increased based on the portion of the prize pool. The instruction to award the portion of the prize pool to the user may also include an instruction to award the entire prize pool to the user.

ATMs and other components of the systems disclosed herein, such as components of the system10ofFIG. 1, for example, may include a number of standard features, many of which are illustrated inFIG. 5. For example, referring toFIG. 5, a computing device500may be embody or may be a component of a number of the devices discloses herein, including, for example, the ATM network server114ofFIG. 1, the ATM100ofFIG. 1, or any number of other embodiments described herein.

In this regard,FIG. 5is a block diagram of a computing device500that illustrates logical and functional relationships between various components of the computing device500. The computing device500may include a processor circuit512that controls operations of the computing device500. Although illustrated as a single processor circuit, multiple special purpose and/or general purpose processors and/or processor cores may be provided in the computing device500. For example, the computing device500may include one or more of a video processor, a signal processor, a sound processor and/or a communication controller that performs one or more control functions within the computing device500. The processor circuit512may be variously referred to as a “controller,” “microcontroller,” “microprocessor” or simply a “computer.” The processor circuit may further include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

Various components of the computing device500are illustrated inFIG. 5as being connected to the processor circuit512. It will be appreciated that the components may be connected to the processor circuit512through a system bus150, a communication bus and controller, such as a USB controller and USB bus, a network interface, or any other suitable type of connection.

The computing device500further includes a memory device514that stores one or more functional modules520. The memory device514may store the functional modules520and other program code and instructions, executable by the processor circuit512, to control the computing device500. The memory device514may also store other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device. The memory device514may include random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (ARAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In some embodiments, the memory device514may include read only memory (ROM). In some embodiments, the memory device514may include flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.

The computing device500may further include a data storage device522, such as a hard disk drive or flash memory. The data storage device522may store program data, player data, audit trail data or any other type of data. The data storage device522may include a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device.

The computing device500may include a communication adapter526that enables the computing device500to communicate with remote devices over a wired and/or wireless communication network, such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), cellular communication network, or other data communication network. The communication adapter526may further include circuitry for supporting short range wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth and/or near field communications (NFC) that enable the computing device500to communicate, for example, with a mobile communication device operated by a player.

The computing device500may include a sound card528and speakers530for providing audio content and/or feedback to a user, and may include a video controller532connected to a primary display534and/or a secondary display536for providing video content and/or feedback to the user. The computing device500may include one or more internal or external communication ports that enable the processor circuit512to communicate with and to operate with internal or external peripheral devices, such as input buttons538, a currency acceptor540, a currency dispenser542, a card reader544, a receipt printer546, and or other components. A digitizer548and/or touch screen controller550may enable touchscreen functionality for the primary display534, secondary display536, or other displays. Other internal or external peripheral devices may include eye tracking devices, position tracking devices, cameras, accelerometers, arcade sticks, bar code readers, biometric input devices, bonus devices, button panels, card readers, bill and/or coin acceptor/dispensers, coin hoppers, other displays or video sources, expansion buses, information panels, keypads, lights, mass storage devices, microphones, motion sensors, motors, printers, reels, SCSI ports, solenoids, thumb drives, ticket readers, trackballs, touchpads, wheels, and wireless communication devices. In some embodiments, internal or external peripheral devices may communicate with the processor circuit512through a universal serial bus (USB) hub (not shown) connected to the processor circuit512.

In some embodiments, a computing device500may be implemented by a desktop computer, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computing device, or other computerized platform. In some embodiments, the computing device500may be operable over a wireless network, such as part of a wireless gaming system. In such embodiments, the computing device500may be a hand held device, a mobile device or any other suitable wireless device. It should also be understood that a computing device500as disclosed may include mechanical or electro-mechanical elements. It should be appreciated that a computing device500as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory agency, such as a financial regulatory agency or regulatory gaming commission, or may be a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory agency.

Embodiments described herein may be implemented in various configurations for computing device500, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated computing device, wherein the computerized instructions for controlling the device are provided with the device prior to delivery or installation of the device; and (2) a changeable computing device500, where the computerized instructions for controlling the device are downloadable to the device through a data network where the device is located and/or installed. In some embodiments, the computerized instructions for controlling the device are executed by at least one central server, central controller or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment, the central server remotely controls the functions of the device (or other suitable interfaces) and the computing device500is utilized to execute such functions (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a user. In another embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling the device are communicated from the central server, central controller or remote host to a local processor circuit and memory devices. In such a “thick client” embodiment, the local processor circuit executes the communicated computerized instructions to control the functions of the device (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a user.

In some embodiments, one or more computing device500in a system may be thin client devices and one or more computing device500in the system may be thick client devices. In another embodiment, certain functions of the computing device500are implemented in a thin client environment and certain other functions of the computing device500are implemented in a thick client environment.

The present disclosure contemplates a variety of different computing systems each having one or more of a plurality of different features, attributes, or characteristics. It should be appreciated that a “computing system” as used herein refers to various configurations of: (a) one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts; (b) one or more computing devices; and/or (c) one or more personal computing devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers or computing devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile telephones such as smart phones, and other mobile computing devices.

In certain such embodiments, computerized instructions are executed by the central server, central controller, or remote host. In such “thin client” embodiments, the central server, central controller, or remote host remotely controls the certain functionality (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the computing devices, and the computing device is utilized to display such functionality (or suitable interfaces) and to receive one or more inputs or commands. In other such embodiments, computerized instructions for controlling such functionality displayed by the computing device are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to the computing device and are stored in at least one memory device of the computing device. In such “thin client” embodiments, the at least one processor circuit of the computing device executes the computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the computing device.

In some embodiments in which the computing system includes: (a) a computing device configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or (b) a plurality of computing devices configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is an internet or an intranet. In certain such embodiments, an internet browser of the computing device is usable to access an internet page from any location where an internet connection is available. In one such embodiment, after the internet page is accessed, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies a user prior to enabling that player to use certain functionality of the computing system. In one example, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the user by requiring a user account of the user to be logged into via an input of a unique username and password combination assigned to the user. It should be appreciated, however, that the central server, central controller, or remote host may identify the user in any other suitable manner, such as by validating a user tracking identification number associated with the user; by reading a user tracking card or other smart card inserted into a card reader; by validating a unique user identification number associated with the user by the central server, central controller, or remote host; or by identifying the computing device, such as by identifying the MAC address or the IP address of the internet facilitator. In various embodiments, once the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the user, the central server, central controller, or remote host enables placement of one or more wagers on one or more plays of one or more primary or base games and/or one or more secondary or bonus games, and displays those plays via the internet browser of the computing device.

In the above-description of various embodiments, various aspects may be illustrated and described herein in any of a number of patentable classes or contexts including any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or by combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, various embodiments described herein may take the form of a computer program product including one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.