Patent Publication Number: US-2011065497-A1

Title: System for and method of electronically handling a casino marker

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/868,957, filed Dec. 22, 2006 and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/949,890, filed Dec. 4, 2007. The contents of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates, in one embodiment, to a system for and method of handling an electronic marker for use at a gaming establishment, such as a casino. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A marker account is a draft account similar to a counter check from a bank provided by a gaming establishment that permits an individual to continue to gamble without carrying cash. A marker account may be a debit account where the individual&#39;s funds are held in escrow by the establishment or a line of credit is extended by the casino. When a person at a gambling table requests an X-dollar marker the pit boss is called to the table. The pit boss records the person&#39;s name and then verifies the person&#39;s account status by contacting the casino cage. The cage operator compares the specified amount (X-dollars) to the available limit (available debit or credit limit) in the account. The request is then approved or declined. If the request is approved, the specified amount is deducted from the available account balance (or credit limit) and the cage operator presents the pit boss with an unsigned marker for X-dollars. Upon being signed by the requester, the marker is returned to the cage and the requester is paid in casino chips (or other wagering media) with the same total value of X-dollars. The originally signed marker, also referred to as a counter check, is typically kept at the cage or at another secure location. 
     There are primarily three methods for the requester to redeem or repay the marker. Firstly, the requester of the marker can provide the necessary funds to redeem the marker outright. For example, the requester can redeem the marker by providing cash or a personal check for X-dollars. Upon delivery of the requisite funds to the cage operator, the requester is given the originally signed marker. The cage operator typically retains a carbon copy of the original marker to ensure the casino has a complete record of all marker transactions. Secondly, the requester of the marker can redeem the marker by providing X-dollars in casino currency, such as casino chips. Thirdly, if the marker was based on a line of credit, the marker itself provides the requester&#39;s bank routing number and account number such that the marker can be cashed or deposited like a check. Should the requester of the marker fail to redeem the marker within a predetermined time period (typically one to two weeks), then the casino may cash the originally signed marker as a check in payment of the outstanding balance. Some casinos will send an invoice to the requester prior to cashing the marker. For example, the casino may send an invoice to the requester&#39;s residence address when the requester departs from a stay at the hotel in which the casino is located. The requester is granted a period of time, for example, thirty days, within which to pay the invoice. If the marker has not been redeemed within thirty-one days, then the marker may be cashed by the casino. 
     Unfortunately, the aforementioned process is cumbersome, slow and prone to error. If multiple players are requesting markers, the pit boss can service only one such player at a time. The cage operator is likewise limited. Additionally, the extensive paperwork that is generated by the current marker system places a significant burden on the gaming establishment. Redemption of markers is also a time-consuming and inconvenient process for patrons. Great care must be taken to ensure no markers or payments are lost or inappropriately issued. Theft of the original marker is also a cause for concern. 
     It would therefore be desirable to provide a system for handling markers which is a substantial improvement over existing marker management systems. Advantageously, such a system reduces the use of paper, reduces manpower requirements, is quicker and more secure, and minimizes errors and improves customer service. 
     Other electronic gaming systems are known in the prior art which have attempted to address similar problems. Unfortunately, none have proven entirely satisfactory. Reference may be had to U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,907 to Rowe (Cashless Transaction Clearinghouse); U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,131 to Foodman et al. (Preset Amount Electronic Funds Transfer System for Gaming Machines); U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,972 to Flanagan-Parks et al. (Credit System for Gaming Machines and Gaming Tables); U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,393 to Luciano et al. (Mobile Cashier Terminal); U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,807 to Weiss (Cashless Gaming System: Apparatus and Method) and the like. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a system for and method of handling an electronic marker at a gaming establishment. In one aspect of the invention, the marker is a line of credit secured by a cash account from which funds may be transferred by electronic means, such as EFT or ACH. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of one process of handling an electronic marker; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a process for requesting an electronic marker; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of one process for verifying an electronic marker request; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a process for purchasing an electronic marker; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of one receipt of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of an invoice for use with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a basic configuration of a system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective illustration of a preferred, rechargeable, hand-held, mobile device adapted to be disposed in a charging and storage base that may be employed in the system shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is partial rear view illustration of a bar code reader mounted on the mobile device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective illustration of a magnetic strip reader including an electrical wire for connection to the mobile device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom view illustration of the mobile device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective illustration of a charging and storage base in which the mobile device shown in  FIG. 8  is adapted to be selectively disposed; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective illustration of the mobile device shown in  FIG. 8  disposed in the charging and storage device of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of an image displayed on a touch screen display of the mobile device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 15-47  are plan views of yet other images displayed on the touch screen display of the mobile device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set out herein illustrate several embodiments of the invention, but should not be construed as limiting the nature or scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the process  100  depicts a flow diagram in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Process  100  exemplifies one method for electronically handling a marker. It should be noted that the steps described in  FIG. 1  are presented in a certain order so as to more clearly describe the invention. However, the order of such steps may be changed and/or selected steps may be omitted when practicing certain embodiments of the invention. As such, the Figures illustrate merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. 
     Process  100  is initiated in step  102 , wherein a marker request is received. As known by those skilled in the gambling art, a marker typically is a signed draft against funds or credit maintained at a gaming establishment, such as a casino. In one embodiment, the draft is against a line of credit previously established by the casino for an individual person or entity. In such an embodiment, drafts against the marker account represent use of the credit. To establish such a line of credit, the requester of the marker account applies to the gaming establishment. A credit check is performed against the background of the requester and an appropriate credit limit is established. In another embodiment, the draft is against a debit account which contains a sum of money deposited with the casino by the individual. In such an embodiment, drafts are drawn against such escrowed funds. It is important to note that, in certain aspects of the invention, the issuer of the credit is the gaming establishment itself, rather than a third-party credit source, e.g., a bank, financial institution, or credit card company. Third-party credit sources often charge service fees to clients for issuing cash advances. Since, in certain aspects of the invention, the establishment is the issuer of the credit, such establishment can control, or preferably eliminate, such service fees. Once such a debit or credit account is established, an authorized individual can request markers against such account. One such request is made in step  102 . 
     In step  102  of process  100 , the gaming establishment receives a marker request from the authorized individual. Such a request may come in the form of a verbal request to a table operator, dealer, casino employee, cage operator, or other agent of the gaming establishment. In another embodiment, such a request comes over a network connection, such as the internet, or through another electronic medium, such as a self-serve electronic terminal. Such network requests are particularly well-suited for use with internet-based gaming establishments. Once an establishment is aware of a marker request, the establishment seeks to properly identify if the requester is authorized to use the account. The establishment requests and receives identifying information from the requester. 
     In step  104  the establishment receives identifying information concerning the requester of the marker. Such identifying information typically comprises data which can be correlated to data already on file with the marker account. Such a correlation step may include referring to a database. When the requester is physically present, the identifying information received may include the requester&#39;s physical appearance. In one embodiment, the requester provides a form of electronically readable information, such as a card with a magnetically readable stripe with information stored in a digital format that is optically readable, such as a barcode. In yet another embodiment, such information is transmitted using encrypted electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves. The card may be imbedded with information necessary to identify the account of the requester, such as an account number or a primary key. Alternative forms of identification may includes a State issued identification card. In another embodiment, the same form of identification also correlates the instant requester to a history of play for such requester. The history of play may include, for example the amount of time spent at a given game, the amount of cash won or lost, the wager activity, and the like. Reference may be had to U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,302 to Potts (System and Method for Performing a Quasi-cash Transaction). In such an embodiment, the requester&#39;s driver&#39;s license number, name, or other such information is correlated to an account number by a relational database. In yet another embodiment, the requester verbally provides identifying information by giving, for example, a name, account number, telephone number, or the like. 
     In step  106  of process  100 , a database is queried for marker account information based on the information provided by the requester in step  104 . Such marker account information preferably includes an identifier such as a digital picture of an individual authorized to use the account and/or a digital picture of such individual&#39;s signature. Additionally, such marker account information also includes the credit limit and/or outstanding balance associated with the requester&#39;s account. The marker account information so retrieved also preferably includes the bank routing number and account number for at least one cash account that contains sufficient funds to secure the marker. For example, the bank routing number and account number for a checking or money market account may be contained in the marker account information. After such information is retrieved, one or more identifiers may be displayed to allow the opportunity to verify the identity of the requester. In addition to the identifier(s) being displayed, in some embodiments, certain marker account information is displayed. 
     In step  108 , the identity of the requester is verified by comparing the identifying information provided by the requester to the identifier that resulted from the query of step  106 . For example, the picture of the authorized individual retrieved during step  106  may be displayed and compared to the physical appearance of the requester. Alternatively or additionally, the requester may be asked to provide a signature, or digital signature capture, preferably on a touch pad, which is then compared to the digital picture of the signature retrieved in step  106 . Other suitable identifiers are also contemplated for use with the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the identifier is a biometric identifier. As is known to those skilled in the art, biometrics is the science of measuring physical properties of living beings. Examples of biometric data include retinal scans, infrared facial readings, feature spacing, fingerprint scans, and the like. Reference may be had to U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,951 to Paulsen et al. (Electronic Signature Capability in a Gaming Machine); U.S. Pat. No. 7,107,245 to Kowalock (Biometric Gaming Access System); U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,213 to Black (Method for Identity Verification); and the like. Other suitable biometric techniques would become apparent to those skilled in the art after benefiting from reading this specification. Such techniques are considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     Once the identity of the requester has been verified in step  108 , step  110  is executed, wherein the requester authorizes the transaction in accordance with certain terms and the evidence of such authorization is digitally stored by the gaming establishment. In one preferred embodiment, the terms so authorized state that the marker is secured by a certain cash account (specified in the marker account information retrieved in step  106 ) such that, if the marker is no redeemed within a predetermined period of time, the gaming establishment is authorized to deduct the marker value from the cash account by electronic fund transfer (EFT) in redemption of such marker. In such an embodiment, the marker functions as a secured loan. Methods for performing such EFT are well known in the art. In one embodiment, Automated Clearing House (ACH) software is used. Evidence of the acceptance of such terms by the requester is preferably stored for later retrieval. Such evidence may be in the form of a signature that is provided on a touch-sensitive screen. In another embodiment, such evidence is in the form of a digitally recorded fingerprint or other digitally recorded biometric data. It is preferred that such evidence be digitally stored on the gaming establishment&#39;s internal computer network, or associated service model as software as a service active server pages (ASP), and associated with the instant marker request. In one embodiment, the software system of the gaming establishment automatically redeems markers by electronic transfer of funds when a marker reaches the predetermined age. In this manner, little or no personal intervention by a human being is necessary to handle the electronic marker. 
     In some embodiments, the gaming establishment is provided with an opportunity to approval or decline a marker request. Such an opportunity is provided in step  112 . The establishment may choose to decline the marker request for a variety of reasons. In one embodiment, the status is found to unsatisfactory (the account has a low balance, is closed, etc.), the request may be declined. Alternatively or additionally, the request may be declined because the marker account itself has an insufficient limit left to cover the requested marker. Other reasons for declining the request include the identity of the requester not being verifiable, a note or flag being entered into the marker account information which may indicate a history of problems, or for any other suitable reason. In one embodiment, the requester may prearrange with the gaming establishment a set of prescribed limits or criteria that may, for example, put restraints on the requester&#39;s gambling impulses such as by limiting the amount the marker account may be depleted in any given time interval or such as by prohibiting any request made from a certain table pit area or other location in the casino. If any marker request would exceed such limits or criteria, then the gaming establishment may deny the marker request. In another embodiment, the gaming establishment may refuse a marker request if consecutive requests occur at times and places in the casino where it would be humanly impossible or unfeasible to be made by the authorized requester. In some embodiments, the execution of step  112  is logged to a database. This log may include, for example, the date stamp and timestamp of the request as well as other information pertaining to the request itself. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , such an opportunity to decline follows authorization by the requester (step  110 ). In another embodiment, not shown, such an opportunity to decline occurs prior to step  110 . In yet another embodiment the data is retrieved (step  106 ), the identity of the requester is verified (step  108 ), and the approval decision (step  112 ) occur at substantially the same time. Should the establishment decide to approve the marker request, then step  114  is executed. 
     In step  114  of process  100 , the desired marker value is deducted from the available limit (e.g. deducted from the credit limit or debited from the escrow funds). The updated limit is then associated with the marker account. In one embodiment, the marker account information, which includes evidence of authorization, current balance, and an itemized history of marker requests, is kept at the gaming establishment solely in electronic form. This account information may also include a time and date stamp that corresponds to the time and date each request was approved and may include the location where the request was approved. Advantageously, this reduces the dependency upon a paper filing system, printer, and associated labor costs, thereby decreases the operating expenses of the establishment. As a further advantage, a single invoice can contain an itemized history of multiple marker requests. This is a significant advantage over the prior art. Due to the paper-based nature of prior art marker systems, a carbon copy receipt was generated for each request. A given requester is likely to make dozens of marker requests during a single visit to the establishment. The volume of paperwork generated in such prior art systems is cumbersome to manage. In addition, the elimination of voids, or transactions which were incomplete, are eliminated using this system. By providing an single invoice with an itemized history of multiple marker requests, such paperwork and labor costs are substantially reduced. 
     In one embodiment, step  116 , which is optional, is executed. In step  116 , a drop copy is produced for use by the gaming establishment. The drop copy is used by the establishment to help balance the actual currency in a table dealer&#39;s rack with the expected currency in the rack. In one embodiment, when the drop copy is produced, one or more other departments in the establishment are notified electronically in real time. For example, one or more of the following departments maybe notified; the accountant, the cashier, the main cage, and the bank cage. In one embodiment, multiple departments are simultaneously notified. Casino currency may be provided to the requester before or after step  116 . 
     Once the marker account has been updated, the requester is provided casino currency whose value is commensurate with the approved marker value. In one embodiment, the items so provided are casino chips, and their value is equal to the approved marker value. In another embodiment, the casino chips are provided, and a bonus or gift amount is also included as an incentive to induce customers to use the electronic marker system. In one embodiment, such a bonus amount is in the form of additional casino chips. In another embodiment, such a bonus amount is in the form of a gift certificate or other casino credit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , and the process  200  depicted therein, process  200  is a more detailed accounting of certain aspects of process  100  of  FIG. 1 . It should be recognized that the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2  is only one particular embodiment of one process of the present invention, and there is no intent to limit the invention to such a specific embodiment. Throughout the following example, the requester is assumed to be the individual performing many of the steps indicated. However, other individuals, such as agents of the establishment, may also perform such steps. 
     Process  200  is initiated when a gaming establishment receives a request to provide a marker. After making such a request, the requester provides identifying information to the gaming establishment. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the requester provides a magnetic stripe card which is passed through the magnetic stripe reader of an electronic device. Such an electronic device contains software necessary to execute the methods described in this specification. The device is comprised of a digital display and is preferably a hand-held device. Examples of suitable hand-held devices include personal digital assistants (PDA&#39;s), tablet computers, and especially tablet computers with touch sensitive screens. In one embodiment, the device is self-contained such that all necessary software, services, and databases are housed within the device. In another embodiment, the device is connected to a server through a network or the Internet, wherein such software, services, and databases are stored, at least in part, on the server. For example, a single server may host a database which relates a unique identifier to account numbers and thus to account information. Several user computers, which are connected to the server through a network or the Internet, can obtain a unique identifier using data such as a name, account number, telephone number, etc.) from a requester, submit such identifier to the server, and thus query the database directly or through a service to retrieve the marker account information. In one such embodiment, the connection to the server is a wireless connection. In another embodiment, certain data is stored on the user machines (such as the unique identifier and data associated with the unique identifier) and certain other data is stored on the server (such as the unique identifier and the other marker account information). Such an embodiment advantageously permits the user machines to verify the identity of a requester without utilizing the network, Internet, or server resources, while securely maintaining the marker account&#39;s financial information (such as the account numbers for the cash account) on a secure server. Such a secure server is kept in a location that is difficult for the general public to reach and requires adherence to specific and strict authentication protocols for electronic access. 
     Referring again to process  200 , in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the identifying information is read by the card reader, and screen  202  is displayed. It is preferable that screen  202  be a touch-sensitive screen. The screen  202  may be located on a device disposed at a point-of-sale (such as a gaming table) or at a traditional point of transaction (such as the cage of a casino). 
     Referring again to screen  202 , the requester of the marker is provided with a welcome screen which asks the requester if he or she would like to request or redeem a marker. If the requester selects “Redeem”, then process  400  of  FIG. 4  is executed which permits the requester to buy a marker back. If the requester selects “Request”, then screen  204  is displayed which permits the requester to obtain a marker. 
     Screen  204  prompts the requester to indicate a desired marker value. In the embodiment depicted in screen  204 , several predetermined values are presented, such as $500, $1000, $2000, etc. One value, “Other”, which has not been predetermined is also presented. The requester may select one of the predetermined values by pressing the touch-sensitive screen at the appropriate location. In another embodiment, where the screen is not touch-sensitive, the requester selects the desired value using an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, or similar input device. Should the “Other” value be selected, an additional screen is presented (not shown) wherein the requester can input the desired amount. Once the desired marker value has been selected, the requester confirms the transaction. 
     In screen  206 , which is optional, the device indicates what amount has been requested, thus confirming the selected amount is the desired marker value. The requester is asked to confirm the value (by pressing yes) or declining to proceed (by pressing no). If the requester declines, then screen  202 , screen  204 , or another suitable screen may be displayed. If the requester confirms the amount is correct, then authorization screen  208  is displayed. 
     Authorization screen  208  displays the terms of the marker agreement. If the requester declines such terms, then an earlier screen, such as screen  202  or  204 , may be displayed and no marker is issued. In the embodiment depicted, the requester accepts such agreement by signing within the signature box on the touch-sensitive screen and thereafter pressing “accept”. This signature is one means for providing evidence of acceptance of the terms of the marker agreement. Such evidence of acceptance is then stored in a digital storage location, such as a network server, or a data storage unit disposed within the device itself. Other methods for providing evidence of acceptance include, but are not limited to, providing a personal identification number (PIN) or other password, or by providing a fingerprint or other biometric data. It is preferred that such evidence be stored digitally. In one embodiment, the signature is digitally stored until the marker is paid. In certain embodiments, the marker is printed with the digital signature displayed thereon. The printing may occur at a secure location, such as the casino cage, a casino accounting facility, or another secure location. Once the terms have been authorized, closing screen  210  is shown to the requester. The verification button on screen  210  initiates verification process  300  (see  FIG. 3 ) that is preferably executed by an agent of the gaming establishment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  and verification process  300  depicted therein, process  300  is preferably initiated subsequent to process  200  and begins with the execution of security step  302 , wherein a verification password is checked. Certain agents of the gaming establishment know this password. Such a security step, which is optional, helps strengthen the security associated with the verification process by ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the marker account information. In one embodiment, such a security step includes receiving both a user name and a password. In such embodiments, the verification system can track which agent of the gaming establishment verified the marker. If the correct password is entered, the device uses the identifying information provided to query a database for the marker account information which is associated with the identifying information. The marker account information is then displayed on screen  304 . 
     Screen  304  of  FIG. 3  includes marker account information such as picture  308  which is a digital photograph of an individual authorized to use the associated marker account. Box  306  contains other identifiers such as a name, address, telephone number, account number, and the like. Box  310  contains a digital photograph of a sample of the signature of the individual authorized to use the marker account. Box  312 , which is optional, provides additional information such as, for example, the play history of the authorized individual or other notes associated with the account. For example, any security problems the establishment has had with the authorized individual may be listed here. Box  314  contains marker account information such as, for example, account limits (either a credit limit or the debit limit), outstanding balance, available balance, and the current (pending) transaction. Other marker account information may include the routing number and account number of the cash account which secures the marker account. In the embodiment depicted, the gaming establishment can see that the marker account is a line of credit that has $8,000 available credit and a $2,000 marker has been requested. The agent of the gaming establishment can decide to decline the request by pressing “Decline” or proceed with the verification and press “Approved.” If the verification is approved, step  316  is executed wherein the line of credit is debited (the outstanding balance becomes $4,000, the available balance becomes $6,000, and the pending balance becomes $0) and the marker is issued to the requester. The current $2,000 marker is recorded and entered into a transaction history file that is associated with the marker account. Other identifiers that may be displayed in screen  304  include, but are not limited to, biometric data such as fingerprint data. In one such embodiment, a software program compares the digital image of the biometric data to that obtained from the requester. Such a software program determines if the biometric data so provided matches the biometric data of record in the marker account. Other biometric data which may be stored in the marker account information and used as an identifier, but which need not be displayed, include voice recognition patterns, retinal scans, and similar data wherein a software program performs the comparison, rather than a human being. 
       FIG. 4  is a depiction of one method  400  for redeeming a marker. Screen  402  is presented when “Redeem” is selected from screen  202  of  FIG. 2  after providing identifying information. In one embodiment, not shown, a security step precedes the display of screen  402  to ensure that only an agent of the gaming establishment can access the marker account information shown on screen  402 . In yet another embodiment, such a security step ensures that only the authorized individual associated with the account can access the marker account information. For example, the authorized individual may access a marker account over a network, such as the internet. Such individual may choose to redeem the electronic markers through digital means—for example by electronic funds transfer or by credit card payment. In another embodiment, the display of screen  402  is optional. Screen  402  is similar in many respects to screen  304  of  FIG. 3 , but differs in that the options presented to the user are “History” and “Redeem” rather than “Decline” and “Approve”. If “History” is selected, then an itemized accounting (not shown) of certain past markers associated with the instant account is displayed along with their respective status (e.g. outstanding or redeemed) of each such marker. If “Redeem” is selected, then screen  404  is presented. 
     Screen  404  of  FIG. 4  provides a method to indicate how much should be credited against the outstanding balance of the marker account. In the embodiment depicted in screen  404 , several predetermined options are presented, such as $500, $1000, $2000, etc. One option, “Other,” which has not been predetermined, is also presented. The user may select one of the predetermined options by pressing the touch-sensitive screen at the appropriate location. In another embodiment, where the screen is not touch-sensitive, the user selects the desired denomination using an input device (not shown) such as an alphanumeric keyboard, a numeric keypad, a mouse, or similar input device. Should the “Other” option be selected, an additional screen is presented (not shown) wherein the requester can input the desired amount. 
     In another embodiment of screen  404 , not shown, an itemized list of outstanding markers is presented and the user selects which marker is to be redeemed. In one such embodiment, the user is required to redeem the oldest marker first. In another embodiment, the user can select any outstanding marker to redeem. Once the user has selected the amount that is to be redeemed to the account, such an amount is verified in step  406 . 
     In step  406  of method  400 , the amount to be redeemed is verified. In one embodiment, an agent of the gaming establishment verifies the amount to be redeemed by, for example, counting the chips or cash provided by the requester, inspecting a check, approving the user of a credit card, or performing an electronic fund transaction using a debit card or similar transaction. In another embodiment, an electronic machine performs verification step  406  by counting tokens using a token counting machine, by reading a card with a magnetic stripe and performing the associated credit, debit, or transfer transaction, or by similar means. Once the redemption has been verified the device presents screen  408 , which is optional, to confirm the redemption. The amount to be credited is displayed in confirmation screen  408 . In some embodiments, not shown, the payor must provide evidence of authorizing such redemption. For example, when a credit or debit card is used, the user may be required to provide a digital signature on a touch-sensitive pad or PIN before the transaction can be verified and confirmed. Once the transaction is confirmed, the user presses “Proceed” and a receipt of such redemption is generated in step  410 , which is optional. 
     In step  410  a receipt is generated for the payor. One such receipt is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Receipt  500  is comprised of a payor record  504  and a payee record  502 , separated by tearing the receipt at perforation  506  and providing payor record  504  to the payor. The payee may retain payee record  502 . Receipt  500  contains certain information such as the payor&#39;s name, address, the redemption value, the redemption date, and the redemption method. In the embodiment depicted, the redemption is made by providing $2,000 in casino chips. In the embodiment depicted, only a partial account number may be the account number of the marker account and/or the account number of the account used to redeem the marker (such as a credit card or cash account). In another embodiment, an invoice, rather than a receipt is generated at certain intervals. Such an invoice is depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , invoice  600  is shown. Invoice  600  is similar to receipt  500  of  FIG. 5 , but differs in that an amount due is listed, rather than an amount redeemed. In some embodiments, the gaming establishment will, at certain, intervals, generate invoice  600  for certain marker accounts which have non-zero balances. Such invoices can be mailed to the address of record which is associated with the marker account and preferably contain an itemized list of outstanding markers, sorted by the date and time they were verified or requested. In one embodiment, the gaming establishment has been previously authorized to charge outstanding markers to an existing cash account, such as a banking account. In one such embodiment, invoice  600  reflects such redemption having been made. If such redemption was made by electronic funds transfer, the invoice may show a tracking number that is associated with such transfer. 
     In another embodiment the time interval between invoice cycles and the predetermined time period the establishment will wait before debiting the cash account by electronic transfer are staggered such that the cash account is only debited if the invoice goes unpaid for more than an acceptable period of time. 
     The operation of a preferred embodiment of the system and method of the present invention employing a rechargeable, wireless, hand-held, mobile device will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 7-47 . 
     There is shown in  FIG. 7  a schematic illustration of a basic configuration for a system  700  in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The basic configuration includes a database server  702 , a web server  704 , a user computer processor in the form of a laptop computer  706 , a wireless transmitter/receiver  708 , and a mobile device  710 . The web server  704  is preferably isolated by firewalls  712 ,  714 . The various components of the system  700  are electronically interconnected whereby the database server  702  may be accessed via either the user laptop computer  706  or the mobile device  710 . Additional web servers may be clustered or load balanced to prevent system failure in the event one web server goes offline or experiences a failure. Similarly, additional database servers may be clustered or replicated to provide redundancy and additional capacity. 
       FIGS. 8-13  depict perspective illustrations of a preferred, rechargeable, hand-held, mobile device  710  and a charging and storage base  716 . The mobile device  710  generally includes an exterior housing  718  that contains an upper touch screen display  720  and a lower array  722  of depressible, manually activated buttons including a power on/off button  724  and a key pad  726 . The housing  718  contains a rechargeable battery (not shown) and electrical docking ports  728  that are in electrical communication with the battery and are adapted to mate with corresponding electrical prongs protruding up from the cradle portion of the charging and storage base  716 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the housing  718  may also contain a bar code scanner  732  and a magnetic swipe reader  734 , although the bar code scanner  732  and the magnetic swipe reader  734  may be remote from the housing  718  and electrically connected thereto by wiring  736 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 12 , the charging and storage base  716  generally includes a block-like stand  738  mounted on and above a plurality of pads or feet  740 . The stand  738  includes a centrally disposed cavity or cradle  742 , the bottom of which possesses a pair of protruding electrical docking prongs  744  adapted to mate with the corresponding electrical docking ports  728  of the mobile device  710  and includes a latch mechanism  746  for selectively retaining or locking the mobile device  710  within the cradle  742 . The charging and storage base  716  further includes a manually depressible release button  748  for selectively releasing the latch mechanism  746  whereby the mobile device  710  may be disengaged and removed from the stand  738 . The charging and storage base  716  further includes a charge status indicator  750  that possesses LEDs for indicating the level of charge of the battery in the mobile device  710  and an electrical wire  751  and plug (not shown) for connecting the charging and storage base  716  to an electrical outlet or other power source. 
     The charging and storage base  716  provides a place to store the mobile device  710  when the mobile device  710  is not in use and also to recharge the battery of the mobile device  710 . Preferably, the mobile device  710  is automatically recharged when seated within the cradle  742  of the charging and storage base  716 . For this purpose, preferably the charging and storage base  716  is constantly connected to an electrical outlet or other power source to facilitate such recharging of the battery. 
     To seat the mobile device  710  within the cradle  742 , the bottom end of the mobile device  710  is dropped into the cradle as such that the electrical docking ports  728  align with and extend snugly about the electrical docking prongs  744  in a mating disposition. When the mobile device  710  is so disposed within the cradle, the latch mechanism  746  will create a “click” sound that helps indicate to the user that the mobile device  710  is properly disposed within the cradle  742  for storage and recharging of the battery within the mobile device  710 . In order to remove the mobile device  710  from the cradle  742 , the user presses the latch release button  748  on the charging and storage base  716 , which in turn will actuate the latch mechanism  746  so as to release the mobile device  710  from its disposition within the cradle  742 .  FIG. 13  shows the mobile device  710  disposed within the cradle  742  of the charging and storage base  716  such that the battery of the mobile device  710  may be recharged. 
     The charge status indicator  750  on the charging and storage base  716  preferably provides no illumination if the charging and storage base  716  is not plugged into an electrical outlet or otherwise is not connected to a source of power. The charge status indicator  750  preferably illuminates with a red LED light if the charging and storage base  716  is connected to an electrical outlet or other power source, but the mobile device  710  is not docked within the cradle  742  in a position for recharging. The charge status indicator  750  preferably illuminates with a blinking green LED light when the mobile device  710  is being charged within the charging and storage base  716 , and illuminates with a continuous green LED light when the mobile device  710  is fully charged. 
     Preferably, the power on/off button  724  of the mobile device  710 , when depressed, will illuminate an associated green LED light when power is actuated, and re-depression of the power on/off button  724  will de-activate the associated green LED light. The mobile device  710  may be provided with alternate power activation features, such as pressing various function keys of the keypad  726  if the power on/off button  724  becomes inoperable. 
       FIG. 14  shows a preferred “home screen” image displayed on the touch screen display  720  of the mobile device  710 . The home screen offers the user of the mobile device  710  with a choice between making a marker request and redeeming a marker. The user touches the screen above the appropriate, selected choice. When used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term “touch” means either to physically contact or to place a finger or other object sufficiently close to the touch screen to be detected as selecting a feature associated with an area of the screen, in accordance with well-known touch screen technology. 
     The following description of the operation of the mobile device  710  and system  700  will explain how to request and obtain a marker. Later, the process of redeeming a marker using the mobile device  710  will be described. It will be appreciated that microprocessors within either the mobile device  710  or the user server computer  706  execute and regulate the screen features and the responsive instructions, and that either or both the mobile device  706  or the laptop computer  706  (such as with its own screen and touch screen technology) may be utilized in connection with the following operation. The following descriptions of operation will reference only the mobile device  710  for convenience and simplicity. 
     If the user chooses to request a marker, the mobile device  710  will display a page screen such as that shown in  FIG. 15 . The patron account number associated with the patron making the marker request is then entered using the keypad image displayed on the touch screen display  720  of the mobile device  710  as shown in  FIG. 16 . In order to use the keypad, the user touches the screen above the field “use on-screen keypad” as shown in  FIG. 15 . Upon touching the “use on-screen keypad” field, the screen  720  will display a keypad, which is also operable via touching the screen, as shown in  FIG. 16 . When the keypad has been used to enter the desired patron account number, the screen is touched over the field “continue” as shown in  FIG. 16 , and the system  700  processes the patron account number to determine if the number matches a patron account number maintained in the casino&#39;s database operated by the database server  702 . The system  700  verifies that the patron account number entered on the page screen shown in  FIG. 15  corresponds with a patron account number maintained in the database. Presuming that the patron has entered a valid patron account number and wishes to proceed with the marker request, the screen is touched over the “continue” field as shown in  FIG. 15 . If the patron does not wish to proceed with the transaction, then the screen is touched above the “cancel” field shown in  FIG. 15  or  16 . If the patron account number is invalid, then the display in  FIG. 15  will display an appropriate message. 
     Alternatively, the patron account number may be entered into the mobile device  710  by scanning a barcode located on the patron&#39;s player card, which contains a coded version of the patron account number. The barcode reader  732  associated with the mobile device  710  scans the barcode and translates the barcode into an associated patron account number, and then displays that scanned patron account number on the screen shown in  FIG. 15 . In yet another alternative embodiment, if the mobile device  710  possesses an attached magnetic strip reader  732 , then a magnetic strip encoded with the patron account number on the player&#39;s card may be passed through the magnetic strip reader  734 , which coordinates with a microprocessor in the mobile device  710  to decode a patron account number encoded in the magnetic strip on the player&#39;s card, and that causes such patron account number to appear on the screen  720  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     The screen shown in  FIG. 15  also includes a timer display that counts down a predetermined amount of time remaining to enter a patron account number and to select either the continue or cancel fields. If such activities have not occurred within the predetermined amount of time for performing such transactions, then the workflow will be terminated, and mobile device  710  will automatically display the screen shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     For security purposes, the screen shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  may display asterisks for each alphanumeric or other indicia of the patron account number, or may display a combination of asterisks and indicia of the player account number, such as displaying asterisks except for the last four indicia of the patron account number. Also preferably, the “continue” field will not be displayed in the screen shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  until and unless the patron account number has been entered either by scanning the barcode associated with the player&#39;s card, by swiping a magnetic strip on the player&#39;s card, or by entering the patron account number via the keypad. 
     If, after entering the patron account number and touching the screen of the “continue” field, the system  700  determines that there is no credit available or no remaining funds on deposit, the screen will display the message shown in  FIG. 17 . If the user touches the screen above the “ok” field as shown in  FIG. 17 , then the mobile device  710  will display the home screen shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Presuming that the patron account number has available credit or funds on the deposit, then the mobile device  710  will display a screen such as shown in  FIG. 18 , which includes the patron&#39;s name associated with the patron account number. If the patron&#39;s name is incorrect, and the patron decides not to continue with requesting a marker, then the user may touch the screen above the “no” field as shown in  FIG. 18 , which will return the screen to the home page shown in.  FIG. 14 . If the patron&#39;s name is correct, and the patron wishes to continue with the marker, request, then the user continues by touching the screen above the “yes” field as shown in  FIG. 18 , which will display the screen shown in  FIG. 19 . The user then selects one of the fixed, predetermined values of the marker to be requested, which are displayed in  FIG. 19  as, for example, $2,500.00, $5,000.00, $10,000.00, $15,000.00, and $25,000.00. Alternatively, the patron may select some other amount by touching the screen above the “other” field as shown in  FIG. 19 . By touching the field above one of the fixed, predetermined amounts, the patron is selecting that amount as a marker request. The number of fixed, predetermined amounts appearing on the screen shown in  FIG. 19  may be selectively varied, and the fixed, predetermined amounts displayed may vary. For example, if the patron has between $5,000.00 and $10,000.00 of credit available or funds remaining, then the fixed predetermined amounts as shown on the screen may be $250.00, $500.00, $1,000.00, and $5,000.00, and if the patron has between $50,000.00 and $100,000.00 of credit available or funds remaining, then the amounts as shown on the screen may be $2500.00, $10,000.00, $50,000.00, and $100,000.00. 
     If the user wishes to select an amount other than the displayed, fixed, predetermined amounts, the user touches the screen above the “other” field, which will generate the screen shown in  FIG. 20 , which includes a keypad display very similar to the display shown in  FIG. 16 . The keypad may be used to select a dollar amount, which will appear in the field under the wording “please enter marker amount:”. If the user makes a mistake in entering the dollar amount, the user may touch the screen above the “clear” field or touch screen above the “bksp” (i.e. backspace) field to erase all or the last digit, respectively, of the amount entered. If the patron changes his mind about selecting an amount other than a fixed, predetermined amount, the user may touch the screen above the “go back” field, which will cause the screen shown in  FIG. 19  to reappear. 
     If the patron does not want to continue with the marker request, then the user may touch the screen above the “cancel” field as shown in  FIG. 19 , which will discontinue the transaction and return the mobile device  710  to the home screen shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     If the patron decides that the selected marker amount is desired, then the user may touch the screen above the “continue” field. The system  700  will then compare the marker amount selectively requested to the patron&#39;s available credit or remaining funds associated with the patron account number and the patron name. If the request exceeds the amount available, then the mobile device  710  will display the screen shown in  FIG. 21 , which will display the maximum value of the credit available or funds remaining on deposit. By touching the screen above the “ok” field shown in  FIG. 21 , the screen shown in  FIG. 19  will reappear. If the requested amount is less than the available credit or funds remaining on deposit, then the mobile device  710  will display the screen shown in  FIG. 22 , which displays the amount of the requested marker. If the patron changes his mind about the requested marker, then the user may touch the screen above the “no” field, which returns the screen to that shown in  FIG. 19 . If the patron wishes to proceed with the marker request, then the user touches the screen above the “yes” field, which will cause the screen shown in  FIG. 23  to appear, which includes features very similar to those associated with the screen shown in  FIG. 16 . The patron then enters by touching the screen above the appropriate number fields the patron&#39;s PIN number provided by the casino to the patron in connection with the patron&#39;s account. By touching the screen above the “clear” field or the “bksp” field, the entire PIN number or the last indicia of the PIN number, respectively, may be erased. For security purposes, the display screen shown in  FIG. 23  may show an asterisk for each indicia of the PIN number entered, or may display a combination of asterisks and indicia for the PIN number, such as by displaying asterisks except for the last four indicia of the PIN. If the PIN number entered is invalid or does not correspond with the patron account number, then an appropriate message will be displayed. If the patron decides not to proceed with the marker request, then the user may touch the screen above the “cancel” field, which will cause the home screen shown in  FIG. 14  to reappear. Alternatively, if the patron wishes to continue with the marker request, then the user touches the screen above the “continue” field, which will cause the screen shown in  FIG. 24  to appear. Preferably, the “continue” field does not appear until after a sufficient number of indicia has been entered for the PIN, so that the user is required to enter an appropriate number of PIN indicia before the patron is allowed to continue with the marker request. 
     When the mobile device  710  displays the screen shown in  FIG. 24 , the mobile device  710  is preferably handed to the casino patron. Prior to that time, a mobile device  710  is preferably handled only by casino personnel, such as the pit boss. The screen as shown in  FIG. 24  includes the patron name, the name of the casino, and the amount of the marker request, as well as a concise authorization statement containing contractual language. The patron then uses a plastic pen or similar implement and places the tip of the plastic pen or other implement on the screen above a region for the patron&#39;s signature, and then uses the plastic pen or other implement to inscribe the signature. If the patron wishes to discontinue the marker request then the user may touch the screen above the “cancel” field, and the home screen shown in  FIG. 14  will reappear. Alternatively, if the patron wishes to continue with the marker request, then the patron will touch the screen above the “I agree” field. Preferably, the “I agree” field will not appear until the system  700  detects a sufficient, predetermined amount of inscription in the field for the signature so that the signature must be completed before the patron agrees to the contractual arrangement. When the screen is touched above the “I agree” field after the signature has been inscribed in the field for the signature, the screen shown in  FIG. 25  will appear. The user will then touch the screen above the “continue” field, and the screen shown in  FIG. 26  will appear. The casino personnel then enters his casino identification number either using the on screen keypad, or by scanning the barcode on the personnel&#39;s employee card, or by swiping a magnetic strip on the personnel&#39;s employee card through the reader. The keypad may be used in a manner similar to that previously described reference to  FIGS. 16 and 23 . 
     When the screen is touched above the “continue” field shown in  FIG. 26 , the screen display shown in  FIG. 27  will appear. That screen display will show, for example, the patron&#39;s photo identification on file with the casino, which may be, for example, a replication of the patron&#39;s driver&#39;s license, passport, or casino membership card and which will display the patron&#39;s signature on file with the casino. The display screen shown in  FIG. 27  will also display the signature of patron inscribed on the screen shown in  FIG. 24 . The casino personnel then may compare the photo identification appearing on the screen shown in  FIG. 27  with the appearance of the person who inscribed the signature shown in  FIG. 24  and may compare the signature so inscribed with the signature on file with the casino. Again, by touching the screen above the “cancel” field, work flow will be terminated, and the home screen shown in  FIG. 14  will reappear. By touching the screen above the “continue” field, the screen shown in  FIG. 27  will appear. Naturally, if the photo appearing on the screen in  FIG. 27  does not match the appearance of the person who inscribed the signature appearing on screen  24  or the signatures do not match, then the casino personnel will not continue with the transaction and will seek guidance from other casino personnel, including casino security personnel. 
     It is also contemplated that the mobile device  710  may be equipped with a camera by which the casino personnel may take a digital photograph of the patron who is requesting the marker, which photograph may be digitally stored with the patron&#39;s signature created in the screen in  FIG. 24 . 
     If the screen shown in  FIG. 27  reveals no inconsistencies with the appearance of the patron or with the signature of the patron, the screen is touched above the “continue” field in  FIG. 27 , and the screen shown in  FIG. 28  appears. The casino personnel that entered his employee identification number in the field shown in  FIG. 26  then enters his casino personnel&#39;s PIN number in a similar manner in all respects to that described with reference to the screen shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     When the user touches the screen above the “continue” field shown in  FIG. 28 , the screen shown in  FIG. 29  will appear, which screen includes information about the patron&#39;s account such as the credit or funds available, how much has been used, how much remains, and the amount of the pending marker request. The screen may also display a selection of tables or other locations in the casino where the patron or the casino personnel is located, and the user then selects the appropriate table or other location from the available menu or table. Finally, the casino personnel utilizes the plastic pen or other implement to inscribe the casino personnel&#39;s signature in a signature field of the display in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 24 . Alternatively, the mobile device  710  may be associated with a particular table or location in the casino or a particular casino personnel, in which situation, the display screen shown on  FIG. 29  will not show a menu or table. 
     The screen in  FIG. 29  may also display any limitations or warnings such as that the patron is requesting a marker over an aggregate amount within a predetermined time interval or that the marker is being requested at an undesired location in the casino. These warnings may help restrain a patron in a manner previously desired by the patron so that the patron does not wager excessively on compulsion or may avoid marker requests from being made at time intervals and at locations where it would be physically impossible or impractical to be legitimately made by the patron. Instead of a warning, the system  700  may be programmed to prohibit the completion of the marker request. 
     Based on the information in the display screen shown in  FIG. 29 , the casino personnel may decide to decline the marker request, and if so, will touch the screen above the “decline” field, whereupon the screen shown in  FIG. 31  will appear. The casino personnel then will orally notify the patron and possibly other casino personnel, such as a dealer, that the marker request has been declined. Thereafter, the casino personnel will touch the screen above the “home” field, which will cause the home screen shown in  FIG. 14  to reappear. The casino personnel may then return the mobile device  710  to its charging and storage base or to another designated location. Alternatively, the casino personnel may touch the screen above the “approved” field, which will cause the screen shown in  FIG. 30  to appear. The casino personnel may then orally notify the patron that the marker request has been approved, and may possibly notify other casino personnel, such as the dealer, that the marker request has been approved. Thereafter the casino personnel touches the screen above the “home” field, the work flow is completed, and the mobile device  710  is returned to the charging and storage base  716  or to some other designated location. 
     The process of redeeming a marker in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described. 
     A user views the home page shown in  FIG. 14  and touches the screen above the “redeem” field, which causes the mobile device  710  to display the screen shown in  FIG. 32 . The user then enters the patron account number in the same manner as described in reference to the screen shown in  FIG. 15 . When the screen is touched above the field “use on-screen keypad”, the screen shown in  FIG. 33  will appear. The user may then use the keypad to enter the patron account number in a manner similar to that described with reference to the screen shown in  FIG. 16 . If the system  700  determines that the patron account number entered corresponds to an advance deposit account, rather than a credit account, the mobile device  710  will display the screen shown in  FIG. 34 . Casino personnel may then inform the patron that the marker cannot be redeemed because the patron account number corresponds with a deposit account, rather than a credit line. The patron may then be asked if the patron has a different patron account number. The user of the mobile device  710  then touches the screen above the “ok” field, which terminates the work flow and causes the mobile device  710  to display the home screen shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     If the system  700  determines that the patron has no outstanding markers awaiting redemption, the mobile device  710  will display the screen shown in  FIG. 35 . Again, casino personnel may inform the patron that there are no outstanding markers associated with that patron account number. Casino personnel may then touch the screen above the “ok” field, which will cause the mobile device  710  to display the home screen shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     If the system  700  determines that there are one or more outstanding markers awaiting redemption in the patron account number, then the mobile device  710  will display the screen shown in  FIG. 36 . Casino personnel, such as the pit boss, then enters his employee identification number in a manner similar to that shown described with reference to  FIG. 26 . The screen shown in  FIG. 36  may also be associated with a limited, predetermined time for completing the employee identification number and may display the time remaining to complete the employee identification number in a manner similar to that described with reference to the display screen shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     When a user touches the screen above the “continue” field shown in  FIG. 36  after having entered an employee identification number recognized by the system  700 , then the mobile device  710  displays the screen shown in  FIG. 37 . The screen displays a photo identification of the patron associated with the patron account number entered in a screen shown in  FIG. 32  so that the casino personnel may verify that the patron requesting the redemption is the same person associated with the patron account number. The screen may also display the account number, the total amount of the credit line, the amount of credit remaining, any pending requests for markers, and the currently outstanding amount of credit. The screen may also display a field designated “outstanding markers”. By touching the screen above the “outstanding markers” field, the screen shown in  FIG. 38  will appear, which will indicate the different markers by number in the amount of each such marker. If the screen has been touched above the “outstanding markers” field, and the screen display shown in  FIG. 38  appears, then the casino personnel may cause the screen shown in  FIG. 37  to reappear by touching the screen above the “ok” field shown in  FIG. 38 . 
     Once the casino personnel verifies that the patron requesting the redemption is the same person whose photo appears on the screen shown in  FIG. 37 , the user touches the screen above the “continue” field shown in  FIG. 37 , which causes the screen shown in  FIG. 39  appear. It will be appreciated that the screen shown in  FIG. 39  is very similar to the screen shown in  FIG. 19 , and is implemented in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 19 . If the patron wants to select an amount other than a fixed, predetermined amount shown on the screen depicted in  FIG. 39 , then the user touches the screen above the “other” field, which will cause the screen shown in  FIG. 40 . It will be appreciated that the screen shown in  FIG. 40  is very similar to the screen shown in  FIG. 20 , and the screen functions in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 20 . If the amount selected exceeds the amount of the credit used, then the screen shown in  FIG. 41  will appear, which indicates that the amount selected exceeds the amount of outstanding credit and that the patron should select a lower amount. If the screen shown in  FIG. 41  appears, the user may touch the screen above the “ok” field, which will cause the screen display shown in  FIG. 39  to reappear, and the process of selecting an amount of the redemption is repeated. 
     Preferably any amount selected as the redemption amount is first automatically applied against the oldest outstanding markers. 
     When an appropriate value that is less than or equal to the outstanding credit has been selected, either the screen shown in  FIG. 42  or in  43  will appear, depending on whether the redemption is for the entire amount of the credit outstanding or for only a partial amount of the credit outstanding, respectively. If the amount or nature of the redemption is incorrect or if the patron decides not to continue with redemption, then the user touches the screen above the “no” field shown in either  FIG. 42  or  43 , and the work flow will terminate, and the home screen shown in  FIG. 14  will reappear. 
     If the patron agrees with the amount and nature of the redemption, then the user touches the screen over the “yes” field as shown in either  FIG. 42  or  43 . Thereafter, the mobile device  710  will display series of screens in all respects similar to those shown in  FIGS. 23 ,  24 ,  25 , and which are completed similarly to those described above with reference to  FIGS. 23-28 . Such a process helps to insure that the patron redeeming the marker is the same as the patron associated with the patron account number and provides an electronically, preferably digitally, stored record of the patron&#39;s commitment to making the redemption. 
     Thereafter, the screen shown in  FIG. 44  is displayed on the mobile device  710 . That screen displays the patron&#39;s name, the amount of the redemption, and a menu or table of the manner in which the redemption will be paid, such as with cash, casino chips, or a bank check, or a combination of thereof. The casino personnel selects the appropriate method of payment from the menu or table, but also has the option of choosing to touch the screen above the “cancel” field, which will terminate the work flow and cause the home page shown in  FIG. 14  to reappear. If the casino personnel wishes to continue with the redemption transaction, then the casino personnel inscribes his signature in much the same way as previously described with reference to  FIG. 29  whereupon the screen will display  FIG. 45 . Casino personnel may touch the screen above the “cancel” field which will terminate work flow and cause the mobile device  710  to cause the home screen shown in  FIG. 14  to reappear. Alternatively, the casino personnel may touch the screen above the “continue” field when it appears, which will cause either the screen shown in  FIG. 46  or the screen shown in  FIG. 47  to appear. 
     In any of the foregoing transactions involving the displays, if a patron account number, a patron PIN number, a casino personnel employee identification number, or a casino employee PIN number are invalid or otherwise not contained in the database included in the system  700 , then a screen may appear to notify the user of the mobile device  710  that such numbers or PINs are invalid or can not be found. Also, if the communication link between the mobile device  710  and the rest of the system  700  is disconnected, the mobile device  710  may cause a screen to display a “communication error” message, which will either prompt the user to wait or will return the user to the home screen shown in  FIG. 14 , or will suggest that the user check the status of the batteries in the mobile device  710 . 
     Preferably at least some, and more preferably all, of the images appearing on the mobile device  710  are digitally stored at least until the marker has been paid or redeemed in full, such as through an EFT or an ACH. Also preferably, evidence of the payment or redemption transaction is digitally stored. The storage of the images and of the transaction evidence may be stored for as long as desired or mandated. For instance, the casino itself may be a policy to store such, records for a period of time by which any applicable statute of limitations might expire or for a period of time dictated by tax authorities, or the casino may be obligated to store such records for a period of time required by applicable gaming regulations. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situation without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.