Patent Publication Number: US-9846989-B2

Title: Identifying idle gaming machines

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/892,230 filed Oct. 17, 2013. 
    
    
     LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright 2014, WMS Gaming, Inc. 
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wagering game systems, and more particularly to wagering game systems including idle wagering game machine notifications. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines depends on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing wagering game machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for wagering game machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram depicting an example system for monitoring wagering game machines and transmitting indications of idle wagering game machines. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a mobile device  210  presenting a graphical user interface (GUI)  212  including a list of idle wagering game machines. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a mobile device  302  presenting an example dialogue for reserving an idle wagering game machine. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a mobile device  412  presenting a map  414  of a casino which indicates idle wagering game machines and idle positions at table games. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a wagering game machine  508  presenting a player interface window  502  indicating that a wagering game machine is available. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram depicting example operations for determining idle wagering game machines and transmitting an indication of the idle wagering game machines. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram depicting example operations for determining that a wagering game machine matching a player&#39;s preferences is idle, and transmitting an indication that the wagering game machine is idle. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game machine architecture, according to example embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game network  900 , according to example embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Introduction 
     This section provides an introduction to some embodiments of the invention. 
     In an effort to increase profits, wagering game machine operators seek to decrease the amount of time wagering game machines are idle. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter monitor wagering game machines to determine if the wagering game machines are idle. When it is determined that a wagering game machine is idle, embodiments of the inventive subject matter send notifications to prospective players indicating that the wagering game machine is idle and incentivizing the players to play the idle machine. Such a system can increase wagering game machine coin-in and thus profits. 
     Although  FIG. 1  describes some embodiments, the following sections describe many other features and embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram depicting an example system for monitoring wagering game machines and transmitting indications of idle wagering game machines. The example system comprises wagering game machines  108 , a casino gaming system  104 , a hosted gaming system  102 , and a mobile device  106 .  FIG. 1  depicts operations at stages A-C. The stages are examples and are not necessarily discrete occurrences over time (e.g., operations of different stages may overlap). 
     At stage A, the casino gaming system  104  monitors the wagering game machines  108  to determine whether any of the wagering game machines  108  are idle. For example. The casino gaming system  104  can monitor credit meters associated with the wagering game machines  108 , cash-out activity at the wagering game machines  108 , whether a player tracking card has been or is currently being used at the wagering game machines  108 , etc. For ease of discussion, the examples will proceed assuming that the casino gaming system  104  is monitoring credit meters associated with the wagering game machines  108  to determine if any of the wagering game machines  108  are idle. Additionally, this discussion will use the terms idle and available interchangeably to refer to wagering game machines that are not currently being used. 
     At stage B, the casino gaming system  104  transmits indications of the idle wagering game machines  108  to the hosted gaming system  102 . In some embodiments, multiple casino gaming systems  104  transmit the indications to the hosted gaming system  102 . For example, each casino gaming system  104  can be associated with a different casino, different types of wagering game machines  108  in a casino, a group of casinos, etc. The hosted gaming system  102  aggregates information received from the casino gaming system  104 . 
     At stage C, the hosted gaming system  102  transmits indications of the idle wagering game machines  108  to a player. For example, the hosted gaming system  102  can push the indications to an application running on a mobile device  106 . Alternatively, the application (or a web browser) running on the mobile device  106  can request the indications from the hosted gaming system  102 . In some embodiments, the player logs into a service (via the application on the mobile device or via a webpage on the mobile device). The player login information can be associated with wagering game preference information (as well as any other information relevant to the player). The hosted gaming system  102  can leverage the player login information to determine that a specific wagering game machine  108  that is idle is suited to the player&#39;s preferences. Additionally, the hosted gaming system  102  can utilize the mobile device&#39;s  106  location information to determine idle wagering game machines  108  near the player. The hosted gaming system  102  can then target specific players when wagering game machines  108  that they might be interested in playing are available. Although stage C depicts the hosted gaming system  102  transmitting indications of idle wagering game machines to a mobile device  106 , in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system also transmits the indications back to the casino gaming system  104 . In such embodiments, players have logged in using player login information at a wagering game machine  106  (e.g., by inserting a player tracking card). The hosted gaming system  102  determines a wagering game machine  108  that is better suited to the player&#39;s preferences and is idle. The hosted gaming system  102  transmits an indication of the player as well as indication of the wagering game machine  106  that is idle that is better suited to the player to the casino gaming system  104 . The casino gaming system  104  can then transmit a notification to the wagering game machine  106  that the player is playing. The notification can alert the player that a wagering game machine that is a better match to their preferences is available. 
     While  FIG. 1  depicts a broad overview of an example system for monitoring wagering game machines,  FIG. 2  depicts an example presentation of idle wagering game machines on a mobile device. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a mobile device  210  presenting a graphical user interface (GUI)  212  including a list of idle wagering game machines.  FIG. 2  depicts a mobile device  210  having a display device  208 , as well as an expanded view  206  of the display device  208 . The expanded view  206  comprises a GUI  212 . The GUI  212  includes menu options  202  and indications of idle wagering game machines  204 . The menu options  202  can includes, for example, a “sort by” feature, allowing players to sort the idle wagering game machines by type, theme, wager amount, etc., a “select venue” option, allowing players to select a venue or casino from which to view idle wagering game machines, a “machine type” feature, allowing the player to select a certain machine type of idle wagering game machines to display, and a “settings” feature allowing players to select preferences and settings for idle wagering game machine presentation. Although the GUI can include a “select venue” option, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system can utilize the mobile device&#39;s  210  location services to determine a casino at which the player is currently located. In such embodiments, the GUI can by default include indications of idle wagering game machines in the casino at which the player is currently located. Additionally, the settings feature can allow players to sign up (using player login information) for an idle wagering game machine notification service. For example, the player can register with the idle wagering game notification service and request that short message service (SMS) messages indicating idle wagering game machines be sent to him/her. 
     The indications of idle wagering game machines  204  include a name of the wagering game machine that is idle (i.e., “Wagering Game Machine 3821”), a type of wagering game offered on the idle wagering game machine (i.e., poker), and a theme of the idle wagering game machine (i.e., “Theme A”). The indications of idle wagering game machines  204  can include more or less information. The GUI  212  can be presented via an application running on the mobile device  210 , or via a webpage accessed by the mobile device  210 . In some embodiments, the player can select one of the indications of idle wagering game machines  204  to view more information about the idle wagering game machines, reserve the idle wagering game machines (as described in the discussion of  FIG. 3 ), receive directions to the idle wagering game machine, be presented a map showing the location of the idle wagering game machine, view incentives available for reserving and subsequently playing the idle wagering game machine, etc. 
     While  FIG. 2  depicts a GUI including indications of idle wagering game machines,  FIG. 3  depicts a notification sent to a player&#39;s mobile device indicating that a wagering game machine is idle. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a mobile device  302  presenting an example dialogue for reserving an idle wagering game machine. In some embodiments, a player subscribes to an idle wagering game notification service using player login information. The player login information can be associated with player preferences for wagering game machines. Additionally, the player can choose how they would like to be notified of idle wagering game machines (e.g., by multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, SMS message, email, etc.). As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the hosted gaming system has sent an SMS message notification  304  to the mobile device  302 . The notification  304  indicates that a wagering game machine having wagering games of “Theme A” is available. Additionally, the notification alerts the player that he/she can reserve the idle wagering game machine and will receive five dollars in free credits for reserving the idle wagering game machine and subsequently playing the idle wagering game machine. The system can provide any suitable incentive for reserving an idle wagering game machine. As depicted by  FIG. 3 , the player has reserved the idle wagering game machine by responding “reserve” in a response message  306 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the hosted gaming system has sent a reservation confirmation  308  to the mobile device  302 . The reservation confirmation  308  includes a unique code that the player must enter at the idle wagering game machine in the next “X” minutes (e.g., ten minutes) to unlock the wagering game machine and receive the incentive (i.e., five dollars in free credits). In some embodiments, when a player reserves an idle wagering game machine, the wagering game machine cannot be used until a unique code (supplied to the reserving player) is entered. This “locked” period can persist for a period of time (i.e., if the reserving player has not entered the unique code within the time period, the idle wagering game machine becomes unlocked and anyone else can use the idle wagering game machine). In some embodiments, the time period is predetermined, dynamically determined, or determined in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the player can unlock the wagering game machine by inserting a player tracking card, logging into a player account via the wagering game machine, etc. Additionally, the incentives can include, for example:
         Free play (i.e., non-cashable credits)   Credit on the idle wagering game machine (i.e., cashable credits)   Bonus games   Enhancements within a game on the idle wagering game machine (e.g., free wilds, unlocked episodes or levels, provide greater odds for the game (e.g., a modified pay table), new game elements, access to improved avatars, etc.)   Incentives independent of a game on the idle wagering game machine (e.g., coupons for food, entertainment, drinks, or any other casino hospitality item or service)       

     Additionally, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system stores game state information for players. For example, for an episodic game, the hosted gaming system can save data as the player plays the episodic game and associate the data with a player ID corresponding to the player. In such embodiments, the hosted gaming system can send the player notifications when a wagering game machine having the episodic game is available. The player can then use the wagering game machine to continue play of the episodic game where the player left off. Additionally, storing the game state information allows the player to continue the episodic game on any wagering game machine in any casino having the episodic game. In some embodiments, the hosted gaming system also provides the player with directions to the wagering game machine. For example, the hosted gaming system can transmit a map with a highlighted route to the wagering game machine, send turn-by-turn directions to the wagering game machine to the player, etc. 
     While  FIG. 3  depicts a notification sent to a player&#39;s mobile device indicating that a wagering game machine is idle,  FIG. 4  depicts a map of a casino including indications of idle wagering game machines. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a mobile device  412  presenting a map  414  of a casino which indicates idle wagering game machines and idle positions at table games. In addition to alerting players about idle wagering game machines, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system can notify players about open seating positions at table games.  FIG. 4  includes a mobile device  412  having a display device  410 , and an expanded view  404  of the mobile device&#39;s  412  display device  410 . The mobile device  412  is presenting a map of a casino  414 . The map of the casino  414  includes banks of wagering game machines  416  and game tables  408 . The available wagering game machines and positions at the table games are indicated by asterisks  402 . In some embodiments, the players can select a specific wager game machine, bank of wagering game machines  416 , position at a table game, or game table  408  to access information about the machine or table. For example, a player can select a specific idle wagering game machine to receive directions or a route to the idle wagering game machine. Additionally, upon selection of a specific wagering game machine, the mobile device  412  can present information about the wagering game machine such as games available, themes, minimum and maximum bets, time since last jackpot, etc. In some embodiments, selection of a specific idle wagering game machine or idle position at a table game allows the player to reserve the idle wagering game machine or idle position at the table game. 
     While  FIG. 4  depicts a mobile device presenting a map of a casino,  FIG. 5  depicts a wagering game machine presenting a player interface window alerting a player that a wagering game machine matching his/her preferences is available. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a wagering game machine  508  presenting a player interface window  502  indicating that a wagering game machine is available.  FIG. 5  includes a wagering game machine  508  and an expanded view  504  of the wagering game machine&#39;s  508  display device. In some embodiments, players login or insert a player tracking card when playing a wagering game machine  508 . Player information (e.g., player ID, player preferences, etc.) is transmitted by the casino gaming system to the hosted gaming system (in addition to indications of idle wagering game machines). The hosted gaming system matches the player preferences to idle wagering game machines that match the player information. For example, Player A is playing a slot game  506  having Theme 1 on the wagering game machine  508 . Based on the player information, the hosted gaming system determines that Player A prefers video poker games with Theme 2. Additionally, the hosted gaming system has received an indication from the casino gaming system that a wagering game machine having video poker of Theme 2 is idle. The hosted gaming system can transmit an indication to the casino gaming system that Player A would prefer to play the idle wagering game machine having video poker of Theme 2. The casino gaming system can then send an indication to the wagering game machine  508  that a wagering game machine nearby is idle and has video poker of Theme 2. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the wagering game machine  508  is presenting a player interface window  502  informing the player that their favorite wagering game machine (i.e., a wagering game machine having video poker of Theme 2) is idle. Additionally, as discussed previously, the player can reserve the idle wagering game machine. For example, the player can reserve the idle wagering game machine, and unlock the idle wagering game machine by logging in, inserting their player tracking card, entering a unique code, etc. Additionally, the wagering game machine  508  (or the casino gaming system) can determine when it is appropriate to present the player interface window  502  indicating that a wagering game machine is idle. For example, the wagering game machine  508  (or casino gaming system) may not present the player interface window  502  during active game play or particular portions of active game play (e.g., a large win, a bonus game, etc.). 
     Although examples refer to sending notifications to mobile devices indicating idle wagering game machines, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system can aggregate idle wagering game information from the casino gaming system and publish the idle wagering game information on one or more large display devices throughout a casino. For example, large display devices can be located throughout a casino, each containing a list of some or all of the idle wagering game machines in the casino. As wagering game machines become idle or become in use, the hosted gaming system can update the list of idle wagering game machines. Similarly, in some embodiments, players do not subscribe to an idle wagering game notification service. Instead, the hosted gaming system publishes a list of idle wagering game machines to a website, to an application that can be accessed on a mobile device, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system manipulates the list using various algorithms. For example, the hosted gaming system can place only low-performing idle wagering game machines on the list in an attempt to increase gameplay on the low-performing idle wagering game machines. Additionally, the hosted gaming system can provide greater incentives for low-performing wagering game machines. 
     In some embodiments, players can configure the type of notifications received from the hosted gaming system. For example, players can choose to be notified only about wagering game machines having certain games (e.g., video poker, video blackjack, slot games, etc.), certain themes, certain types of wagering game machines (e.g., wagering game machines with greater or less player interactivity), wagering game machines with mechanical reels, wagering game machines with high or low volatility, wagering game machines made by a specific manufacturer or group of manufacturers, wagering game machines only in a casino that they are currently in, etc. 
     Example Operations 
     This section describes operations associated with some embodiments of the invention. In the discussion below, the flow diagrams will be described with reference to the block diagrams presented above. However, in some embodiments, the operations can be performed by logic not described in the block diagrams. 
     In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by executing instructions residing on machine-readable media (e.g., software), while in other embodiments, the operations can be performed by hardware and/or other logic (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can be performed in series, while in other embodiments, one or more of the operations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments can perform less than all the operations shown in any flow diagram. 
     The section will discuss  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The discussion of  FIG. 6  will describe operations for determining idle wagering game machines and transmitting an indication of the idle wagering game machines. The discussion of  FIG. 7  will describe operations for alerting a player playing a first wagering game machine that a preferred wagering game machine is available. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram depicting example operations for determining idle wagering game machines and transmitting an indication of the idle wagering game machines. The flow begins at bock  602 . 
     At block  602 , the wagering game machines are monitored to determine when they are idle. This monitoring can be done in any suitable way. For example, credits meters associated with the wagering game machines can be monitored. Alternatively, activity on the wagering game machines can be monitored. For example, gameplay on a wagering game machine can be monitored, whether a player is logged in at a wagering game machine, whether a player tracking card is inserted in a wagering game machine, whether a player has cashed out at a wagering game machine, whether there has been any player input (e.g., button presses) in the last five minutes on a wagering game machine, etc. The flow continues at block  604 . 
     At block  604 , it is determined which wagering game machines are idle. For example, when the credit meter has a balance of zero, it is likely that the wagering game machine is idle. Likewise, if there hasn&#39;t been any player input at the wagering game machine in the last several minutes, if no player is logged into the wagering game machine, if a player has recently cashed out at the wagering game machine, etc., it is likely that the wagering game machine is idle. Additionally, incentives for playing the idle wagering game machines can be determined. For example, a player can be offered a coupon for a free meal at a casino restaurant in exchange for playing the idle wagering game machine. In some embodiments, all wagering game machines have the same incentive (e.g., there is a free credit incentive to reserve and play any idle wagering game machine). In other embodiments, the incentive a player is being offered can be specific to the player and/or to the wagering game machine. For example, players having a certain status may be offered greater incentives, players can receive ten free spins for a slot machine, ten dollars in free credits for a video blackjack game, etc. The flow continues at block  606 . 
     At block  606 , an indication of idle wagering game machines is transmitted. This transmission can be accomplished via any suitable medium. For example, the indication can be transmitted via a communications network comprising Wi-Fi, 3G/4G telecommunications, short-range wireless (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth), etc. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram depicting example operations for determining that a wagering game machine matching a player&#39;s preferences is idle, and transmitting an indication that the wagering game machine is idle. The flow begins at block  702 . 
     At block  702 , player credentials are received. The player credentials can include a player ID, player wagering game history, player preferences, player location information (e.g., in which casino the player is currently located), etc. The player preferences can include the players preferred wagering game machines, preferred types of wagering game machines, preferred wagering games, preferred themes, preferred volatility, preferred payback percentage, preferred bet amounts, etc. The player preferences can also include the player&#39;s preferred method of notification of idle wagering game machines. The flow continues at block  704 . 
     At block  704 , it is determined that the player is playing a first wagering game machine. This can be determined by a player logging into the first wagering game machine, the player inserting a tracking card at the first wagering game machine, the player&#39;s credit card used at the wagering game machine, proximity of the player&#39;s mobile device to the wagering game machine, etc. The flow continues at block  706 . 
     At block  706 , it is determined that a second wagering game machine is idle. Again, this can be determined in a variety of ways, such as monitoring the second wagering game machine&#39;s credit meter, player input at the second wagering game machine, etc. The flow continues at block  708 . 
     At block  708 , it is determined that the player prefers the second wagering game machine to the first wagering game machine. For example, the player credentials may indicate that the player spends a majority of their time playing Texas Hold &#39;Em on wagering game machines. Additionally, the first wagering game machine may only offer video blackjack, and the second wagering game machine may offer Texas Hold &#39;Em. Based on the player credentials and content available on the second wagering game machine, it can be determined that the player prefers the second wagering game machine to the first wagering game machine. The flow continues at block  710 . 
     At block  710 , an indication that the second wagering game machine is available is transmitted. For example, the indication can be transmitted to the first wagering game machine and a notification (e.g., in a player interface window) can be presented on the first wagering game machine. Alternatively, the indication can be transmitted to the player&#39;s mobile device. The indication can also include an option to reserve the second wagering game machine, and an incentive available to the player for reserving/playing the second wagering game machine. 
     Operating Environment 
     This section describes an example operating environment and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. This section includes discussion about wagering game machine architectures and wagering game networks. 
     Wagering Game Machine Architectures 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game machine architecture, according to example embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the wagering game machine architecture  800  includes a wagering game machine  806 , which includes a central processing unit (CPU)  826  connected to main memory  828 . The CPU  826  can include any suitable processor, such as an Intel® Pentium processor, Intel® Core 2 Duo processor, AMD Opteron™ processor, or UltraSPARC processor. The main memory  828  includes a wagering game unit  832 . In one embodiment, the wagering game unit  832  can present wagering games, such as video poker, video black jack, video slots, video lottery, etc., in whole or part. 
     The CPU  826  is also connected to an input/output (I/O) bus  822 , which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+ frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus  822  is connected to a payout mechanism  808 , primary display  810 , secondary display  812 , value input device  814 , player input device  816 , information reader  818 , and storage unit  830 . The player input device  816  can include the value input device  814  to the extent the player input device  816  is used to place wagers. The I/O bus  822  is also connected to an external system interface  824 , which is connected to external systems  804  (e.g., wagering game networks). 
     In one embodiment, the wagering game machine  806  can include additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each component shown in  FIG. 8 . For example, in one embodiment, the wagering game machine  806  can include multiple external system interfaces  824  and/or multiple CPUs  826 . In one embodiment, any of the components can be integrated or subdivided. 
     Any component of the architecture  800  can include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a wagering game machine, computer, etc.). For example, tangible machine-readable media includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory machines, etc. Machine-readable media also includes any media suitable for transmitting software over a network. 
     While  FIG. 8  describes an example wagering game machine architecture, this section continues with a discussion wagering game networks. 
     Wagering Game Networks 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game network  900 , according to example embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the wagering game network  900  includes a plurality of casinos  912  connected to a communications network  914 . 
     Each casino  912  includes a local area network  916 , which includes an access point  904 , a wagering game server  906 , wagering game machines  902 , and a casino gaming system(s)  918 . The access point  904  provides wireless communication links  910  and wired communication links  908 . The wired and wireless communication links can employ any suitable connection technology, such as Bluetooth, 802.11, Ethernet, public switched telephone networks, SONET, etc. In some embodiments, the wagering game server  906  can serve wagering games and distribute content to devices located in other casinos  912  or at other locations on the communications network  914 . The casino gaming system(s) is operable to monitor the wagering game machines  902  and transmit indications of idle wagering game machines to a hosted gaming system  920 . Although the casino gaming system  918  is depicted as being in the casino  912 , in some embodiments, the casino gaming system  918  is not physically located in the casino. The hosted gaming system  920  is operable to transmit indications of idle wagering game machines  902  to players, match idle wagering game machines  902  to players, etc., as described herein. 
     The wagering game machines  902  described herein can take any suitable form, such as floor standing models, handheld mobile units, bartop models, workstation-type console models, etc. Further, the wagering game machines  902  can be primarily dedicated for use in conducting wagering games, or can include non-dedicated devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, personal computers, etc. In one embodiment, the wagering game network  900  can include other network devices, such as accounting servers, wide area progressive servers, player tracking servers, and/or other devices suitable for use in connection with embodiments of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, wagering game machines  902  and wagering game servers  906  work together such that a wagering game machine  902  can be operated as a thin, thick, or intermediate client. For example, one or more elements of game play may be controlled by the wagering game machine  902  (client) or the wagering game server  906  (server). Game play elements can include executable game code, lookup tables, configuration files, game outcome, audio or visual representations of the game, game assets or the like. In a thin-client example, the wagering game server  906  can perform functions such as determining game outcome or managing assets, while the wagering game machine  902  can present a graphical representation of such outcome or asset modification to the user (e.g., player). In a thick-client example, the wagering game machines  902  can determine game outcomes and communicate the outcomes to the wagering game server  906  for recording or managing a player&#39;s account. 
     In some embodiments, either the wagering game machines  902  (client) or the wagering game server  906  can provide functionality that is not directly related to game play. For example, account transactions and account rules may be managed centrally (e.g., by the wagering game server  906 ) or locally (e.g., by the wagering game machine  902 ). Other functionality not directly related to game play may include power management, presentation of advertising, software or firmware updates, system quality or security checks, etc. 
     Any of the wagering game network components (e.g., the wagering game machines  902 ) can include hardware and machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein. 
     General 
     This detailed description refers to specific examples in the drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter. These examples also serve to illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to the example embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define these example embodiments. This detailed description does not, therefore, limit embodiments of the invention, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following claims.