Patent Publication Number: US-2022223006-A1

Title: Systems and methods for administration of non-wagering account associated with gaming environment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/225,156, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTRATION OF NON-WAGERING ACCOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH GAMING ENVIRONMENT”, filed on Aug. 1, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of prior application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/962,321, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING OF NON-WAGERING ACCOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH GAMING ENVIRONMENT,” filed on Dec. 8, 2015, which is a continuation of prior application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/326,596, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING OF NON-WAGERING ACCOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH GAMING ENVIRONMENT,” filed on Jul. 9, 2014, which is a continuation of prior application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/033,495, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,725, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING OF NON-WAGERING ACCOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH GAMING ENVIRONMENT,” filed on Sep. 22, 2013, which claims priority to the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/744,564, entitled “DUAL PREPAID/LOYALTY CARD FOR GAMING,” filed Sep. 28, 2012, the disclosures of which are all herein by incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Within gaming establishments, such as casinos, gaming devices are typically networked via a central computer. Such configuration allows for the gaming establishment to monitor a player&#39;s gameplay for tracking purposes. Gaming devices typically issue paper tickets that are redeemable for cash. These paper tickets can be redeemed either at assisted-service counters (i.e., a casino cage) or through self-service computer systems, sometimes called Ticket-In-Ticket-Out (TITO) machines. Drawbacks of using paper tickets, however, is that the players may very easily lose tickets, tickets can become destroyed or damaged, casinos incur cost from replenishing tickets, and casinos incur cost for maintaining ticket printers. Additionally, the use of tickets requires that operators of casinos ensure that sufficient amounts of cash are available on the gaming floor to accommodate redemptions at both the assisted-service counters and the TITO machines. Players wishing to play a table game at a casino typically first exchange cash for an amount of chips which can then be used for gaming. When the player wants to convert the chips back to the cash, the player typically exchanges their chips for an equivalent amount of cash at a cashier cage at the casino. Thus, in addition to ensure sufficient cash is available for ticket redemptions, operators of casinos must ensure also sufficient amounts of cash are available at the cashier cage to accommodate player exchanging chips for cash. This process for routinely replenishing cash by the casino operator is both costly and burdensome. 
     Additionally, in many gaming establishments players can register demographic information to obtain a player card, sometimes referred to as a loyalty card. Typical player cards include a unique identifier that enables the casino to centrally track the player&#39;s wagering activity. Applying the player&#39;s historic activity, the gaming establishment can, for example, develop a targeted marketing campaign including promotions, gifts, and advertisements. A problem with casino loyalty systems, however, is that they do not capture spending player activity that occurs in non-gaming environments, such the player&#39;s purchases at a merchant or the player&#39;s ATM activity. 
     Therefore, the field can benefit from systems and methods providing cashless wagering and redemption, which provides advantages to both game players and casino operators. The field can also benefit from systems and methods that conveniently allow a gaming establishment to track player gaming activity and player purchase activity, both inside and outside the casino, to associate such activity with the player&#39;s loyalty profile. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a computer-based method of transferring funds between a stored value account and a gaming account. The method comprises receiving, by one or more computing devices, a player identifier of a player, wherein the player identifier is associated with a gaming account having a balance maintained by a casino computing system. The method also comprises identifying, by any of the one or more computing devices, a stored value account based at least partially on the player identifier, wherein the stored value account is associated with a non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle linked to the player, and wherein a balance of the stored value account is maintained by an issuer processor computing system. The method also comprises instructing, by any of the one or more computing devices, the issuer processor computing system to decrease the balance of the stored value account. The method also comprises instructing, by any of the one or more computing devices, the casino computing system to increase the balance of the gaming account with non-cashable credits. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a computer-based method of funding an account associated with a player. The method comprises receiving, by a transaction facilitator computing system, a load request, wherein the load request comprises a request to load player funds to a stored value account associated with a non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle, wherein the stored value account has a balance amount that is maintained by an issuer processor computing system. The method comprises receiving, by the transaction facilitator computing system, player funds information, wherein the player funds information comprises at least a total value of the player funds. The method comprises instructing, by the transaction facilitator computing system, the issuer processor computing system to increase the balance amount of the stored value account based on the total value of the player funds, wherein non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle is linked to a loyalty account of the player. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a system for a gaming environment comprising a non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle linked to a player, wherein funds accessible by the stored value payment vehicle are maintained in a stored value account and are accessible through a payment network. The system also comprises a gaming account to hold funds for the player and a loyalty account assigned to the player, wherein the loyalty account is maintained by a customer management system, wherein the loyalty account assigned to the player is associated with the stored value account. The system also comprises at least one processor and non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which when executed by a processor cause the processor to selectively cause the funds maintained in the stored value account to be decreased and selectively cause the funds held by the gaming account to be increased, wherein the funds are available to the player as non-cashable credits. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a computer-based method of player tracking, the method performed by one or more computing devices comprising instructions stored in a memory, which when executed by one or more processors of the one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform the method comprising associating in computer memory of the one or more computing devices, a stored value account of a player with a player identifier of a gaming environment, wherein the stored value account holds funds accessible through use of a non-reloadable card associated with a bank card network, wherein the non-reloadable card is usable for open-loop payment transactions at any of a plurality of merchants unaffiliated with the gaming environment and each associated with the bank card network. The method also comprises receiving transaction-related information associated with the access of the funds held by the stored value account of the player based on use of the general purpose reloadable card for an open-loop payment transaction at one of the plurality of merchants unaffiliated with the gaming environment and each associated with the bank card network. The method also comprises generating a player intelligence report based at least partially on the transaction-related information, wherein the player intelligence report comprises the player identifier and identifies the merchant at which the non-reloadable card was used for the open-loop payment transaction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It is believed that certain embodiments will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an association between a stored value payment vehicle and a gaming account in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts an example system view and flow process utilizing the stored value payment vehicle of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts the system view and flow process of  FIG. 2A  further comprising a casino level player account in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIGS. 3-4  are diagrammatic representations of associations between stored value payment vehicles and gaming accounts in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates example cash flows between example gaming accounts associated with a player and cash flows between the gaming accounts and stored value payment vehicle issued to the player in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic representation of an example gaming system and flow process in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an example arrangement of a transaction facilitator interacting with a gaming environment and an issuer processor computing system in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an example arrangement for tracking and rewarding player activity in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  schematically illustrates various techniques for a player to load funds to a stored value account. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic representation of various computing devices associated with a casino that are in communication with a transaction facilitator that performs various financial transactions associated with a stored value account managed by an issuer processor computing system. 
         FIGS. 11-14  depict example simplified screen displays of the casino cage computing device of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 15  depicts an example user interface screen on a display of a computing device that is associated with an unattended casino kiosk. 
         FIG. 16  depicts an example user interface screen on a display of a computing device that is associated with a casino gaming pit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The presently disclosed system and methods can generally allow for gaming-related financial transactions. As described in more detail below, utilizing a transaction facilitator, a player can selectively transfer funds between various types of gaming accounts and an associated account, such as a stored value account and/or a casino level player account. The stored value account can be a financial account that is maintained by an issuing financial institution, with funds in the stored value account accessible to the cardholder through an associated stored value payment vehicle using open-loop or closed-loop payment processing, for example. The stored value payment vehicle can be any suitable payment vehicle, such as a physical card, a virtual payment device, or have any other suitable format. In some embodiments the stored value payment vehicle is a general purpose reloadable prepaid card. In other embodiments, the stored value payment vehicle is a non-reloadable prepaid card. Non-reloadable prepaid cards are used until the balance is drawn down to zero dollars and then discarded. 
     Gaming environments can utilize different types of gaming accounts, such as casino level player accounts and/or wagering accounts. With regard to wagering accounts, some types of wagering accounts are regulated by jurisdictional gaming statutes. For the purposes of illustration, three different types of wagering accounts are described herein (internet gaming wagering accounts, brick-and-mortar wagering accounts, and race-and-sports wagering accounts), although this disclosure is not so limited. In fact, the systems and methods described herein are generally applicable to the transfer of between any suitable wagering account and an associated stored value account, or intermediary account, such as a casino level player account, as described below. 
     As used herein, internet gaming wagering account (or iGaming wagering account), generally means an electronic ledger wherein the following types of transactions relative to internet or mobile gaming system are recorded: (a) deposits; (b) withdrawals; (c) amounts wagered; (d) amounts paid on winning wagers; (e) service or other transaction-related charges authorized by the patron; and (f) adjustments to the account. 
     As used herein, brick-and-mortar wagering account generally means an electronic ledger for a brick-and-mortar cashless wagering system patron deposit account wherein the following types of transactions are recorded to and from gaming devices (i.e.; slots): (a) deposits and withdrawals of cash or cash equivalents at a designated area of accountability; (b) deposits initiated with a debit instrument; (c) wagering account transfers to and from gaming devices; (d) wagering account adjustments. 
     As used herein, race-and-sports wagering account generally means an electronic ledger wherein the following types of transactions relative to sports and non-pari-mutuel race wagers are recorded: (a) deposits; (b) withdrawals; (c) amounts wagered; (d) amounts paid on winning wagers; (e) amounts paid for horse racing-related services or merchandise; (f) service or other transaction-related charges authorized by the patron; and (g) adjustments to the account. 
     As described in more detail below, a transaction facilitator can generally direct or enable transactions with the issuing financial institution to affect the increasing and decreasing of an account balance of the stored value account. A transaction facilitator can also generally direct or enable transactions with a computing system that manages a gaming account of a gaming environment to affect the increasing and decreasing of an account balance of the gaming account. The issuing financial institution can also receive communications related to the stored value account in a traditional fashion via an open system from merchants through existing bank card networks. Such communications can authorize/decline purchases using funds held in the stored value account. 
     In some embodiments, a player can be associated with a unique player identifier that can be used by a casino or other gaming environment to identify a particular player. Such a player identifier may be issued subsequent to the player enrolling in a casino loyalty program, for example. In some cases, the unique player identifier is embossed on a player card, sometimes referred to as a loyalty card, or is otherwise accessible or presentable by a player. In some embodiments, the player identifier can be a graphical code, such as a quick-response (QR) code displayable on a mobile computing device or the player identifier can be a barcode printed on a keychain fob or other substrate. In any event, the player identifier can be provided to a gaming device or casino representative to enable the casino to centrally track the player&#39;s wagering activity. The player identifier is linked by the issuing entity (such as a casino) a loyalty profile that can be stored or otherwise maintained by customer relationship software that is maintained by the casino or on behalf of the casino by an affiliated service provider. 
     As described in more detail below, a player identifier for a particular player can be linked to, or otherwise associated with, a stored value account held by a financial institution and accessible by the particular player. Such a linkage or association offers a variety of benefits, both to players and an associated casino. For example, in one example implementation, a player can interact with a gaming device (such as a slot machine) by providing a player identifier to the device. In some cases, additional credentials, such as a PIN or password, can be provided by the player. Through network communications, the gaming device can communicate with various computing platforms, such as a slot management system and/or casino management system, which generally may be referred to as a casino computing system, to authenticate the player&#39;s identity. Once authenticated, the player can selectively access funds that are maintained in the stored value account of an issuing financial institution for use at the gaming device. The casino computing system can communicate with a transaction facilitator (such as through API-calls, or other suitable communication techniques) to provide the information to identify the player that is seeking to access funds. In one embodiment, a player identifier of the player is provided to the transaction facilitator. As described in more detail below, the player identifier can be the loyalty account number or other type of identifier. The transaction facilitator, in turn, can determine a stored value account associated with that player and, through closed network communications with the issuing financial institution, dispatch appropriate messaging to debit the stored value account. Indication of a successful debit can be provided to the casino computing system by the transaction facilitator. The casino computing system can then credit a one or more gaming accounts of the player to increase their available balance. Funds, in the form of gaming credits, either cashable credits or non-cashable credits, can then be distributed to the gaming device (sometimes referred to as a wagering account transfer in “WAT in”). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, cashable credits and non-cashable credits can be tracked separately by the gaming device, such as through different meters. At a later point in time, when the player wishes to “cash out,” the credits of the gaming device can be cashed out (i.e., via a TITO-type cash out) or transferred to a gaming account (sometimes referred to as a wagering account transfer out “WAT out”). Once received into the gaming account, the gaming credits can be converted to a fund amount and used to credit the stored value account, held in the gaming account, or even transferred to another gaming account. 
     In some embodiments, various transfers described below can be performed in substantially real-time. As used herein, substantially real-time means generally less than about 20 minutes, generally less than about 10 minutes, generally less that about 5 minutes, generally less than about 1 minutes, or generally less than about 30 seconds. Therefore, in the example described above, subsequent to the player “cashing out”, the funds transferred to the stored value account can be accessible to make purchases using the associated stored value payment vehicle in substantially real-time. 
     The stored value payment vehicle can be, for example, a general purpose reloadable card (sometimes referred to as a GPR card) that is an open-loop payment vehicle. Alternatively, the stored value payment vehicle can be non-reloadable card that is an open-loop payment vehicle. The general purpose non-reloadable card can be of variable denomination, with the denomination determined at the time of purchase (i.e., at the time of the initial loading). Stored value payment vehicles that are reloadable allow the holder to add additional funds to the account associated with the stored value payment vehicle subsequent to the initial loading, while non-reloadable cards are only useable until the originally loaded funds are depleted. Being an open loop payment vehicle, it is associated with a bank card network (MASTERCARD, VISA, DISCOVER, and so forth) and can generally be used at any merchant or ATM accepting payment cards associated with the bank card network. Open loop transactions seeking authorization from funds of the stored value account send authorization requests to the issuing financial institution through an open bank card network. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, using secured communication links, the issuing financial institution can provide a transaction facilitator with information based on stored value card transactions. The financial facilitator can determine a player identifier associated with that stored value account and then provide reporting to the casino computing system. This reporting can be used, for example, to supplement or update a loyalty profile of a player based on the increased knowledge about the player gained from tracking their spending. 
     Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection  FIGS. 1-16 , wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the figures. It is noted that reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment, or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematically illustrates an association between a stored value payment vehicle  116  and a gaming account  188  in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The gaming account  188  can be associated with a gaming environment  102 . As used herein, gaming environment can refer to, without limitation, a brick-and-mortar casino and/or an online or virtual casino. In some cases, the gaming environment also extends to entities or services, such as third party computer systems generally controlled by or operated on behalf of a casino operator.  FIG. 2A  depicts an example system view and flow process  100  utilizing the stored value payment vehicle  116  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2A , a player  114  can be issued the stored value payment vehicle  116  that is associated with a stored value account  128  maintained by an issuer processor computing system  126 . The issuer processor computing system  126  can be a system used to maintain and/or process transactions associated with the stored value payment vehicle  116  and the stored value account  128 . The stored value payment vehicle  116  can be a physical card, a virtual card, or any other suitable type of vehicle. In some embodiments, the stored value payment vehicle  116  is a general purpose reloadable card (sometimes referred to as a prepaid card) or a non-reloadable variable denomination card. The stored value payment vehicle  116  can be an “open-loop card,” which a consumer can use anywhere that accepts payment from a retail electronic payments network associated with the stored value payment vehicle, such as MASTERCARD, VISA, DISCOVER, and so forth, as discussed above. The stored value payment vehicle  116  can be a “closed-loop card”, which a consumer can use at particular merchant locations, for example. 
     The player  114  can fund (i.e., increase the available balance) the stored value account  128  through traditional techniques, such as by transfers funds from a demand access account (DDA) and/or funds loaded from a credit card to the stored value account  128  through an online interface. As described in more detail below, with regard to reloadable-style stored payment vehicles, the player  114  can also selectively fund the stored value account  128  from the gaming environment  102  using cash, jackpot payouts, and numerous other ways, such as chip and slot ticket redemption. 
     The stored value payment vehicle  116  can be used by the player  114  to make purchases at a variety of merchant types. As shown in  FIG. 2B , non-limiting example types of merchants include a brick-and-mortar merchant  118 , an online merchant  120 , an ATM machine  122 , and a service provider  124 . Accordingly, the stored value payment vehicle  116  can be used to facilitate the transfer of funds from the stored value account  128  through purchase transactions (schematically illustrated as transactions  132 ,  134 ,  136 , and  138 ). In some cases, a particular merchant may be associated with the gaming environment  102 , such as affiliated merchant  112 . Example affiliated merchants  112  can include, without limitation, on-property retailers, restaurants, and hotels. While the affiliated merchant  112  is illustrated as being within the gaming environment  102 , this disclosure is not so limited. In some embodiments the affiliated merchant  112  is an online merchant, for example. The stored value payment vehicle  116  can be used for a purchase transaction  130  at such affiliated merchants  112 . In some embodiments, the purchase transaction  130  can be processed as a closed-loop transaction due to the affiliation with the gaming environment or a transaction facilitator, as described below. As described in more detail below, the systems and methods described herein can allow for such a purchase transaction  130  by the player  114  to be incentive and/or rewarded. The purchase transactions  32 ,  134 ,  136 , and  138  by the player  114  can also be rewarded, with reward levels being the same or different as the rewards or comps associated with purchase transaction  130 . 
     A gaming account can be associated with the casino environment  102 . As used herein, a gaming account can be any type of financial account (i.e., electronic ledger) that is associated with a player, or collection of financial accounts that are associated with a player, and maintained by a casino, or at least on behalf of a casino. While  FIG. 1  schematically shows one gaming account  188  for the sake of clarity, it is to be appreciated that the player  114  and/or the stored value payment vehicle  116  can be associated with any number of gaming accounts  188 . Further, the gaming account  188  can be any suitable account type. In  FIG. 2A , for example, the gaming accounts associated with the play  114  are illustrated as wagering accounts  104 . In other embodiments, such as described below in connection with  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 5 , for example, the gaming account  188  can comprise a casino level player account. Still referring to  FIG. 1 , In accordance with the systems and methods described herein, the player  114  can selectively direct funds  116 A associated with the stored value payment vehicle  116  to the gaming account  188 . In some embodiments, the player  114  can also selectively direct funds  116 B associated with the gaming account  188  to the stored value payment vehicle  116 . In other words, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, the player  114  can transfer funds, back and forth, in real-time, between a stored value account  128  and the gaming account  188  of the player  114 . In some embodiments, the directed funds  116 A,  116 B are transferred (i.e. credited) to the destination account in substantially real time. In other embodiments, a “pause” between an initiated transfer and an availability of the transferred funds can be implemented. For example, to the extent that regulators and responsible gaming advocates believe that a “pause” is significant to minimize reckless gaming, the systems and methods described herein are adaptable to institute certain pauses in accessing funds. 
     In one example embodiment, using directed funds  116 A,  116 B, a player  114  can supply funds for a gaming experience within the gaming environment  102 , and subsequently cash-out from the gaming experience, all without physically handling cash or coins within the gaming environment  102 . Since all of the funds are electronically transferred between a selected gaming account  188  and the stored value account  128  as credits and debits, for these particular transactions, the necessity for the player  102  or the gaming environment  102  to physically handle cash or coins is eliminated. In other embodiments, however, the player  114  bring cash or coins into the gaming environment  102  and selectively transfer such funds to their stored value account  128 , as described in more detail below (see  FIGS. 9-10 , for example). Additionally, in other embodiments, the player  114  withdraw cash from their stored value account  128  while in the gaming environment, as described in more detail below (see  FIG. 13 , for example). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2A , gaming accounts associated with the player  114  are shown as wagering accounts  104 , which can be managed by management computing system (not shown) affiliated with the gaming environment  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wagering accounts  104  include a brick-and-mortar wagering account  106 , a race-and-sport wagering account  108 , and an iGaming wagering account  110 . The brick-and-mortar wagering account  106  is generally an electronic ledger associated with a player&#39;s table and slot wagers. The race-and-sport wagering account  108  is generally an electronic ledger associated with a player&#39;s sports and non-pari-mutuel race wagers. The iGaming wagering account  110  is generally an electronic ledger associated with a player&#39;s online wagers, such as online poker and virtual gaming. It is noted that in some jurisdictions, gaming regulations forbid the transferring of a player&#39;s funds stored in one wagering account  106 ,  108 ,  110  directly to another wagering account  106 ,  108 ,  110   
       FIG. 2B  depicts another embodiment of the system view and flow process  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the system view and flow process  200  additionally comprises a gaming account that is a casino level player account  250 . The casino level player account  250  can be generally an electronic ledger associated with a player. It can also be associated one or more wagering accounts  104 . The casino level player account  250  can offer a variety of functionality to the player  114 . For example, a player  114  can direct funds stored their stored value account  128  to the casino level player account  250 . In certain embodiments, the player  114  can direct funds stored in one of the wagering accounts  104  or other gaming account to the casino level player account  250 , as opposed to directing the funds to the stored value account  128 . The player  114  can then direct the funds held in the casino level player account  250  to a different wagering account  104 . Additional details regarding example transfers of funds are described below in connection with  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, the player  114  can selectively utilize funds held by the casino level player account  250  for closed-loop point of sale transactions, either retail transactions (such as at an affiliated merchant  112 ) or closed-loop cash outs, all while enjoying reduced interchange fees due to the closed-loop nature of the transactions. Therefore, in some cases, performing transactions with funds in the casino level player account  250  is less costly to the gaming operator of the casino environment  102  and to the player  114 . For some implementations comprising a casino level player account  250 , when a player  114  directs funds  116 A into the gaming environment  102 , the player  116  can still direct them to a particular wagering account  104 , as illustrated. In other implementations comprising a casino level player account  250 , a player  114  can direct funds  116 A into the casino level player account  250 . The player  114  can subsequently direct those funds to a particular wagering account  104  or use the funds for closed-loop transactions. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of an association between a stored value payment vehicle  316  and a gaming account  388  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. Similar to  FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B , the stored value payment vehicle  316  is issued to a player  314 , and in accordance with the systems and methods described herein, the player  314  can selectively direct the transfer of funds  316 A into a gaming account  388  of a casino environment  302 . The stored value payment vehicle  316  can be either a non-reloadable card or a reloadable card. For non-reloadable stored payment vehicles, the transfer of funds  316 A may be characterized as non-cashable credits. In some cases, the player  314  can also direct the transfer of funds  316 B from the gaming account  388 . As is to be appreciated, the gaming account  388  illustrated in  FIG. 3  can be, without limitation, a wagering account, a casino level player account, or a combination thereof. The stored value payment vehicle  316  is linked to a stored value account (not shown). 
     In this embodiment, the gaming environment  302  is linked to a player loyalty database  350  which stores data in the form of a player loyalty profile  352  associated with the player  314 . The player loyalty profile  352  can include data associated with the gaming history of the player  314 , incentives, comps, and other tracking-related information, as is known in the art. The loyalty profile  352  can also include information related to fund transfer data, as illustrated by data capturing  354 . Accordingly, the player loyalty profile  352  can include, for example, dates of transfers, amounts of transfers, times of transfers, number of transfers, and so forth. The player loyalty profile  352  can also include personally identifiable information (PII) that was gathered in association with the issuing of the non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle  316 , for example, such that the identity of the player is linked to the non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle  316 . 
       FIG. 4  is similar to the diagrammatic representation of an association between a stored value payment vehicle  316  and a gaming account  388  shown in  FIG. 3 , although  FIG. 4  schematically illustrates additional functionality with regard to player tracking. In this embodiment, a financial transaction  364  in which the stored value payment vehicle  316  is used at a merchant  366  is shown. The merchant  366  can be, for example, any type of merchant or ATM that accepts the stored value payment vehicle  316  as a form of payment. As illustrated by data capture  362 , information regarding the financial transaction  364  is provided to the player loyalty profile  352  utilizing data capture  362 . In this embodiment, the player loyalty profile  352  is maintained by a customer relationship management engine  360 , which can be operated by the gaming operator of the gaming environment  302  or a third party service provider. As described in more detail below, based on the player loyalty profile  352  and/or financial transactions  364 , an operator of the gaming environment  302 , or other parties or entities, can offer various incentives, discounts, coupons, deals, programs, or offerings to the player  314 . Such offerings can be provided to the player  314  through a loyalty account associated with the player loyalty profile  352  and/or provided through the stored value payment account. 
       FIG. 5  schematically illustrates example cash flows between example gaming accounts associated with a player  514  along with the cash flows between the gaming accounts and stored value payment vehicle  516  issued to the player. In the illustrated embodiments, the gaming accounts in the casino environment  502  are shown as a casino level player account a plurality of wagering accounts. In accordance with the systems and methods described herein, the player  514  can selectively direct the transfer of funds  516 A into a casino level player account  550 . The player  514  can also direct the transfer of funds  516 B from the casino level player account  550 . As is to be appreciated, the stored value payment vehicle  516  is linked to a stored value account (not shown). For funds held by the casino level player account  550 , the player  514  can selectively transfer a portion (or all) of the funds in and out of various wagering accounts  506 ,  508 ,  510 , shown as wagering account  1 , wagering account  2  and wagering account  3 . The player  514  can also utilize the casino level player account  550  to initiate financial transactions at an affiliated merchant  512  as a closed-loop transaction. The affiliated merchant  512  can be, for example, a retailer on a casino property, an ATM, or other type of closed-loop merchant. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic representation of another example gaming system and flow process  600  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. This gaming system and flow process  600  includes a networked gaming device  676 , such as a slot machine, a casino kiosk, casino gaming pit computing system, sports book computing system, and so forth. As is generally known in the art, the gaming device  676  can be in networked communication with a variety of computer-based entities, such as a slot management system (SMS)  672  and a casino management system (CMS)  674 . In some gaming environments, the SMS  672  and the CMS  674  may collectively be considered components of a casino computing system. The networked arrangement can include wired and/or wireless communication links. Examples of suitable networks can include a local area network (LAN), virtual private network (VPN), an Internet connection, and/or any other network configuration that is capable to enable the CMS  674  and SMS  672  to communicate with the gaming device  676  and other devices. The networked arrangement can provide two-way communications between the CMS  674  and SMS  672  and gaming device  676 . In the illustrated embodiment, the CMS  674  maintains a player loyalty profile  612  for a player  614  and maintains gaming accounts for the player  614 , shown as wagering account  614 . Other embodiments however can use different configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the player loyalty profile  612  may be maintained by a third-party customer relationship management service or the casino gaming system. 
     The gaming system can comprise one or more gaming accounts (shown as a single gaming account  688  in  FIG. 6  for the sake of illustration). While the gaming account  688  is schematically shown within the CMS  674 , other gaming environments can maintain the gaming account  688  elsewhere, such as by a separate wagering account management entity or a third-party wagering account provider. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming account comprises a brick-and-mortar gaming account, so that gaming credits can be provided to the meter  680  of the gaming device  676 , as described below. 
     A stored value payment vehicle  616 , such as a prepaid debit card, a general purpose reloadable card, a variable denomination non-reloadable card, or other suitable type of payment vehicle, is issued to the player  614  by a bank or other financial entity. A player identifier  670  is also assigned to the player  614  so that an operator of the gaming environment  602  can properly identify the player  614 . In some embodiment, the player identifier  670  is expressed as a number or string that is provided to the player  614  on a physical card (such as a loyalty card or player&#39;s card). In other embodiments, the player identifier  670  can be graphical-based or be chip-based and utilize near-field communication (NFC) protocols, for example. In any event, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the player identifier  670  is provided to an input device  678  of the gaming device  676 . As is to be appreciated, the particular type of input device  678  used to read the player identifier  670  will depend on the particular format of the player identifier  670 . In some embodiments, the input device  678  is a magnetic card reader, while in other embodiments the input device  678  is an optical scanner. In some embodiments, in addition to providing the player identifier  670 , additional credentials (such as a PIN) must be provided by the player  614  for authentication purposes. Further, while not illustrated, it is noted that in some embodiments, the gaming device  676  can be configured to read or scan the stored value payment vehicle  616 . Upon receiving the player identifier  670 , along with any other credentials, the gaming device  676  provides the data to the SMS  672  and/or the CMS  674  through network communications. Upon authenticating the identification of the player  614 , various types of financial transactions related to the stored value payment vehicle  616  and/or the gaming account  688  can be offered to the player  614 . In some embodiments, such offerings are provided on a graphical display on the gaming device, as provided to the gaming device  676  by communications from the SMS  672  and/or CMS  674 . In one embodiment, for example, an available balance in a stored value account associated with the stored value payment vehicle  616  is displayed to the player  614 . An indication of whether the balance is cashable credits or non-cashable credits can be displayed to the player  614 . For instance, funds associated a non-reloadable stored payment vehicle  616  can be identified as non-cashable credits while funds associated a reloadable stored payment vehicle  616  can be identified as cashable credits. Additional details regarding the retrieval of the available balance using a transaction facilitator is described in more detail below with regard to  FIG. 7 . The gaming device  676  can request a dollar amount be inputted by the player  614  and once the player  614  selects a dollar amount, a transfer of funds  616 A can be initiated to direct funds associated with the stored value payment vehicle  616  to the gaming account  688 . Depending on the type of gaming account  688  associated with the player, the funds can be transferred directly into a wagering account associated with the gaming device  676 . Alternatively, funds can be received in a casino level player account and subsequently transferred to a wagering account associated with the gaming device  676 . In any event, upon receipt of the funds  616 A, the funds can be converted to either cashable or non-cashable gaming credits. The gaming credits  682  can then be metered into gaming device  676  by its meter  680 . The player can then use the gaming credits for wagering at the gaming device  676 , as is known in the art. 
     At the conclusion of a gaming session, the player  614  may desire to transfer any cashable gaming credits  682  to the stored value payment vehicle  616  in the form of funds. In one embodiment, when the player  614  initiates a “cash out” action at the gaming device  676 , the gaming device  676  prompts the player  614  to select the “cash out” technique, such as printing a ticket for subsequent redemption or a transfer to the stored value account that is associated with the stored value payment vehicle  616 . Should the player  614  choose the latter, the gaming credits  682  can be first transferred out of the gaming device  676  and into the gaming account  688 , where it is converted to funds. Then a transfer of funds  616 B is initiated using a closed-loop communications with the financial institution maintaining the stored value account to credit that account. As described in more detail below, a transaction facilitator (not shown) can be used to facilitate the transmission of such credit and debit messaging. From the perspective of the player  614 , the gaming credits that had been associated with the gaming device  676  are converted to funds that are available for access by the player&#39;s stored value payment vehicle  616 . Such conversion of gaming credits to available funds for access by the stored value payment vehicle  616  can be in substantially real-time. In some embodiments, a player  614  may have more than one stored value payment vehicle  616  linked to their player identifier  670 . For instance, one stored value payment vehicle  616  may be a general purpose reloadable card and another stored value payment vehicle  616  may be a non-reloadable card. In such cases, the player  616  may load non-cashable credits from the non-reloadable card onto the gaming device  676  and subsequently cash out winnings to the general purpose reloadable card. In other embodiments, funds may be transferred to non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle  616  if certain conditions are satisfied (i.e., dollar thresholds, velocity thresholds, and/or other transfer parameters). 
       FIG. 7  is an example arrangement  700  of a transaction facilitator  790  interacting with both a gaming environment  702  and an issuer processor computing system  726 , in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. Generally, the transaction facilitator  790  receives financial transaction communications from the gaming environment  702 . In some environments, such messages are received via a communications network, such as the SPAN′ network offered by Sightline Interactive LLC of Las Vegas, Nev. In some embodiments, the communications are received through an application programing interface (API) or other web-based messaging. The transaction facilitator  790  can also be in closed communication with the issuer processor computing system  726  that maintains the stored value account  728  associated with a stored value payment vehicle  716 . As provided above, the stored value payment vehicle  716  can be any suitable type of stored value payment vehicle, such as a reloadable-type payment vehicle or a non-reloadable-type payment vehicle. It is noted that while the transaction facilitator  790  is schematically illustrated as a single entity, it is to be appreciated that this disclosure is not so limited. Instead, the functionality of the transaction facilitator  790 , as described herein, can be distributed across, or otherwise performed by, a plurality of various entities, such payment gateways, acquirer processors, and other types of payment intermediaries. Also, the transaction facilitator  790 , or at least components thereof, can reside within the gaming environment  702  or be controlled by an operator of the gaming environment. In such embodiment, the transaction facilitator  790  can be configured to communicate with the issuer processor computing system  726  through a secured communication link. Further, the transaction facilitator  790 , or at least components thereof, can be controlled by the issuer processor computing system  726 . Therefore, the transaction facilitator  790  may be operated by, or otherwise controlled by a variety of different entities. The transaction facilitator  790  can also have a one-to-one processing relationship with the gaming environment  702 , as illustrated. It is to be appreciated, however, that the transaction facilitator  790  can also have a one-to-many configuration such that it has a processing relationship with a plurality of different gaming environments. The casino computing system  720 , which can include one or more processors  722  and one or more computer memory units  724 , can process the player identifier. For convenience, only one processor  722  and only one memory unit  724  are shown in  FIG. 7 . The processor  722  can execute software instructions stored on the memory unit  724 . The processor  722  can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) having one or multiple cores. The memory unit  724  can include volatile and/or non-volatile memory units. Volatile memory units can include random access memory (RAM), for example. Non-volatile memory units can include read only memory (ROM), for example, as well as mechanical non-volatile memory systems, such as, for example, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The RAM and/or ROM memory units can be implemented as discrete memory ICs, for example. In some embodiments, the casino computing system  720  can execute the slot management system and the casino management system described above. 
     Similar to input of the player identifier  670  described in  FIG. 6 , a player identifier  770  associated with the player  714  can be provided to the input device  778  of a gaming device  776 . The gaming device can have one or more displays  784 . The player identifier  712  can be used to identify a player loyalty profile  712  of the player. The casino computing system  720  can be configured to transmit the player identifier  770 , or other player identifying data, to the transaction facilitator  790  using a suitable network interface  786 . 
     Upon receiving the player identifier  770 , or other player identifying data, the transaction facilitator  790  can match the player identifying data to a particular stored value account  728 , as can be maintained by a player database  792 . While the player database  792  is illustrated as a component of the transaction facilitator  792 , this disclosure is not so limited. Such information can be stored by any suitable entity in the system hierarchy, including by an entity within the gaming environment  702 . It is noted, however, that by maintaining the player database  792  outside the gaming environment  702 , Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance requirements of the gaming environment  702  may be reduced. 
     Once the stored value account  728  of the player  714  has been identified by the transaction facilitator  790 , the transaction facilitator  790  can transmit the appropriate messaging to the issuer processor computing system  726 . For example, messages may include a balance inquiry, an authorization request, and so forth. For fund transfers, the transaction facilitator  790  can facilitate the message flow to affect the transfers of funds  728 A by debiting the stored value account  728  and crediting the gaming account  788  or the message flow to affect the transfers of funds  728 B by debiting the gaming account  788  and crediting the stored value account  728 . As described above, funds transferred into the gaming account  788  can be converted to cashable or non-cashable gaming credits  782  for gaming at the gaming device  776 , depending on the source of the funds. Alternatively, depending on the type of the gaming account  788 , the funds can be used for other types of gaming, such as iGaming, race-and-sports gaming, and so forth. 
     One deficiency of typical casino loyalty systems is that they cannot capture patron spending behavior that occurs in non-gaming environments, such as in casino related restaurants, hotel, retail stores, ATM, and so forth. Casino loyalty systems also do not capture spending behavior outside their physical property. Therefore, it may be desirable for casinos and other gaming environments to expand their customer&#39;s loyalty programs (i.e., point earning capability) to include related non-gaming activity. These expanded programs may encourage greater loyalty and patronage of the casino while also providing additional business intelligence regarding consumer behavior. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an aspect of the present disclosure that aims to capture patron spending behavior that occurs in non-gaming environments of a casino, such as in the restaurants, hotels, retail establishments, ATM&#39;s and well as spending behavior that occurs in non-casino environments, such as in the restaurants, hotels, retail establishments, ATM&#39;s. The spending behavior is captured and related to the consumer&#39;s loyalty program for processing. Capturing the behavior is possible because of a communication link that is established between a processor of the transactions based on a stored value payment vehicle and the casino loyalty program processor. In the illustrated embodiment, the player  814  is issued a reloadable or non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle  816 . The player  814  also has a player loyalty profile  852  that is maintained by a customer relationship management computing system. In accordance with the presently disclosed systems and methods, tracking information regarding the player&#39;s  814  use of the stored value payment vehicle  816  can be provided to improve the depth and value of player loyalty profile  852 . 
     The stored value payment vehicle  816  can be used for financial transactions at a variety of locations, such as an unaffiliated merchant  818  or an ATM machine  822 . These transactions can use traditional open-loop payment network communications to seek authorizations from the issuer processor computing system  826  associated with the stored value payment vehicle  816 , as is known in the art. The stored value payment vehicle  816  can also be used at an affiliated merchant  812 , such as at a casino hotel or restaurant. Depending on the acquirer processor used by the merchants  812 ,  818  the transaction may be routed to the issuer processor computing system  826  through either open-loop network communication links or closed-loop network communication links. 
     For both types of transactions, data regarding these transactions can be provided to the transaction facilitator  890 . Upon receiving (or in some cases retrieving) transactional data, a player tracking engine  804  can determine a loyalty profile account associated with the cardholder. In some embodiments, the player tracking engine  804  utilizes a player database, which may be similar to the player database  792  shown in  FIG. 7 . The transaction facilitator  890  can then dispatch an intelligence report  832  to the casino computing system  820  or otherwise make the intelligence report  832  available to the casino computing system  820 . The intelligence report  832  can be in a variety of different forms and include a wide variety of information. The intelligence report  832  can be, for example, data provided to a casino computing system and/or customer relationship platform. The intelligence report  832  can be provided using any suitable distribution technique and may vary based on implementation. For example, the intelligence report  832  can be provided as a data feed in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the intelligence report  832  can be provided as a data file or other type of file. In some embodiments, the intelligence report  832  includes identifications of the various merchants where the player  814  used, or attempted to use, the stored value payment vehicle  816 . 
     In some embodiments, the player tracking engine  804  can be configured to assign a loyalty value, such as using a point system, or other metric, to various transactions involving the stored value payment vehicle  816 , or the player based on the transactions of the stored value payment vehicle  816 . Transactions at a first set of merchants, as identifiable by a merchant category code received from a POS device, may receive a higher point value or different value metric than transactions received from a second set of merchants. In the context of the illustrated embodiment, financial transactions at the affiliated merchant  812  can provide the player  814  with more loyalty “points” than financial transactions at the unaffiliated merchant  818 . In some cases, the transaction at the unaffiliated merchant  818  may have zero loyalty value or even have a negative loyalty value. For example, the unaffiliated merchant  818  may be a merchant at a competing casino. Based on the incentivized behavior, the player  814  may decide not to use the stored value payment vehicle  816  at unaffiliated merchant  818  and instead use it at affiliated merchant  812 . 
     The player tracking engine  804  can accumulate points or other loyalty data/values for the player  814  for a particular period and then provide a reporting of the points in the intelligence report  832 . Based on the points values, or other metrics, incentives  834  can be provided to the player through the player loyalty program. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments, a couponing engine  806  can allow for the distribution of merchant-specific coupons as part of a loyalty program. The couponing engine  806  can store a table, for example, correlating the stored value payment vehicle  816  to particular discounts, coupons, or offers as part of a loyalty program (collectively referred to as coupons) at particular merchants, which may be both affiliated and unaffiliated. When an authorization request is received by the issuer processor computing system  826  from a POS device associated with a merchant (which may be an affiliated or unaffiliated merchant), the issuer processor computing system  826  can query the couponing engine  806  to see if a coupon or other offering is available. 
     By way of example, a player  814  may have a received a coupon from a casino for $10 off a meal at a specific restaurant. For this example, the player  814  has an available balance of $100 in their stored value account  828 . The player  814  dines at the restaurant and charges $50 to their stored value payment vehicle  816 . The POS device seeks authorization from the issuer processor computing system, as is known in the art. Upon receiving the authorization request, the issuer processor computing system  826  uses the couponing engine  806  to see if a coupon is available for use (in this case, based on the cardholder and the merchant). The $10 off a meal coupon is identified as being applicable. The issuer processor computing system  826  returns a message to the POS device at the restaurant authorizing the full $50 charge. The stored value account  828 , however, is only debited $40, thereby taking the available balance to $60. Accordingly, a coupon was automatically applied to the open-loop transaction using the stored value payment vehicle  816  without needing the merchant to apply the coupon to the sale. Once the coupon is applied to a transaction, the player tracking engine  804  can report the redemption of the coupon in the intelligence report  832 , or using other forms of reporting. 
     Players using the systems and methods described herein in a gaming environment may desire to load funds into their stored value account. It may be desirable to load such funds in substantially real-time so that the funds are accessible via their stored value payment vehicle relatively quickly.  FIG. 9  schematically illustrates various techniques for a player  914  to load funds to a stored value account  900  that is associated with a stored value payment vehicle  916 . The player  914  can utilize any number of fund sources  940 , including player-sourced funds  942  and jackpot funds  944 . Stored value payment vehicles  916  that are non-reloadable may only be loaded once, whereas reloadable-type payment vehicles do not necessarily have that funding limitation. Referring first to the player-sourced funds  942 , a player can approach a computing system  920  of the casino environment with the funds  942 . The computing system  920  may be, for example, an attended computing system (such as a casino cage) or an unattended computing system (such as at a kiosk). The type of computing system  920  will determine which type of funding module can be executed. For example, the cage module may allow for a player  914  to load both chips and cash into their stored value account  916 . The cage module may also allow for the player  914  to load a jackpot  944  into their stored value account  916 , which is described in more detail below with regard to  FIG. 12 . The kiosk module may only allow for a player  914  to load cash, coins, or tickets to their stored value account  916 . A pit module, which can be executed on a computing system accessible by a dealer or a pit boss, can allow for the loading of a stored value account  916  using chips. A mobile module may be executing on a mobile computing device  920 , such as a tablet computer, that can read tickets. In some embodiments, the mobile module can facilitate a player  914  transferring funds to/from the stored value account  916  to/from a gaming account (i.e., an iGaming wagering account). If the computing device  920  is part of a gaming device, the slot module can allow for the funding of the stored value account  916  through gaming credits (as described above). 
     The computing system  920  can communicate with a transaction facilitator  990  through network communications, as described above. The transaction facilitator  990  can be provided using any suitable processor-based device or system, such as a personal computer, laptop, server, mainframe, or a collection (e.g., network) of multiple computers, for example. The transaction facilitator  990  can include one or more processors  992  and one or more computer memory units  994 . For convenience, only one processor  992  and only one memory unit  994  are shown in  FIG. 9 . The processor  992  can execute software instructions stored on the memory unit  994 . The processor  992  can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) having one or multiple cores. The memory unit  994  can include volatile and/or non-volatile memory units. Volatile memory units can include random access memory (RAM), for example. Non-volatile memory units can include read only memory (ROM), for example, as well as mechanical non-volatile memory systems, such as, for example, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The RAM and/or ROM memory units can be implemented as discrete memory ICs, for example. 
     In some embodiments, a server  996  can provide a graphical web user interface through which various users (such as players, casino operators, and so forth) can interact with the transaction facilitator  990 . The server  996  can accept requests, such as HTTP requests, from clients (such as a web browser on the computing system  920 ), and serve the clients responses. In some embodiments, the server  996  can provide a user interface for users who do not communicate with the transaction facilitator  990  using a web browser. Such users can have special software installed on their computing system  920  that allows them to communicate with the transaction facilitator  990  via the network. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic representation of various computing devices associated with a casino that are in communication with a transaction facilitator  1090 . The transaction facilitator  1090  is configured to performs various financial transactions associated with a stored value account  1029  managed by an issuer processor computing system  1026 . In illustrated embodiment, computing devices  1008 ,  1010 ,  1012  are shown that are respectively associated with a casino kiosk  1002 , a casino gaming pit  1004 , and a casino pit  1006 . Each computing device  1008 ,  1010 , and  1012  also has a respective display  1014 ,  1016 , and  1018 . Content received from the transaction facilitator  1090  over the network can be presented on the displays  1014 ,  1016 , and  1018 . 
     Similar to the transaction facilitator  990  of  FIG. 9 , the transaction facilitator  1090  can include various computing components, such as a web server  1096 , an application server  1098 , a memory unit  1094 , and a processor  1092 . Computing devices contacting the transaction facilitator  1090  can each be assigned an identifier, such as a Device ID. Using the Device ID, the transaction facilitator  1090  can determine which module to execute based on permissions or functionality associated with that Device ID. In the illustrated embodiment, the transaction facilitator  1090  has a module for computing devices that are associated with casino kiosks, as well as a module for computing devices associated with a gaming pit and computing devices associated with the casino cage. As described above, the particular functionality offered at these different computing devices can differ. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 10 , example simplified screen displays  1018 A- 1018 E of the computing device  1012  associated with the casino cage  1006  are shown. Referring first to home screen  1018 A, a variety of options are displayed, including “load funds, “load jackpot,” “withdraw funds,” and “search.” As illustrated, the “load funds” option has been selected. At screen  1018 B, the user is prompted to identify if the funds will be loaded to an “existing” stored value payment vehicle or if a “new” stored value payment vehicle will need to be issued prior to loading. As illustrated, the “existing card” option has been selected. At screen  1018 C player identification information is received, such as name, address, and so forth. Additionally the card information for the existing card is provided to the system. The stored value payment vehicle can be physically swiped, or otherwise read, by the computing device  1012  or the card information can be manually typed. Next, a screen  1018 D is provided which optionally allows the operator to identify the particular type of funds that the player is providing. For example, source  1  can be “chips” and source  2  can be “cash.” Other sources may be delineated on the screen as well. Itemizing the type of funds may be beneficial for internal auditing or tracking purposes. The funds are totaled to determine the total load amount and the computing device  1012  communicates a “load funds” message to the transaction facilitator  1090  for the amount of funds tendered by the player, less any processing fees. Upon successfully crediting the stored value account  1028 , the transaction facilitator  1090  can provide an approval number and other transaction information for display on a transaction approval screen  1018 E. With regard to non-reloadable stored value payment vehicles, a loyalty account of the player can also be linked to the payment vehicle such that the identity of the non-reloadable stored value payment vehicle is known by the system. 
       FIGS. 11-14  depict more example simplified screen displays of the computing device  1012  of  FIG. 10 . Referring first to screen  1018 F of  FIG. 11 , the “load jackpot” option has been selected. Similar to screen  1018 B, screen  1018 G allows an operator to select whether the jackpot will be loaded to an existing card or a new card. In this embodiment, the “new card” option has been selected. The transaction facilitator  1090  then proceeds to gather personal information from the player needed to issue a stored value payment vehicle. At screen  1018 H, for example, the player&#39;s name and address is entered. A card number is issued to the player, as shown by screen  1018 I. In some embodiments, a non-personalized card is printed and provided to the player at the time of registration with a personalized card to be issued and mailed to the player at a later point in time. Once the player has a stored value card number that is linked to a stored value account, the player is asked at screen  1018 J to provide a jackpot ID and jackpot amount. As is known in the art, jackpots payouts are tracked and are verified prior to payout. Therefore, upon receiving the jackpot ID, the computing system  1012  can query the appropriate casino computing systems to verify the validity of the jackpot. Once the jackpot has been validated, the computing device  1012  communicates a “load funds” message to the transaction facilitator  1090  for the amount of the jackpot payout, less any processing fees. Upon successfully crediting the stored value account  1028 , the transaction facilitator  1090  can provide an approval number and other transaction information for display on a transaction approval screen  1018 K. 
     Referring now to screen  1018 L of  FIG. 12 , the “load jackpot” option has been selected. Similar to screen  1018 G, screen  1018 M allows an operator to select whether the jackpot will be loaded to an existing card or a new card. In this embodiment, the “existing” option has been selected. At screen  1018 N player identification information is received, such as name, address, and so forth. Additionally the card information for the existing card is provided to the system. The stored value payment vehicle can be physically swiped, or otherwise read, by the computing device  1012  or the card information can be manually typed. Now that the player has provided their stored value payment vehicle number that is linked to a stored value account, the player is asked at screen  1018 O to provide a jackpot ID and jackpot amount. Once the jackpot has been validated, the computing device  1012  communicates a “load funds” message to the transaction facilitator  1090  for the amount of the jackpot payout, less any processing fees. Upon successfully crediting the stored value account  1028 , the transaction facilitator  1090  can provide an approval number and other transaction information for display on a transaction approval screen  1018 P. 
     Referring now to screen  1018 Q of  FIG. 13 , the “withdraw funds” option has been selected. Using this option, a player can access funds that are stored by the issuer processor computing system  1026  in the stored value account  1028 . At screen  1018 R cardholder information, such as name and address is received, and at screen  1018 S the card number and other security-related data can be received. In some embodiments, the transaction facilitator  1090  can perform a balance check and report, via the computing device  1012 , the amount of funds available for withdraw. At screen  1018 T, the amount of funds, associated processing fee, and total amount is withdraw is itemized. The transaction facilitator  1090  then dispatches the appropriate messaging to the issuer processor computing system  1026  to debit the stored value account  1028  accordingly. Similar to other embodiments, a transaction approval screen  1018 U can report data regarding the withdrawal. 
     Referring now to screen  1018 V of  FIG. 14 , the “search” option has been selected. Selection of the search option accesses a transaction database  1020  that is displayed on  1018 W. It is noted that the transaction database  1020  illustrated in  FIG. 14  has been simplified for the sake of clarity. The transaction database  1020  may be maintained by the transaction facilitator  1090  or may be stored by the computing device  1012  or associated computing system. In any event, the transaction database  1020  stores transactions processed by the transaction facilitator  1090  and allows sorting or searching by transaction date  1040 , transaction type  1042 , patron name  1044 , transaction amount  1046 , and transaction status  1048 . Additionally, the data can be manipulated based on username  1054 , device type  1052 , and based on a time period  1050 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts an example user interface screen  1014 A of the display  1014  of the computing device  1008  that is associated with an unattended casino kiosk  1002 . The casino kiosk  1002  can be any suitable kiosk, such as an ATM-Ticket redemption machine or a kiosk dedicated to stored value payment card-related processing. As shown by screen  1014 A, example functionality offered at this computing device include the ability for the player to deposit funds to their prepaid account, purchase slot tickets with funds from their prepaid account, and withdraw cash. 
       FIG. 16  depicts an example user interface screen  1016 A of the display  1016  of the computing device  1010  that is associated with a casino gaming pit  1004 . As shown by screen  1016 A, example functionality offered at this computing device include the ability for the player to purchase chips with funds on their prepaid card and deposit chips to their prepaid card. 
     It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that these sorts of focused discussions would not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, and therefore, a more detailed description of such elements is not provided herein. 
     Any element expressed herein as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a combination of elements that performs that function. Furthermore the invention, as may be defined by such means-plus-function claims, resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in a manner as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, any means that can provide such functionalities may be considered equivalents to the means shown herein. 
     Moreover, the processes associated with the present embodiments may be executed by programmable equipment, such as computers. Software or other sets of instructions that may be employed to cause programmable equipment to execute the processes may be stored in any storage device, such as, for example, a computer system (non-volatile) memory, an optical disk, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, some of the processes may be programmed when the computer system is manufactured or via a computer-readable memory medium. 
     It can also be appreciated that certain process aspects described herein may be performed using instructions stored on a computer-readable memory medium or media that direct a computer or computer system to perform process steps. A computer-readable medium may include, for example, memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs of both read-only and read/write varieties, optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. A non-transitory computer-readable medium may also include memory storage that may be physical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanent and/or semi-temporary. 
     A “computer,” “computer system,” “host,” “engine,” or “processor” may be, for example and without limitation, a processor, microcomputer, minicomputer, server, mainframe, laptop, personal data assistant (PDA), wireless e-mail device, cellular phone, pager, processor, fax machine, scanner, or any other programmable device configured to transmit and/or receive data over a network. Computer systems and computer-based devices disclosed herein may include memory for storing certain software applications used in obtaining, processing, and communicating information. It can be appreciated that such memory may be internal or external with respect to operation of the disclosed embodiments. The memory may also include any means for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical disk, floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM) and/or other computer-readable memory media. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative to practice embodiments of the present invention, such substitution is within the scope of the present invention. Any of the servers described herein, for example, may be replaced by a “server farm” or other grouping of networked servers (e.g., a group of server blades) that are located and configured for cooperative functions. It can be appreciated that a server farm may serve to distribute workload between/among individual components of the farm and may expedite computing processes by harnessing the collective and cooperative power of multiple servers. Such server farms may employ load-balancing software that accomplishes tasks such as, for example, tracking demand for processing power from different machines, prioritizing and scheduling tasks based on network demand, and/or providing backup contingency in the event of component failure or reduction in operability. 
     The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potential and specific implementations. It can be appreciated that the examples are intended primarily for purposes of illustration of the invention for those skilled in the art. No particular aspect or aspects of the examples are necessarily intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, no particular aspect or aspects of the examples of system architectures, table layouts, or report formats described herein are necessarily intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various embodiments described herein, or components or parts thereof, may be implemented in many different embodiments of software, firmware, and/or hardware, or modules thereof. The software code or specialized control hardware used to implement some of the present embodiments is not limiting of the present invention. Such software may be stored on any type of suitable computer-readable medium or media such as, for example, a magnetic or optical storage medium. Thus, the operation and behavior of the embodiments are described without specific reference to the actual software code or specialized hardware components. The absence of such specific references is feasible because it is clearly understood that artisans of ordinary skill would be able to design software and control hardware to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure based on the description herein with only a reasonable effort and without undue experimentation. 
     In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured and/or programmed to include one or more of the above-described electronic, computer-based elements and components. In addition, these elements and components may be particularly configured to execute the various rules, algorithms, programs, processes, and method steps described herein. 
     While various embodiments have been described herein, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.