Patent ID: 8221231

Claim:
A gaming machine comprising: a master gaming controller adapted to control a plurality of functions associated with the operation of the gaming machine; a display device configured to display game play information to a player of the gaming machine; and an external cabinet housing a first acceptor configured to accept at least one first indicia of credit in association with lay of the gaming machine; wherein: the gaming machine is configured to accept wagers, present games for game players and grant monetary awards based on the outcomes of such games; the first acceptor is communicatively coupled by a first communication link or path between the first acceptor and a first meter configured to be a dedicated, electromechanical meter that tracks continuously, and is an official meter for, at least one first item of accounting information associated with the gaming machine, the first meter further configured to be located remotely from the external cabinet and comprising an individual discrete physical device; a second meter is associated with a second gaming machine, said second meter configured to be a dedicated, electromechanical meter that tracks continuously, and is an official meter for, at least one second item of accounting information associated with the second gaming machine, the second meter further configured to be located remotely from the second gaming machine and in close proximity to the first meter, and comprising an individual discrete physical device; the second gaming machine is configured to accept wagers, present games for game players and grant monetary awards based on the outcomes of such games, the second gaming machine comprising a second external cabinet housing at least one second acceptor adapted to accept at least one second indicia of credit in association with the play of the second gaming machine and at least one second display device adapted to display game play information to a player of the second gaming machine; and a second communication link or path is disposed between the second meter and the second acceptor.