Patent ID: 8896444

Claim:
A system comprising: a gaming table including a tabletop covered by a fabric; at least one light sensor positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table, the at least one light sensor being positioned in the tabletop, beneath the fabric, to detect light intensity through the fabric; wherein the at least one light sensor is substantially flush with a top surface of the tabletop; an electronic system communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor, the electronic system operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor; and a central computer communicably coupled to the electronic system, wherein the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor; wherein the operability to perform at least one operation comprises operability to: receive information related to a change in light intensity at the at least one light sensor; determine, based on the received information related to the change in light intensity at the at least one light sensor, whether the player position is vacant; and responsive to a determination that the player position is vacant, register a guest at the player position.