Method and apparatus for communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players

摘要

On a network of electronic gaming machines, data regarding the performance of the machines or the players of the machines is collected and processed to make predictions of future jackpots and recommendations of games to play. The predictions and recommendations are delivered via at least one virtual persona that communicates with players or potential players via displays in a casino or on a web browser, via smartphone. Players can conduct conversations with the persona using cellular telephone, text messaging, or other types of Internet communications.

主权项

1. A method for promoting play of electronic gaming machines that when played generate random game outcomes, some of which result in an award, the electronic gaming machines being on a network, the method comprising:
receiving wagers via the electronic gaming machines from players playing games on the electronic gaming machines responsive to actuation of a wager input device by the player, the wager input device being associated with each electronic gaming machine; making awards to players of the electronic gaming machines when the game outcome results in an award; tracking awards made on at least some of the electronic gaming machines via a meter associated with each of the electronic gaming machines on which awards are tracked; communicating the meter data over the network from each of the electronic gaming machines on which awards are tracked to a database that is operatively connected to the network; accessing the database; counting the awards stored in the database during a predefined time period; generating a prediction for future awards as a function of the counted awards; presenting a virtual persona on an electronic display that is operatively connected to the network; and causing the persona to communicate the prediction.