Apparatus and method for dispensing prizes
A device for dispensing prizes includes a housing having a plurality of compartments, a door attached to the housing for coving the compartments, and a lock for limiting access to the compartments. The contents of the compartments are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a prize, such as a diamond. The housing may be part of, or linked to, a gaming device. When a player wins a game, which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing an input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the prize. The device may also include an inventory control system which preferably uses an RFID apparatus for monitoring the contents of each compartment, and for keeping records of an inventory of prizes.
1. A system for awarding prizes, comprising:
a gaming device presenting a game of chance in response to a wager, the gaming device capable of producing a prize qualifying event in response to a winning outcome in the game of chance;
a vault coupled to the gaming device, the vault comprising:
a housing having a transparent cover,
a rotating tray positioned within the housing and visible through the transparent cover, the rotating tray having a substantially vertical axis of rotation,
a plurality of partitions dividing the rotating tray into a plurality of compartments,
a tangible prize located within each compartment that may be distributed to a player on occurrence of the prize qualifying event,
a secured door coupled to the housing, the secured door having an open position for accessing the compartment and a closed position for securing the tangible prize within each compartment, and
a central processing unit in communication with the gaming device and the vault, the central processing unit dispensing a prize upon the occurrence of the prize qualifying event; and
a central computer in communication with the vault, the central computer monitoring the vault and verifying the prize qualifying event.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the vault further comprises a means for selecting a tangible prize by the player.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the vault further comprises a means for rotating the rotating tray.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the central processing unit increases the probability of winning one or more tangible prizes prior to expiration of the tangible prizes.
5. A system for awarding a prize, comprising:
a plurality of gaming devices capable of producing a prize qualifying event;
a vault in communication with each of the gaming devices, wherein the vault houses one or more tangible prizes that may be distributed to a player at an occurrence of the prize qualifying event, the vault comprising:
a rotating tray having a substantially vertical axis of rotation, and one or more compartments, wherein one or more tangible prizes are stored in the compartments,
a reader for reading information on a voucher, coupon, ticket, or magnetic card regarding the prize qualifying event,
a display for presenting information to a player, and
a player input device for receiving player input selecting a tangible prize; and
a central computer in communication with the vault and the plurality of gaming devices, the central computer monitoring the vault and verifying the prize qualifying event.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the vault further comprises a means for selecting a tangible prize by the player.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the vault further comprises a means for rotating the rotating tray.
8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the central processing unit increases the probability of winning one or more tangible prizes prior to expiration of the tangible prizes.