On-line wagering system with programmable game entry cards and operator

Abstract

An on-line wagering system with programmable game entry cards including cards having on-card data storage for value tokens and data uniquely related to the player and including cards with on-card data storage for operator security data. The player cards are operable as payment means in which the tokens are spent and as play validation and play entry means in lieu of mark sense slips and printed validation receipts. Demographic player data uniquely related to the owner of the card is stored on the card and possibly in the central wagering system memory. This allows correlation of play entries with player demographics. The operator cards are operable to associate every transaction with an individual operator for the purpose of enhancing transaction security. A plurality of agent terminals in data communication with the central data processor interface between the central processor and the player cards. The agent terminals preferably also accept traditional mark sense entry slips and produce printed verification receipts, upon request.