A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over
a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server,
one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other
terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes
an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a
floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module
includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The
player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player
tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data
communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the
gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming
device over a serial interface through which the data communication node
transmits reconfiguration commands. The gaming device reconfigures its
payout schedule responsive to the reconfiguration commands to provide a
variety of promotional bonuses such as multiple jackpot bonuses, mystery
jackpot bonuses, progressive jackpot bonuses, or player specific bonuses.
