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.