Abstract: A method and system for operating a video game or video game tournament (e.g., via a Web site) is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system a bonus is provided to a player playing the video game or participating in the video game tournament. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if a rating associated with the player is worse than a threshold rating. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition is identified. Such a condition may be, for example, a condition that indicates the player will soon cease playing the video game or participating in the tournament.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein an indication of a plurality of product categories is received, each product category being associated with a plurality of products. For example, the indication of the plurality of product categories may be received from a buyer. Buyer offer information, including an indication of an offer amount associated with the plurality of product categories, is also received. A subset of the plurality of products is selected for each of the product categories, and an indication of the selected products is provided. The buyer's offer may then be evaluated. If the buyer's offer is accepted, the selected products may be provided to the buyer in exchange for payment of the offer amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a reconfiguration rule is not indicated to a player during at least a portion of game play. According to one embodiment, a game board having a plurality of game icons is displayed to a player, and it is arranged for the player to make a series of game moves. In particular, each game move comprises: (i) receiving a player input, (ii) removing at least one game icon from the game board based on the player input, and (iii) reconfiguring the game board according to one of a plurality of reconfiguration rules. Moreover, a reconfiguration rule to be applied during a game move is not indicated to the player during at least a portion of the game play.

Abstract: A method and system for remote play of a gaming device, such as a slot machine. A player enters play preferences at a remote wagering terminal. The remote wagering terminal transmits the play preferences to a slot network server that stores the play preferences. Based upon the play preferences, the slot network server identifies one or more slot machines and transmits outcome data from those slot machines to the remote wagering terminal. The outcome data may be live or historical. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slot network service generates simulated outcome data to the remote wagering terminal. The slot network server keeps track of the player's wins and losses based upon the outcome data.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention a retailer may receive a request from a group of customers for a reward the group desires to earn by making purchases at the retailer. In response to such a request the retailer determines purchasing conditions the group must satisfy in order to earn the reward. The purchasing conditions may be determined based on, for example, a value of the reward (e.g., a cost of the reward to the retailer), a number of customers in the group, and/or a time by which the group desires to earn the reward. The purchasing conditions may be determined such that the retailer realizes at least a predetermined profit after the cost of providing the reward is considered. The methods of the present invention may be implemented at an online and/or brick-and-mortar retailer.