Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for configuring gaming machines in which configuration data packets are associated with a player's record in a player tracking system. The configuration data packets may have machine identification information in a header that may be associated with each data packet. When a player is recognized at a gaming machine, the player's record is retrieved from the network and data packets associated with the machine at which the player is recognized are read and used to configure the gaming device. Furthermore, data related to outcomes of games played by the player on multiple machines may be collected and used to award a bonus to the player, the bonus being awarded in response to collecting a predefined plurality of outcomes. Data related to bonuses accrued and used may also be associated with the player's record.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to properly and accurately attributing gameplay to a player. Identification of a player can be associated with the gameplay either before gameplay begins, during the gameplay itself, or after the gameplay ends. Some embodiments use various gathered data and metrics to accurately determine the proper player to attribute.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a system that rewards identified players with certain benefits by modifying a paytable of a base game. The paytable can be modified based on an identified player's historical record, or based on a perceived or projected value. The player may be required to play at a minimum rate or level to qualify for a modified paytable. The paytable can be changed before or during a gaming session.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a system that determines a player's value. Valued players may then be rewarded with certain benefits based on their value or expected value. Valuation can be determined based on an identified player's historical record, or calculated based on a perceived or projected value. Third-party data can be a factor in determining the player valuation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to properly and accurately attributing gameplay to a player. Identification of a player can be associated with the gameplay either before gameplay begins, during the gameplay itself, or after the gameplay ends. Some embodiments use various gathered data and metrics to accurately determine the proper player to attribute.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a system that rewards identified players with certain benefits that can be used within a base game of a gaming device. Benefits may have a redemption period that differs from the accumulation period, and may have expiration periods. Benefits may expire at different rates. Some of the benefits directly affect the paytable of the base machine.

Abstract: A gaming device comprising a base game, a base game pay table, and at least one bonus award mechanism configured to award a bonus award in addition to any award resulting from the base game pay table. The gaming device further includes a first win proximity indicator configured to provide an indication of the change in likelihood of awarding the bonus award, and a display configured to provide a first indicia of a previous win of the bonus award together with the first win proximity indicator. Multiple indicators from multiple previous wins may be displayed in spatial relationship to one another along a meter to provide a player with further statistical information about possible winning trigger thresholds.

Abstract: Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A cue is provided to give an indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one embodiment, the cue is a graphical indication that takes the form of a proximity indicator such as a bar with defined minimum and maximum points showing the boundaries of possible win thresholds. The game includes an eligibility engine that is configured to track play on the base game and trigger display of the proximity indicator only when play bears a defined relationship to a first determined play value. Display of the proximity indicator may thus be an incentive for a player to meet certain play value, whether tied to rate of play, play of a max coin bet, etc. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game.

Abstract: Method of conducting a game of chance having a randomly enabled bonus game with controllable frequency of occurrence, including the steps of: making a wager to initiate play on a base game; initiating a random bonus enablement determination which is separate from base game outcome; and allowing bonus game play only if the bonus is enabled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices that provide audio-visual animated characters in response to game play. The character has a personality that may be encouraging, taunting or another quality. A plurality of expressions of the personality is presented, between one extreme and another, dependant upon the history of game outcomes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to electronic gaming devices utilizing at least two randomly generated outcomes along with methods of implementing the multiple randomly generated outcomes during game play. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a display, a first game initiating button associated with a first random outcome, and a second game initiating button associated with a second random outcome.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system displays a winning one of multiple mystery bonus awards before identifying a winner of the winning award from among a plurality of players of base games. In another aspect, the system displays a winning one of multiple mystery bonus awards after identifying a winner of the winning award from among a plurality of players of base games.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system displays a winning one of multiple mystery bonus awards before identifying a winner of the winning award from among a plurality of players of base games. In another aspect, the system displays a winning one of multiple mystery bonus awards after identifying a winner of the winning award from among a plurality of players of base games.

Abstract: Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game.