Abstract: A slot machine is provided in which the symbols or indicia to be displayed are selected by using a random number generating technique to generate a random number for each display position, the random number being selected from a first range of numbers corresponding to the number of display possiblilities for that position. A two step random number selection technique is used wherein the first step comprises selecting a random number from a second range of numbers corresponding to the number of display possibilities for that display position less one, and the second step, which is only invoked in the event that a predetermined one of the numbers in the second range is selected, comprises selecting between that predetermined number and the number in the first range which is excluded from the second range. Accordingly, the probability of occurrence for two of the possible results for the display position is different to that for the remainder of the possible results.

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to an improved gaming machine wherein the probability of winning combinations occurring may be altered with regard to conventional machines without changing the number of actual symbols or indicia available. This is carried out by assigning to each indicia on a reel or disc a particular random number from a plurality of available random numbers. The plurality of available numbers, one for each indicia, are divided into a plurality of subset tables. Prior to selecting a random number for choosing a particular indica, a selection of a subset table is made, preferably in a weighted manner, and the random number is then chosen from the particular subset table.

Abstract: A slot machine is provided in which the symbols or indicia to be displayed are selected by using a random number generating technique to generate a random number for each display position, the random number being selected from a range of numbers corresponding to the number of possible indicia for that position with each number corresponding uniquely to one of the indicia. A two step random number selection technique is used wherein the first step comprises selecting one of a plurality of sub-ranges of said range of numbers, one of the sub-ranges being the full range of numbers, and the second step comprises randomly selecting a number from the selected sub-range of numbers and displaying the corresponding indicia.

Abstract: Slot machine display reels are provided with a plurality of symbols occupying differing proportions of the circumference of the reel, such that those symbols which require greater prominance occupy a larger proportion of the circumference. Associated with each reel is a spinning mechanism which is able to position any symbol on the reel centrally within an associated display window, irrespective of the size of that symbol, by taking the size of the respective symbol into account when determining the stopping position.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of electronically linked gaming machines which enables information to be transferred between machines and from each machine to a control unit. In particular, credits on a machine can be transferred to another machine and the credit state of each machine can be interrogated and adjusted from the central control unit.

Abstract: A coin dispensing device having a resiliently biased ejector member opposite a coin runner. The ejector member being adapted to interact with a coin attempting to pass out of the device along the runner when that coin is not positioned to pass beneath the runner. The coin moving the ejector member against its biasing force as the coin is drawn along the runner but being influenced by the ejector member to fall off the coin runner back into a housing forming part of a coin storage bowl.

Abstract: A poker or slot machine in which security is provided against tampering by monitoring the status of the reels of the machine and storing the status in a non-volatile memory. In the event of a power failure, the control unit of the machine tests the status of the reels upon power up and if the position of the reels is different to that indicated by the status held in the non-volatile memory, an alarm is initiated. If the status stored in the non-volatile memory indicates that a reel was spinning when just prior to the power failure, that reel will be respun upon power up. The control unit also monitors opening of the door providing access to the reel mechanism and causes the reels to respin whenever this door is closed.