Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming apparatus comprising a gaming device adapted to allow a player to place a wager and play a game of chance having a randomly determined outcome. The gaming apparatus includes a plurality of moveable objects and a moveable display object comprising a plurality of compartments adapted to receive a moveable object. A display object actuator may be coupled to the moveable display object and configure to move the moveable display object. A controller is in communication with the game device and the moveable display object actuator, the controller being configured to move the moveable display object to a position determined by a random game outcome and to cause at least one of the plurality of moveable objects to enter a compartment of the moveable display object that conveys the game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device is disclosed that includes a housing and a display device associated with the housing. The display device displays several indicia. A positioning mechanism is configured to move the display device. Several indicators are associated with the display device. A controller is in communication with the positioning mechanism and the indicators. The controller determines a game outcome and directs movement of the display device. The controller can illuminate at least one of the indicators in order to display the game outcome.

Abstract: A reel mechanism for use with a gaming system that includes at least one support member and at least a first and second reel assembly attached to the support member. Each reel assembly comprises at least one chassis attached to the support member and at least one reel rotatably attached to the chassis. The reels include a first side, attached to the chassis, and a second side. The reel assemblies include at least one motor coupled to the reel, the motor being configured to rotate the reel. The reel assemblies are positioned side-by-side, the second side of the reel of the first reel assembly is positioned proximate to the second side of the reel of the second reel assembly; allowing the first and second reel assemblies to be positioned without the chassis of the first and second reel assemblies being in-between the fist and second reel assemblies.

Abstract: A gaming device base having a storage area configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item is disclosed. The gaming device base further includes a horizontal support member having a substantially flat surface to support at least one gaming device. The gaming device base further has at least one door positioned beneath the horizontal support member and also may have at least one edge. The door includes the storage area configured to store the non-currency gaming item and further may be moved from an open to a closed position; the door may also include an angled portion. In the open position, the storage area may be accessed and, in the closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member. Players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch or extend their legs behind the edge of the horizontal support member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a gaming device comprising a game apparatus being adapted to allow a player to play a game and a jumbled ball display device. The jumbled ball display device includes a plurality of display balls, at least one container adapted to hold the display balls, and at least one agitator adapted to agitate the display balls inside of the container. The container preferably includes at least one portion that is at least partially transparent, which allows the player to view the balls in the container. The jumbled ball display device preferably does not affect the outcome of the game played on the game apparatus. The gaming device further includes a prize display in communication with the game apparatus. The prize display is preferably adapted to select a prize ball to convey the outcome of the game and display the selected prize ball. The gaming device also preferably includes a media dispenser in communication with the game apparatus.

Abstract: A gaming system that allows several game players to play a game and to interact with each other. The gaming system includes several gaming devices. The gaming devices each have a telephone that allows a game player to place or receive a telephone call. A server is in communication with the gaming devices. The server determines a game outcome and transmits the game outcome to the gaming devices. The server also allows game players to communicate with each other using the gaming device telephone.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus having a housing defining a display area on which immoveable display characters and moveable symbol displays are used to present a game outcome, is disclosed. Typically, the immoveable display characters provide background for the moveable symbol displays. A controller is used to cause movement of the moveable symbol displays so that at least one symbol corresponding to the game outcome is displayed. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned gaming apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming device having a changeable display section where primary images and fractional secondary images are displayed and a controller that awards a prize when predetermined alignment of the images occurs, is disclosed. The changeable display section may be provided in the form of a matrix of rows and columns. Typically, the fractional secondary images provide background for the primary images and correspond to an integrated secondary image. In addition, a method of playing a game involving placing a wager using the aforementioned gaming device is disclosed.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a gaming system that includes a gaming apparatus adapted to allow a player to place a wager and play a game of chance having a theme. The gaming system also includes an image capture device for capturing the player's image. The image processing unit is in communication with the image capture device and receive an image from the image capture device. The image processing unit is adapted to store at least one background image and to superimpose the player's image in the background image to form a composite image. The background image is related to the theme of the game of chance. The gaming system includes an output device adapted to present the player with the composite image.

Abstract: A gaming device having at least one tubular display container, a display object holder disposed to hold a plurality of movable display objects in an individually controlled manner, a display object actuator and a controller, is disclosed. Game-related indicia on the tubular display container convey the outcome of a game when the display object actuator is activated to propel a selected movable display object into the tubular display container where the object may activate a game outcome portion of the tubular display container or the object may be captured in a selected compartment of the tubular display container. Optionally, player input devices may be used to enhance player participation by enabling the player to select a movable display object or a specific tubular display container before the movable display object is propelled into the tubular display container or a plurality of tubular display containers. A method of playing a game using the above device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming device including a game apparatus enabling a player to play the game, the gaming device having: a container with at least one movable object located within; one or more receptacle elements capable of receiving the movable objects, where the receptacle element includes a barrier member that allows movement of the movable objects through the receptacle element when the barrier member is in a first position and that constrains the movable object when the barrier member is moved to a second position; and a controller in communication with the barrier member and the game apparatus, is disclosed. The controller is designed to determine a game outcome and communicate the result to the player by activating the barrier member of the receptacle element to move from an open position to a closed position, thus displaying the result to the player by trapping the movable object in the receptacle element corresponding to the game outcome.

Abstract: A display device, for use with a gaming apparatus, having a display face, a movable indicator located on the display face and a movement apparatus including an actuator system for providing multi-dimensional movement to the movable indicator via a slidable bracket, is disclosed. Typically, the actuator system generates movement of the movable indicator (ultimately associated with game play outcomes) along a pathway on the display face via a motor coupled to a spring-loaded tube sleeve connected to the slidable bracket. The display device is capable of providing movement of the movable indicator on the display face in a variety of arrangements, for example, in the form of zigzag, curve, spiral, or loop courses as well as tracking over a non-planar surface, such as hilly terrain.

Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game by a game player. The gaming device allows the game player to place a telephone call. A controller generates a prize. Several images of persons who may receive the telephone call are displayed to the game player. The telephone call is placed to one of the images. The prize is announced by the selected image to the game player. A second telephone call is placed to a telephone number in order to select a multiplier. The controller generates the multiplier. The multiplier is the last digit of the telephone number. The prize is multiplied by the multiplier to obtain a total prize.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device comprising a display surface. The display surface comprises a plurality of indicia. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and is configured to move the display surface on a first predetermined path. A rotary indicator is included that is configured to indicate at least one indicia appearing on the display surface. An indicator actuator is in communication with the rotary indicator and can rotate the rotary indicator along a second predetermined path. A controller is in communication with at least one of the display device actuator and the indicator actuator. The controller is configured to position at least one of the display device and the rotary indicator so that the rotary indicator indicates an indicia appearing on the display surface that conveys a game outcome.

Abstract: The present invention has a gaming apparatus that includes a display device that is adapted to display several possible game outcomes. Moveable indicators are configured to indicate at least one of the game outcomes. A controller is in communication with the display device and the moveable indicator. The controller is configured to position the moveable indicator to convey the game outcome.