Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot, wherein each player has a unique game array of game indicia for the occurrence of the wagering game and individual game indicia are sequentially selected from a range of available game indicia. Players may win the wagering game, interim pattern awards and/or progressive jackpot awards by matching predetermined patterns with patterns formed on their unique game array with indicia matching selected indicia. The players may optionally participate and be eligible to win all or a portion of the progressive jackpot. In one embodiment, the player may be eligible for the progressive jackpot by wagering at least a minimum wager amount, and perhaps the maximum bet for the wagering game. In another embodiment, the player may affirmatively elect to be eligible for the progressive jackpot by placing a wager or fee in addition to a wager on the wagering game.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game, including dealing at least one hand of cards from at least one card deck to a player upon a wager by the player and providing the player a first draw from the at least one card deck. The method further includes, if one of the at least one hand of cards includes a triggering hand after the first draw, enabling the player to replace one or more cards in the one of the at least one hand of cards which includes the triggering hand through a free second draw, and providing the player an award for any winning hand occurring after the free second draw. A gaming device for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for providing substantially isolated sound from a game unit to a user of the game unit. The game unit includes an audio output element that is configured to an audio headset. The game unit includes a central processing unit (CPU), at least one display element, an audio card in communication with the CPU, and an audio output element in communication with the audio output element. The CPU of the game unit is configured to effect play of a game, video signals of which are shown on the at least one display element and audio signals of which are communicated to the audio card and video output element. The audio output element is configured to provide substantially isolated and secure sound to a headset in communication with the audio output element and worn by a user of the game unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming apparatuses may include receiving position data relating to a position of a player from a wireless device carried by the player. The method may include retrieving stored player data that relates to the player. The method may also include displaying a first video image relating to a video game and determining a payout based on an outcome of the video game, the first video image and the payout not being based on the player data. Additionally, the method may include providing according to the player position data a personalized operation based on the player data. The personalized operation may be selected from the group of personalized operations consisting of displaying a second video images relating to a video game, displaying a third video image unrelated to a video game, and providing a payout independent of the outcome of a video game.