Patents Assigned to Scientific Games Holdings Limited
  • Patent number: 8696433
    Abstract: A method for playing a multi-level game of chance wherein players can advance to the next level with a win. As the game progresses through levels, non-winning players are eliminated and winning players are segregated by type of win. In general, each level provides greater winnings. In another example game format, a progressive jackpot may also be offered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Scott Weller, Matthew Ross
  • Patent number: 8696432
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a game in which elements are selected, and in response to the selection, a prize is revealed (or not) to the player. In another example, the player is permitted to predict the outcome of a characteristic of the online game, a game-playing computer determines an outcome to be displayed to the player that reflects a result of the game of chance. In one example game format, the player is permitted to predict the most frequently-occurring element in a group of drawn game elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20140087811
    Abstract: A system and method are provided to combine a gambling establishment player club with one or more second chance games. Players are thereby given multiple opportunities and incentives to interact with the gambling establishment and player club. The gambling establishment is thereby able to gather valuable player data, build player profiles, and incentivize players to take actions desired by the gambling establishment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, Scott N. Weller, Dow K. Hardy, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Michael C. Lightman, Matthew S. Ross
  • Patent number: 8641519
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8641496
    Abstract: A game system is provided that conducts a game having one or more players. In the game, players compete in a number of gaming sessions to achieve an ultimate goal. In one example, the ultimate goal is to win a race, with the players' progress in the race being influenced by each players' success within individual game sessions. In one example, at least one of the game sessions is a guts poker game played among a number of players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 8597109
    Abstract: A system and method are provided to combine a gambling establishment player club with one or more second chance games. Players are thereby given multiple opportunities and incentives to interact with the gambling establishment and player club. The gambling establishment is thereby able to gather valuable player data, build player profiles, and incentivize players to take actions desired by the gambling establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Dow K. Hardy, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Michael C. Lightman, Matthew S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20130310131
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a poker game, such as, for example, a pai gow poker game. In a version of this embodiment, the poker game provides for a player to arrange a plurality of cards dealt to the player into a first hand and a second hand. In another example, the poker game is coupled with a second level game in which the result is revealed. In a specific example, the second level game is a slot machine game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8585503
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8579696
    Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a predetermined fixed number of winning cell content drawn from a predetermined set of cell content. The drawn content is matched to the content on game cards and if the matched game card content covers a predetermined winning pattern then the game card is a winner. In one example, numerous winners may occur per game session because the game continues until the predetermined fixed number of winning cell content is drawn and not until a win occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
  • Publication number: 20130244746
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for conducting sweepstakes, which can include a user controlled gaming award, wherein the user controlled gaming award includes entries in another game is provided. Entries into a sweepstakes game are associating with a unique identifier, which can be used to enter a plurality of sweepstakes games. A graphical user interface is configured to permit a player to assign awarded sweepstakes entries to at least one sweepstakes game, and further can be configured to permit the player to accumulate entries. The awarded entries can be configured as a form of currency redeemable for entry into at least one sweepstakes game. The methods and systems can permit the player to exchange any entry to into a sweepstakes game. According to another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises an act of permitting the player to exchange the custom currency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Scott N. Weller, Michael C. Lightman, John E. Taylor, Jr., Matthew S. Ross
  • Patent number: 8529351
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing role-playing game is provided that involves wagering. In one example game, players subscribe to multiple game sessions and eliminate other players to become the sole survivor of the game. The players may accrue points by eliminating other players. Further, players may eliminate other players in a combat environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 8512150
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8512133
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. One aspect relates to accumulating outcomes. Another relates to incentives provided to player program member(s). In some embodiments, the person does not need to be qualified. In one embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location, in another at a redemption location. In one embodiment, a player is required to take an action in order to redeem an outcome. In some embodiments, a game play and/or redemption and/or any action must occur in a specified time, respectively. In one embodiment the electronic game is not located at a gambling location, in another it is not located at a redemption location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow K Hardy, Mark E Herrmann, John E Taylor, Jr., John F Acres, Steven N Kane
  • Publication number: 20130210511
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for rewarding players of games of chance, including, for example, a lottery-type game or a casino game. Individuals are provided the opportunity to earn extra rewards by forming teams or special groups of individuals; the team or special group must perform a particular task to obtain the extra reward. Such methods may help to maintain or increase the interest of a frequent lottery or game player, may provide a new or different incentive to attract new players, and may offer a means for a game operator to differentiate its player's club or rewards program from those of other operators. These organizations may include bingo hall operators (such as churches, senior centers, and charitable organizations), lottery agencies (such as those of United States of America state governments, or multi-state agencies), and on-line and/or land-based casinos.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
  • Patent number: 8485882
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a game similar to the well-known game of BEJEWELED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Bijan Sabet
  • Patent number: 8480499
    Abstract: A method for brokering a game using a computer system is provided. The method includes act of configuring, by the computer system, at least one of a plurality of games to match a set of preferences gathered from a plurality of players, specifying at least one qualification criterion for entry into the at least one of the plurality of games, entering, by the computer system, at least one player having the at least one qualification criterion into the at least one of the plurality of games, receiving, by the computer system, at least one winner of the at least one of the plurality of games, storing information regarding the at least one winner on the data storage, receiving, by the computer system, authorization to reward the at least one winner and providing, to the at least one winner, access to at least one reward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Mark E. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20130172073
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information, Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8465368
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to sports and event betting, and more specifically to the use of the Internet in land-based casino sports and event betting. A bettor signs onto an Internet website to find what bets are being accepted and the bettor then places and registers a bet. The player then goes and places pays for the bet at a land-based casino prior to the start of the event. Further, follow-up rounds of making a wager may then be performed over a network such as, for example, the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Bijan Sabet, Paul LaRocca, Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 8435119
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for conducting sweepstakes, which can include a user controlled gaming award, wherein the user controlled gaming award includes entries in another game is provided. Entries into a sweepstakes game are associating with a unique identifier, which can be used to enter a plurality of sweepstakes games. A graphical user interface is configured to permit a player to assign awarded sweepstakes entries to at least one sweepstakes game, and further can be configured to permit the player to accumulate entries. The awarded entries can be configured as a form of currency redeemable for entry into at least one sweepstakes game. The methods and systems can permit the player to exchange any entry into a sweepstakes game. According to another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises an act of permitting the player to exchange the custom currency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow K Hardy, Mark E Herrmann, Francis J Lichtenberger, Scott N Weller, Michael C Lightman, John E Taylor, Jr., Matthew S Ross
  • Patent number: 8425297
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a poker game, such as, for example, a pai gow poker game. In a version of this embodiment, the poker game provides for a player to arrange a plurality of cards dealt to the player into a first hand and a second hand. In another example, the poker game is coupled with a second level game in which the result is revealed. In a specific example, the second level game is a slot machine game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz