Abstract: The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripherals of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations.

Abstract: A new system and method for use in dynamic gaming environments such as Nevada-style casinos and Amerindian casinos is presented that enables using time-sensitive tickets as prizes. Block of tickets for a future event are allocated to a casino, which constitutes a “found” market (the ticket seller expends no funds for the tickets sold to the casino). This block may also be sold through normal reseller channels; the allocated block acts as a cap to the number of tickets potentially channeled through a casino rather than being a casino exclusive. This enables the casino to purchase the tickets at a steeper discount rates than is otherwise possible, and by associating tickets with payout events on games or progressives (instead of cash awards), enables time-sensitive tickets to be awarded as prizes on an on-going basis.

Abstract: A system and method for adding a bonus round to any poker-style card game on a Nevada-style gaming machine. The bonus round is characterized by the existence of a match card. The match card is not part of the traditional poker hand (the “in-hand” cards) of the player, and only comes into play during a bonus round. The suit and value of the match card may be generated by the game machine or a remote game controller or backend server. The match card is then displayed in a manner visually associating the match card with one of the player's “in-hand” cards. A bonus is determined by evaluating the associated pair. Alternatively a bonus may be determined first, in which case the game machine determines a match card and associated card from the player's in-hand cards that is the equivalent of the predetermined bonus.

Abstract: A lockable security cabinet for game controllers of the type used to operate electronic slot and card games in gambling casinos. The cabinet includes multiple key locking doors and key operated control switches to allow access to specific areas and controls of a main cabinet thereof housing the computers and other electronics only by authorized persons having the proper key for reach particular area or control switch. The cabinet is slidably mounted of a locking base which bolts into a recess in a gaming table allowing the main cabinet to also be recessed therein yet slide out in a cantilevered fashion to access the doors and controls. The base includes a side or rear cable locking enclosure allowing access to an disconnecting of ends of cable connected to the game controller only upon unlocking of the base and outward sliding of the main cabinet.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus for modifying or converting a gaming machine to permit fully cash-less or optional cash-less transactions in a manner which avoids changing the existing firmware or software of the gaming machine. In an optional cash-less arrangement, a player selects the form by which funds are added or paid to the machine and/or paid out by machine. The cash-less forms of payment may comprise the acceptance and/or payment of funds or value electronically to a system account, coded card or ticket, smart card, magnetic card and other non-cash elements. In one or more embodiments, the invention consists of hardware and/or software for intercepting and/or emulating any or all combinations of the electronic signals associated with the coin acceptor, cash out button, hopper, serial communication interface(s) and bill acceptor(s) associated with a gaming machine to create optional currency transfers.

Abstract: A voucher-enabled gaming system for use with games of chance, where a player uses one-time-use vouchers having game credits or a value associated with each voucher. A voucher is inserted into a player terminal, read by the player terminal, and the associated value retrieved from a central server; game credits equivalent to the value are made available for game play. Upon cash-out from the player terminal (or other terminal type), a player will be issued a new voucher having a transaction ID generated by the terminal, the transaction ID being unique to the particular system installation and associated with the value of the voucher, which the player may then take to a different terminal to continue game play.

Abstract: A system and method for providing more than one simultaneous and different bingo game, using single bingo ball draws from a central location. The present invention further provides for players to be highly distributed, for example throughout the US, while still using the single centralized ball draw and still supporting different bingo games in parallel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote lottery ticket purchasing or gaming event bet placement system using E-911 compliant cell phones. E-911 compliant cell phones provide the location of the caller, enabling the system of the present invention to determine in which jurisdiction the caller is located. The system further uses at least one identifier that the caller must provide, allowing an age check to be made. The use of both pieces of information, location and age, is used by the system to remotely purchase lottery tickets or make bets in full legal accordance with what is allowed in the caller's jurisdiction.

Abstract: The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripheral of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus for modifying or converting a gaming machine to permit fully cash-less or optional cash-less transactions in a manner which avoids changing the existing firmware or software of the gaming machine. In an optional cash-less arrangement, a player selects the form by which finds for added or paid to the machine and/or paid out by machine. The cash-less forms of payment may comprise the acceptance and/or payment of funds or value electronically to a system account, coded card or ticket, smart card, magnetic card and other non-cash elements. In one or more embodiments, the invention consists of hardware and/or software for intercepting and/or emulating any or all combinations of the electronic signals associated with the coin acceptor, cash out button, hopper, serial communication interface(s) and bill acceptor(s) associated with a gaming machine to create optional currency transfers.

Abstract: This specification discloses trays for use with a gaming machine. At least a first tray is mountable in adjacent intermediate the gaming interface side of a gaming machine and a game player so that the user may readily rest or access a drink and food located on the tray. A second tray may also be mountable on the first tray in order to expand or alter the tray support configuration provided the two trays together. The tray(s) may be removably mounted to the front of the gaming machine, or they may be rotatably or moveably mounted on the side of the gaming machine. The trays are preferably made of economical, molded, lightweight, resilient, and machine-washable materials, such as polystyrene or other plastic. The trays may also be made of other materials, which when used in conjunction with covers, can help maintain the temperature of food at other than room temperature.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a centralized ticket manufacturing controller located at a centralized location and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the centralized ticket manufacturing controller, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with a printer and ticket media, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from vending device in communication with the centralized ticket manufacturing controller. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention includes an interactive keno game method that comprises receiving at least one player selected symbol from a player during a game session. The at least one player selected symbol is drawn from a set of game symbols. The method then proceeds to receive a condition from the player that identifies the player credits applied for each chargeable action. The condition describes the number of credits that are to be played during each chargeable action. Each chargeable action includes the picking of at least one game selected symbol from the set of game symbols. During a game session the chargeable actions are performed more than once. Additionally, if there is a match between the at least one game selected symbol and the at least one player selected symbol the game session is paused. Furthermore, a prize may be awarded to the player when the at least one player selected symbol matches the at least one game selected symbol.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining player's game state (award credits or game pieces) in a gaming environment is disclosed. In particular, the player may restore the game state from previously played games either from the same game device or from another game device. The invention also provides for award redemption of the award credits (or game pieces) earned by a player during game play.

Abstract: Voucher-enabled player terminals having games of chance thereon, for use in a gaming system having a network connection and a central server, are disclosed. The terminals can both read and print vouchers, and are active in processing the vouchers. One specific functional aspect of the terminals is that they are enabled to generate unique transaction identifiers that are used with a value (game credits or prize redemption values) to enable printing of voucher when cash-out occurs. Upon cash-out from a player terminal (or other terminal type), a player will be issued a new voucher having a transaction ID generated by the terminal, the transaction ID being unique to the particular system installation and associated with the value of the voucher, which the player may then take to a different terminal to continue game play.

Abstract: A new player footrest is disclosed, usable as part of a gaming machine. The new footrest is mounted higher on the gaming cabinetry than was previously known in the art, providing a new and invigorating way to make significant changes to foot position, and therefore body position, during long game play periods. Further, in one embodiment the footrests are adjustable, providing even more player comfort and positional diversity.

Abstract: Voucher-enabled player terminals having games of chance thereon, for use in a gaming system having a network connection and a central server, are disclosed. The terminals can both read and print vouchers, and are active in processing the vouchers. One specific functional aspect of the terminals is that they are enabled to generate unique transaction identifiers that are used with a value (game credits or prize redemption values) to enable printing of voucher when cash-out occurs. Upon cash-out from a player terminal (or other terminal type), a player will be issued a new voucher having a transaction ID generated by the terminal, the transaction ID being unique to the particular system installation and associated with the value of the voucher, which the player may then take to a different terminal to continue game play.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a printer system for a device that comprises a secure compartment and a top surface displaced at an acute angle relative to a floor. A portion of the secure compartment includes interior of an opening from the top surface. The printer system comprises a support frame attachable to the device and displaced in the secure compartment of the device. The support frame comprises at least one glide rail. The printer system further comprises a printer assembly attached to the support frame. The printer assembly comprises a media holder adapted to hold printable media, a chassis intermediate and attached to the media holder, and a printer attached to the chassis and adapted to print on the media. In a first position, the printer assembly is displaced substantially inside the secure compartment. In a second position, the printer assembly is extended away from the secure compartment.

Abstract: A countdown game which is played in conjunction with a primary game on a gaming device or other game player terminal is disclosed herein. The countdown game enhances bonus game play by providing a “countdown indicator” which advances and retreats through various stages or levels of play. The player further accumulates a prize amount which may be won, lost or increased during play.