Abstract: A game, such as a bonus game for a gaming machine having a base game, has a plurality of different items to be selected by a player, each item having a value in an amount preset for a given bonus round, and a respective initial quantity in a preset amount. The player selects an item, such as one of many items for purchase in a store, and the value for that item is registered, along with subtraction of a unit from the quantity of that item. Provided that the quantity for that item selected is not then zero, the player continues to select another item, with registration of the value for that item and subtraction until an item is selected thereby having a zero quantity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for allowing redemption of prizes resulting from playing games on a plurality of game apparatuses. The system includes a plurality of game apparatuses each adapted for displaying a user interface for allowing a user to play a plurality of games. Also included is a prize database server adapted for connecting to the game apparatuses via a wide area network. In use, a user identification code is received from the game apparatuses that corresponds to the user. Also received is an indication of an outcome of the game upon the user playing the game via the corresponding user interface. The prize database server also tracks a number of prize credits awarded the user based on the outcome of the game in addition to allowing redemption of the prize credits for a prize.

Abstract: A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer. The casino creates a player account accessible by the host computer. The account can accrue both player-tracking points and account credits. Account credits are applied to a player's account as sign-up incentive, bonus award or other player incentive. When the player inserts his or her card in a card reader at one of the gaming devices, the player has access to the account points and credits. When playing with account credits, the account is debited in the amount of the wager responsive to each game played. The credit meter is simultaneously credited, also in the amount of the wager, thereby effectively providing the player with a free game. In a related implementation, the player can convert account points to account credits thereby redeeming player-tracking points at the machine.

Abstract: A gaming machine has variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols necessary for a game, a controller for controlling variable action of the variable display devices, and a display device for displaying optional images. The images displayed by the display device are necessary for a secondary game different from a principal game executed by the variable display devices and are determined in relation to the symbols displayed when the variable action of variable display devices is stopped.

Abstract: A group wagering game is provided in which all entrants win or lose simultaneously as a group. The method of playing the game includes forming a group consisting of all entrants who have made a first wager on a first game and a second wager on the outcome of second group game. The outcome of the second group game is determined first, but is only applied if the first game is a winner. As such, a “bonus” round of play is provided which generates group interest and excitement in the gaming experience.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides for cashless transactions in Nevada-style casinos, bingo halls, Amerindian casinos, and the like. The system has a central database running on a server networked to player terminals, cashier's terminals (or stations), and unmanned voucher/cash exchange terminals. Individual transactions are recorded in the database using a unique transition ID where a transaction corresponds to vouchers being inserted into a terminal or vouchers being issued from a terminal. Each transaction stands alone and is recorded separately in the database; there is no logical connection between transactions unlike systems working from a central account. The present invention is particularly robust as it enables terminals to generate unique transaction IDs and print vouchers having a unique transaction ID and player's credits and other information thereon, before confirmation from the central server that the transaction has been stored in the database.

Abstract: A character is trained to have abilities and characteristics desired by the player, on a probability basis, without significantly reflecting the level of game playing skill of the player. A main character and game images are displayed on a monitor, and a main character is caused to move to various battle fronts by commands from an operating section. Training for increasing various ability values is performed by executing prescribed tasks. A ROM cassette stores scene images, actions for each scene, and abilities, in accordance with the success or failure of action results. The character can implement actions with a prescribed success probability, according to one specified scene. Plus or minus points are applied to the corresponding ability values in accordance with the success or failure of the action result, and actions are implemented at each one of successively selected scenes until a game time period has been cleared.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing game pieces and generating movement sequences to be used in a game of chance with a predetermined number of winners. The device includes a printing machine, a computer processor, readable and writeable memory means incorporating a plurality of registers, and a plurality of communication-links. The printing machine prints a start column, an end column, a number of parts, each part comprising a director area, and director patterns on each game piece. The computer processor is configured to obtain game piece manufacturing data incorporating numbers representing maximum vertical differences between the start and end positions of each part. Also, the processor generates one list of director areas for each part, the director areas comprising a director pattern, and sorts the lists so that director patterns resulting in small vertical differences between the start and end positions of each part are arranged to be placed first.

Abstract: The present invention rovides a gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards by activating an award distributor having a plurality of award symbols and at least one selection group activator symbol. The gaming device provides the player with a plurality of activations where an award is associated with each award symbol indicated in each activation. When a selection group activator symbol is indicated, the gaming device displays at least one selection set having a plurality of selections associated with selection awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one selection and provides the associated selection award to the player. The number of available selections in the selection set decreases by one after the player picks a selection. If the selection group activator symbol is subsequently indicated, the player picks from the remaining available selections in the selection set.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a principal display that displays a plurality of symbols in varying and stopped states. The player is rewarded when the stop state corresponds to a specific stop state. A predictive display displays whether the specific stop state is to be displayed. Start and stop devices are manipulated by a player, and a controller determines whether the specific stop state is to be permitted and a predictive display mode based on the result of the determination. The controller determines whether the likelihood of appearance of the specific stop state is changeable in conjunction with a change in the game resulting from the passage of time. The player adjusts the stop manipulation while confirming changes of the predictive display or expecting the appearance of a known predictive display. In this manner, an effective variable demonstration is achieved, and the fun of the game is enhanced.

Abstract: A reel slot casino wagering apparatus comprises a housing having at least three displayed reels thereon, each reel having symbols, characters or alphanumerics that are displayed, a wager entering system, a CPU and a sound system. The CPU has software and/or hardware that provides distinctly different audio signals for at least one of 1) availability of the apparatus to start a new wagering game, 2) presence of bet credits, 3) amount of bet credits available, 4) number or amount of bet credits wagered or coins or token wagered, 5) revelation of a non-payout configuration, 6) position of only particular symbols where the total configuration of all symbols does not provide a payout, 7) size of a payout inclusive of payouts for non-jackpot awards, 8) denomination of currency or credits deposited, and 9) denoting one or more game losses.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for storing preselected Bingo numbers which allows a player to play the same sets of Bingo numbers (56) in multiple sessions of Bingo. The player preselects Bingo numbers to play in multiple Bingo sessions. The numbers are stored in the memory (16) of the computer (12). The player selects which preselected Bingo numbers to play for a specific session of Bingo. A ticket is provided having the selected sets of Bingo numbers with a control number (58) for each selected set of numbers and a validation number (60) for the ticket.

Abstract: A connection-fighting type game machine that enables game character progression when game machines are physically connected together. The connection-fighting type liquid crystal game machine may be connected to another game machine of the same kind. Convex and concave sections of the housing of each machine assist in aligning the machines when they are connected together. A growth degree changing processing section improves the growth degree of the character that has gained a victory, performs a growth degree changing processing by leaving as it is or lowering the growth degree of the character that has suffered a defeat.

Abstract: A group wagering game is provided in which all entrants win or lose simultaneously as a group. The method of playing the game includes forming a group consisting of all entrants who have made a wager on the outcome of the game, and determining whether the group is a winner. The game can either be played as a stand alone game, or in combination with an individual participation game. When combined with another game, the method includes forming a group of at least some of the entrants in the individual participation game, e.g. all winners, who have made a wager on the outcome of the group participation game. As such, a “bonus” round of play is provided which generates group interest and excitement in the gaming experience.

Abstract: An electronic slot machine (10) and method of use which allows a player to completely replace up to all of the initial symbols displayed after the first draw in order to create, improve or even lose a winning combination. In its preferred form, the electronic slot machine of the present invention features a video monitor (10) with a plurality of separate symbol display boxes (32) arrayed in rows and columns. When the machine is activated, one or more random numbers are generated in the slot machine's microprocessor (15) to determine which symbols are to be displayed in each of the symbol display boxes. If a suitable winning combination is not formed with the initial symbols, the player is given opportunities to select up to all of the symbol display boxes for replacement.

Abstract: A portable game apparatus includes a housing is provided with an LCD and an insertion hole. A cartridge incorporating a program ROM is inserted in the insertion hole. A CPU in the housing processes a game program to display game scenes on the LCD. The cartridge further incorporates an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor detects movement and tilt of the housing. When the housing is positioned at an angle easy to play, if an operation key is operated, neutral position data is stored to an internal RAM. During game play, an output of the acceleration sensor is corrected by the neutral position data so that the CPU controls game scene display according to a corrected output of the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: The objective is to provide a game system and an information storage medium that enable another player to enter into a game space that a first player is playing in, at any time during the game. When a 2P player issues a request to join into a game within a first game space, while a 1P player is already playing the game in the first game space, that request is accepted. Reconstruction information for reconstructing the first game space is created and sent to a second game machine. The second game machine reconstructs the first game space based on this reconstruction information, so that the 2P player can play the game within the reconstructed game space. This enables the 2P player to join into a game within the first game space, at any time during the game.

Abstract: A video game system includes a video game machine and a controller connected thereto, wherein the game machine is further connected with a display device. A video-game memory medium, detachably attached to the game machine, generates image data for displaying a player object, a plurality of courses, and objects other than the player object. A player chooses a course of play by operating the controller. A score-giving condition is detected according to a relation of the player object to another object. Depending on the detection, a first score is counted for the course. When the player object comes under a condition satisfying a course clear, the first score is memorized in a score-register area of a RAM. If the user chooses to play a same course, an initial value is written to the score-register area.

Abstract: A gaming control system applicable to all forms of gambling, electronic or otherwise, is disclosed. The system includes an Internet Web site, with associated control software, which is a portal that serves as a “safe gaming” interface between online gambling individuals and Internet-based gambling sites. The system also allows players at physical gaming locations to register with the system or “safe gaming” at video terminals or at gaming tables. The portal software and distributed components of the system, track an individual's gaming transactions and provide alerts to the individual of reaching or exceeding loss limits, time limits, changes in gambling behavior, and other related services.

Abstract: An activity management system for coin-operated systems including but not limited to video arcade games and slot machines utilizes an automated redemption system comprising a client transponder card with a memory unit, an activity station, a management station, and an attendant transponder with a memory unit. The client transponder card stores event criteria such as a debit/credit indicator, a content rating and a time stamp. The attendant transponder has a passkey and a debit/credit indicator. The activity station has an inductive transmission system and programs for evaluating the client transponder's event criteria and for interacting with the attendant transponder's passkey and debit/credit indicator. The management station has a computer with a database and an inductive transmission system for reading and writing data to client transponder cards. The management station has a wireless data connection with the activity stations and periodically queries the activity stations for data.