Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine, including a display which displays a plurality of cells for presenting a plurality of symbols in a game, a processor which executes the game, chooses at least two cells from the plurality of cells and a symbol from the plurality of symbols and presents the chosen symbol in the chosen cells, and a payout device which awards a reward according to an symbol arrangement on the cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells displays a symbol independently from each other.

Abstract: A universal method and computer system for downloading game software to legacy gaming machines are provided. A gaming machine includes two computing devices within a locked enclosure, the first computer device programmed to enable game play of the gaming machine and the second computing device configured for network access. An interface is between the computing devices. The second computing device receives game software components over the network that are compatible with the first computing device but not compatible with the second computing device and transfers the received components to the first computing device over the interface. When the first computing device is a PC, it may be configured with dual-boot capability between two operating computer systems. When the first operating computer system is booted, game play may be enabled. When the second operating computer system is booted, game software components may be received over the network.

Abstract: How do 2 people near each other and who have cellphones play a multiplayer Internet game? The first person visits it on her phone. She gets a barcode of an URL with an id of her Internet address. The second person images it with his phone and connects to the server. The server sends pages to both phones, to let them play the game. A barcode can add more people to the game. A player hands her character to a nearby person with a mobile device. Or to add watchers to follow the Point Of View of a player. A barcode can transfer assets between players, in a game that encourages physical proximity and enhanced social interaction. Another method of linking the players is where the phone emits a sound that maps to an URL. The other phone records and decodes the URL. It queries the server with the URL, to log the second person into the game.

Abstract: Systems and methods to identify candidates for targeted advertising in an online social gaming environment are disclosed. Example methods include generating a network graph representative of relationships between users associated with an online social gaming environment, the relationships based on connections between the users. Example methods also include collecting first social gaming data corresponding to participation by a first user and a second user in the online social gaming environment during a first period of time. The example methods further include calculating a first degree of influence of the first user of the online social gaming environment on the second user of the online social gaming environment, the first degree of influence based on the first social gaming data.

Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi or other wireless protocol. The mobile device operates as a user interface. While the player is playing one game on the mobile device, the venue's system recommends other games to the player via the player's tablet either based on the player's past gaming history, if the player used a player tracking card, or based on real time game play, if the player is anonymous. Upon the player selecting a different game, the system automatically transfers communications to a different gaming terminal and transfers the player's credits. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines, where each gaming machine carries out a different game.

Abstract: The gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to simultaneously or concurrently play a plurality of games at a gaming device regardless or independent of if the gaming device accounting system in communication with the gaming device is configured to support such simultaneous or concurrent game play. The gaming system disclosed herein additionally or alternatively enables a player to simultaneously play a plurality of games wherein certain of the games are eligible to operate with a remote host and certain of the games are ineligible to operate with the remote host.

Abstract: Methods, systems, articles, and the like related to fantasy sports games are described. In various aspects, a selection of a fantasy roster for a first game period can be received from a fantasy sports participant. The fantasy roster can include one or more selected real players selected by the fantasy sports participant from a pool of eligible real players who are eligible for use by the fantasy sports participant during the first game period. Statistics representative of performance of the selected real players during the first game period can be recorded and a total season score for the fantasy sports participant can be adjusted based on the recorded statistics. The pool of eligible real players for use by the fantasy sports participant during a second game period that follows the first period can be updated by deleting the selected real players from the pool.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods and devices for controlling many aspects of a player's gaming experience, including game themes presented, game denomination, pay models, content and promotions. Some implementations of the invention provide a casino operator the necessary tools to create subsets Of customers, often referred to herein as “communities,” and to control the gaming experiences of players in these communities. In some such implementations, communities May be created and/or modified according to various criteria, some of which may be weighted more heavily than others. Specific marketing messages, promotions, etc., may be provided to attract and retain players having similar characteristics and preferences.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game providing an award if a shape of a symbol displayed at a symbol display area corresponds to a shape of that symbol display area. Other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game having a player-adjustable volatility. In certain embodiments, the game is the above-described game, while in other embodiments, the game is a different game. Generally, in certain such embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to tailor the overall volatility of a play of the game to the player's preference by selecting a desired combination of symbol display areas to employ for a play of the game.

Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. For 3D images, the original format may be adjusted for the mobile device.

Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. If the communications link is temporarily broken during a game, the mobile device will create the appearance that the game is continuous, such as by continuing to spin reels, until communications are re-established. The reels will stop once the mobile device receives the final outcome from the gaming terminal. The player may pause the game to temporarily suspend the minimum game frequency rules. The mobile device may switch between gaming terminals. For 3D video, the original format may be adjusted for the mobile device. The gaming terminal may be a gaming machine.

Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. Registration for the mobile device may be via a registration terminal connected in a network with a plurality of gaming terminals. The mobile device may communicate wirelessly with the registration terminal, and the registration terminal then communicates with the played gaming terminal via the network. The mobile device may select to play games offered by any available gaming terminal. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines. The registration terminal may also be a cashing out terminal and print a ticket.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for facilitating participation in a gaming activity. A reel configuration of a plurality of reels is presented, where each of the reels includes one or more associated gaming symbols. The presentation of the gaming symbols is modified on the plurality of reels, such as by spinning the reels or otherwise changing which symbols are presented on the reels. A replacement reel is presented, to supersede or otherwise supplant at least one of the gaming symbols of the reel configuration. Results of the gaming activity are established using the gaming symbols of the plurality of reels and the replacement reel. The result is thereby based on a resulting presentation of symbols that includes both the symbols of the primary reel configuration and the symbol(s) of the replacement reel(s).

Abstract: An integrated gaming system for managing gameplay, and tracking and awarding rewards, across multiple gaming platforms; which connects an integrated gaming application, executing on a gaming device, in a browser, or a general computing devices; with an integrated gaming server, which can communicate with a number of connected external gaming servers. Furthermore disclosed is a computer-implemented integrated gaming method for reviewing reward levels, reviewing available games, playing games and obtaining rewards. The rewards can be additional games access, physical items, monetary awards, or the right to participate in events with celebrities, well-known athletes, or notable game players.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the domain of control devices for virtual games, and more specifically to a control device to control the displacement of a virtual player and of a virtual ball in the scope of a football video game. According to the invention, the control device is in the form of a ball connected to a pedestal. This ball is equipped with accelerometers able to detect a displacement force on the ball as a result of a strike exerted on said ball, pressure sensors able to detect a pressure force exerted on the surface of the ball and a processing module. The processor module generates using information from the accelerometers and pressure sensors control signals to control the displacement of the virtual ball in the video game and control signals to control the displacement of the virtual player in the video game.

Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. If the communications link is temporarily broken during a game, the mobile device will create the appearance that the game is continuous, such as by continuing to spin reels, until communications are reestablished. The reels will stop once the mobile device receives the final outcome from the gaming terminal. The player may pause the game to temporarily suspend the minimum game frequency rules. The mobile device may switch between gaming terminals. For 3D video, the original format is adjusted for the mobile device. The gaming terminal may be a gaming machine.

Abstract: Users may build structures having an area of effect surrounding the structure in a game as a result of in-game actions. In-game actions may include building an instance of a structure controlled by a user. The structure may have an associated area of effect configured to impact at least one of resource accumulation, structure properties, and event frequency within the area of effect. The area of effect may be presented on a map with information relating to its impact. The area of effect may impact the cost of building other buildings therein, the rate at which resources are accumulated therein, the defensive ratings of other buildings therein, the effectiveness of other buildings therein in carrying out an intended functionality, and the frequency at which various positive or negative events occur therein. Some buildings can only be built within the area of effect of a specific other building.

Abstract: A video game includes conditional access to areas of the game. An area may be unlocked when particular game characters are at an entrance to the area. An area may be unlocked for a particular character, for all characters, or for categories of characters. Categories of characters may include characters of a particular type, characters of a particular skill level, characters controlled by a particular game player, and characters previously played in the video game.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a method of conducting a wagering game which includes the steps of conducting a plurality of basic wagering games and enabling a bonus game in response to a bonus triggering outcome achieved in any of the basic wagering games. The method also includes deferring the enabled bonus game to permit play after completion of play of the plurality of basic wagering games.

Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. If the communications link is temporarily broken during a game, the mobile device will create the appearance that the game is continuous, such as by continuing to spin reels, until communications are reestablished. The reels will stop once the mobile device receives the final outcome from the gaming terminal. The player may pause the game to temporarily suspend the minimum game frequency rules. The mobile device may switch between gaming terminals. For 3D video, the original format is adjusted for the mobile device. The gaming terminal may be a gaming machine.