Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes determining a skill level of a player, determining, based on the determined skill level of the player, a return-to-player percentage to employ for a play of a game, wherein a first return-to-player percentage is determined when the skill level is a first skill level and a second, different return-to-player percentage is determined when the skill level is a second, different skill level, causing a display of the play of the game for the player in accordance with the determined return-to-player percentage, the play of the game associated with receipt of at least one skill-based input, and responsive to a score increase event that occurs in association with the play of the game, modifying a score of the player and causing a display of the modified score, wherein the score of the player is separate from a credit balance of the player.

Abstract: A regulated skill-based game includes multiple reward generating assets configured such that successful player interactions therewith increase the player's score and give rise to wagers whose outcomes are randomly determined. The amount of the wager may be a function of a time elapsed since the last wager was placed. The regulated game may be configured such that a predetermined duration of game play time thereon is purchased for a predetermined amount of money. A first portion of the predetermined amount of money funds the wagers and a second portion thereof funds a progressive jackpot to be awarded to a player having earned the highest score that is not been exceeded after a predetermined point in time. The regulated game is further configured to award credits when the randomly determined outcome is a reward generating outcome. Both the score of the skill-based game and awarded credits may be shown onscreen.

Abstract: A regulated skill-based game includes a plurality of reward generating assets configured such that successful player interactions therewith increase the player's score and give rise to wagers whose outcomes are randomly determined. The amount of the wager may be a function of a time elapsed since the last wager was placed. The regulated game may be configured such that a predetermined duration of game play time thereon is purchased for a predetermined amount of money. A first portion of the predetermined amount of money funds the wagers and a second portion thereof funds a progressive jackpot to be awarded to a player having earned the highest score that is not been exceeded after a predetermined point in time. The regulated game is further configured to award credits when the randomly determined outcome is a reward generating outcome. Both the score of the skill-based game and awarded credits may be shown onscreen.

Abstract: A gaming machine coupled to at least one server via a network includes a display device configured to display a game to a player playing on the gaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller detects an award trigger during play of the game, and awards a token upon detection of the award trigger, wherein the token includes an activation date, an expiration date, and a value that is unknown to the player at the time of being awarded. In response to a redemption request by the player, the controller determines a redemption status of the token and, based on the redemption status, awards the token value to the player or notifies the player that the token is expired.

Abstract: Methods and systems allowing video slot machine players to wager on symbols occurring on all sides of a reel, including the reel's front, back, top, bottom, and inside portions. Players may move reels in space to seek out winning paylines or win mystery bonuses on symbols combinations that occur on portions of the reel that may be initially hidden from their view. Features of embodiments of the present invention allow players to increase the number of paylines on which they can bet by a factor of four or more.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator (RDOG) makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. In RDOG, a method of determining a reward due to a player of a regulated game may include steps of enabling the player to interact with one or more reward generating assets within the regulated game; measuring a level of skill of the player in interacting with the reward generating assets, and determining the reward due to the player for each successful interaction with the reward generating assets, the reward being determined according to the measured skill level, a random number and the time elapsed since a last successful interaction with any one of the reward generating assets.

Abstract: A gaming chair includes a plurality of speakers, at least one electronic display device, a network interface configured to couple to a network, and a processor coupled to the speakers, the electronic display device, and the network interface. The processor is configured to receive game data from a remote server via the network interface, wherein the game data includes audio signals and video signals, and to cause the speakers to output audio based on the audio signals. The processor is also configured to cause the display device to display at least one image based on the video signals.

Abstract: Universal Player Controls for regulated pay computer-controlled video games afford players an efficient, intuitive method for customizing the layout and appearance of their favorite electronic games. A popup control featuring a jog wheel for fast selection and geometric control using the touch screen may be attached to each predetermined group of graphic assets allowing players to move, resize, dim, animate, temporary hide or overlap them. Predetermined presentation styles (skins) may be successively rendered. Whereas the displays on the regulated pay computer-controlled video games of the prior art were often visually cluttered and not visually appealing to adult game console players, the present Universal Player Controls enables the players to tailor the game appearance then save it in a player profile for latter retrieval.

Abstract: A gaming machine coupled to at least one server via a network includes a display device configured to display a base game to a player playing at the gaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to determine an outcome during play of the base game, and award at least one token based on the outcome of the base game, wherein a value of the token based on as additional play of the base game by the player.

Abstract: A coupled to at least one server via a network includes a display device configured to display a base game to a player playing at the gaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to determine an outcome during play of the base game, and award at least one token based on the outcome of the base game, wherein a value of the token based on as additional play of the base game by the player.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. In RDOG, a method of determining a reward due to a player of a regulated game may include steps of enabling the player to interact with one or more reward generating assets within the regulated game; measuring a level of skill of the player in interacting with reward generating assets, and determining the reward due to the player for each successful interaction with a reward generating asset, the reward being determined according to the measured skill level, a random number and a time elapsed since a last successful interaction with any one of the reward generating asset.

Abstract: A method for a game includes providing a plurality of individual gaming machines for playing a base game, where an outcome of each gaming machine is determined at least in part by chance, and communicatively coupling a progressive bonus apparatus to said plurality of individual gaming machines. The method includes creating value elements and inserting them onto individual gaming machines in a bank of gaming machines. The value elements can be seen visually by players so that the players can monitor the status of the bonus game while playing the base game. Also disclosed is an apparatus capable of carrying out the above method as well as a media carrying an instruction set for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An RDOG gaming machine may include a game that includes a reward generating assets and a graphic shown on a display. The graphic is at least partially controlled by the player and configured to interact with the reward generating asset. A reward table is associated with the reward generating assets and is configured such that when the graphic successfully interacts therewith on the display, a random number is obtained and used as an index into the reward table to derive a reward multiplier.

Abstract: In a regulated gaming system including a plurality of computer nodes communicating over a network, a gaming machine includes a game controller and interactivity apparatus that accepts wagers from a player and provides random outcomes while playing a game. The interactivity apparatus may include a touch-screen display. A service oriented blade provider may execute in the gaming machine and is configured to provide services to a service oriented blade subscriber executing in one of the computer nodes. The service oriented blade subscriber may consume the services provided by the service oriented blade provider. A service oriented blade, controlled by the service oriented blade provider, is configured to interact with the player via a predetermined portion of the first touch-screen display. The service oriented blade is further configured to enable the player and the service oriented blade subscriber to interact with one another.

Abstract: A regulated gaming machine including a touch-screen display is provided in a gaming system that includes a plurality of distributed computer nodes communicating over a network using a service oriented communication protocol. A plurality of game gadgets are provided, each enabling player interaction via respective predetermined interaction zones of the touch-screen display, and at least one of which is associated with a game that is selectable and playable on the gaming machine. A service oriented subscriber executes in a predetermined one of the plurality of computer nodes and a service oriented provider is associated with each of the plurality of game gadgets, each being configured to control its associated game gadget. Each of the provided game gadgets is configured to allow interaction between the player and the service oriented subscriber. At least some of the game gadgets are displayed on the touch-screen display, and a player selection of one of the game gadgets is detected on the touch-screen.

Abstract: Time Based Wagering with Optional Reinvestment allows casino players to play their favorite casino games in a mixed time-based and credit-based fashion. The player purchases a contract for a window of time on the gaming machine at a set price that guarantees him or her the ability to play at a pace of his choosing over the entire duration of his contract. As the player accumulates winnings dining the execution of the time contract, the player may elect to protect his or her accrued winnings by cashing them out at the end of his contract or may elect to re-invest part or all of his accrued winnings for the opportunity to achieve even larger wins as the time contract progresses. The player may activate this optional feature by placing additional wagers via a dynamic wager selection menu.

Abstract: Casino operators can reduce their energy bills by placing the main controller of selected unused gaming machines into low-power mode while retaining total control and trust. Trusted Energy Saving is accomplished by: (1) establishing a secure “out-of-band” communication (or equivalent) between gaming machines and the casino's management system such that full network security is maintained while the main controller is in low power standby mode, (2) employing intelligent strategies to wake-up and turn-off the main controller of selected gaming machines by anticipating player use, (3) waiving the lengthy security verification required by regulation upon every gaming machine start-up and optionally (4) by displaying video promotional content on each turned-off gaming machine to continue to attract prospective players and to use the timing of each player approach to intelligently structure game menus based on the promotional content that has successfully attracted the player.

Abstract: A method for agile downloading and controlling regulated games in a distributed gaming system, the games being selected from a large library of certified games. A preferred embodiment of the method is a plug-in for the ubiquitous personal media player whereby the regulated games distributed on CD-ROM are catalogued in the media library through a “rip-like” operation and are downloaded to the gaming machines through a “sync-like” operation much like for downloading music, photos and movies to an iPod®. Preventing execution of non authorized games is enforced in the gaming machine through software restriction policy (SRP) much like digital right media (DRM) prevents listening or viewing illegal media files. Other media content such as promotional photos, videos and audio may be downloaded and controlled through the same casino media player.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes requiring a player to purchase a predetermined amount of playing time for a predetermined amount of money; inputting an initial average Return-To-Player (RTP) percentage of the regulated game; initiating the regulated game, and during the purchased predetermined amount of playing time: providing a plurality of reward generating assets and enabling the player to interact therewith, a successful interaction with a reward generating asset generating a reward for the player, and providing a plurality of time penalty inducing assets, interaction with one of which imposes a predetermined time penalty during which the player is prevented from interacting with any of the plurality of reward generating assets whereby, after interaction with one of the plurality of penalty inducing assets, the initial average RTP percentage is reduced by an amount proportional to a length of the predetermined time penalty.

Abstract: Casino operators can reduce their energy bills by placing the main controller of selected unused gaming machines into low-power mode while retaining total control and trust. Trusted Energy Saving is accomplished by: (1) establishing a secure “out-of-band” communication (or equivalent) between gaming machines and the casino's management system such that full network security is maintained while the main controller is in low power standby mode, (2) employing intelligent strategies to wake-up and turn-off the main controller of selected gaming machines by anticipating player use, (3) waiving the lengthy security verification required by regulation upon every gaming machine start-up and optionally (4) by displaying video promotional content on each turned-off gaming machine to continue to attract prospective players and to use the timing of each player approach to intelligently structure game menus based on the promotional content that has successfully attracted the player.