Abstract: Novel wager gaming systems, machines, and methods for ensuring that wager game code on a game disc executes on an authorized wager gaming machine are described. To prevent an unauthorized copy of a wager game disc or other storage medium is not able to execute on a gaming machine, the machine checks whether an authorization code has been previously written to the disc. If the disc does not have a code, the gaming machine generates a first segment of an authorization code which is used, along with other data, by a game provider to generate a final authorization code. This is done after the game provider verifies that the machine operator has permission, such as a license, to execute that game code contained on that specific disc. The final authorization code is transmitted to the gaming machine, equipped with a writeable optical disc drive, where it is written or “burned” onto the game disc. At this stage the game disc is tied to or associated with the gaming machine and can execute on that machine.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention provide methods and devices for various types of adventure sequences that preferably involve, at least in part, wagering games. Such sequences may involve wagering and/or other games at a plurality of gaming devices, tables and/or gaming establishments. Some implementations provide a virtual gaming experience wherein one or more other environments (e.g., environments that include gaming establishments) are simulated at a single location. Accordingly, adventure sequences described herein may comprise stages in one or more virtual environments, stages in one or more real environments or a combination of the two. Virtual players, also referred to herein as player game agents (“PGAs”), may act on behalf of real players. A PGA may be able to play games autonomously, e.g., when the associated player is at a different location and/or is not aware of the PGA's current activities. PGAs may be enabled to negotiate on behalf of real players, e.g.

Abstract: An interactive toilet seat provides a target for a urine stream from a user. A user will direct their stream of urine at a target which is suspended in the bowl of a toilet. This target is in communication with a control circuit which is in turn communicating with an electronic display. The display is set to display various indicators, entreaties, goads or comparisons which enhances the use of the system.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method for selecting a prize to be awarded in an outcome for a game of chance has means for providing one or more games of chance, means for accepting a wager, a prize display, and a prize selector to allow a player to select at least one displayed prize. At least one memory device stores a list having one or more prizes with similar values, each list linked to a predetermined pay table and at least one player preference associated with each of the prizes. The gaming machine and method also has at least one logic device configured to: a) receive an indication of a selected prize from the prize selector; b) control the prize display to display one or more of the prizes; c) determine an outcome of a game of chance; and d) determine whether the selected prize is associated with the outcome.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described that authenticate portable tokens, such as plastic tokens used in casinos on card tables. The systems and methods assign authentication data to a token. The authentication data is verified when a person tries to redeem value on the token. A person's authentication data may be acquired via an interface provided by a gaming machine, for example, and the authentication data stored so that the authentication information is later be read when someone tries to redeem value on the token. Only a person who presents the tokens and authentication data could then negotiate such tokens.

Abstract: A gaming method includes displaying an image of a multilayer game including a plurality of layers, each layer having at least one plane with at least one symbol position in which at least one symbol is disposed, at least two layers of the plurality of layers being displayed such that the planes of the at least two layers are not coplanar, and at least one layer of the at least two layers having a plurality of symbol positions in which a plurality of symbols are disposed. The method also includes determining a game outcome associated with the plurality of symbols disposed in the plurality of symbols positions of the at least one layer, and a multilayer game outcome associated with at least one symbol in each of the at least one symbol positions of the at least two layers. Gaming apparatuses and gaming systems are also provided.

Abstract: A gaming device having a game that includes several nearly missed outcomes associated with a designated outcome, where the player is provided an award for achieving a nearly missed outcome. If the player obtains the nearly missed outcome, the award is provided from a near miss insurance pool. Therefore, when a player nearly misses achieving a large jackpot, the gaming device provides the player with insurance payoff. In general, the near miss insurance pool is funded from a portion of each wager, and may be funded by several linked gaming devices.

Abstract: A gaming device and method having alternative wagering or betting features. A gaming device includes a plurality of paylines. At least one of the paylines includes a different number of symbol positions than at least one of the other paylines. The gaming device enables the player to select and wager on one or more of the paylines. The amounts wagered on each payline may be different amounts. A gaming device enables a player to place different wager amounts on a first or second game.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for auctioning an item via a gaming device are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable a gaming device player (e.g., a slot machine player) to select one or more auction items the player is interested in bidding on. As the player plays the gaming device, a portion of each bet and/or a portion of each win is allocated to an accumulating bid on the selected auction item(s). In one embodiment, other players, connected via a network, also bid on the auction item(s) in a similar fashion. At the end of an auction, the highest bidder is awarded with the auction item. In one embodiment, the auction item is a physical auction item physically displayed at the gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators with a plurality of symbols on or associated with each symbol generator. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols are reflector symbols. A reflector symbol is a symbol that, when generated on one of the reels, causes any payline which runs through such symbol to be reflected back across one or more of the reels. In operation, after providing the player any award based on the symbols generated on any wagered on paylines, the gaming device determines if at least one reflector symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines. If at least one reflector symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines, the generated reflector symbol causes the activated payline which runs through the generated reflector symbol to reflect back across one, more or each of the reels to form a supplemental payline.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing techniques for securing a gaming machine for a player of the gaming machine using a mobile device such as a cell phone associated with the player. A player input requests securing of the gaming machine. Responsive to the player input, an access code and a security code are retrieved. The access code defines an access point of a communication system. The security code is specific to a game play session for the player at the gaming machine. The retrieved access code and security code are provided for the player. When the mobile device accesses the communications system and submits the security code, a secure signal is sent to the gaming machine, instructing the gaming machine to enter a remote game play state. The gaming machine can be released from the remote game play state responsive to a releasing event.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing techniques for securing a gaming machine for a player of the gaming machine using a mobile device such as a cell phone associated with the player. A player input requests securing of the gaming machine. Responsive to the player input, an access code and a security code are retrieved. The access code defines an access point of a communication system. The security code is specific to a game play session for the player at the gaming machine. The retrieved access code and security code are provided for the player. When the mobile device accesses the communications system and submits the security code, a secure signal is sent to the gaming machine, instructing the gaming machine to enter a remote game play state. The gaming machine can be released from the remote game play state responsive to a releasing event.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention provide methods and devices for various types of adventure sequences that preferably involve, at least in part, wagering games. Such sequences may involve wagering and/or other games at a plurality of gaming devices, tables and/or gaming establishments. Some implementations provide a virtual gaming experience wherein one or more other environments (e.g., environments that include gaming establishments) are simulated at a single location. Accordingly, adventure sequences described herein may comprise stages in one or more virtual environments, stages in one or more real environments or a combination of the two. Virtual players, also referred to herein as player game agents (“PGAs”), may act on behalf of real players. A PGA may be able to play games autonomously, e.g., when the associated player is at a different location and/or is not aware of the PGA's current activities. PGAs may be enabled to negotiate on behalf of real players, e.g.

Abstract: A portable memory apparatus may include a player identification and game outcomes associated with the player identification. The portable memory apparatus may communicatively couple with a gaming apparatus, provide a game outcome to the gaming apparatus, and communicatively decouple from the gaming apparatus. A gaming apparatus may include a display unit, an input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the input device. The controller may be programmed to cause the input device to read game outcome data stored in a portable memory, to determine an outcome based on the game outcome data, to display the outcome on the display unit, to determine if the outcome is a winning outcome, to determine a value payout if the outcome is a winning outcome, and to cause the input device to update the portable memory with data relating to the outcome or the value payout.

Abstract: A gaming communication apparatus may include a wireless transceiver and a controller operatively coupled to the wireless transceiver. The controller may be programmed to establish a bidirectional wireless communication link with a gaming apparatus when in proximity to the gaming apparatus, receive a voice command relating to a first gaming function, transmit first gaming function data to the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver, and receive data relating to a second gaming function from the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver. The gaming apparatus may include a second wireless transceiver and a second controller operatively coupled to the second wireless transceiver. The second controller may be programmed to receive the first gaming function data via the second wireless transceiver, execute a first gaming function based on the first gaming function data, and transmit the second gaming function data to the wireless communication device via the second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a virtual leash and command download capabilities on a hand-held personal gaming device (“PGD”) are disclosed. A host gaming system includes a game server configured to generate game seeds having data regarding predetermined game outcomes for various wager based games, and an authentication server configured to establish a virtual leash with a PGD. The virtual leash is adapted to repeatedly authenticate or verify a PGD user, a PGD location, the PGD itself, and/or software codes on the PGD. Included within an associated PGD are a display adapted to display gaming related information, a processor configured to execute gaming related code, and a memory containing a command download of computer code to be executed by the processor. The command download of computer code includes enough code for the PGD to process and display independently a game play based on a game seed.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels or cards having several symbols. The symbols include at least two complimentary symbols that form resultant symbols on related reels or cards. In one embodiment, the resultant symbol is similar to a symbol and acts as a substitute for other symbols on the reels or cards. In another embodiment, the resultant symbol transforms adjacent symbols into symbols or other symbols on the reels or cards. In a further embodiment, the resultant symbol transforms a predetermined or random number of symbols on the reels or cards into symbols or other symbols.

Abstract: A mobile game device for selective display of one or more pre-purchased games of chance thereon. The game device includes a removable communication interface adapted to communicate with a central gaming system to selectively receive gaming data controlling the play and outcome of the pre-purchased game of chance, generated at a first time. The game device further includes a display screen, and one or more input mechanisms. A game device microprocessor device is provided which is configured to: commence play, selectively activated by operation of the one or more input mechanisms, of the pre-purchased games of chance using the gaming data at a selected second time after the first time; and selectively display on the display screen the generated outcome of the game of chance.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a communication network, a portable data storage device having information associated with a player stored therein and a plurality of gaming units communicatively coupled to the communication network. Each of the gaming units includes an interface for reading and for storing information within the portable data storage device. The gaming system also includes a network computer communicatively coupled to the communication network and the plurality of gaming units. The network computer is programmed to enable the player to play a group of the plurality of gaming units in a particular sequence based on the information associated with the player stored within the portable data storage device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an electronic display, a touch screen overlay disposed over a display surface of the electronic display and a photosensor disposed adjacent to the touch screen overlay and the display surface. The device further includes a memory and a controller coupled to the electronic display, the touch screen overlay, the photosensor and the memory. The controller is programmed to display an alignment object having a plurality of electronically distinguishable regions on the display surface of the electronic display and to use the photosensor to detect a characteristic of one of the regions of the alignment object. Additionally, the controller is programmed to move the alignment object based on the detected characteristic along a search path toward an aligned condition with respect to the photosensor.