Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming systems, and electrical and mechanical connector assemblies for coupling a gaming terminal to a chair positioned in front of the gaming terminal are presented herein. A gaming system is disclosed. The gaming system includes a gaming terminal for playing a wagering game and a chair positioned in front of the gaming terminal. The chair includes electronic components operated by a digital data signal and powered by a power supply signal. The gaming terminal includes an electrical connector assembly for coupling to a complementary electrical connector assembly on the chair. The electrical connector assembly also includes a switching device for automatically electrically coupling the electronic components with a power supply signal from a power supply once the respective electrical connector assemblies are securely coupled.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a gaming machine and a gaming chair for playing a wagering game. The gaming machine includes at least one display configured to display outcomes of the wagering game. The gaming machine further includes at least one wager input device configured to receive wagers from players. The gaming chair includes a seat assembly attached to a base, a cable harness for providing electrical input, and a backrest assembly having an inner structure and a back housing. The back housing is mounted to the inner structure and has a modular mounting feature for receiving one of at least two modular back panels. The modular back panels are received one at a time and include a non-illuminated back panel and an illuminated back panel. The illuminated back panel has a connector for accepting the cable harness.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a gaming machine and a gaming chair for playing a wagering game. The gaming machine includes at least one display configured to display outcomes of the wagering game. The gaming machine further includes at least one wager input device configured to receive wagers from players. The gaming chair includes a seat assembly attached to a base, a cable harness for providing electrical input, and a backrest assembly having an inner structure and a back housing. The back housing is mounted to the inner structure and has a modular mounting feature for receiving one of at least two modular back panels. The modular back panels are received one at a time and include a non-illuminated back panel and an illuminated back panel. The illuminated back panel has a connector for accepting the cable harness.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming systems, and electrical and mechanical connector assemblies for coupling a gaming terminal to a chair positioned in front of the gaming terminal are presented herein. A gaming system is disclosed. The gaming system includes a gaming terminal for playing a wagering game and a chair positioned in front of the gaming terminal. The chair includes electronic components operated by a digital data signal and powered by a power supply signal. The gaming terminal includes an electrical connector assembly for coupling to a complementary electrical connector assembly on the chair. The electrical connector assembly also includes a switching device for automatically electrically coupling the electronic components with a power supply signal from a power supply once the respective electrical connector assemblies are securely coupled.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display, a reel mounted for rotation relative to the display, the reel having a plurality of display symbols thereon, a plurality of light cups stationary relative to the display for illuminating symbols on the reel in the direction of the display, a sensor to detect the position of the light cups relative to the display and generate position information, and a controller in communication with the sensor operative to receive the position information from the sensor and determine the position of the light cups relative to the reel from the position information.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming terminal for playing a wagering game comprises a game cabinet containing an electronics component that is used in conjunction with the wagering game. The electronics component produces heat. An air duct is located within the cabinet. The air duct defines an air-flow passageway. The air duct has an intake port, an outtake port and at least one first vent between the intake port and the outtake port. The intake port is configured to receive air into the air duct and the outtake port is configured to exhaust air out of the game cabinet. The at least one vent receives air heated by the electronics component.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display, a reel mounted for rotation relative to the display, the reel having a plurality of display symbols thereon, a plurality of light cups stationary relative to the display for illuminating symbols on the reel in the direction of the display, a sensor to detect the position of the light cups relative to the display and generate position information, and a controller in communication with the sensor operative to receive the position information from the sensor and determine the position of the light cups relative to the reel from the position information.