Abstract: A gaming machine and method of play providing a minimum award threshold. The machine and method can determine whether a first game outcome corresponds to a predetermined outcome corresponding to a prize and setting a current minimum prize equivalent to the value of the prize. Where a subsequent game outcome corresponds to an outcomes associated with a prize, the value of the prize for the subsequent game outcome can be compared against the current minimum prize. Where the value of the prize for the subsequent game outcome is greater than the current minimum prize, the current minimum prize can be reset to the value of the prize for the subsequent game outcome.

Abstract: A system and method of conducting a shadow wagering system. The system and method configured to accept a shadow wager having a plurality of shadow wager requirements from a shadow player based upon an outcome of a base game being played by a base player. The base player and the shadow player being different individuals. The system and method being configured to initiate play of the base game, wait for the outcome of the base game, evaluate the outcome of the single play according to the shadow wager requirements, and award the shadow player a prize corresponding to the outcome of the single play if the outcome corresponds to a winning outcome defined by a predetermined set of rules for the base game.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method of play providing a minimum award threshold. The machine and method can determine whether a first game outcome corresponds to a predetermined outcome corresponding to a prize and setting a current minimum prize equivalent to the value of the prize. Where a subsequent game outcome corresponds to an outcomes associated with a prize, the value of the prize for the subsequent game outcome can be compared against the current minimum prize. Where the value of the prize for the subsequent game outcome is greater than the current minimum prize, the current minimum prize can be reset to the value of the prize for the subsequent game outcome.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine for playing a game with area and numerical winning thresholds. The method and machine present a plurality of distinct elements which are grouped into a plurality of subsets whereby a player can select both a sub-plurality of elements and at least one subset. A set of random elements is selected from the set of elements which also determines at least one random subset. The set of random elements is compared to the sub-plurality of player selected elements and the player selected subset to the random subset. A player is rewarded if the set of random elements and the set of player selected elements have a pre-determined minimum number of common elements and/or if the plurality of player selected subsets and the plurality of random subsets have a second, pre-determined minimum number of common subsets.

Abstract: A system and method of conducting a shadow wagering system. The system and method configured to accept a shadow wager having a plurality of shadow wager requirements from a shadow player based upon an outcome of a base game being played by a base player. The base player and the shadow player being different individuals. The system and method being configured to initiate play of the base game, wait for the outcome of the base game, evaluate the outcome of the single play according to the shadow wager requirements, and award the shadow player a prize corresponding to the outcome of the single play if the outcome corresponds to a winning outcome defined by a predetermined set of rules for the base game.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a game including randomly selecting at least two cards to form a dealer's hand, wherein the number of cards in the dealer's hand displayed face up is determined by a first value associated with a first random event, and wherein a first wager may be equal to a base value modified by a second value associated with a second random event.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine for playing a game with area and numerical winning thresholds. The method and machine present a plurality of distinct elements which are grouped into a plurality of subsets whereby a player can select both a sub-plurality of elements and at least one subset. A set of random elements is selected from the set of elements which also determines at least one random subset. The set of random elements is compared to the sub-plurality of player selected elements and the player selected subset to the random subset. A player is rewarded if the set of random elements and the set of player selected elements have a pre-determined minimum number of common elements and/or if the plurality of player selected subsets and the plurality of random subsets have a second, pre-determined minimum number of common subsets.

Abstract: An optional challenge feature is incorporated into a video game. The challenge is intermittently offered to a player with an ongoing play sequence on the respective video machine. The player can accept or decline the challenge. A prize can be awarded for successfully meeting the challenge.

Abstract: A system and method of organizing and administering contests or other promotions for physically dispersed currency, card, or ticket video games enable an organizer to conduct such contests or promotions from a single location. Software executable locally enables the organizer to define a contest, transmit contest or promotional information to the various video games, and stage the contest or promotion at a plurality of such games during a predetermined time interval. Contest results can be retrieved by the organizer at the location. The organizer can determine contest or promotion winners and transmit those results to the various video games.