Abstract: A community gaming system includes a community game server that compares gaming outcomes of gaming devices to determine whether the gaming devices qualify for a community game. For a first set of gaming devices, the community game server compares a gaming device outcome against a first qualifying outcome having a first qualifying probability. The qualifying probability is then modified and a second qualifying outcome based on the modified qualifying probability is used to qualify a second set of gaming devices. A community prize may be awarded to winning gaming devices in proportion to the qualifying probabilities for the respective gaming devices.

Abstract: A gaming system having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, at least one prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a plurality of prize object displays located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, a plurality of game apparatus associated with the prize object displays, and a controller configured to select a prize object and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in at least one prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object displays include a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display.

Abstract: An incentive method is provided for encouraging use of a credit or debit card sponsored by, or affiliated with, a first vendor having consumer offerings, such as a casino offering gambling on games of chance, food, lodging, or other goods or services. The method includes offering the card to a person, such as a casino patron, tracking transactions on the card after acceptance by the person, including transactions for consumer offerings purchased from a second vendor, and rewarding second vendor transactions with a discount on a consumer offering purchased from the first vendor. An incentive system is provided for rewarding casino patrons who enroll in a tracking system which monitors various player characteristics. These monitored characteristics are used to assign a player rating which is used to enhance prize payouts and/or award bonus prizes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device comprising a display surface. The display surface comprises a plurality of indicia. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and is configured to move the display surface on a first predetermined path. A moveable indicator is included that is configured to indicate at least one indicia appearing on the display surface. A moveable indicator actuator is in communication with the moveable indicator and is configured to move the moveable indicator along a second predetermined path. A controller is in communication with at least one of the display device actuator and the moveable indicator actuator. The controller is configured to position at least one of the display device and the movable indicator so that the movable indicator indicates an indicia appearing on the display surface that conveys a game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes several gaming devices. Lights are mounted in association with the gaming devices. A controller is in communication with the gaming devices and the lights. The controller is configured to receive a wager from the gaming devices and to play a base game on the gaming devices. The lights are operated in a first mode during a qualifying period. The controller determines if the qualifying period has ended and determines a set of the gaming devices that have qualified during the qualifying period. The controller further allows the set of gaming devices to play a community game during a community period and operates the lights in a second mode during the community period. A community game prize can be awarded.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for playing a game. The gaming apparatus includes a display device that has a moveable display surface with a plurality of indicia. A roller may support the display surface such that the display moves over the roller. The roller and the display surface may simulate a reel. A guide track may hold and guide the shape of the display surface. The guide track and display surface may simulate a reel. A display device actuator is coupled to and can move the display surface. A controller is in communication with the display device actuator and can position the display surface such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the display surface conveys a game outcome. A braking mechanism is coupled with the display surface and is adapted to brake the display surface.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus may include a housing defining a display area on which at least one indicium representing at least one prize is displayed. The gaming device also may include a plurality of display characters. At least one of the display characters is configured to move and indicate at least one indicium. The gaming apparatus further includes a controller in communication with at least one of the plurality of display characters and configured to direct the movement of the display character. The controller is also configured to generate a random number and generate a game outcome based on the random number. The controller is configured to move at least one display character to indicate at least one indicium that corresponds to the game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises at least one gaming device that allows a player to place a wager and play a game. The gaming system allows the payback of the gaming device to be varied dependent on the size of a wager placed by a player. Once the player has placed a wager, an active pay table is determined, for example using a formula having the wager as a variable or by using look-up tables. A random number is then generated and compared to the active pay table to determine the game outcome. The gaming system encourages and rewards placing higher wagers by providing high payback percentages for higher wagers.

Abstract: A gaming device having a container with at least one moveable object located within, one or more game elements capable of receiving and isolating the moveable objects, an actuator configured to attract the moveable objects to receptacle game elements, a game apparatus enabling a player to play the game, and a controller configured to determine a random game outcome and subsequently cause the actuator to move the objects to a game element to display the result of the game, is disclosed. Preferably, the actuator may be a magnet or a suction device, such as a fan, vacuum pump or vent. Display devices which include a container, moveable objects located within, one or more game elements, a suitable actuator to attract the moveable objects into or onto the receptacle game elements, and a controller associated with the actuator, are also disclosed. Further, a method of playing a game involving placing a wager using the game device described above is disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system and device is disclosed that allows a player to select one of a plurality of game themes. Each game theme has a set of winning game symbols displayed on one or more reels of the gaming device and an associated pay table. When a player plays the gaming device under a particular theme, the gaming device determines whether a winning outcome has occurred and displays the winning outcome to the player using the winning gaming symbols associated with the selected theme.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a gaming device that is adapted to accept a wager and allow a player to play a game. A controller is in communication with the gaming device. The controller maintains a first progressive jackpot and a second progressive jackpot. When a triggering event occurs, at least a portion of the first progressive jackpot is deducted and added to the second progressive jackpot. A gaming method using the gaming apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a gaming device that is adapted to accept a wager and allow a player to play a game. A controller is in communication with the gaming device. The controller maintains a progressive jackpot and randomly determines a contribution amount from the wager placed on each game cycle by each participating player. The contribution amount is collected from the wager and added to the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a primary gaming device that is adapted to accept a wager and allow a player to play a game. A bonus gaming device is mourned in association with the primary gaming device. The bonus gaming device can award a bonus prize. A controller is in communication with the primary gaming device and the bonus gaming device. The controller is adapted to determine the bonus prize and to provide a progressive jackpot. When a bonus prize is awarded, the progressive jackpot is funded.

Abstract: A network gaming system and method including a server having plural regular games for selection, and plural tournament games for plural players. The system also has plural gaming devices each in communication with the server to conduct a selected regular game upon receipt of a regular wager, and to enter a first tournament game upon receipt of a first tournament wager, and to simultaneously enter a second tournament game upon receipt of a second tournament wager. The system also has a payout system to award a regular game winning player a regular prize, and to award a tournament winning player a tournament prize.

Abstract: A gaming device has a display that aids in displaying a game outcome to one or more players. The display includes a conveyor such as a tube for conveying a plurality of moveable display objects such as prize balls. Display segments within the conveyor allow players to view the display objects. Selectively operated constraining devices constrain the display objects within the display segment when a particular game outcome is to be indicated. Sensors along the conveyor path monitor the position of the display objects and can be used to control the actuation of the constraining devices and the release of the display objects from the display segments. Using a single conveyor tube with a plurality of display segments, gaming outcomes can be indicated to specific gaming devices and community gaming outcomes can be indicated to all gaming devices simultaneously.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus has several primary gaming devices. Each of the primary gaming devices is configured to accept a wager and to generate a bonus qualifying event. A central display device is mounted in association with the primary gaming devices. The central display device has several flexible belt displays having indicia thereon. A controller is in communication with the gaming devices and the central display device. The controller is configured to detect the bonus qualifying event and to position the flexible belt displays such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the flexible belt displays convey a game outcome. A gaming method using the gaming apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system and method is disclosed that comprises a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a server. The server is configured to measure play level and adjust payback percentage based on the play level. The play level may comprise one of several gaming factors related to the number of players, wagering, the number of games played, and others. A portion of each wager made during low play level may be contributed to a pool to be distributed during a period of high play level. A method of providing a wagering game wherein payback percentage is adjusted according to play level is also provided. An advantage provided is increased enjoyment of the gaming experience of players due to enhanced expectation of receiving additional awards when play level is high.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus has a gaming device that is adapted to accept a wager and allow a player to play a game. A controller is in communication with the gaming device. The controller maintains a first progressive jackpot having a first award value and a second progressive jackpot having a second award value. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the first and second award values are switched. A gaming method using the gaming apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a server. Each gaming device is configured to play a primary game as well as a secondary game in the form of a draw game such as bingo or keno. The server advertises a draw game to the gaming devices allowing players to place additional draw wagers and play the draw game simultaneously with the primary game. For accepting gaming devices, the server selects a subset of gaming symbols for display on a draw game card display of the gaming devices. The server then draws gaming symbols and communicates the drawn gaming symbols to the gaming devices so that the draw game displays may be updated. The draw of gaming symbols continues until a winning outcome at one or more of the gaming devices occurs or a predetermined number of gaming symbol draws have been made.

Abstract: A gaming device having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, a prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a prize object display located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, and a controller configured to select a prize object from the prize object holder and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in the prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object display includes a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display. In addition, a method for playing a game by providing the prize object display inside of the display object container of the aforementioned gaming device is disclosed.