Abstract: A verification system has an operational component registry that includes an interface, a memory device, and a processor. Preferably, the interface in the operational component registry communicates the installed identification data from the gaming units to the operational component registry. The memory device preferably stores registered identification data for the gaming units. Preferably, the processor in the operational component registry then analyzes the registered identification data and the installed identification data from the gaming units, after which enablement of the gaming units is determined based upon the examination of the registered identification data and the installed identification data. An operational component registry may also monitor changes, services, requirements, enablement, and productivity of the gaming units or components of the gaming units.

Abstract: A verification system has an operational component registry 10 that includes an interface 20, a memory device 30, and a processor 40. Preferably, the interface 20 in the operational component registry 10 communicates the installed identification data 50 from the gaming units 60 to the operational component registry. The memory device 30 preferably stores registered identification data 70 for the gaming units 60. Preferably, the processor 40 in the operational component registry 10 then analyzes the registered identification data 70 and the installed identification data 50 from the gaming units 60, after which enablement of the gaming units is determined based upon the examination of the registered identification data and the installed identification data. An operational component registry 10 may also monitor changes, services, requirements, enablement, and productivity of the gaming units or components of the gaming units.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a casino gaming system including participation in a player club. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines each enabling play of a base game-of-chance. There is also a plurality of player tracking user interfaces embedded in each gaming machine, and a player club module in communication with the gaming machines and the player tracking user interfaces. The player club module includes a memory and a processor for grouping player club participating players into sub-groups within the main group, wherein the memory of the player club module stores the sub-groups of participating players. The player club module is in communication with a server for informing each player club participating player of their standing during a challenge period. Prizes are awarded to player club players based on the rankings within each sub-group of the main group. Attorney Docket No. 83336.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for enabling a player club ladder. The method includes arranging a main group of players registered in the player club into sub-groups, and during a challenge period, only players in the same sub-group compete against one another. Information about the player club challenge period is sent to the players, including identification of other players in their sub-group. During the challenge period, players log into a gaming machine and the game play data created by the participating players is tracked by the system. Points acquired by players at the gaming devices are monitored during the challenge period, and the players within each sub-group are ranked based on points accumulated during the challenge period. At the end of the challenge period a bonus or prize is provided to at least one player within each sub-group based on the total amount of points.

Abstract: A method for distributing software licenses for authorizing the installation of gaming software, by a user, onto a gaming machine is provided. The software installation process is initiated and an electronic key containing an encrypted license count interfaces with the gaming machine. The encrypted license count represents the number of licenses available for authorizing the installation of a particular gaming software. The encrypted license count is accessed and it is determined whether installation is permitted. Additionally a processing means for accessing a remote server, via a network connection, and increasing the licensing count stored in the electronic key is provided.

Abstract: Game rating systems and related methods for using game ratings are disclosed herein. According to one method, the game rating system is used to assist a player in selecting a game for play on a gaming machine having one or more games. In this method, a game rating icon is presented on the gaming machine. The game rating icon corresponds to and represents a unique game style of each game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine receives player input select a game style, and a game having the selected game style is presented to the player for game play.

Abstract: Gaming machines and gaming systems having a game rating system are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of games where each game has a distinct game style that is based in part on game volatility. The gaming device also includes a game controller for managing and operating the plurality of games, and a game rating system in communication with the game controller. The game rating system includes a player interface for selecting a game, and an icon presented on the display of the gaming device where the icon represents the distinct game style.

Abstract: A reel spinning gaming device comprises a plurality of selectable reels, where a subset of the selectable reels is the initial active reels. The actuating system is operatively associated with the selectable reels and generates an outcome symbol combination for the active reels. The prize controller determines whether a prize is to be awarded based upon the outcome symbol combination. In one embodiment, the prize controller also initiates a bonus game when a triggering event is present. The reselection system designates a new set of active reels the bonus game(s). The new set of active reels comprises one or more newly active reels and one or more remaining active reels, and the outcome symbols from the one or more newly active reels are used in conjunction with the outcome symbols from the remaining active reels to produce a outcome symbol combination for one or more bonus games.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple randomly selectable primary games in a gaming device are disclosed. In one embodiment a gaming machine comprises a player input means and a central processing unit for receiving a trigger to activate game play. Additionally, the gaming machine comprises a selection means for selecting a primary game for game play. Also included are a first primary game presented on a first primary game display and a second primary game presented on a second primary game display.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple, primary games in a gaming device are disclosed. In one embodiment a gaming machine comprises a memory means for storing two or more primary games. A central processing unit is operatively connected to a player input mechanism, wherein the central processing unit receives a trigger to select one of the primary games for game play. A primary game selection means selects one of the primary games from the memory means, and the selected primary game is displayed on a game display.

Abstract: Configurable celebration systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the configurable celebration system comprises a first storage means defining one or more celebration activities and a second storage means defining more triggering events. A library of celebration bindings associates a particular triggering event with a particular celebration activity, such that upon the occurrence of a particular triggering event, the associated celebration activity is activated. A configuration component provides a casino operator interface for configuring at least one of the celebration activities, triggering events, binding parameters, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods for configuring celebration activity are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method for configuring celebration activity in association with at least one game. The method comprises defining one or more celebration activities comprising one or more features, and defining one or more triggering events. A particular celebration activity is associated with one or more particular triggering events, and upon the occurrence of a particular triggering event, the associated celebration activity is activated. A casino operable configuration component is provided and comprises an interface to configure the one or more features of one or more celebration activities.

Abstract: Disclosed are a game and method for a wagering game including a Sudoku-like element. A feature game playable after determination of the primary game outcome includes an award associated with placement of one or more indicia on a grid such that no two indicia are the same in at least one of a row, a column or a diagonal of the grid.

Abstract: A method for contacting a patron at a gaming device is disclosed using a patron messaging system via a patron loyalty system.

Abstract: A patron messaging system is disclosed for contacting a patron via a patron loyalty system. The patron messaging system includes: a patron message database, a message entry and management system, one or more gaming devices, and a display device operatively associated with each gaming device. The patron message database stores patron messages for eventual transmission to a patron. The message entry and management system enables an operator to enter and manage messages intended for one or more patrons. Additionally, the message entry and management system is operatively associated with the patron message database. The one or more gaming devices are interconnected to the patron message database through a network. Additionally, each gaming device is operatively associated with a message response system. The patron messages are viewable via the display device and may be responded thereto via the message response system.

Abstract: Collection and redemption games and methods of operating such games are disclosed. A collectable symbol accumulator accumulates a plurality of collectable symbols according to certain criteria. At a time based on other criteria, the collectable symbols are subsequently offered for redemption by a player for an award.

Abstract: A system and method for remapping a game wheel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for remapping a wheel comprises providing a wagering game having a wheel divided into a plurality of wheel segments. A map is selected from a library before producing a game outcome. Each map defines particular weights for the wheel segments on the wheel. Once the map is selected, particular weights are assigned to the wheel segments as defined by the selected map, wherein the particular weights are assigned to the wheel segments before a game outcome is produced.

Abstract: A system and method for remapping a game wheel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wagering game comprises a wheel divided into a plurality of wheel segments, wherein particular weights are assigned to one or more of the wheel segments. A memory means stores two or more maps, wherein each map defines a particular weight for one or more of the wheel segments on the game wheel. A remapping means selects a map from the memory means and assigns a weight to one or more of the wheel segments as defined by the selected map.

Abstract: Collection and redemption gaming machines and methods of operating such machines are disclosed. A collectable symbol accumulator accumulates a plurality of collectable symbols according to certain criteria. At a time based on other criteria, the collectable symbols are subsequently offered for redemption by a player for an award.

Abstract: Collection and redemption systems and methods of operating such systems are disclosed. A collectable symbol accumulator accumulates a plurality of collectable symbols according to certain criteria. At a time based on other criteria, the collectable symbols are subsequently offered for redemption by a player for an award.