Abstract: The invention comprises methods and systems for moving gaming machines. Preferably, the positions of two or more movable gaming machines are controlled, such as to synchronously control their movement.

Abstract: A method, system and architecture providing a casino-style video gaming machine, e.g. video slot gaming machine, with game selection capability. The gaming machine has at least one video display for displaying a player interface including at least one video game presentation area displaying one or more player-selectable video game visual indicia, and at least one search indicia selectable by the player to search information about a plurality of video games available for play using the video gaming machine, the information comprising video game characteristics. In response to input indicative of a player's selection of a search indicia, a search of a video game database is performed to identify one or more video games satisfying the search criteria and the at least one video game presentation area is updated to display indicia corresponding to those video games identified in the search of the video game database.

Abstract: A seamless gaming system unifies and integrates land based gaming systems and associated gaming devices such as slot and video gaming machines, portable gaming devices and gaming tables; video lottery or server-based systems and associated terminals; online gaming systems; and associated systems and devices, such as jackpot controllers, money management systems and remote game servers.

Abstract: A universal jackpot controller permits jackpots to be implemented at unlimited combinations of gaming machines and systems, including different types of gaming devices and systems of different operators and including land-based and online systems.

Abstract: A server-based gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machines or terminals, at least one gaming terminal control server and one or more game servers, where game processes and system/machine processes are separated. The gaming terminals have separate game process layers and machine or system process layers. Integration of the game processes and machine processes is effected via the gaming terminal control server. The system allows the gaming terminals to execute generic game code or game code configured in accordance with varying protocols, rather than a single, proprietary protocol.

Abstract: A gaming terminal has a game process layer for executing different game application and a system process layer for executing machine functions, such as controlling peripherals of the gaming terminal, wherein the game applications and system processes may be implemented using different protocols. The gaming terminal also includes a game server and a control server which may communicate with one another via an integration or translation protocol. The gaming terminal can thus execute generic game code or game code configured in accordance with varying protocols from different vendors rather than a single, proprietary protocol, and can still use a single unique system protocol for controlling the machine functions.

Abstract: A server-based gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machines or terminals, at least one gaming terminal control server and one or more game servers, where game processes and system/machine processes are separated. The gaming terminals have separate game process layers and machine or system process layers. Integration of the game processes and machine processes is effected via the gaming terminal control server. The system allows the gaming terminals to execute generic game code or game code configured in accordance with varying protocols, rather than a single, proprietary protocol.

Abstract: A gaming machine is configured to present multiple individual games to a player. The individual games each have a plurality of symbol locations which display symbols to a user. The symbols displayed in the symbol locations corresponding to one or more primary paylines are compared to predetermined winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome. One or more secondary paylines corresponding to symbol locations in more than one of the individual games may be compared to the winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome as well. The winning symbol combinations may be defined and presented to players by a paytable. The primary and secondary paylines may be fixed or selected by the player and may constitute a bonus win having a higher payout.

Abstract: A gaming machine is configured to present multiple individual games to a player. The individual games each have a plurality of symbol locations which display symbols to a user. The symbols displayed in the symbol locations corresponding to one or more primary paylines are compared to predetermined winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome. One or more secondary paylines corresponding to symbol locations in more than one of the individual games may be compared to the winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome as well. The winning symbol combinations may be defined and presented to players by a paytable. The primary and secondary paylines may be fixed or selected by the player and may constitute a bonus win having a higher payout.

Abstract: One or more gaming machines are associated with a musical instrument. The musical instrument has a housing and one or more elements for generating sound. The musical instrument may comprise a piano having keys located at one end and housing a plurality of strings. Each gaming machine is configured to display gaming information via a display. In one embodiment, each gaming machine has a housing which is housed at least partially within the housing of the musical instrument. The gaming machines may comprise terminals or stations associated with a roulette wheel for presenting a roulette game.

Abstract: A gaming device support stand is height adjustable, permitting the position of a gaming device positioned thereon to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the support stand comprises a support platform for supporting a gaming device, the support platform movable relative to a base member. A lifting mechanism is used to move the support platform. The lifting mechanism may comprise one or more guide members and one or more force generating mechanisms. A controller may receive player input regarding a desired position of the gaming device. The controller may activate the lift mechanism, thus effectuating movement of the support stand.

Abstract: A touch button assembly and touch buttons are disclosed. The touch button assembly allows a gaming machine to collect player input through one or more touch buttons. The assembly may comprise a support, touch button hardware, and a cover. The support may be attached to the housing of a gaming machine. The button hardware is supported by the support and comprises one or more touch or proximity sensitive sensors. The cover is a substantially contiguous, planar member located over the button hardware and support. The assembly is easy to clean and maintain, and is aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A tower light for a gaming machine comprises a plurality of printed circuit boards. A plurality of individually controllable LEDs are associated with each circuit board, the LEDs located at a periphery of each circuit board and configured to emit light outwardly from its associated circuit board. The plurality of printed of circuit boards are stacked in a vertically and oriented so that the LEDs associated therewith are arranged into a matrix of columns and rows. The printed circuit boards are located in globe portion of a housing of the tower light. The LED matrix is capable of generating animation and information such as text and numbers.

Abstract: A dual action button assembly permits a user to depress a portion of a push button or to rotate the push button to provide input. The dual action button assembly comprises a push button having a plunger which is moveable relative to a housing to actuate a first electrical switch. The push button is rotatably mounted to a button support. Rotation of the push button causes an actuator to actuate a second electrical switch. The dual action button assembly may be custom configured with a push button or be configured as an attachment for use with an existing single-action push button to retro-fit such a button to a dual action button. The dual action button has particular utility to wagering type gaming machines.

Abstract: A gaming machine is configured to present multiple individual games to a player. The individual games each have a plurality of symbol locations which display symbols to a user. The symbols displayed in the symbol locations corresponding to one or more primary paylines are compared to predetermined winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome. One or more secondary paylines corresponding to symbol locations in more than one of the individual games may be compared to the winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome as well. The winning symbol combinations may be defined and presented to players by a paytable. The primary and secondary paylines may be fixed or selected by the player and may constitute a bonus win having a higher payout.

Abstract: One or more gaming machines are associated with a musical instrument. The musical instrument has a housing and one or more elements for generating sound. The musical instrument may comprise a piano having keys located at one end and housing a plurality of strings. Each gaming machine is configured to display gaming information via a display. In one embodiment, each gaming machine has a housing which is housed at least partially within the housing of the musical instrument. The gaming machines may comprise terminals or stations associated with a roulette wheel for presenting a roulette game.

Abstract: A gaming device support stand is height adjustable, permitting the position of a gaming device positioned thereon to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the support stand comprises a support platform for supporting a gaming device, the support platform movable relative to a base member. A lifting mechanism is used to move the support platform. The lifting mechanism may comprise one or more guide members and one or more force generating mechanisms. A controller may receive player input regarding a desired position of the gaming device. The controller may activate the lift mechanism, thus effectuating movement of the support stand.

Abstract: A gaming device provides enhanced player comfort by way of one or more cushions, bumpers or other padded members ergonomically located to prevent harmful, injurious or offensive player contact. The gaming device is configured with one or more cushions situated for contact with a player's knees, legs, shins or combinations thereof. For gaming devices configured with a coin tray, the invention provides a coin tray that is centrally located and is flanked on each side by a cushion or padded member. The cushions and/or coin tray may be mounted to the housing or front door of the gaming device.

Abstract: In a method of presenting and playing a game, one or more refund games may be awarded. Each refund game provides the player an opportunity for the award of winnings for winning game results. In addition, for each awarded game, the player is paid a refund. In one embodiment, a player places a wager to place a main or base game and may be paid winnings for a winning result of that game. The player may be awarded one or more refund games, either randomly or based upon the main game results. The amount refunded to the player for each refund game may be equal to the player's wager for the main game.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes an article holder, such as a holder for a beverage container or ashtray. The article holder is movable about or along an axis between a first position and a second position. The article holder maybe located at a front or side of the gaming machine. The article holder may be mounted in an inset area on the housing and coupled to the exterior of the housing. In one embodiment, the article holder is configured to rotate from a retracted or stowed position within the housing to an extended position out of the housing. The article holder may instead be configured to slide linearly in and out of the housing. The article holder may comprise a primary support, such as a base defining a support surface or element, such as a beverage-container engaging ring, and may include one or more secondary supports, such as additional rings.