Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for establishing online a buyer price for a first plurality of products. In one embodiment, the buyer price is lower than a retail price of the first plurality of products, the first plurality of products to be picked up during a subsequent transaction at a retailer. Thereafter, a second plurality of products that the buyer has actually received during the subsequent transaction is determined. A penalty may be assessed if the first and second plurality of products do not correspond.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for determining, based on a first random number, an outcome for a first game play conducted at a gaming device, thereby determining a first outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the first outcome, thereby determining a first payout. The first payout is based on a probability of obtaining the first outcome and the first wager. The method further provides for determining, based on a second random number, an outcome for a second game play conducted at the gaming device, thereby determining a second outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the second outcome, thereby determining a second payout. The second payout is based on the first payout. In one embodiment both the first and second game plays are initiated in response to receiving, from the player, an initiation signal and a wager.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture are associated with determining an identifier associated with a player of a gaming device, determining information indicative of historical game play of the player, and determining, based at least upon the information indicative of the historical game play of the player and the identifier associated with the player, whether the player qualifies for a benefit pursuant to a gaming contract. Some embodiments are directed to receiving an indication of a gaming contract insurance claim associated with a gaming contract of a player, determining information indicative of a subset of historical game play of the player, and determining whether to provide a benefit to the player pursuant to the gaming contract.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of operating a gaming device includes the steps of (1) receiving an indication of an occurrence of a game initiation trigger associated with audio/video programming being provided to a player of the gaming device; and (2) in response to the occurrence of the game initiation trigger, initiating game play at the gaming device. The audio/video programming may comprise, for example, a television show, a movie, an animated show, a live event, or the like. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method provides for determining a first payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate a wagering game and providing the first payout only upon the satisfaction of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may comprise, for example, (i) indicia indicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is a component of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated with the current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, wherein the audio/video content is output via a second display area of the gaming device.

Abstract: Products and processes are provided for receiving, from a customer via a vending machine, a selection of a first product that is available for dispensing by the vending machine. It is then determined, based on profit inventory management data, a set of products that are available for dispensing by the vending machine. A game is output to the customer; Via the game, a selection of a product from the set of products is received. The selected product and the first product are vended.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for determining that a qualifying outcome has been obtained as a result of a game play conducted on a gaming device and determining a buy-in amount for a current play session in which the game play is included. The method further provides for setting, in response to the obtainment of the qualifying outcome, a credit meter balance to the buy-in amount, thereby providing a payout for the qualifying outcome.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a preestablished duration that may span, for example, a predetermined period of time or a period of time that ends upon the occurrence of a predetermined number of game plays or handle pulls, or upon the occurrence of another event. In one or more embodiments, a player is offered a surrender payout and fractional surrender payouts are accumulated for a player until an end of a flat rate play session. In one embodiment, a session strategy may be determined and implemented for a game play of the flat rate play session. The session strategy may be determined, for example, based on a current value of a parameter associated with the flat rate play session (e.g., a value of a credit meter balance and/or a remaining duration of the flat rate play session).

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an allocation of inventory for a vending machine (e.g., a mix or set of types of products and respective quantities of products to be loaded into a snack or beverage vending machine) is determined.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request for a cashout of a balance from a player. In response to receiving the cashout request, at least one benefit to offer is determined based upon the balance. A value of the benefit is greater than the cashout amount. An offer is provided to the player, which the player may accept in lieu of the cashout amount. In some embodiments, the player may accept the offer in lieu of a portion of the cashout amount or in addition to the cashout amount.

Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter-generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.

Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter -generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.

Abstract: A gaming device presents a paytable with entries showing a range of outcome values. When the outcome displayed by the gaming device matches an entry on the paytable showing a range of outcome values, an audiovisual clip is played and the player is informed as to which precise value within the range of values is the actual outcome value. The particular audiovisual clip shown may provide an indication of where within the range the precise value lies by virtue of the particular clip's importance. The audiovisual clip is repurposed from its original purpose for use in the gaming device, and may be a clip from a movie, motion picture, television show, or the like.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes for one or more players (e.g., for a keno game, for a bingo game). The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to one or more players (e.g., a player may access the video presentation online). This allows one or more players to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). At least one player who is associated with such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, systems and methods for a gaming device operable to support a negative credit balance. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to: (i) determine a current credit balance, (ii) determine a wager amount, (iii) determine whether the wager amount would result in a negative balance of credits, (iv) determine if it is permissible to allow a negative balance of credits, and if so (v) adjust a current balance such that is equal to the negative balance, and (vi) display an indication of the negative credit balance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, systems and methods for a gaming device operable to support a negative credit balance. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to: (i) determine a current credit balance, (ii) determine a wager amount, (iii) determine whether the wager amount would result in a negative balance of credits, (iv) determine if it is permissible to allow a negative balance of credits, and if so (v) adjust a current balance such that is equal to the negative balance, and (vi) display an indication of the negative credit balance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, systems and methods for a gaming device operable to support a negative credit balance. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to: (i) determine a current credit balance, (ii) determine a wager amount, (iii) determine whether the wager amount would result in a negative balance of credits, (iv) determine if it is permissible to allow a negative balance of credits, and if so (v) adjust a current balance such that is equal to the negative balance, and (vi) display an indication of the negative credit balance.

Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter -generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.

Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request for a cashout of a balance from a player. In response to receiving the cashout request, at least one benefit to offer is determined based upon the balance. A value of the benefit is greater than the cashout amount. An offer is provided to the player, which the player may accept in lieu of the cashout amount. In some embodiments, the player may accept the offer in lieu of a portion of the cashout amount or in addition to the cashout amount.