Chance Devices Patents (Class 273/138.1)
  • Publication number: 20140194177
    Abstract: A game of chance, a ticket for a game of chance, and a method of playing and operating a game of chance are provided. The game includes a plurality of parameters, each parameter representing a unit of time, and each parameter including a separate matrix with variables representing a subunit or a point of time contained within the parameter. The game of chance is configured such that a player selects one or more player variables within at least one of the parameters, and a gaming operator draws one or more operator variables from a same set of the parameters and a same set of the variables within the parameters. If the player variables selected by the player matches the operator variables selected by the operator, then a corresponding payout is awarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Ahmnon D. MOSKOWITZ
  • Patent number: 8771074
    Abstract: The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi
  • Patent number: 8771059
    Abstract: Systems and methods for map-based prize discovery game are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for map-based prize discovery games may comprise: establishing an online game based on a map that includes a plurality of grid units; placing at least one object in hidden association with one or more predetermined grid units in the map; receiving from a first player at least one token and a selection of at least one available first grid unit; associating the selected at least one first grid unit with the first player; determining whether the first player wins a prize based on the selection of the at least one first grid unit and the placement of the at least one object in hidden association with the one or more predetermined grid units in the map. In another exemplary embodiment, it may be determined whether the first player wins based on a probability algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Geonomics Global Games Limited
    Inventors: James Allan Oakes, Henry Edward Oakes, Benjamin Guy Arbib, Matthew Young
  • Patent number: 8771051
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a combination inner video display and rotatable object. The inner video display and the rotatable object may be correlated together to form a reconfigurable object. Both the inner video display and the rotatable object can have segments wherein each segment may have an indicia associated with the segment, wherein the indicia can be a prize, a bonus multiplier, a progressive jackpot, a negative value, a bonus spin character, a loss of spin character, a blank space or a null character. The player will be rewarded with the corresponding prize(s) based upon the outcome of the combination inner video display and rotatable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold Mattice, Chris Gadda, Chan Griswold, Richard Wilder, Ricky Lew
  • Patent number: 8764537
    Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed in which players collect symbols and/or symbol combinations that are indicative of a randomly selected outcome. The symbols and/or symbol combinations may be collected anytime they appear on the wagering game terminal, or they may be collected only if they appear in a certain manner or at a certain time. Players who manage to complete a predefined collection of symbols and/or symbol combinations are awarded a special event game, such as a bonus game, a jackpot, and the like. The players may carry over the symbols and/or symbol combinations they have collected across multiple gaming sessions and multiple gaming terminals. In this way, the players may retain the benefit of their previous gaming experiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Jaffe, William Wadleigh
  • Patent number: 8758107
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a card game having a discarded card re-insertion feature. Upon receiving a primary wager, the gaming system provides a play of a card game in which the gaming system enables the player to select one or more cards in a player's hand to discard and in which, if the gaming system discards any of the cards in the player's hand, the gaming system replaces at least one of the discarded cards with a replacement card. The gaming system enables the player to place an optional secondary wager to cause the gaming system to activate the discarded card re-insertion feature. If the discarded card re-insertion feature is active, the gaming system enables the player to cause zero or at least one of any discarded cards to be re-inserted into the player's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: James Milton Cole
  • Patent number: 8747207
    Abstract: A slot machine operable is in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player may select from an array of windows, each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game may end upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections until encountering an end-bonus outcome. A bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. For example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 8747214
    Abstract: A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wild indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 8747205
    Abstract: A gaming machine and a method of conducting a game of chance on the gaming machine are disclosed. The machine receives a wager from a player to purchase a series of plays of the game. In response to the wager, the machine provides the player with the series of plays and randomly generating at least one outcome for each play. The machine provides an accumulation feature that accumulates an element of the game over a plurality of the plays in the series and redeems the accumulated element for a bonus in response to a predetermined event in the game. The predetermined event may, for example, correspond to collection of a predetermined number of the element or a certain position of the element on a trail, feature ladder, or meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Allon G. Englman
  • Patent number: 8740691
    Abstract: A gaming device provides a free spins game wherein a plurality of modifiers are each associated with one of a plurality of paylines. During the free spins game, each modifier modifies awards won on the particular payline with which it is associated. In one embodiment, the payline multipliers increase in each of the free spins depending on whether a given payline scores a win or not in the free spin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Scott A. Caputo, Mark C. Nicely, Ryan M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 8734226
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting game play and wagering are provided. A game assistant system may provide a user with advice on game play or wagering for casino games such as blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, slots, or baccarat. The game assistant may also provide a user with advice on wagering events (e.g., horse racing, etc.) or on other games (e.g., backgammon, chess, etc.). The information provided by the game and wagering assistant during game play or a wagering event may allow a user to minimize losses or the statistical advantage of a casino or game provider. The game and wagering assistant system may also allow a user to allocate a particular amount of money for wagering on games or events, and allow the user to control the rate at which the money is expended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: BGC Partners, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy H Heaton, Howard W Lutnick
  • Patent number: 8721435
    Abstract: A gaming device such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 8715067
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium or otherwise provided to a player. The player may either view the outcomes via a traditional gaming device interface (e.g., via a representation of slot reels) and as discreet outcomes, or view a video that depicts a continuous event, as determined by the discreet outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Michael W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8708799
    Abstract: A game machine has a back side display unit composed of reels for displaying back patterns, and a front side display unit composed of transparent EL panels for displaying overlapping patterns overlapping with the back patterns. The back side display unit and the front side display unit are disposed not to produce blind spot regions of the back patterns. The game machine can provide various overlapping patterns with good visibility and a high game selection capability to a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd., Yamasa Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Ozaki, Takahisa Kaneko, Ken Nishioka, Tsuneo Uchida, Hiroshi Kawakami, Yoshio Aoki, Takashi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8702495
    Abstract: A system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a feature having a plurality of selectable elements associated with respective outcomes. The feature further includes a path having a plurality of spaces. The plurality of spaces is associated with respective special rules. Each respective special rule is capable of being active or inactive. One embodiment of a method includes (a) successively selecting different ones of the plurality of selectable elements; (b) for each selected element, identifying a space of the plurality of spaces to be associated with the selected element; and (c) modifying the outcome associated with each selected outcome with the special rule associated with the identified space if the special rule for the identified space is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Pamela S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8702487
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a wagering game with a winning game outcome determined by the selection of at least two groups from a plurality of groups. Each group having a plurality of possible game outcomes, with the possible game outcomes duplicated in some or all of the groups. The winning or selected game outcome is the game outcome associated with each of the selected groups. The selected game outcome may be determined by the intersection of the selected groups, or may be the game outcome that is common to each of the selected groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8696428
    Abstract: A large touch screen gaming table is disclosed that may accommodate, for example, four players. Each player creates a bank of credits at the table and plays a community game independently of other players. In one game, various icons are continuously displayed, and the icons display various wager amounts. Any player may simultaneous touch an icon of any wager and touch a player-active button, and the selected icon reveals a hidden prize credited to that player. In one embodiment, the game is continuous in that the icons are replenished after being selected. The players may play at any speed and in any order. The wagers may be very small and the prizes are generally also small to encourage rapid play. Any player(s) that does not wish to participate in the community game may control the screen to display a variety of individual games on a screen segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Spielo International Canada ULC
    Inventor: Peter Post
  • Patent number: 8684358
    Abstract: A reel assembly for a gaming system is disclosed. The reel assembly comprises a spinnable reel drum having a ring member, at least one support strut extending from the ring member and serving to mount the ring member such that the ring member is spinnable during use, and a reel strip. The ring member and the reel strip are arranged such that at least part of the reel strip is engageable with the ring member so as to retain the reel strip relative to the ring member during spinning of the reel drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Scott Monroe Stewart
  • Patent number: 8678902
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Patent number: 8672325
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing an instant win gaming ticket. An instant win gaming ticket has multiple instant win games which can be played by the player. The amount won per game is dependent on the results of at least one previous game on the same ticket. The player plays the games on a single ticket and the amount the player wins for each game depends on whether previously played games on the same ticket were won or lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: GTech Printing Corporation
    Inventor: Philip Warren Green
  • Patent number: 8672738
    Abstract: A multi-matrix lottery game allowing cross-matching between two sets of player indicia against two sets of game indicia drawn by a lottery authority is provided. A player selects one set of indicia from a first set of indicia matrix and another set of indicia from a second set of indicia matrix. The lottery authority determines an winning result by making similar selection from two sets of indicia matrices. The player's prize is determined by matching between indicia from the corresponding sets. The player is entitled to an enhanced prize if there is cross-matching between the player indicia from the first set and the winning indicia from the second set or between the player indicia of the second set and the winning indicia from the first set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Kyle Bozeman
  • Patent number: 8668572
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a player of a gaming device entitlement to a bonus amount, wherein the bonus amount may not be immediately apparent or attainable by the player. A gaming device player may acquire symbols in the context of a reel-based slot machine game. Certain symbols may entitle the player to a bonus payout, the bonus being apparent or attainable by the player at a later point in time and based on certain characteristics associated with the impending benefit. For example, gaming device players may obtain virtual representations of shares of company stock, which may only be sold (yielding a bonus to the player) under certain conditions, as dictated by the gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 8657664
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey Talcott
  • Patent number: 8651939
    Abstract: A gaming system comprised of a plurality of adjacently arranged gaming machines and a mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator operable to individually indicate the gaming machines. The gaming machine indicator is mounted or positioned near the adjacently arranged gaming machines. A controller actuates the mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator to rotate or move. The mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator may also include lighting effects. The controller is operable to select a gaming machine and actuate the mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator to indicate the selected gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Dennis Nordman
  • Patent number: 8651937
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for an electronic bingo game variation comprising generating at least one electronic bingo card comprising characters from a predetermined character set; drawing a fixed or minimum number of characters to create a draw pool; matching the draw pool to the bingo card; daubing the matches to create a pattern; comparing the pattern to a set of qualifying patterns to identifying a qualifying bingo card. A qualifying pattern may comprise a pattern one match short of a winning pattern. At the conclusion of the game, offering a second chance to win to players with qualifying cards, the second chance comprising repopulating each square of the qualifying card, exclusive of the qualifying pattern, with new characters to create a second card and reapplying the draw pool to identify a second chance winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marcelo Rinaldis
  • Publication number: 20140042696
    Abstract: A game ball has two different game indicia associated therewith. One or more of such game balls may be part of a set of game balls, such as a set of balls used to play a bingo, keno or lottery game where the game indicia may comprise numbers used to play lottery or keno, or combinations of letters and numbers for play of a bingo game. Compared to game balls bearing a single game indicia, selection of a game ball bearing multiple game indicia presents a player with an increased or bonus matching opportunity. The game balls may be physical elements or be electronic representations, such as displayed images, thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Bradley G. Ward
  • Patent number: 8646778
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing device comprising a game for testing the spatial reasoning of a player. The game includes a virtual multi-surfaced object having at least a first surface and a second surface, with first indicia associated with the first surface and second indicia associated with the second surface. A facing surface and a goal surface are displayed on a user interface, which also includes mechanisms for changing the orientation of the virtual object by rotating the object in steps. In response to input from the game player, the virtual object is rotated. Each time the virtual object is rotated, the facing surface displayed is changed so that it correlates to the changed orientation of the virtual object. The game continues until the game player causes the facing surface to match the goal surface by entering a series of rotational moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip J. Best
  • Patent number: 8647192
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager and at least one display for displaying a selected primary wagering game, the selected primary wagering game having a primary payback percentage. The system includes a control interface displayed on the at least one display, the control interface comprising a plurality of available supplemental features. At least one controller is operative to (i) receive an operator activation selection of a supplemental feature selected from the plurality of available supplemental features; (ii) receive an operator configuration selection of at least one parameter of the selected supplement feature, the at least one parameter including a feature payback percentage of the selected supplemental feature; (iii) active availability of the selected supplemental feature for the play by a player of the selected primary wagering game; and (iv) display an overall payback percentage on the control interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Ward, Mary M. Burke, Peter R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8641498
    Abstract: A video poker style game premised on stud poker and draw poker. In one version, a video poker device utilizes a simulated standard deck of 52 playing cards to facilitate play of the game. The video poker device causes ten, five-card poker hands to be displayed on a video poker device display. Depending on wagers placed, the strength of the ten, five-card poker hands determines a player payout. Players may also select in advance less than all ten poker hands to wager on. The two remaining cards not used in any of the ten five-card poker hands may be designated as wild or used to form seven-card poker hands with each of the ten five-card poker hands or player-selected hands. Players may also select a hand to play draw poker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Rob L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8641504
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a controller for controlling operation of the machine, a primary display is provided on which a game to be played is displayed. A secondary display is also provided on which a scorecard, indicating prizes to be paid upon a winning game being achieved, is displayed. The game and the scorecard are controlled by the controller and the scorecard is a dynamic scorecard with the relationship between combinations of symbols constituting a winning game and the prizes awarded by the scorecard for that particular game changing from game to game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Austrailia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, Philippa Graham, Natalie Bryant
  • Patent number: 8636578
    Abstract: A mystery-bingo jackpot provides a bingo triggered jackpot with a maximum or upper limit. In one or more embodiments, the jackpot is guaranteed to be paid out before the jackpot increments beyond the upper limit. This allows the upper limit to published to entice players to play one or more base games associated with the jackpot. A plurality of trigger values may be generated to trigger bingo ball draws. The trigger values may be between a lower limit and the upper limit to ensure that a winning outcome occurs before the upper limit is reached. One or multiple jackpots may be offered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Olsen Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Olsen
  • Patent number: 8636583
    Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Robert F. Bigelow, Jr., Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis
  • Patent number: 8636598
    Abstract: Systems described herein include wagering game systems having a motion capable chair. The disclosure addresses example systems and methods to control the motion capable chair, including utilization of user preferences, applying output of a physic engine, and monitoring safety conditions for the motion capable chair. In addition, movement of chairs on multiple wagering game systems may be coordinated in response to events occurring on one or more machines in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Radek, Edward Brunell, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 8628082
    Abstract: A lottery instant-game ticket and method of making same. On a substrate is placed a first set of game indicia including a first set of game symbols, and a second set of indicia larger than the first set of game indicia and including a second set of game symbols, and includes any winning symbol. A subset of the second set of game indicia with each symbol including a non-winning indicator. The first set and second of game indicia are covered with a removable covering, with the covering having position indicators positioned substantially over each of the first set of game indicia, and identical game symbols positioned substantially over a corresponding identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia such that removal of the identical game symbol reveals the identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia and any non-winning indicator, if present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Martineck
  • Patent number: 8628422
    Abstract: A gaming system having virtual assets comprises a wager input device, at least one gaming terminal comprising a display for displaying a wagering game, and a virtual asset server in communication with the at least one gaming terminal, the virtual asset server storing and managing one or more types of virtual assets, each type of virtual asset having a different plurality of attributes associated therewith. The system comprises at least one controller operative to cause the first display to display the first wagering game, in response to a first triggering event, award one or more of the virtual assets to a player of the first wagering game, store information regarding the awarded virtual assets in a player account associated with the player and accessible to the virtual asset server, and provide a monetary award to the player for any winning outcomes achieved during play of the first wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Peter R. Anderson, Stephen P. Angelo, Mark B. Gagner, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8628083
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming machines having mechanical reels. The machine is adapted so that the reels to some extent protrude from the front face of the machine to enhance the user's awareness that the reels are genuine and, optionally, the reels may have side walls having matching indicia to the symbols on the periphery of the reels. The reels may also be observed from front and rear sides of the machine or alternatively, rotated about an upright axis to enable a player to observe front and rear outcomes from one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia PTY Limited
    Inventor: Robert John Smith
  • Patent number: 8622803
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a memory, a first display device configured to display a first game, a second display device configured to display a second game, and a processor coupled to the memory, to the first display device, and to the second display device. The second display device includes a plurality of segments, wherein at least one of the segments is an electronic display device. The processor is configured to enable play of the first game in response to a wager made by the player, enable play of the second game upon detection of a triggering event during play of the first game, and during play of the first game and the second game, update the electronic display device to reflect a current award value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Eric Steven Boese, Thomas J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8622805
    Abstract: A method for conducting a wagering game includes awarding a plurality of positional game modifiers and a plurality of plays of the wagering game. Each play includes a set of assignable positions such that a plurality of sets of assignable positions occur over the plurality of plays, at least some of the assignable positions bearing symbols. The plurality of positional game modifiers are randomly assigned to positions in the plurality of sets of assignable positions. The plurality of plays are displayed on a display device. A processor is used to determine an outcome of each of the plays taking into account any of the positional game modifiers assigned to the positions in the set of assignable positions of each play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Gomez, Dylan B. SeLegue
  • Patent number: 8622801
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20130341862
    Abstract: A lottery game apparatus includes a distribution section (discharge section) that discharges a ball that has been discharged in response to an operation input performed using an operation section, a plurality of open areas that receive the ball that has fallen from the distribution section, a plurality of lottery sections that implement a lottery using the ball, a moving path that guides the ball that has fallen into a first open area to a first lottery section, a moving path that guides the ball that has fallen into a second open area to a second lottery section, and a moving path that guides the ball that has fallen into a third open area to a third lottery section. The distribution section changes the discharge position or the discharge direction of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Akihiko TOKUE, Tetsuo TOKITOU, Yoshinori SATO
  • Patent number: 8613664
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a wagering interface that may include a plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements with each quick-bet element indicating a different total wager for a spin of the plurality of reels. Each total wager is divided among a plurality of paylines associated with positions on the reels. A window is configured to display a subset of the plurality of quick-bet elements. A quick-bet element selection slider is configured to allow each of the plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements to be displayed within the window. The selection slider is movable to a plurality of positions along a slider path such that the position of the selection slider on the slider path determines the subset of quick-bet elements to be displayed in the window. A wagering interface may include a toggling element for switching from a wagering interface having a plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements to a classic-bet wagering interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Dion K. Aoki, Andrew Guinn, Darren Ng, Richard B. Robbins, Richard T. Schwartz, Tracey Wright
  • Patent number: 8608556
    Abstract: A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 14. The game controller is arranged to play a game 16 in which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 14. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize to a player. When a trigger condition occurs in a base game of the game 16, a bonus game feature is awarded comprising a series of bonus games. If a particular special symbol outcome occurs during any of the bonus games, the particular special symbol outcome is collected towards a jackpot prize awarding event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Scott Olive
  • Patent number: 8602880
    Abstract: A gaming system including a secondary game which incorporates different types of player decisions which affect different aspects of the play of the secondary game. Specifically, one or more gaming system determinations associated with a play of the primary game coupled with one or more player wagering or purchasing decisions made prior to the play of the secondary game, determine one or more features, attributes or parameters of the secondary game. Additionally, one or more player selections associated with the play of the secondary game, coupled with one or more player strategy decisions pertaining to the continued play of the secondary game, determine the secondary game award provided to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Amanda Tremblay, John H. Zielinski, Nicholas Mayne, William Keith Hughes
  • Patent number: 8590894
    Abstract: A Balanced Roulette game and Balanced Roulette method for arranging indicia on a Balanced Roulette Wheel game surface and on an associated Balanced Roulette wheel having indicia indicating non-house numbers from 1 through 36. A Balanced Super Roulette game and method for arranging indicia on a Balanced Super Roulette wheel game surface and on an associated Balanced Super Roulette Wheel having indicia indicating non-house numbers from 1 through 60. Each of the Balanced Roulette and Balanced Super Roulette wheels/game surfaces have indicia (number and color) arranged such that the impact of wheel Bias that affects bettor payouts for multi-number bets is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas Sorge
  • Patent number: 8591311
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game comprises a value input device for receiving a wager from a player, a display, and a controller coupled to the display and operable to cause the display to present a challenge feature in response to a triggering event. The challenge feature includes a series of possible challenges of different types and having different objectives for successful completion. The series of challenges includes an outcome for awarding a progressive jackpot. The progressive jackpot is preferably displayed in terms of credits instead of currency. The controller successively advances the player from challenge to challenge in the series of challenges until the objective of the currently played challenge is not met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey
  • Patent number: 8579689
    Abstract: A game played on a gaming machine, or any other suitable device, is described wherein a player plays a base game, such as the random selection and display of symbols where combinations of symbols across one or more paylines grant awards to a player. Upon a triggering event, such as a certain outcome in the base game, special features are randomly selected for application to the base game. The special features may include wild cards, multipliers, and the number of game to which the special features apply. Any combination of special features may be randomly selected in response to a triggering event. Many other features are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Spielo International Canada ULC
    Inventor: Michael Gauselmann
  • Patent number: 8579699
    Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Robert F. Bigelow, Jr., Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis
  • Patent number: 8579697
    Abstract: A gaming system and method involving a game having a plurality of symbols. The gaming system displays a play of the game on a first display while displaying a sequence of the symbols on a second display. The gaming system includes one award associated with the play and another award associated with a characteristic in common between a symbol displayed on the first display and a symbol indicated on the second display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Kunal Mishra
  • Patent number: 8574059
    Abstract: A gaming system displays a plurality of independent reels, wherein each independent reel generates a symbol from a plurality of symbol positions of that independent reel in accordance with a plurality of probabilities. At least two adjacent independent reels generate symbols according to relatively high probabilities of generating a designated symbol. For a play of the game, the gaming system generates and displays a symbol for each independent reel and provides an award for any displayed winning symbol combinations. In one embodiment, for at least one symbol position of at least one winning symbol combination, the gaming system re-generates a symbol for one or more independent, such as by displaying a symbol from an adjacent symbol position of that independent reel. The gaming system provides an award for any winning symbol combinations and repeats until no winning symbol combinations are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Paulina Rodgers, Christmas C. Parker, Benjamin C. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8568221
    Abstract: Multi-player games that foster cooperation or competition between players. A multi-player wagering game system includes a first display to display a first wagering game; a first input device corresponding to the first display to accept input from a first player; a second display to display a second wagering game, the second display being adjacent to the first display; a second input device corresponding to the second display to accept input from a second player; and a bonus display to display a bonus game. The bonus game receiving input from both the first and the second input devices. Computer software causes the first wagering game and the second wagering game to be executed. A multi-person seating device is configured to permit the first player and the second player to sit side-by-side in front of the first display and the second display, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel Louie, Jamie W. Vann