Abstract: A gaming apparatus and method is provided that is capable of rewarding a distributed jackpot to players using gaming units that are electronically linked to one another. The distributed jackpot may be shared among non-winning players when a winning result is achieved by a winning player.

Abstract: A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a predetermined number of move numbers for one or more players or users of a game or application may be determined, e.g., using an indicator. For example, a first group of move numbers for a first player and a second group of move numbers for a second player may be determined. The players use the pre-established move numbers to advance according to the rules of the application or game. Move numbers within a group may be sequenced or non-sequenced. Move numbers may be replaced at each player's turn or when all or a subset of move numbers of a group are used. Move numbers may be established by any type of indicator such as dice, dominos, or a random number generator. In some embodiments, move numbers may be traded in. Move numbers may or may not be visible at predetermined times to one or more players.

Abstract: Techniques for execution of multiple application programs and their variations are disclosed. One or more individual application program components that are determined to be already stored and/or loaded into memory are not loaded into memory again, thereby allowing the associated application program to be executed without unnecessarily reloading the one or more individual application program components into memory. Generally, by keeping track and/or predicting of the application components loaded into memory, it can be determined whether to load or unload a particular application program component. In addition, data that can readily identify the application components that are not already into memory can be provided as differential application data for loading various application programs and their variations to facilitate switching between and/or concurrently running multiple application programs and their variations.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A main CPU of a game machine for playing a game with playing balls allows a player to launch the playing balls until 30 seconds have lapsed after the player inserted a predetermined amount of metal money into the game machine. Whenever the playing ball enters any predetermined win hole mounted on a playfield of a game board, a ticket CPU of the game machine controls the game machine to pay a ticket as a payout medium different from the playing ball out, not playing balls, so that the sales figures of the game machine can be boosted since the acquired playing balls are not reused for a next game play, that is, the player has to borrow new playing balls with money paid for the next game play.

Abstract: A main CPU of a game machine outputs launching control data for enabling playing balls to be launched for 30 consecutive seconds to a launching drive circuit after the player inserted a predetermined amount of coins into the game machine. A launching strength generation circuit generates launching strength determined in accordance with the value of the launching volume. The generated strength is kept at equal to or more than a strength with which the playing balls reach a playfield on the game machine. When the launching control data is inputted, the launching drive circuit launches the playing balls toward the playfield with the launching strength generated by the launching strength generation circuit by a hammer. Thereby, the sales figures of game machine can be boosted since the playing time is limited to 30 consecutive seconds in principle, and waste time in the launching operation is saved.

Abstract: A ticket CPU of a game machine counts up how many sheets of payout tickets were paid out and how many times of jackpot occurred during the performance of one game play. Then, the ticket CPU operates a data display to display the maximum number of payout tickets per one game play on that day and the maximum frequency of jackpots per one game play on that day. Thus, there is provided such game machine that a player can refer to the displayed game information as reference material for deciding the rough standard about amount of inserted medium they may bet.

Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a first lottery device which performs a lottery to determine an arrangement of option areas on a lottery field to be presented to a player, and a first presenting device which presents the determined arrangement. A second lottery device performs a lottery to draw a lottery position on the lottery field when the arrangement of each of the option areas has been determined by the first lottery device, and a second presenting device presents a lottery position based on a lottery result by the second lottery device. A dividend control device gives a dividend corresponding to a property of an option area, when the property of the option area is configured to yield the dividend and the option area satisfies a predetermined relationship with the lottery position drawn by the second lottery device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of playing a side bet wager in a roulette game allow for a significant reward on the side bet. The side bet is on the appearance of three consecutive events where the number provided in the roulette game falls within three consecutively selected sets of numbers. The apparatus may be a standard roulette table with appropriate wager markings on the felt, a partially electronic table with wagering terminals and physical roulette wheel, or a completely electronic roulette table with virtual roulette wheel.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed. Alternatively, the gaming device may determine a multiplier based on the speed of game play, and adjust a base payout table in accordance with the multiplier.

Abstract: A wagering game is conducted on a gaming machine in response to a wager from a player. In addition to a basic game, such as a slot game, the wagering game includes a risk/reward feature that accumulates awards over a plurality of rounds. The risk/reward feature allows the player to risk any of the awards accumulated during a current round in exchange for a possibility of “banking” the current round's awards and advancing to a next round. Regardless of whether the player undertakes the risk, the player is allowed to retain any of the awards accumulated during prior rounds.

Abstract: A method for playing a game of chance and system for facilitating the play of the game are disclosed. The method of playing the game of chance includes receiving a ticket containing a set of playing cards. The method of playing the game of chance further includes viewing a display screen that displays a second set of playing cards. The method of playing the game further includes receiving a prize if the combination of the playing cards on the ticket and the playing cards on the display matches a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A random number generator for a game of chance includes a plurality of rotating structures. Each of the plurality of rotating structures includes a plurality of slots uniformly spaced about a center axis thereof. The random number generator includes a set of cards that are equal in number to the total number of slots such that one card is disposed in each of the slots. The generator also includes at least one detent mechanism for identifying a single card on at least one of the plurality of rotating structures.

Abstract: A gaming method, machine and system provide a 2nd chance draw (S135). The gaming method according to one embodiment provides to a player one or more second chance games based on participation in a first game of chance; determines at least one benefit to be awarded to the player upon participation in the one or more second chance games; and reveals to the player the at least one benefit, wherein the method allows for entering the player into the one or more second chance games in the providing step.

Abstract: A method for playing a card game between a dealer and each of at least one players includes dealing by the dealer, from a deck of cards, a hand of cards to the dealer and to each of the at least one players. At least one card of the dealer's hand is exposed. Each of the players' hands is arranged into a high hand and a low hand. The low hand has fewer player cards than the high hand. The dealer's hand is arranged into a high hand and a low hand. The low hand has fewer player cards than the high hand. An outcome of the card game is determined by comparing the arranged dealer's low hand and the arranged dealer's high hand with the corresponding arranged low and high hands of each of the at least one players.

Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, 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 ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, 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 upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.

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.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic gaming system (100) comprising one or more player interfaces (6, 7, 17), and a main video display screen (1). The system enables players to simultaneously play a plurality of reel-type games and to place bets on lines of the games. The system displays a plurality of display windows on the main display screen, each window being associated with a respective one of the simultaneously played games and displaying the reels of that game, each reel displaying reel indicia. The system is configured for any one of the games to enter a feature phase when a feature-triggering event occurs. At the start of the feature phase, all the display windows on the main screen, except the particular display window associated with the feature phase, reduce in size or disappear, while the size of the feature game's display window increases, and the other games are also suspended, until the feature phase is completed.

Abstract: A lottery game method and associated system include offering a plurality of different draw-type lottery games to players, with each of the lottery games having a different game theme and respective rules of play. Lottery tickets are issued to the players in the different lottery games, with each lottery ticket having a grid of uniquely identifiable positions displayed thereon. The number of grid positions may vary between the different lottery games. In a single drawing event, grid positions are randomly and sequentially drawn in a number so as to encompass all of the different types of grids for the respective different lottery games. The sequential order in which the grid positions were drawn is provided to the players and prizes are determined for winning lottery tickets in each of the different lottery games as a function of the order in which the grid positions are sequentially and randomly drawn.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines and a controller coupled to the gaming machines. The gaming machines are used for playing one or more wagering games having a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome. Each gaming machine includes at least one wager-input device for receiving a first type of wager, which allows the player to play the wagering game, and the second type of wager, which allows the player to be eligible for a progressive jackpot. The controller determines a first cumulative value of the first type of wagers, a second cumulative value of the second type of wagers, and a distributable wager pool that is derived from a portion of the first cumulative value and a portion of the second cumulative value. The distributable wager pool can fund the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A gaming machine cabinet or housing is constructed from a plurality of connected components. In one embodiment, the cabinet is assembled from base, side, top, back and door components or sections. The housing may have a basis configuration constructed from a base, sides, top, back and a first door. The housing may have a plurality of modified configurations constructed from various of the basic configuration components, such as the base, sides and back, and an extension and modified door. In accordance with the invention, the gaming machine housing may be manufactured in one location and then conveniently shipped in unassembled form to another location for assembly and use. The gaming machine housing may also be constructed in a variety of configurations utilizing a small number of components.

Abstract: A device for reading information data recording medium, which is capable of reducing failure to take an IC card that is ejected from a gaming machine, is provided. When it is determined that the information data recording medium exists at an eject position and when it is determined that a player does not exist, the information data recording medium is carried from the eject position to a housing position by means of a carrying device.

Abstract: In a poker type game cards numbering less than those in a standard deck of card are used to form a field of cards and a set of dealt cards. The cards of the field of cards are displayed face down. The set of dealt cards are displayed face-up. The combination of the cards in the field of cards and set of dealt cards includes at least one Royal Flush combination. The player discards cards from the set of dealt cards and selects replacement cards to the discarded cards from the field of cards. The player's hand is formed from the set of dealt cards, less any discarded cards, plus the replacement cards. The player's hand is a winning hand if it is a predetermined winning combination of cards. At the conclusion of the game, the cards in the field of cards are displayed to the player.

Abstract: A prize-displaying apparatus includes a wall, two mounts, two boards, two axles and a motor. The wall includes two apertures defined therein. Each mount includes a horizontal section between two vertical sections. Each vertical section of each mount includes an aperture defined therein. Each board includes a sleeve formed thereon. Each axle is inserted in a related aperture of the wall, the apertures of a related mount and the sleeve of a related board. The motor is operatively connected to one of the axles so that the related board can be pivoted between a supporting position where it supports the other board and a releasing position where it leaves and allows the other board to fall.

Abstract: A game piece with a hidden image that is visible through a decoder filter, with a first visible layer having an image gradient mapped to a first electromagnetic wavelength range and a second visible layer with a disguising mask and the image gradient mapped to a second electromagnetic wavelength range, the electromagnetic wavelength ranges selected based on a color hue for the decoder filter and the disguising mask having an electromagnetic wavelength within the second electromagnetic wavelength range. A method of making a game piece with a hidden image that is visible upon viewing through a decoder filter is disclosed.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.

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.

Abstract: A network browser and wagering game toolbar (“toolbar”) are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar can be in, or a part of, the network browser. The network browser and the toolbar can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar can receive and display wagering game content from a wagering game network as the main display area can receive and display content originating outside the wagering game network. In some embodiments, the toolbar can present content originating from one or more wagering game player accounts that provide audience participation in, or related to, wagering game activity presented on the toolbar.

Abstract: A browser application and toolbar are described according to some embodiments. The browser application presents wagering game content in a toolbar. Some embodiments are directed to determining that a first player account uses the toolbar to access the wagering game content, determining that a second player account referred the first player account in response to determination that the first player account uses the toolbar, and providing a referral award to the second player account for referring the first player account.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an accumulation-bonus feature which allows a player to cache awards to a bonus object. A player selects when to use the bonus object in a secondary playfield to enhance the cached awards.

Abstract: A kissing shield game having a gaming member having at least two sides with different color associated therewith as well as a predetermined set of alphanumeric symbols associated therewith, a plurality of thin, flexible membranes substantially impervious to microorganisms, and a resettable timer.

Abstract: A networked light bulb is disclosed comprising means for controlling a state of the networked light bulb, means for connecting to a network, means for allowing a user to select a color from a plurality of colors, the plurality of colors having at least one locking color and one or more non-locking colors, and means for generating a selected color code corresponding to the color selected by the user, each color of the plurality of colors having a corresponding color code. If the user selects the locking color, the networked light bulb disconnects from the network and turns the light bulb on. If the user selects a non-locking color, the networked light bulb submits the selected color code over the network for use by the network controller in configuring the device and changes the state of the networked light bulb in response to a command from the network. In some embodiments the networked light bulb also responds to requests for status information from the network independent of the color selected by the user.

Abstract: A gaming machine including a display, an operating unit, and a controller is provided. The display displays a plurality of symbols in a base game to display a bonus game image in a bonus game, and displays an award according to a game result. The operating unit accepts an operation of a player. The controller executes the base game, awards a payout according to a game result of the base game to the player, triggers the bonus game including a plurality of unit games when a combination of the symbols in the base game satisfies a predetermined condition, selects any one mode for each unit game among a plurality of modes including an automatic mode and a technical mode of each unit game, executes each unit game in a corresponding selected mode, and awards a payout according to a game result of the bonus game to the player.

Abstract: Cashbox security mechanisms, gaming machines with a cashbox security mechanism, and methods for securing and removing a portable cashbox from a gaming machine are presented herein. The cashbox security mechanism stores and secures a cashbox, which stows currency received, for example, from a currency processing device. The cashbox security mechanism includes an outer housing, such as a gaming machine cabinet or a substructure mounted inside a cabinet. An inner chassis mates with and retains the cashbox. The inner chassis and a security door are pivotably mounted with respect to the outer housing. The security door and inner chassis are positionable to cooperatively secure the cashbox within the cashbox security mechanism. Likewise, the security door and inner chassis are respositionable to cooperatively define an access chute through which the cashbox is removable from the cashbox security mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A plurality of games of chance, vended and/or sold via a network of on-line point of sale terminals, may be played substantially simultaneously using a single symbol matrix even where at least two of the plurality of games are played according to differing sets of rules, by using randomly drawn elements of the single symbol matrix to advance the play of the individual games until one of them is completed; followed by, according to one embodiment of the invention, continuing to randomly draw elements, if necessary, according to a predefined “parallel play” rule set that takes into account the aforementioned differing sets of rules.

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.

Abstract: A method of gaming is disclosed wherein progressive award values may be increased in response to certain pre-established game outcomes, wager amounts or random events. The increased progressive award values may be based on a primary game or secondary game outcome. Another innovation is the resetting of progressive awards upon completion of a bonus event whether or not award actually won in said bonus event. Player tracking systems permit progressive award values to be linked to a particular player such that the progressive award values remain personal to the player. Re-setting increased progressive award values is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system which maintains a count of the consecutive plays of a game. The system produces a same player stimuli for a designated quantity of the consecutive plays, and the system produces a different player stimuli for one or more of the plays which occur after the designated quantity is reached.

Abstract: A console is described, having display means, and game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game in which one or more symbols are randomly selected as a combination of symbols and displayed on the display means. If a winning combination results, the machine awards a prize. In some circumstances, the console will display an animated character to communicate information to the player. The character is independent of and appears asynchronously with respect to the game being played and is arranged to appear super imposed over any game screen currently displayed at the time the character is displayed.

Abstract: A wagering game system includes a service for conducting a group-wagering game for a group of players under the control of a gaming control system and a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal connected to the service and being configured to conduct a group-wagering game in combination with the service. The gaming control system is configured to permit a player in the group of players to unilaterally alter a membership of the group of players.

Abstract: A game machine includes a game field on which medals and balls are placed, a pusher table which configures the game field moves in the game field, a driving mechanism which causes the pusher table to reciprocate in the game field by power of a driving source, a rail which guides the ball outside the game field, an operating member which is disposed to move between an operation position at which the operating member comes into contact with the ball positioned on the rail and causes the ball to be displaced in a range in which the ball does not drop from the rail and a retreating position at which the operating member does not come into contact with the ball on the rail, and a shaft which transfers power of the driving source of the operating member to move between the operation position and the retreating portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispenser formed in the shape of a gun.

Abstract: Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game.

Abstract: A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player.

Abstract: Random value generation in a game is provided. A board game may include a random value generator capable of movement on a surface of a board. Such movement may be initiated at one location on the board and arrive at another location on the board before stopping. The random value generator may include a plurality of faces, each indicating a value in the game. When still or at rest, a face is exposed. The value displayed on the face is a first value in the game. In addition, the movement of the random value generator may also contact one or more game pieces standing on the board. The number of game pieces that are contacted by the moving random value generator may represent a second value in the game.

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.

Abstract: An instant lottery ticket game includes the steps of removing a first opaque covering surface to reveal a first set of indicia indicative of a plurality of player's hands of cards wherein each player's hand of cards has four cards, removing a second opaque covering surface to reveal a second set of indicia indicating a set of community cards wherein the set of community cards has three cards, removing a third opaque covering surface to reveal a third set of indicia indicative of a plurality of winning hands, removing a third opaque covering surface to reveal a fourth set of indicia indicative of a plurality of payouts wherein each payout corresponds to a one of the plurality of winning hands, and determining, for each player's hand of cards, if the combination of the player's hand of cards with one or more of the community cards yields a winning hand.