Abstract: A gaming apparatus and method are disclosed in which there is a primary game and a secondary game that are dynamically linked, and the primary game can be won independently of the secondary game. The primary game may be won on each play of the game, and the secondary game may be won over a plurality of plays of the primary game. Primary game symbols appearing during plays of the primary game may cause: (i) movement of primary game symbols to secondary game display positions; (ii) primary game symbols directing play options of secondary game symbols; (iii) changing the options open to the player in his or her attempt to win the secondary game; (iv) symbols in the primary game being used as soft buttons to affect movement of game symbols from the primary game to the secondary game, and between symbol display positions in the secondary game; and (v) secondary game symbols persisting to subsequent plays of the primary game to help the player to win at the secondary game.

Abstract: A player makes a wager for each pay line on a slot machine that the player wishes to play. On a first pay line of the slot machine, a first row of symbols is displayed to the player. The player selects none, one or more of the symbols from the first pay line as symbols to be held. The symbols that are held are duplicated from the first pay line into all of the other pay lines on which the player has wagered. Replacement symbols for the non-selected symbols are then randomly displayed on the first pay line for the symbols that were discarded. Additional symbols are also randomly displayed into all of the other pay lines wagered on by the player so that each pay line has the required number of symbols. The ranking of each pay line is determined by comparing the results of the displayed symbols to a pay table. The player is then paid for any winning pay lines based on the pay table and the amount of the player's wager.

Abstract: The gaming system of the present invention includes one or more slot machines (10, 110) associated with a racing display (20, 120) wherein the racing elements (22, 122) are not racing against each other. Rather, a clock (24, 124) is included and each racing element is racing against the clock, independently of the other racing elements. The racing display (20) may be built directly into the slot machine so that the slot player can easily see the progress of his horse (22) or other racing element. Alternatively, a large racing display (120) may be utilized that displays a plurality of horses or other racing elements (122) but wherein each horse is racing against a different clock (124) rather than against each other. Even further, Win, Place and Show positions are located adjacent the finish line and the slot player whose horse (22, 122) reaches either of these positions is awarded a prize depending on the position reached before the clock (24, 124) has timed out.

Abstract: An incentive producing apparatus having a symbol displaying device, a player actuated device for changing the symbols on the displaying device, an accounting device for recording the changes in symbol displays caused by the operation of the player actuated device, and a processor responsive to the manner in which the player operates the device in such a way that the device responds to player input in the form of response time relative to the time of day or calendar time in order to adjust the operation of the apparatus to automatically, continually, proportionally, and subtly increase or decrease the difficulty of operation to maintain the incentive of the player to continue to operate the apparatus. The apparatus can be in the form of a slot machine game, an arcade game, a video action game or an education game. An embodiment of each type of such apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming table layout for playing a high-low game, comprising several player positions. Each player position has a read-out window, under which a movable image carrier is situated, displaying several successive images. Each image has a combination of a symbol from a first and a second symbol group. The first symbol group is arranged from high to low, and the second symbol group is distinguished by type. Each player position also has a stop button operable by a player, for stopping an image carrier which has been set in motion, and each player position has a bet-placing position. The gaming table layout further comprises a dealer position. The dealer position has a start button operable by the dealer, for setting the image carriers in motion, ad a stop button operable by the dealer, for stopping image carriers of any unoccupied player positions which have been set in motion. The dealer position also has a pile of cards with one of the symbols on the second symbol group displayed on each card.

Abstract: An improved gaming machine having a touch screen applied to an outer face of a CRT display and a limited number of push-button actuators. Either the touch screen or the push-button actuators can be used for controlling play as well as selecting one of several games that can be played on the machine. By using a touch screen on the video display device, the player of the game of the machine can use either the touch screen or the push-button actuators to change the playable game elements, such as discarding and drawing new cards when playing poker. The touch screen and associated electronics are arranged and programmed so that multiple touch fields are defined on the surface of the screen, which, by manually touching, can be used for playing games, such as keno, which require more actuators than there are push buttons on the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are directed to exploiting the activity of slot machine wagering for commercial advertising purposes and/or for dispensing of advertising, commercial or promotional merchandise. In the apparatus the jackpot and/or pay off symbols are replaced with an advertiser's product identity or logo. While the casino payoffs remain unchanged, the players look for a match of product logos instead of the familiar "7-7-7" or bells or cherries. In this manner, the very act of winning is linked to the product being advertised. Additional incentives for the player as well as the casino are related to this advertising method. Commercial indicia are applied to slot machines. The method utilizes a system for tying use of the invention with accumulation of points redeemable for merchandise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus and method for its operation. The gaming apparatus includes one or more physical displays that rotate about at least one axis. These displays are physically associated with a mechanism that controls the odds of the reel stopping at any particular reel position in such a manner that the probability of stopping at least one position differs from the probability of stopping at least one other position. The present invention is particularly appropriate for application in slot machines.

Abstract: A reel-type slot machine includes a microprocessor driven game control circuit for randomly determining a game result and three reel assemblies each including a symbol-bearing reel driven by a stepper motor for displaying the game results. The stepper motors each include a permanent magnet rotor and four stator windings which respond to quadrature phase motor drive signals generated by the game control circuit to incrementally rotate the reels. A reel motion monitoring circuit senses back EMF on each stator winding to generate an error signal which inhibits play in the event a motor fails to respond to an applied drive signal or a reel is moved by tampering.

Abstract: A slot machine is modified to identify subsets of related symbols in a randomly selected set of symbols. The symbols within the subset can then be directed to wheels or other movable visual displays in an order such that related symbols will appear first to a player. A deciding symbol will be indexed on the last wheel to reach a stationary position. Slowing of the speed at which symbols are displayed to a player on the final wheel to be indexed further adds to the anticipation and suspense of playing the enhanced games. Additional enhancement of play on the slot machine can be achieved by optically extending the viewed area of one or more rotating wheels.

Abstract: A device for playing a bingo-style game including an input device for receiving user inputs; a display for displaying a graphic user interface (GUI); and a processor. The GUI includes a five column by five row random number display matrix; five display regions; and a plurality of user-actuatable icons. The processor includes a first random number generator for generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix, in which the five sets of random numbers are grouped in predetermined ranges. The processor also includes a second random number generator which responds to the user inputs corresponding to actuation of the actuation icon by the user for generating a sixth set of random numbers for display by the five display regions.

Abstract: A Tic-Tac-Toe slot machine having three parallel spaced reels. The reels are covered around their circumference with reel strips having spaced symbols of two different configurations such as "X" and "O" and blank. The X's and O's blanks are intermixed on each strip in an orderly fashion. Having three of the same symbols in an aligned row designates a winner. With a slot machine having a window that displays three rows of symbols there are eight possible winning rows. Three rows in different horizontal planes, three rows in vertical planes and from corner to corner in the form of an X. The slot machine can be played with from one to eight coins. For all possible winners one must play eight coins. The slot machine having the option of spinning a choice reel again to induce an interactive play. The slot machine is operated mechanically in the same manner as present day existing slot machines.

Abstract: A compact game playing apparatus that is easy to carry and use when traveling. The apparatus contains an elongate sheet coupled to two spindles. A plurality of game playing surfaces are printed on the elongate sheet, and rotation of the spindles operate to align a selected one of these game playing surfaces with a window in the apparatus housing. A magnet attracting metal surface is positioned below the exposed game playing surface so that game pieces, which include magnets, may be placed on the game playing surface without being inadvertently displaced. The housing further contains an integral die throwing apparatus, and an integral drawer for holding game pieces when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to casino gaming machines such as slot machines and, more particularly, to a gaming machine having cash or cashless playing capability. More particularly, the invention relates to a gaming machine having a code generating apparatus for generating a unique authorization code; a credit card having a means for recording the code; a gaming machine having a system of play authorizing input; cash acceptance apparatus for accepting a unit of cash and for authorizing a play of the gaming machine. It also relates to a system including a plurality of gaming machines connected to a central computer and to security measures for use in such machines.

Abstract: A programmable sound card for an electronic apparatus includes at least one read-only detection device adapted for connection to an electronic apparatus, the read-only detection device operative to detect selected event occurrences on an electronic apparatus and output event occurrence notification signals upon detection of an event. The read-only detection devices are connected to an event detection sampling device operative to detect and receive event occurrence notification signals from the detection devices, analyze those signals and output event occurrence information signals including information specifying event occurrences.

Abstract: A slot machine of the type having a plurality of rotatable reels carrying symbols is arranged to pay a variable prize on the occurrence of a predetermined symbol or combination of symbols. The top box on top of the slot machine displays the various winning combinations for which a prize is paid and in particular includes a display window in which is displayed a variable prize value associated with the special winning symbol or symbol combination.

Abstract: A plurality of display areas 110A-110I change and display a plurality of predetermined types of symbols in sequence, and a control section performs display control for causing each of the display areas to make a transition from display in a symbol stop condition to that in a dynamic condition in which the symbols change dynamically and further to make a transition from the display in the dynamic condition to that in the stop condition. An active gaming area determination section determines at least one display area used as an active gaming area among the plurality of display areas. A determination section determines whether or not a combination of the symbols displayed in each of the display areas selected by the active gaming area determination section is a predetermined combination when the display in the dynamic condition produced in the display areas determined by the active gaming area determination section becomes the display in the stop condition.

Abstract: Methods of playing games and gaming devices useful with playing games comprise a standard gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a discernible additional payout indicator. The additional payout indicator comprises a value selector and a multiplier, wherein the multiplier comprises a pinball-type game. According to a preferred embodiment the multiplier also comprises a rotatable reel into which the pinball drops in order to determine one of a plurality of values. The points attained during the pinball-type game play are utilized in the calculation of the multiplier value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to security system for a gaming apparatus and method for its operation. It further relates to a gaming apparatus incorporating an electronic security system. The gaming apparatus includes one or more physical displays that rotate about at least one axis. These displays are physically associated with a mechanism that controls the odds of the reel stopping at any particular reel position in such a manner that the probability of stopping at least one position differs from the probability of stopping at least one other position. The security system provides a safeguard against unauthorized alteration of the machine parameter that could effect its outcome. The present invention is particularly appropriate for application in slot machines.

Abstract: Eight character symbols, all of equal pitch, and two blank symbols are arranged on a reel in a rotational direction thereof. As to each of the eight character symbols, one stop position is set so as to stop the center of the character symbol at a winning line. As to each of the two blank symbols, three stop positions are set. One of the three stop positions is selected on the basis of a random number and the blank symbol is stopped at the selected stop position. Accordingly, although the number of equally spaced symbols is ten, fourteen stop positions are obtained. The reel is rotated by a step motor. The stop position is determined according to the number of drive pulses supplied to the step motor.

Abstract: A merchandise game of chance visually displays a commercially acceptable variety and number of prizes retained in magazines, some of which run along generatrices of a conical rotating body. A second set of magazines is interleaved with the first set of magazines at the base of the body so that prizes in a lower portion of each of the second set of magazines are visible to the player. When a player pushes a button, the rotating body slows to a halt and dispenses a prize if the magazine holding that prize is adjacent a delivery chute. In one version of the game a dummy magazine is used to display the smallest and least valuable prizes. If the dummy magazine is adjacent the chute when the conical surface stops, an equivalent small prize is delivered to the player from a dispensing hopper. The game is housed within a narrow enough enclosure to permit it to be moved through a conventional swinging door.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a standard gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a discernible additional payout indicator, e.g., a rotatable wheel. A preferred bonus payout indicator is clearly visible by the player and is actuatable when the reels of the slot machine stop on certain predetermined indicia. A preferred embodiment further comprises a payout multiplier which displays a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.

Abstract: A reel mechanism for use in a gaming machine including an integrally formed stepping motor/encoder assembly operatively coupled to a rotatable reel having an annular row of various symbols which are to be sequentially displayed in a visual field. The stepping motor/encoder assembly includes an integrally formed encoder wheel and sensing means. A processor/controller is operatively coupled to the stepping motor/encoder assembly for controlling the stepping motor drive signals, reading signals from the sensing means and storing in an associated memory a plurality of encoded reel stop positions which are a representation of physical stop positions on the reel. The processor/controller signals the stepping motor to spin the reel and while the reel is spinning, a random number generator means associated with the processor/controller determines a reel stop which corresponds to a specific position of a the reel.

Abstract: Device for the successive display of pictures in recreational machines, the device of which consists of a structure or frame which serves as a support for a series of rollers consisting of two synchronised drag rollers, consecutive and having a fixed position (2 and 2) and at least one removable guide roller (4), the position of which can be adjusted. The device may also include at least one fixed-position guide roller (5).

Abstract: A slot cabinet and base unit of this invention are provided for maximizing the number of gaming machines within a given floor space. The invention minimizes required floor space by reducing the size of the gaming machine and also enabling a player to sit closer to the gaming machine. The slot cabinet has a narrowed profile which reduced its effective width. The slot cabinet further includes a rear member which complements another slot cabinet placed back-to-back, thus reducing the overall width of two slot cabinets placed back-to-back. The arrangement of the elements of the gaming machine placed within the slot cabinet helps to reduce the overall size of the slot cabinet. The base unit of this invention enables a player to sit closer to a slot cabinet mounted thereon. The base unit may be configured for receiving back-to-back slot cabinets thereon, or may be configured for receiving a single wall slot cabinet. The base unit and slot cabinet may both be modified to achieve weight reduction.

Abstract: A slant top video gaming cabinet including a top cap assembly having a display panel on a surface facing pedestrian traffic which includes means for efficient changeover. The cabinet is formed from sheet metal and allows economy in fabrication. In addition, the geometry of the cabinet promotes access only within sequestered areas by authorized personnel so that various components of the cabinet can be addressed only by appropriate personnel.

Abstract: A method for operating a slot machine is described herein which allows a player nine ways to win for a 3-reel slot machine. A total of nine paylines are provided across the array, each payline identifying a unique combination of symbol positions. The display glass of the slot machine contains colored lines interconnecting the symbol positions for each activated payline. The individual paylines are illuminated as each coin is deposited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for activating a gaming machine. The invention includes generating a visible light column at a light generating end when the gaming machine is in a ready state. The invention further includes receiving the visible light column at an a light intensity determining circuit. The light intensity determining circuit being configured to monitor disturbances along the visible light column. Then, activating the gaming machine when the light intensity received at the light intensity circuit moves beyond a predetermined level while in the ready state.

Abstract: A random number generator determines the stop positions of display means of entertainment machines and of gambling machines. The random number generator is a component of the control unit which assumes the sequential play control. A uniform stopping of the rotating reel body is made possible and the stop positions cannot be reconstructed and predicted. In order to stop the rotating reel body in a non-reconstructable but uniform way in specific symbol-combination-displaying rest positions, a disjoint subset of the set of numbers accessible by the pseudo-random number generator is coordinated to each win class. Subsequently, a pseudo-random number is generated by the pseudo-random number generator and a win class is associated to this pseudo-random number. The symbol combination of the thus determined win class to be displayed is subsequently displayed with the rotating reel bodies stopped in position displaying symbols associated with the win class.

Abstract: The gaming system of the present invention includes one or more slot machines (10, 110) associated with a racing display (20, 120) wherein the racing elements (22, 122) are not racing against each other. Rather, a clock (24, 124) is included and each racing element is racing against the clock, independently of the other racing elements. The racing display (20) may be built directly into the slot machine so that the slot player can easily see the progress of his horse (22) or other racing element. Alternatively, a large racing display (120) may be utilized that displays a plurality of horses or other racing elements (122) but wherein each horse is racing against a different clock (124) rather than against each other. Even further, Win, Place and Show positions are located adjacent the finish line, and the slot player whose horse (22, 122) reaches either of these positions is awarded a prize depending on the position reached before the clock (24, 124) has timed out.

Abstract: A gaming or amusement-with-prizes machine has two stage or multi-stage operation. Conveniently, it takes the form of a fruit machine, and a first reel spin produces a combination of symbols on a line. One or more of these combinations enable the reels to be spun again, as part of the same play or game, resulting in another combination of symbols on the line. One particular combination achieved in this way will generate a major prize, while others may produce lesser prizes.

Abstract: A game which involves a player positioning sequentially-provided symbols onto a plurality of pre-defined positions is provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of columns, each with a plurality of positions is displayed, symbols are randomly presented and displayed to the user who may then select into which column to place the symbol. The symbol is placed in the lowest vacant position of the selected column and the next randomly selected symbol is presented. In one embodiment, if the user does not select the column in a predetermined time period, the column is randomly selected for the user. After some or all positions are filled, the arrangement of symbols is evaluated to determine whether any collection or alignment of symbols corresponds to pre-defined winning collection or alignment.

Abstract: A dynamic rate control method and apparatus for electronically played games and gaming devices and including an adaptable game play controller having a nominal play speed characteristic that is adjustable both up and down, together with means for sensing player input rate and for making stepped adjustments to the controller so as to cause the game play speed to follow the frequency of input by the player. The controller and sensing means can be implemented in either hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Abstract: A symbol display device for a gaming machine has a display window wherein any of a plurality of different symbols is stopped. An outer reel is rotatable behind the display window. The symbols are spaced peripherally about the outer reel. Each of the symbols is transparent with an opaque portion disposed inside and/or outside the transparent symbol. The peripheral face of the outer reel is opaque outside the transparent symbol. An inner reel is rotatable inside the outer reel. A plurality of different colored patterned portions are disposed in a peripheral series about the inner reel. Any of the patterned portions can be stopped in the display window. One of the patterned portions stopped in the display window becomes observable through the transparent portion when the transparent symbol is stopped in the display window, and is combined with the transparent symbol, to constitute a compound symbol. The inner and outer reels may instead be inner and outer endless belts.

Abstract: A slot machine device comprises an input sensor for sensing tokens delivered to the slot machine. A processor is connected to the input sensor for receiving information about tokens entered into the machine and for initiating a corresponding cycle of the slot machine. A first pseudo random number generator is connected to the processor for being triggered upon sensing a token input. A background position control unit is connected to the first pseudo random number generator for associating a plurality of position pointer addresses to the signal from the first pseudo random number generator. A background reel memory includes a plurality of background reel memory sections, with each background reel memory section coordinated to a corresponding one of the plurality of position pointer addresses and connected to the processor for delivering to the processor the final configuration of this cycle.

Abstract: A slot machine for playing games has a set of three normal reels, with symbols arranged on their peripheries. The normal reels are rotated in a normal game, and are stopped to determine a win, in accordance with a combination of symbols of the normal reels along a predetermined first winning line. A win is selected from a normal win and a specific win. A bonus game is triggered when the specific win is provided. There is at least one specific reel having symbols which are arranged on its periphery. The specific reel is rotated in the bonus game, and is stopped to determine the win, in accordance with a symbol on the specific reel at a predetermined winning position.

Abstract: An electronic slot machine (10) which allows a player to completely respin one or more of the symbols displayed after the first spin in order to create, improve or even lose a winning combination. In its preferred form, the electronic slot machine of the present invention features a video monitor (30) with a plurality of symbol display boxes (32) arrayed in rows and columns. When the machine is activated through, for example, insertion of a valid coin and pressing of the "spin" button (22), one or more random numbers are generated in the slot machine's microprocessor (15) and compared to one or more reel strips encoded in computer memory (58) to determine which symbols are to be displayed in each of the symbol display boxes. If a suitable winning combination is not formed after this first spin, the player is given an opportunity to select one or more of the symbol display boxes for respin.

Abstract: A slot machine comprising a cabinet, a first lockable door giving access to the interior of the cabinet, a second lockable door hingedly mounted in the first, a bill validator associated with a bill stacker arranged within the cabinet and supported in a housing, the housing have a lockable means controlling removal of the bill stacker from the housing, the said lockable means being accessible only through said second lockable door, the bill validator being accessible only through first lockable door for servicing or replacement.

Abstract: A video slot machine includes a display screen on which the wheels of a slot machine are simulated. The display screen is divided into an army of cells with each cell displaying an individual game element selected randomly from a group of available game elements during a game play. Pay-out lines are associated with the rows, columns and diagonals of the array of cells and visually indicate some of the pre-determined sets of cells which are examined to detect winning combinations of displayed game elements. Pay-out tables are stored in memory within the machine and hold information concerning combinations of elements in all of the pre-determined sets of cells which result in a win when displayed on the screen and the amount to be paid for each win.

Abstract: A game of chance and a gaming machine for playing the game are disclosed. The gaming machine preferably comprises a slot or video machine which has been modified to include a successive loss counter and a loss indicator, and to pay a jackpot amount if the results of a predetermined number of successive games played on the machine are losing results. In accordance with the method, a player activates the machine by placing a bet and then plays the game. If the result of the game is a predetermined losing combination, the loss indicator is illuminated. If the particular loss results cumulatively in a predetermined number of successive losing games played on the machine, the player is paid a winning jackpot amount.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprising variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol columns which are moved and stopped in a direction across at least one winning line, and sound generating means for generating sounds when each of the plurality of symbol columns is moved and stopped, respectively. The sound generating means generates different sounds for each of the symbols positioned on the winning line when each of the plurality of symbol columns is stopped. Alternatively, the sound generating means generates different sounds for each of the symbols passing on the winning line while each of the plurality of symbol columns is moved.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for reels of gaming machines. The reel (6) bear on their edge around their periphery a translucent strip carrying various symbols and is driven by a driving motor (5) such as a stepper motor which is angularly adjustable with respect to the reel, integrating illumination lamps (12) on a lampshade holder (13) within the reel (6) which are also positionally adjustable with respect to said reel. The reel comprises a mounting (1) including a hollow cylinder (1a) concentrically placed within said reel (6) and with one of its bases open, housing inside a holder (4) of said motor (5). First means (11) and second means (11a) are provided to independently angularly adjust the position of said motor holder (4) and of said lampshade holder (13) with respect to said hollow cylinder (1a), said means being clamped on a peripheral toothing (2) of said hollow cylinder (1a).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the position of a reel in a reel-type slot machine is described. A drive gear is mounted on axis with each reel and stepper motor. The drive gear rotates with and is driven by the motor. The drive gear includes at least one flag to detect a home position once every revolution of the reel. The drive gear drives a second gear which has a proportional ratio to that of the drive gear corresponding to the number of symbols displayed on the reel. The driven gear also has one or more flags placed thereon. A detection device positioned near the mesh point of the gears signals both the home position of a reel and intermediate positions corresponding to each display symbol on the reel. Such apparatus can be used to detect the position of the reel with increased accuracy but without adding mass to the reels.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a variable display device for variably displaying symbols for each of a plurality of symbol columns by moving each of the plurality of symbol columns separately in a predetermined direction. The plurality of symbol columns are each formed by a plurality of symbols arranged in the predetermined direction. A drive signal for operating the variable display device is generated when predetermined gaming conditions are satisfied. In response to the drive signal, there is determined a combination of stop symbols to be displayed when the symbol columns are stopped. Positions of the stop symbols are detected separately for the symbol columns, respectively, and position signals indicative of the positions of the stop symbols are generated, respectively. Correction amounts for correcting the positions of the stop symbols are determined based on the position signals.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of display patterns so as to give a predetermined play value according to the display pattern at the time when variable displays stop, and control unit for driving the variable display device, executing a winning determination and controlling the variable displays of the variable display device to stop so as to be the display patterns of winning or losing according to a result of the determination, when a predetermined play condition is satisfied. The control unit executes desired times of plays when the determination results in a particular winning, and controls the variable displays of the variable display device to stop such that predetermined display patterns are displayed as results of the desired times of plays. Then, the control unit controls the variable displays of the variable display device to stop such that a winning pattern which the player can distinguish as the particular winning is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly entertaining picture amusement apparatus which keeps a player free from boredom even for a long time playing session and which makes the player find the game playing more enjoyable and expect more from the game, by running a sub-game different from the main game on the profit or score the main game makes and by increasing or decreasing the profit according to the score of the sub-game. The present invention comprises sub-game control means for running the sub-game on condition that the shifting to the sub-game is selected by sub-game shift selection means and also on condition that a profit (game medals, for example) is given by main game determination means, and increase/decrease means for increasing or decreasing the profit scored by the player in the main game, according to the result of the sub-game that is run by the sub-game control means.

Abstract: A gaming system is comprised of a plurality of slot machines or other gaming machines arranged in a row with a racing display mounted above the machines so as to be visible by each of the players and by spectators. The display may resemble a horse track or an auto race track. Each slot machine is connected to a different horse or car on the track which is advanced along the track by a predetermined amount depending on the number of coins being played. The horse or car that reaches the finish line first is the winner and the player of the slot machine associated with the winner is awarded a prize which may be paid through his slot machine.

Abstract: A slot machine comprising display means (110) having a display surface provided on a plane opposed to a player, display control means (401) for controlling the display means (110) so as to display a still condition and a game play condition for each display window, start instruction means (108) for accepting a game play start instruction and instructing the display control means to start operation, stop instruction means (109) for accepting an instruction for stopping symbol change for each display window and instructing the display control means (401) to stop operation, and game control means (403) for controlling game progress, wherein the improvement comprises storage means for storing a plurality of symbol patterns and a plurality of flow condition patterns for providing a seemingly flowing condition in a state in which the symbol patterns move, the display control means (401) for alternating the pattern read from the storage means between the symbol and flow condition patterns in response to the game pro

Abstract: At a slot machine for executing a game upon receipt of a predetermined number of game play media, when a game execution start instruction is received, if the fact that the number of received game play media is less than the predetermined number of game play media is detected, the number of game play media won for a predetermined symbol combination is set in response to the number of the received game play media, whereby the slot machine enables a player to play a game without returning an incomplete number of game play media, which is less than a reference number, to the player.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing the game of bingo on a slot machine is disclosed. The bingo slot machine includes a display matrix capable of generating random numbers and a plurality of wheels, the number of wheel corresponding to the number of columns used in the display matrix, and a slot machine activating arm for use to activate the wheels as would be typically found in a slot machine. The game is played by pulling the arm and activating the wheels which stop at random wheel positions. The positions are then compared to the display matrix in a fashion similar to the game of bingo.