Abstract: A casino table game played by a dealer and one or more players seated at player stations at a table. After a player places an ante wager, the dealer depresses a dealer spin button on a control panel to cause one of a plurality of indicium on respective arc segments of each of two dealer reels of a slot machine to randomly appear on a payline of the machine. Thereafter, the player may place a combination bet on a prospective appearance of any of a plurality of combinations of indicia on the payline. Additionally, the player may make a proposition bet on a prospective appearance of a predetermined combination of indicia on the payline. After the dealer operates a player enable button on the control panel, the player operates a player spin button at the player's player station to cause one of a plurality of indicium on respective arc segments of the player reel to randomly appear on the payline.

Abstract: A medal distribution system placed in a slot machine island (100) for distributing medals to a plurality of sections in the island. The distribution system comprises a conveyance line (130) being disposed along a row of slot machines for transporting medals in a row direction of the slot machines and a distribution mechanism (200) for extracting medals transported on the conveyance line from the conveyance line. The distribution mechanism (200) has a frame (4) having a plurality of discharge openings being formed on a side face of the conveyance line for extracting medals transported on the conveyance line from the line to the side, a plurality of guide mechanisms (3) being attached to the frame for leading medals on the line to an outside through the discharge openings, and a plurality of supply passages (9) for guiding medals discharged through the discharge openings to target sections.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a plurality of symbol-bearing reels which are rotated to place the symbols in visual association with a win line. When the reels are brought to a halt, at least one symbol from each reel is associated with the win line. However, the win line has at least two indicating portions so that on one of the reels, two symbols are associated with the win line. Thus, a displayed game outcome includes at least one symbol from each of the reels and two symbols from one of the reels.

Abstract: An electronic gaming apparatus which preferably corresponds to and effectively electronically automates games of chance as, for example, that game of chance known as "Pull-Tab." The apparatus is generally played by a single player and is designed to dispense a ticket containing indicia thereon. If the indicia which appears on the ticket constitutes winning or scoring indicia, the player obtains a reward as, for example, a pay-off in money. Only a limited number of the tickets contain any winning or scoring indicia. All tickets are pre-printed and may be dispensed from a bin containing pre-cut tickets. Otherwise, the tickets may be severed from a strip in the form of a roll containing all of the tickets sequentially. The apparatus comprises a display means which displays each of the indicia on a ticket. The display is operated in a manner so that the indicia are effectively scrolled across the display screen to generate an image of rotating wheels which display the indicia.

Abstract: A slot machine having observation windows formed in a 3.times.3 matrix on a front panel. Behind each observation window, a reel is mounted which is rotated by a pulse motor. When a reel stops, one symbol appears in the central area of each observation window. Eight winning lines are provided including three vertical lines, three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines. These winning lines are made valid in accordance with the number of inserted coins. The reels are stopped in a predetermined order. If a combination of symbols on a valid winning line is a winning symbol combination, coins corresponding in number to the rank of the winning symbol combination are paid out.

Abstract: The intensity and enjoyment of a gaming device with a rotary body structure containing one or more symbol-carrying rotary reels is enhanced by selectively highlighting special symbols on the rotary reels in unique ways. The selective highlighting of these special symbols is achieved in ways including the use of phosphorescent, fluorescent, or otherwise luminescent symbols, the use of stereoscopically processed symbols to achieve three-dimensional effects, the use of stereoscopic symbols to achieve animation effects, the use of selective backlighting for the special symbols, and the use of special control means for the selective backlighting of the symbols.

Abstract: A method of implementing desired odds for a reel-type slot machine is disclosed. All of the possible reel stop combinations are assigned to unique terminal nodes in one or more fractional branching trees stored in a ROM. The tree(s) comprises a main tier, a plurality of lower tiers and a plurality of terminal nodes. Each of the tiers has a number of entries which lead either to a lower tier or to a terminal node. A random number generator is used to select entries on each tier until a terminal node is selected. The reel stop combination or a particular symbol assigned to the terminal node is then displayed on the pay line and an award is paid based on a pay table.

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

Abstract: A game apparatus and an asociated method of play that educates the players about DNA related technologies. The game includes a selector for selecting a nucleotide from a group of nucleotides normally associated with DNA. By randomly selecting nucleotides and recording the selected nucleotides, each player creates a unique DNA sequence. The DNA sequence is used in one of a variety of game motifs to determine the winner of the game.

Abstract: A promotional system sponsored by retailers or others wishing to target the public uses a gaming machine and a method for operating that machine. An operator can program the machine so that within a predetermined number of operations or plays a predetermined number of wins occurs. Prizes associated with each of the wins can also be preprogrammed so that coupons are printed indicating the prize when a win occurs. Precise win/lose percentages are maintained by way of counters and a CPU programmed to switch status when a predetermined number of wins or losses has occurred, or when the operator desires to change the win/lose ratio and/or play cycle.

Abstract: A bill validator assembly is provided that retrofits a coin and token only slot machine to be operable with paper currency. A replacement mounting plate relocates the slot reels and provides space for a bill validator and storage cassette on the interior of the slot machine. An improved stacking drive stacks the bills horizontally for storage within the cassette and minimizes currency jams.

Abstract: A coin operated entertainment machine includes a housing, viewing windows disposed on the housing, and rotating bodies disposed within the housing behind the viewing windows. The rotating bodies have symbols thereon which can be displayed behind the viewing windows. A computer control unit determines a win or loss of a game played on the entertainment machine based on combinations, showing through the viewing windows, of the symbols on the rotating bodies. At least one enticement device is disposed within the housing and includes an enticement element visible from a region outside the housing. The enticement element further comprises individual mirror segments thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for directly determining an outcome of a game which identifies this outcome by displaying a series of indicia that correspond to the outcome. The apparatus includes a random number generator which generates a random number from a predetermined set thereof. The random number is scaled to obtain an outcome identifier from a set of outcome identifiers. The set of outcome identifiers are divided into a plurality of subsets, with each subset corresponding to one win/loss tier. The outcome identifier is evaluated to determine which of the outcomes it corresponds to by identifying the subset, into which it falls. Once the outcome is identified, a corresponding win/loss tier is identified. Each win/loss tier is associated with a unique reel combination table, each of which includes at least one series of indicia to be displayed as a reel combination corresponding to the chosen outcome.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new method for meeting the United States Internal Revenue Service's reporting requirements for electronic gaming machine devices such as slot machines.The present invention provides a separate storage means that keeps track of gross winnings on individual plays of a slot machine that exceed a predetermined amount (jackpots), and permits the accumulating jackpot winnings to be used by the player for additional play of the slot machine. The amount of winnings in the jackpot meter is then used to determine the amount of winnings to be included on an IRS reporting form called a W2-G Form. The present invention avoids the time consuming and error prone system currently used and provides the player with a more enjoyable gaming experience, and at the same time provides the IRS with more accurate information. Rather than numerous W2-G Forms for each jackpot exceeding the predetermined limit, only a single W2-G Form need be prepared at the end of a playing session.

Abstract: A dynamic payout system and method for a gaming machine permit the random selection of a payout for a particular game outcome from a predetermined range of payout amounts. The player is provided with a range of possible payouts that may be paid upon the occurrence of a particular game outcome. When the player initiates game play, an input-output interface generates an initiate signal. A game control microprocessor, in response to the initiate signal, randomly selects a game outcome that includes a metered winning game outcome. If a winning game outcome occurs, the microprocessor then randomly selects a payout amount from a predetermined range of payout amounts stored in memory, which includes metered payout amounts. A meter display displays the metered payout amount. A payout device such as a coin hopper dispenses the metered payout amount.

Abstract: In a reel-type slot machine, indicia (reel spin time, reel spin speed, sound, lights, etc.) are varied based on the manner in which the handle is operated. Microswitches are provided to start and stop a timer circuit such that the time required for the handle's rotation can be measured. The game microprocessor looks up the set of values in a ROM table which correspond to the measured timing interval and then implements those values.

Abstract: A system for displaying occurrence of an event at a game machine island (10) having at least one game machine row comprising a plurality of game machines (1) placed side by side. The display system comprises a dome display (200) having a display area provided along the game machine row of the game machine island (10) for displaying in the display area and a display controller (300) for controlling the operation of the dome display. A plurality of display units are distributed into those positioned to the left, when viewed facing the game machine row, and those positioned to the right, with the position corresponding to the position of a game machine when an event occurs as reference. The display units positioned to the left are made to display in a display mode representing directionality from the left end to the reference position and the display units positioned to the right are made to display in a display mode representing directionality from the right end to the reference position.

Abstract: An apparatus for showing prize awarding combinations for a game machine having three rotating drums. The apparatus for showing prize awarding combinations comprises; a first rotating drum having an outer peripheral surface on which a plurality of symbols are shown, which is rotatable around an axis; a second rotating drum having an outer peripheral surface on which the plurality of symbols are shown, which is arranged adjacent to one side of the first rotating drum and rotatably around the axis; a third rotating drum having an outer peripheral surface on which the plurality of symbols are shown, which is arranged adjacent to another side of the first rotating drum and rotatable on the axis; and a rotation control means for controlling rotation of each of the first, second, and third drums, respectively. The first, second and third drums form a spherical shape in combination.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a microprocessor based reel-type slot machine. The payoff is randomly determined before any symbols are displayed. Two or more multiplier factors are randomly selected from separate predetermined groups. The factors are multiplied together to calculate the payoff. For each payoff, there are a predetermined number of symbol combinations corresponding thereto. One of the corresponding symbol combinations is randomly selected and displayed on the pay line. Zero payoffs are indicated by displaying a randomly selected losing combination.

Abstract: A coin-operated entertainment machine has three or four rotatable reels with selectable symbols around their peripheries. The machine is operated by a player, after actuation by insertion of one or more coins, to cause the reels to rotate and come to rest with a combination of symbols displayed on a win line. If the combination is of a predetermined winning nature, an award, such as a payout of coins, is made available to the player. The operating system of the machine assigns an index to each selectable symbol whereby the selected combination can be known before this is displayed to the player. Each winning combination has an assigned rejection probability and any selected winning combination is subjected to an acceptance/rejection procedure using the assigned probability before it is displayed. If it is rejected, a new combination is selected and the procedure is repeated.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a wildcard symbol is provided at a stop position of one of the reels in a typical reel-type slot machine. In addition to the usual spin and payoff cycle of such a machine, the appearance of the wildcard on the pay line is used to trigger a supplemental pay off under certain circumstances. During the supplemental pay off sequence, the reel on which the wild symbol appears is caused to shake or jitter while coins fall into the trough as if money were being shaken off a tree.

Abstract: A double match jackpot with (2) separate identical operating mechanisms in the machine is the invention. The two (2) identical mechanisms operate independently with no set combinations of play. Each play is with random results. A winning play is not determined by the number of plays made previously. The matching of two (2) identical symbols on pairs of facing discs determines a win. Operating sections can be attached separately to other identical operating sections to increase the odds in any play of the machine. Odds can be increased also by addition of identical symbols to the edges of facing discs.

Abstract: The present invention will utilize refreshing braille pins to form the symbols displayed on a slot machine. The braille pins will move vertically and independent of each other. A read only memory (ROM) will send the information to the braille pin cluster that will form the braille symbol. At this time of conception of the invention, the play of the slot machine will utilize one coin per play.

Abstract: This invention enables coins, discharged from a discharge outlet after inserting a paper money, to be received effectively by a paper cup taken out from the storage portion without touching coins by hands. A coin dispenser for a slot machine which enables discharging desired number of coins from a discharge outlet 2 after inserting paper money into a paper money inlet 1. A supporting plate 4 is provided under an outlet 3a of a tray 3 located beneath said discharge outlet 2. A storage portion 5 which enables storage of many paper cups A is provided in a housing. The coins are enabled to discharge after the cup A is set on the supporting plate 4, furthermore the paper cup A can be manually or automatically moved from the storage portion 5 to the supporting plate 4. The outlet 3a of the tray 3 is freely opened and shut by lever operation.

Abstract: A method of implementing desired odds for a reel-type slot machine is disclosed. All of the possible reel stop combinations are assigned to unique terminal nodes in a fractional branching tree stored in a ROM. The tree comprises a main tier, a plurality of lower tiers and a plurality of terminal nodes. Each of the tiers has a number of entries which lead either to a lower tier or to a terminal node. A random number generator is used to select entries on each tier until a terminal node is selected. The reel stop combination assigned to the terminal node is then displayed on the pay line and an award is paid based on a pay table.

Abstract: This invention relates a game machine in which a combination of characters stopped along a winning line is judged based on a winning table showing winning combinations of characters to determine the presence of a win and a payment of coins. In this game machine, a substitutable character can be used as another character, and when its substitution makes a combination of characters a winning combination, a payment of coins for the combination is increased or decreased to determine a new payment of coins.

Abstract: In a reel mounting assembly for a slot machine, an adjustable reel support is provided, enabling an operator to adjust the stopping position of the reel, and hence the play symbols, with respect to a pay line. The adjustment may be conveniently performed from the front of the machine without tools. A threaded pin is mounted on a frame support and a reel support is pivotally mounted on the frame support. The pin is inserted through an arcuate slot on the reel support. The reel mounting assembly also includes a tab on the reel support which can be used to adjust the rotational position of the reel. After the reel adjustment has been completed, the reel support is held in place by a wing nut threaded on to the pin.

Abstract: A slot machine has inner and outer coaxial overlying reels. Each reel is formed with symbols on its transparent outer circumferential frame. The inner and outer reels are rotated independently by motors. The outer reel has a transparent outer circumferential frame to allow a player to see symbols on the inner reels. A combined symbol of superposed inner and outer reel symbols is produced.

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 array 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 as well as the amount to be paid for each.

Abstract: A medal piece feed system is so constructed that medal pieces A can be fed from holes 2 formed in a bottom 1a of a medal piece container 1, into chutes 3 underlying the respective holes. The medal piece feed system has feed cylinders 4, each having its lower part snugly inserted in the corresponding hole 2 and being adapted to be driven and rotated, that are erected inside the medal piece container 1. An acceptance opening 4a is formed in a peripheral wall of each feed cylinder 4 which faces the interior of the medal piece container 1, while a delivery opening 4b which communicates with the interior of the underlying chute 3 is formed in a base plane of each feed cylinder 4.

Abstract: A reel mechanism for a gaming machine comprising a support which carries a motor, a reel, a lamp and an optical device. The motor carries the reel and the reel support. The reel includes a reel strip provided with symbols to be illuminated by the lamp. The reel support is provided with a tab to be sensed by the optical device. The lamp is adjustably movable relatively to the support; characterized in that the optical device, and preferably the motor, are also adjustably movable in unison with the lamp relative to the support.

Abstract: A game apparatus, which is to be installed in an island unit consisting of a number of parallel arranged game machines, comprises: an upper game medium reservoir for supplying game mediums to the individual game machines via a supply conveyer; a game medium counter having a counting display; and a game medium polishing machine for collecting the game mediums from the game medium counter, the game medium polishing machine communicating with the game medium reservoir.

Abstract: A random number generator structure is arranged to include a plurality of wheels to generate a like plurality of numbers, wherein the wheels are arranged within a tubular housing and rotatably mounted within the housing arranged for spinning within the housing for viewing of individual numbers through an individual window associated with each respective wheel.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus including a series of rotatable reels having indicia on the peripheries for displaying game results and which are set in motion when the game commences and which stop when the game ends. The gaming apparatus includes a number of computers for controlling the various functions such as the acceptance of a coin inserted into the apparatus, pay out of coins when a game is a winner, the commencement and termination of rotation of the reels, and the determination as to whether a game played is a winning game or a losing game. One of the computers includes a random number generator which generates a first random number that is compared to the hit frequency defined as the probability of a game being a winning game to determine whether the game played is a winner or a loser, and if the game is a losing game, the reels are stopped to display a losing combination.

Abstract: A slot machine, which is to be started by inserting tokens into a slot 12 and by activating a game start switch 13 to turn and change a plurality of symbols and then stop the symbols in timed relation with activations of respective stop switches 25a, 25b, 25c, comprises a plurality of liquid crystal displays 20a, 20b, 20c situated on a front side of said slot machine, and display controlling means 31 for controlling said liquid crystal displays 20a, 20b, 20c to display a combination of the symbols. The liquid crystal displays can be reduced in depth, without changing the number and size of symbols. The plural liquid crystal displays can give symbols-on-the-drum ambience. Therefore it is possible not only to increase profits with a limited space of installation of slot machines but also to simplify the planning of an amusement parlor to save time and cost. The slot machine has strong appeal to the player.

Abstract: In a gaming machine having a set of reels (8) with fruit symbols equi-spaced around their peripheral edges, two of the reels (8) may each be provided with a shield (10) which would normally conceal the respective symbols from the player's view through the machine window. After a play when the reels (8) have stopped rotating, the player can select to reveal the symbol concealed by either or both shields (10), by moving the respective shield (10) which is pivotally mounted on the respective reel. Identification markings on each shielded reel (8) are always visible to the player to reassure the player that when the reveal facility is used no further rotation of the respective reel (8) takes place. The revealed symbol is combined with the other visible symbols to determine whether or not there is a winning combination.

Abstract: An accumulator for a multiple jackpot gaming system wherein the accumulator has the facility for date stamping jackpot-wins, recording the identification of devices and changes being made by such devices to its data and/or programming, allocating coins-in to one or more jackpot groups and/or to one or more increment rates assigned to a particular jackpot group, operate its jackpot stack so as to clear stack positions immediately upon clearing a jackpot, and control jackpot handling from its main programming loop.

Abstract: A lottery game card vending machine on which multiple games are available for play. The user can select any specific game desired. If an additional element of chance is desired by the player, the player can select a random selection function whereby a processing means comprising a random number generator adapted to the number of games available on the lottery machine is initialized upon actuation of a switch by the player. When the player actuates the random game selection switch the processing means randomly selects a lottery game/card to be played based upon the random number generated at the time the select button is actuated. The visual indicia will also light one at a time in a sequence, eventually stopping such that the indicia of the game selected by the random number generator is illuminated. The indicia may be lights or light emitting diodes (LEDS), for example, used to indicate the different games.

Abstract: In a slot machine wherein a plurality of indications of patterns are changed by inserting a game medium into a slot and manipulating a game initiation switch, and the respective indications are stopped at stop timings selected by manipulating a stop switch; a slot machine comprising a handle which includes the game initiation switch and the stop switch.

Abstract: A reel for a gaming or amusement machine has a support structure for supporting the reel strip of a significantly lower moment of inertia than a standard reel drum. This is achieved by making the reel strip of stiff material and supporting it only at spaced-apart points, and relying on the strip to support itself between the supported points. The reel support for the strip may be in the form of one or two spiders, each having a plurality of radial spokes. For further support for the strip a ring member may be provided connecting the ends of the spokes. If two such spiders are used, the ring members may be interconnected.

Abstract: The present invention is designed specifically to comply with gaming regulations to provide an electronic video poker game, an electronic slot machine, an electronic twenty-one game or an electronic craps game in which the players are competing against each other to win from a common pool and are not wagering against the house. The house retains an pre-established commission. When a player stops playing his machine, he can cash out his accrued credits for an amount determined by the value of the common pari-mutuel pool. The present invention also provides for pari-mutuel pools to be distributed to all coin columns in a predetermined manner so as to allow all participants (not only the ones who play maximum coins) to be able to win a predetermined mathematical proportional share of the pari-mutuel jackpot pool (progressive payouts).

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided in which the symbols/indicia to be displayed are selected by using a random selection process to generate a random number element for each display position. The process is a two-step selection process. In a first selection process random numbers are chosen from a first table of random numbers, elements of which are mapped directly to reel stopping positions and at least one element of which if generated, causes a second selection step. The second selection step is between a further stopping position, not available in the first selection step, and an alternative stopping position which is preferably also available in the first selection step. The stopping position not available in the first selection step may be associated with a jackpot symbol. The frequency of occurrence of a jackpot symbol can be reduced by this method, and an appropriately high jackpot can therefore be offered.

Abstract: An audit system for recording the activation of coin-operated electronic equipment and the amounts of money collected employing a real-time clock to time stamp information recorded in non-volatile or battery powered memory, such as total collections, number of games played, etc. The system also allows selective pricing based on a time of day schedule.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus with bi-directional, rotatable symbol bearing reels is disclosed. The gaming apparatus includes a microprocessor which generates a direction signal to control the rotation of each of the reels via a reel control mechanism. The reel control mechanism employs stepper motors or the like to rotate each of the reels in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about an axis, depending on value of the direction signal. In some cases, the microprocessor generates the direction signal in accordance with a random event so that the reels rotate randomly in different directions.

Abstract: In a reel for a fruit machine, a reel has standard symbols or fruit, on which secondary symbols, for example, numbers, are superimposed. The reel has a first, inner strip on which the standard symbols appear, the strip being carried by a reel drum. The secondary symbols appear on a second, outer strip glued to the first strip. The second strip is mostly transparent so that the standard symbols may be viewed with the secondary symbols superimposed on them.

Abstract: A security system for a gaming device prevents a door on the gaming device from being opened during a power failure so as to prevent tampering with the controls of the gaming device when no power is supplied to the system. When power is supplied to the system, a processor logs the time of occurrence of detected door openings in a nonerasable programmable memory so as to provide a record thereof. The information is stored in a sequential manner in accordance with the time of occurrence of the door opening events so that the microprocessor can verify the information stored. If any anomalies are detected in the stored information, the microprocessor 10 can prevent operation of the gaming device or generate alarms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stop control device of a slot gaming machine used for controlling the stop-action of rotary units such as reels in a rotary gaming machine. In the rotary gaming machine, a table for allocating voluntary time length data to each symbol on such rotary units is stored in a memory. It is possible to appoint symbols one by one by operating a symbol appointing circuit and to renew appointed symbols by operating the symbol appointing circuit at each time when the counted values coincide with time length data in the time allocating table. Thus, control is made so that the symbols appointed by the appointing circuit stop at a defined stop line. Under such configuration, any voluntary change of the probability of appearance for a certain combination mode of each symbol can be simply performed by merely changing the contents of the time-allocating table stored in the memory.

Abstract: A reel for a gaming or amusement machine, of the type commonly known as a fruit machine, has a reel strip which has symbols at least partially within sunken regions of the .[.reel strip.]..Iadd.reel-strip.Iaddend..The symbols may be formed in relief in the sunken regions but do not project above a frame which surrounds the sunken regions. The surface of the frame may be arcuate, such that the reel is cylindrical in shape, or flat, such that the reel is polygonal.

Abstract: In a reel for a fruit machine, a reel has standard symbols or fruit, on which secondary symbols, for example, numbers, are superimposed. The reel has a first, inner strip on which the standard symbols appear, the strip being carried by a reel drum. The secondary symbols appear on a second, outer strip glued to the first strip. The second strip is mostly transparent so that the standard symbols may be viewed with the secondary symbols superimposed on them.

Abstract: A reel for a gaming or amusement machine has a support structure for supporting the reel strip of a significantly lower moment of inertia than a standard reel drum. This is achieved by making the reel strip of stiff material and supporting it only at spaced-apart points, and relying on the strip to support itself between the supported points. The reel support for the strip may be in the form of one or two spiders, each having a plurality of radial spokes. For further support for the strip a ring member may be provided connecting the ends of the spokes. If two such spiders are used, the ring members may be interconnected.