Abstract: A console for enabling play of a casino wagering game has: a video display screen; a player input system; a wager accepting and resolving system; a ball drop-and-capture gaming system; sensors for the gaming system; and a processor. Separate areas are provided on the video display screen for display of distinct results from at least two consecutive separate ball drop-and-capture events. The processor is configured to: a) receive information from sensors as to results of each ball drop-and-capture event; b) transmit viewable information to each separate area provided on the video display screen for each consecutive separate ball drop-and-capture event; and c) to compare all ball drop-and-capture events to a preselected number of memorialized ball drop-and-capture outcomes.

Abstract: A game having: a plurality of game pieces; a plurality of game cards, the plurality of game cards having a plurality of first cards, a plurality of second cards and a plurality of third cards, the plurality of first cards when played require an action to be performed and the plurality of second cards when played allow for one of the plurality of pieces to be possessed; and wherein when each one of the game pieces when possessed provides immunity to the action to be performed when one of the plurality of second cards is played.

Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are directed to gaming devices that are configured to initiate multiple gaming events in response to a player input. The gaming device may include game initiating inputs that initiate a predetermined number of gaming events in response to the player input, or the gaming device may include configurable game initiating inputs that initiate a number of gaming events specified by the player, specified the gaming device, or specified by a gaming server. The gaming device or gaming server may set the number of initiated game events in response to the occurrence of a triggering event.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed herein enable users to collect and share a primary data structure defining a centralized object. A primary data structure can be configured to define a front face of a digital card and the centralized object can represent a person, item, or location. The primary data structure can also define attributes, e.g., characteristics or properties, related to the centralized object. The techniques disclosed herein also enable users to collect and share secondary data structures that are dependent on the primary data structure. For example, a dependent object can include an item that can be utilized by a character represented by the centralized object. A single secondary data structure can be configured to define a side of the digital card, such as the back side of a digital card. A number of secondary data structures can be acquired to create a card with any number of sides.

Abstract: A casino credit access instrument comprises a source of funds for a player, such as for placing wagers to play casino-style games or to purchase other goods or services. The instrument defines a period of timed during which credit may be accessed up to a predetermined amount, defines a redemption period during which any accessed credit may be re-paid, and defines settlement terms if the instrument is not redeemed. Credit may be granted based upon financial collateral, which collateral may be executed upon to settle the instrument. The instrument provides a convenient source of funding for player at low risk to the casino or other lender.

Abstract: A side wagering system for table games includes a table controller, a dealer interface and at least one player interface, the at least one player interface including a first wager area and at least one second wager area, which permit a player to place first, second or one or more third supplemental wagers for the opportunity to win corresponding first, second or one or more third awards, such as a first, a second or a third progressive jackpot. The table controllers or multiple tables may be linked to a common award server.

Abstract: A method and device for conducting a wagering game includes receiving an ante wager. A player hand of game pieces is dealt and a final player hand is formed by selecting the game pieces with matching rank indicia from the player hand. The final player hand is evaluated by comparing the final player hand to a standard, such as a pay table, a final dealer hand, and/or final player hands of other players. Payouts are issued if the final player hand is a winning hand based on the evaluation. Optionally, side wagers may be offered on the constitution of the final player hand.

Abstract: A method of simulating a heads up gaming tournament utilizing at least one game server and a plurality of personal communication devices includes receiving value from a plurality of participants using the personal communication devices, providing the participants with wagering units, pairing unpaired first and second ones of the participants to play a heads up game, initiating the game by generating a game state, for example, dealing the private cards of a hold'em poker game, and transmitting the game state to the participants for display on the personal communications devices, whereupon the first participant transmits an action to the game server in response to the game state, receiving the action and updating the game state, receiving a second input in response to the first participant's action from the second participant, continuing play until the outcome of the heads up game is determined, updating the number of wagering units held by the first and second participants, repairing the participants for the n

Abstract: A wagering interface is disclosed for a gaming apparatus, for applying a wager when playing a game. The wagering interface comprises a display screen for displaying at least a portion of the game being played and a slider which is repositionable along a slider path orientated to extend from a lower portion of the display to an upper portion of the display. The wager applied when playing the game is dependent on the position of the slider along the path which thus provides a gamer with a visual indication of the wager applied, and thus enables the gamer to better coordinate the application of the wager.

Abstract: A gaming terminal data repository (GTDR) for storing game software components and transaction information for gaming machine and gaming terminals is disclosed. A system database is partitioned according to different gaming entities allowing game software component configurations of particular gaming terminals to be easily analyzed and modified. Game software components for gaming terminals connected to the GTDR may be automatically updated using various triggers. System gaming machines may utilize a combination of game software components residing on the gaming machine and those received from the GTDR. A library of preset gaming terminal configurations can be stored at the system database, where each such preset configuration includes specific settings for each of a plurality of gaming terminal setting categories. Gaming terminals can be configured remotely using the GTDR, and possibly one or more of the stored preset gaming terminal configurations.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of display positions disposed in a display area, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome with reference to at least one of a plurality of defined win lines. Each of the defined win lines comprises at least one display position, and at least some of the win lines comprise differing numbers of display positions. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed.

Abstract: A business method wherein new software rules for playing a casino card game transform and improve the function of generic computers that are the existing technology that is currently used to facilitate electronic play of social casino card games and real money casino card games online and similarly transform and improve the function of generic computers that are the existing technology that is currently used to facilitate play of electronic table games in brick and mortar casinos wherein said generic computers use a new method to determine the effect that each dealt card has on winning and a new method to determine which hand is the winning hand wherein bets are resolved faster resulting in a significant cumulative effect wherein in a substantial number of instances a human card dealer cannot resolve bets faster by employing said new software rules.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of gaming. The method includes monitoring game outcomes generated for one or more players of a plurality of linked gaming machines, and for each generated game outcome i) identifying instances of one or more special symbols occurring in the generated game outcome, ii) incrementing an accumulating counter for each of the one or more special symbols based on instances of one or more special symbols occurring in the game outcome, and iii) determining whether a trigger condition is met.

Abstract: A method of playing a game that includes as dealer or facilitator. The game consists of allowing players to play a game that comprises at least two sub-games, each sub-game being associated with a pot and being played either simultaneously or sequentially. Each sub-game includes the step of declaring a winning player.

Abstract: A blackjack game provides a side bet that the cards dealt to form the dealer's hand will match one of a predetermined set of winning poker hands. A blackjack hand is dealt to the player and a dealer, wherein each hand comprises a plurality of cards. The outcome of the blackjack hand is determined according to blackjack rules. The cards in the dealer's hand are then arranged to form a poker hand. Furthermore, the dealer's poker hand may be modified using cards selected from the player's hand into the dealer's hand to form the poker hand. Modification can be by substitution or addition of cards from the player's hand. The player wins the side bet if the dealer's poker hand matches one of a set of predetermined poker hands.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes are presented. Clients are first qualified and given wagering limits before being allowed to interactively wager on event outcomes. Event outcomes may be based on, for example, financial markets and indices, sporting and entertainment events, casino games, casino performances, and natural phenomena such as weather and earthquakes. Events on which wagers can be placed include both those with known and unknown outcome probabilities, and wagers can be a fixed-odds type or a spread-bet type. Wager transactions, including acceptances and confirmations, are executed in real time. Clients can customize displays of events on which they are authorized to wager. Real-time client credit management, automatic dealer hedging, automatic price-spread adjustments, and automatic client and dealer defined wagering limits are also provided.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting a trigger in a wagering game associated with a first application. In some instances, the operations can further include causing a portion of wagering game content for the wagering game to become selectable. Further, in some examples, the operations can include selecting the portion of the wagering game content in response to one or more user inputs received via one or more input devices associated with a wagering game machine. The operations can further include transferring an element representing the selected portion from the wagering game to a second application different from the first application.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a control unit quipped with a controller. The control starts the reception of bets from a plurality of stations, displays, on a dealer display, termination order images from the plurality of the stations in accordance with a lapse of a predetermined period of time from the start of the bet reception, and advances the game on the condition that a bet termination order signal is received from an operation input button.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for increasing potential payout opportunities using multiple card indicia representing multiple cards. One embodiment involves determining whether any one or more of a plurality of cards of a poker game having multiple poker hands are to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia representing multiple cards, presenting the plurality of cards of the poker hands, including the one or more of the plurality of cards determined to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia, and identifying a plurality of resulting hands for each of the multiple poker hands that include a multiple card indicia, where each of the plurality of resulting hands includes a different subset of a total of the indicia of the other cards in the respective poker hand and any cards provided with multiple card indicia.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming systems that allow customers to wager, or “trade-in” an object of value or winning situation for a chance to win an even more valuable award. The chance for valuable award may be a bonus game or chance to win a bonus game. Bonus awards are “funded” by the savings achieved from the players trading in their wins in the base game, which would otherwise be paid. Players who do not trade-in see no changes from the base game paytable, while those players who participate in the trade-in bonus have a different gaming experience.

Abstract: A pai gow poker game without a house commission is disclosed. After shuffling the cards and determining the order in which players are dealt, the players place wagers on the game outcome. Then, the dealer deals to the player positions and the dealer position. The dealer, either before or after setting the dealer hand, evaluates the dealer cards to determine whether the dealer qualifies. To qualify, the dealer hand must achieve a predetermined rank, such as higher than a king high rank. If the dealer does not qualify, then each player is rewarded at a 1:2 payout rate in relation to his wager. If the dealer does qualify, then the game proceeds according to traditional pai gow play. Payouts to players are made without paying a house commission. Bonus wagers may be placed and rewarded based on bonus events or based on a comparison of the dealt cards to predetermined potential outcomes.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method of online valuating a client in a computerized service system (e.g. game system).

Abstract: A gambling smart card with betting limits is used in a gambling system. A gambler uses a smart card to place bets in a casino. The bet is reduced by a factor previously chosen by the gambler and agreed to by the casino. The smart card is programmed to reduce the bet by the agreed upon factor or percentage. The player appears to be betting more than the player actually bets because the winnings or losses will be reduced by the agreed upon factor.

Abstract: A method for playing a double draw poker casino card game comprises providing a standard fifty-two card deck of playing cards and two joker cards shuffled together with the standard fifty-two card deck. Each of the two joker cards is valued as an ace, as a fill-in card for a straight, or as a fill-in card for a flush. Each player places an ante bet and a bonus bet and receives five dealt cards. Each player folds or makes a first optional draw card bet and discards and draws up to three draw cards. Each player folds or makes a second optional draw card bet and discards and draws up to one draw card, producing a final double draw five card poker hand that receives a payout against a first payout table, for the ante bet and draw bets, and against a second payout table for the bonus bet.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a system and a method of implementing bad beat insurance are disclosed. After a stage of a portion of a game is played, it is determined that a player is favored to win the portion of the game. After the portion of the game is completed, it is determined that the player has suffered a bad beat. The player is compensated at least partially for a loss that the player incurred as a consequence of suffering the bad beat.

Abstract: A playing card wagering game method which involves players placing a three part wager and utilizing the standard counting technique of cribbage. Cards are dealt four down to all players that ante and the dealer. Players inspect their cards and are given the choice of folding (withdrawing from the game) or placing a second wager. A common fifth card is revealed and upon inspection players are again given the choice of folding or placing a third wager. After each player decides on whether to fold or stay, the dealer then reveals dealer's cards. Dealer maintains a point requirement to open. All remaining players which did not fold are then resolved where the highest hand (initial four dealt cards including common card) wins and tying hands push. Player's winning hands are paid in accordance with paytables.

Abstract: This invention is a novel method of gameplay and game apparatus for playing for at least one player. The method of play elicits creativity by having players tell stories using their interpretation of abstract imagery. In one embodiment the game uses playing cards with abstract drawings. The game components may take other forms, such as a board game, or the game may be played in different media, such as electronic games, video games, computer games, and interactive network games. One aspect of novelty here is the use of abstract drawings, which the players can interpret in many different ways to expand the story. The context of the story, and possible side constraints, will prime the player's mind to see different things in each card. In this game of creativity and storytelling, players create and add to a story based on the abstract images. Testing has shown that this method of gameplay can improve players' perception of their creative ability.

Abstract: A method of playing a five card draw video poker wagering game on a gaming device comprising at least a processer, input device and video monitor screen is disclosed. The method comprises providing bonus features in video poker games without requiring an extra wager in addition to a base wager, without lowering the paytable, and basing the paytable on the total wager. In lieu of an extra wager, a predetermined set of dealt hands is automatically disqualified, effectively ending the game and forfeiting the wager. All dealt hands that are not disqualified are qualified hands. The player is eligible to receive at least one randomly-provided bonus feature or guaranteed bonus feature on every qualified hand.

Abstract: A game system, a controlling method thereof, and a non-transitory readable storage medium thereof to diversify the game by diversifying the way a player character join are provided. The game system has a communication module (42) sending and receiving data so as to synchronize with a first computer operated by a first user and a second computer operated by a second user joining the game during a predetermined period before both the first user and the second user operating different characters start a first stage.

Abstract: A reel-type wagering game includes at least one wild symbol in the game symbol set. The wild symbol or symbols may appear at multiple game symbol locations across an array of game symbol locations through which results are shown for a play in the game, and may assist in forming winning combinations of game symbols along pay lines. Wild symbols that appear in the array of game symbols for a play of the game, but do not contribute to any winning combination along a pay line, represent noncontributing wild symbols which may provide an alternate winning result for the given play of the wagering game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing culturally configured awards are disclosed. Awards to players are divided into sub-components expressed in culturally favorable number digits, such as “8.” A community award feature when triggered enables players to package awards as apparent gifts to other eligible players of the feature. A progressive award may also be provided.

Abstract: A method and device for conducting a wagering game includes receiving an ante wager. A player hand of game pieces is dealt and a final player hand is formed by selecting as many sets as possible of game pieces with complementary game indicia from the player hand. For example, the object of the game may be to form as many straights as possible from the player hand. The final player hand is evaluated by comparing the final player hand to a standard, such as a pay table, a final dealer hand, and/or final player hands of other players. Payouts are issued if the final player hand is a winning hand based on the evaluation. Optionally, side wagers may be offered on the constitution of the final player hand.

Abstract: A method of delivering cards from a card housing unit during a card game including automatically detecting, using one or more processors, at least one of a card being held within an opening in the card housing unit for a period of time longer than a predetermined period of time or an attempt to manually draw a card from the opening after the card game ends, and based on the automatic detection, controlling, using one or more processors, operation of a lock member to restrict movement of the card relative to the opening in the card housing unit.

Abstract: Various embodiments that may generally relate to collusion are described. Collusion detection may be used to prevent players in a wagering environment from violating the integrity of a game. Player actions may be tracked to develop a wagering profile that is specific to various game situations. A player acting in a manner that would be against their interest and against their defined profile may be considered a colluding action. Information about collusion actions may be presented for evaluation and/or anti-collusion actions may be automatically taken in response to such collusion actions being determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a secondary contest involving a plurality of players playing a primary award wagering game. The players enter wagers in the primary game, and the results from the primary wagering game determine the outcome of a secondary pari-mutuel contest in which players compete against each other. The results from the primary wagering game resolve the secondary contest where the highest ranking results will win the wagers placed in the secondary contest on a tiered basis.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a card game wherein two or more cards of a hand of cards are combinable to form at least one resultant card with a higher combined value. In various embodiments, for a play of the card game, the gaming system randomly selects and displays a hand of cards and each card is associated with one of a plurality of different values. The gaming system enables the player to select at least two of the displayed cards to combine to form at least one resultant card. Each resultant card is associated with a resultant value. The resultant value includes the sum of the values associated with each selected card that is combined to form the resultant card. Each resultant card provides an opportunity to convert a non-winning hand into a winning hand.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a card game is provided. The play may occur in a casino using a standard deck of cards with players making an ante wager, optional second wager, a third wager, and optional bonus event wager. Players are dealt two cards face down (player viewable only), two shared community cards which are dealt face down, and one or more shared community joker value cards. A player first makes an ante wager and then an optional second wager based on the player's impression of the player dealt cards. Then, a first community card is revealed to the player and the player provided an opportunity to make an optional third wager, which is required to continue game play. If a third wager is placed, the dealer reveals the second community card and the player's five card hand and bonus event hand is evaluated for a winning outcome.

Abstract: A method in a gaming system comprises receiving a wager and displaying an array having a plurality of array positions. Each of the plurality of array positions is populated by at least one of a plurality of symbols, which include a mega symbol configured to occupy at least two array positions on each of at least two adjacent columns of the array. In response to at least a portion of the mega symbol displayed in the array, the method includes determining a functionality for the mega symbol based on a number of array positions on which the mega symbol is displayed, the portion of the mega symbol displayed, the size of the mega symbol displayed, a random determination, the received wager, or a turnover amount over a plurality of plays. A payout is awarded based on the symbols displayed in the array and the determined functionality of the mega symbol.

Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are direct to a game that includes a combination of an entertainment game and a gambling game. This game combination provides an entertainment game that retains the playability and fun of a skill game or other non-traditional gambling game while allowing for wagers to still be placed and awards won. In some embodiments, the wager-based gambling game is tied directly into the entertainment game, which provides additional entertainment and excitement. Other embodiments separate some of the aspects of the gambling game from the entertainment game to retain the feel of well known gaming devices while still providing an entertainment game to the player.

Abstract: In various embodiments, players may compete in a gaming context.

Abstract: Game wagers are received on a hand. At least two hands are dealt and completed according to an underlying game of baccarat or baccarat variation. A bonus wager is received. After the hands are completed, a determination is made whether an end-bonus condition is met. If not, a determination is made whether a bonus-eligible sum has been obtained in a designated hand. Bonus-eligible hand sums may include designated hand sums in a player hand, a banker hand, a player hand or banker hand, and/or a player hand and banker hand. Bonus-eligible hand sums may also be hand sums closer to a target value in a designated hand. When bonus-eligible sums have been obtained in a threshold quantity of bonus triggering games, without obtaining an end-bonus condition, an award is issued on the bonus wager.

Abstract: A no skill, automatic play blackjack game and apparatus enables fully automated play of a blackjack machine with no skill required and the player enabled to wager one or more of three player hands against the dealer hand and/or on a dealer hand against one or more of three player hands. All play is automatic with ability to exercise choices in any hit, stand, double down or split decisions.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multi-hand card game wherein the gaming system provides a new draw hand for a designated hand of cards. In one embodiment, the gaming system displays a plurality of wagered-on hands of cards. The gaming system determines and displays any awards associated with the wagered-on hands of cards. The gaming system also determines whether any of the wagered-on hands of cards include any designated card combinations. For any of the wagered-on hands of cards including one of the designated card combinations, the gaming system displays a new hand of cards. The gaming system determines and displays any awards associated with each new hand of cards. In various embodiments, the gaming system repeats this process until a terminating condition occurs.

Abstract: Wagering methods, devices, and systems that allow individual participants in a game of poker to opt-in or opt-out of a bad beat feature are presented. For each hand played at a given table, a participant may activate the bad beat feature. Once the feature is activated, the participant is eligible for winning at least part of a bad beat progressive jackpot. This jackpot may be funded by tokens purchased by the participant, a rake taken from the hand's wagers, or by some other means. Apportionment of the bad beat progressive jackpot may be triggered by the participant losing the hand despite having cards that provide the participant with a significant likelihood of winning the hand.

Abstract: A wagering playing card game is played by: a dealer providing a set of playing cards; the dealer accepting at least one wager at a player position on an underlying playing card game; the dealer providing a first subset of exactly three random playing cards from the set of playing cards to a player position and dealer position; the dealer evaluates each player hand against the dealer hand as follows: a) a player position hand having all three cards with a rank below a predetermined rank automatically loses; b) a highest rank card from each player hand and the dealer hand play a game of war as a first sub-game, with the highest rank winning; c) a second highest rank card from each player hand and the dealer hand play a game of war as a second sub-game, with the highest rank winning; d) any ties void a sub-game.

Abstract: A method of generating and displaying a game of chance on an electronic device to one or more players, wherein each player places a wager on a primary hand of cards dealt from a deck of cards containing at least one Multi-Draw Bonus Card. The player may place an additional wager on one or more Multi-Draw Bonus cards (bonus card) provided on the deal and/or the draw. The bonus card provides for a multiplier and/or n additional cards to be dealt in place of the bonus card. The cards for each band are dealt from a deck of cards using a random number generator.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of display positions disposed in a display area, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome with reference to at least one of a plurality of defined win lines. Each of the defined win lines comprises at least one display position, and at least some of the win lines comprise differing numbers of display positions. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a server device, etc., capable of enhancing flexibility of a reward winning game and maintaining a user's interest in the game. The server device manages rewards to be given to a user, and includes a storage unit for storing a package as a set of data concerning rewards to be given to the user and a modified package as a set of data concerning rewards used to update the package, a communication unit for communicating with a user device of the user, and a package updating unit for updating the package by modifying the data concerning the rewards included in the package by using the data concerning the rewards included in the modified package when a package update request is received from the user device.

Abstract: A video poker machine configured to allow a player to play a card game includes at least one display device, at least one input device, and at least one computer configured to display at least a first hand and a second hand of at least five cards all face up, each hand including the same five cards. A player is provided an option to play a hand by selecting none, one or more than one of the face up cards from the first hand and the second hand and any additional hands as cards to be held. Each of the cards not selected to be held are discarded from each hand and replaced with a face up card. The player is provided a pre-established amount based on the amount of a wager made on the hand if the resulting cards of the hand comprise a predetermined poker hand ranking.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for variable contribution multiple progressive jackpot games are disclosed. A variable contribution rate is determined as a function of a wager level. A contribution amount is determined by multiplying each wager by its corresponding contribution rate. The contribution amount is then added to at least two jackpot meters.