Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for assuring that networked communications between parties playing a game on a network (e.g., the Internet) are not tampered with by either of the parties for illicitly gaining an advantage over the other party. An initial sequence of tokens (e.g., card representations) for playing the game are doubly encrypted using an encryption key from each of the parties. Accordingly, during play of the game neither party can modify the initial sequence of game tokens during the game. At termination of the game, at least one of the parties can fully decrypt the initial sequence of tokens, and thereby, if desired, compare the played token sequence with the corresponding the initial token sequence.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal. The wagering game allows a player to be eligible to win a plurality of progressive jackpots. The plurality of progressive jackpots can be arranged in columns and rows of a matrix, or can be displayed with other characteristics for identification, such as color, shapes, or alpha-numeric characters. The method includes conducting a wagering game having a randomly selected outcome. The player can be awarded two progressive jackpots in response to the randomly selected outcome being a single multiple-jackpot winning outcome. Further, the progressive jackpots that are achieved can be identified by their associated characteristics, which are displayed to the player.

Abstract: A gaming device includes a single player poker game that includes one or more opportunities for selecting or forming player hands. In one embodiment, wagers are placed on several player hands, and the gaming device matches these wagers for each of several dealer hands. A play of the game includes one or more opportunities for a player to fold or cancel one of the player hands and withdraw the wager associated with the withdrawn hand. The gaming device may also cause one or more of the dealer hands to be folded. In another embodiment, the game includes dealing several initial player hands and enabling a player to select one of the player hands to compete against one or more dealer hands. In another embodiment, a play of the game includes dealing a plurality of player cards and enabling a player to form multiple player hands from the dealt player cards. The game also includes dealing a plurality of dealer cards and forming multiple dealer hands from the dealt dealer cards.

Abstract: To provide a gaming machine which can carry out a lizhi effect rich in impact without giving a feeling of boredom. A gaming machine being provided with a display device, which can display an image and can be switched to a transmissive condition or a non-transmissive condition, in front of a plurality of symbols which can be variably displayed, in the event that a combination of the plurality of symbols reaches a lizhi, as well as portions in front of the plurality of symbols taking on the non-transmissive condition, a symbol image corresponding to a last stop displayed symbol is variably displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A method for playing a game of chance and system for facilitating the play of the game are disclosed. The method of playing the game of chance includes choosing a selected symbol. The method of playing the game of chance further includes choosing a set of selected numbers. The method of playing the game further includes receiving a prize if a predetermined number the selected symbols matches the drawn symbol for each selected number.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators with a plurality of symbols on or associated with each symbol generator. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols are reflector symbols. A reflector symbol is a symbol that, when generated on one of the reels, causes any payline which runs through such symbol to be reflected back across one or more of the reels. In operation, after providing the player any award based on the symbols generated on any wagered on paylines, the gaming device determines if at least one reflector symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines. If at least one reflector symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines, the generated reflector symbol causes the activated payline which runs through the generated reflector symbol to reflect back across one, more or each of the reels to form a supplemental payline.

Abstract: Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen.

Abstract: A method of operating a game controlled by a gaming machine includes accepting a wager from a player, presenting a primary game, awarding any primary game awards to the player, and upon a triggering event, presenting a feature game. The feature game includes performing a first portion of the feature game during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated and performing a second portion of the feature game. The second portion of the feature game includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols.

Abstract: A process provides a first price category and a second price category in which an instant online lottery ticket can be purchased for an instant online lottery game. The first price category is distinct from the second price category. Further, the first price category corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize and a first known portion of a position specific prize associated with the instant online lottery game. In addition, the second price category corresponds to a second known portion of a linear prize and a second known portion of the position specific prize, the second known portion of the linear prize being more than the first known portion of the linear prize. The second known portion of the position specific prize is more than the first known portion of the position specific prize.

Abstract: In a gaming environment, a method of periodically downloading dynamically generated executable modules at random intervals that perform system configuration integrity checks in a secure and verifiable manner is disclosed. The dynamically generated executable modules are created on a server machine and are themselves signed using industry standard PKI techniques, and contain randomly chosen subset from a repertoire of proven hashing and encryption algorithms that are executed on the system to be checked to create a unique signature of the state of that system. The dynamically generated executable module returns the signature to the server machine from which it was downloaded and deletes itself from the system being checked. The next time such an executable module is downloaded, it will contain a different randomly chosen subset of hashing and encryption algorithms.

Abstract: A bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game is provided. The bonus game includes a series of free spins or free evaluations in which symbols of a set of symbols are set to be wild symbols. Free spins occur for each symbol acting as a wild symbol until the symbol appears on the reels in a winning format, either alone or in combination with other symbols. Then, the next symbol of the set is used in the wild symbols and so on until all symbols for the set are used. If free spins remain after all symbols of the set are used, the free spin sequence is repeated until the free spins are exhausted.

Abstract: An improved number matching game is provided. The game includes a matching game with multiple number sets. A player can win standard Keno paytable awards in addition to relatively large awards. A player's initial set has a minimum size requirement for the player to be eligible for the relatively large award. The gaming machine provides supplemental numbers to the player if the player does not select the minimum quantity of numbers. Any supplemental numbers created for the player cannot be used towards the Keno paytable awards. In one embodiment, odds of winning the relatively large awards are kept proportionate with the player's wager level.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.

Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type or casino-based game. A partial result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in an offline portion of the game. The remaining portion of the result is revealed to the player in an online portion of the game. In one example, the online/offline game includes a slot machine game. In one example, the online/offline game includes a bingo game. In yet another example, the online/offline game includes a game of roulette. In one example, particular game features are associated with either the online or offline portions of the game. In this way, players are motivated to participate in both portions of the game, enhancing and prolonging the game experience.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a central controller, a central display which includes a plurality of display segments and a plurality player stations. The display segments are configured to each separately display one of a plurality of games, to co-act to display a plurality of games, or to co-act to display one game. Each player station is configured to enable a player to play one or more of the games displayed by the display segments. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play a group game on the central display, a plurality of players to simultaneously play multiple group games on the central display, and a plurality of players to each simultaneously play multiple individual games on the central display.

Abstract: An enhanced mechanical gaming system (10) utilizes a touch panel (40) as a user control device for mechanical assemblies and game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a mechanical gaming device environment. The enhanced mechanical gaming system (10) includes a gaming machine assembly (20), a touch sensor assembly (30) incorporating a substantially transparent touch panel (40), a touch panel controller (50), and touch panel software (60). The gaming machine assembly is a standard gaming machine assembly that has been modified to utilize touch-panel components. The touch panel (40) and the sensor assembly (30) produce touch data when activated, and provide viewing of mechanical assemblies behind the touch panel (40). The touch panel controller (50) acts to control and interpret the touch panel (40).

Abstract: A system, method and lottery ticket that implement a lottery game that uses a geometric figure having a plurality of selection spaces from which a player selects at least one selection space. The selection spaces are then populated with one or more game indicia, with each game indicia having a point value, and prizes are awarded based upon the total number of points associated with the game indicia populated into the player-selected selection spaces. Other lottery games can also be played simultaneously therewith on the same ticket or round of play.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an amusement device consisting of a vertically oriented hollow wheel that is rotated at a constant rate and that has a series of cavities provided along the inner surface of the outer wheel rim. The wheel has front and rear enclosures that prevent game pieces, such as elastic balls, from falling out of the wheel. A player attempts to time the release of game pieces from a holding area located within the wheel to try to have the pieces come to rest in preselected adjoining cavities. If the pieces are detected within the cavities in a winning orientation, a signal is transmitted to a central processing unit which then activates a ticket dispenser.

Abstract: A method for use with a gaming machine including presenting an outcome by displaying a symbol as travelling along a path and stopping in a stopping position that overlies another game symbol. An award is paid or changed when there is a particular relationship between the symbol.

Abstract: Methods for receiving and processing input on a gaming machine using a virtual user interface are disclosed herein. According to one method, a gaming machine having a game display for presenting a game is able to generate a virtual user interface of a surface of the gaming machine. The virtual user interface includes one or more virtual components that correspond to one or more game functions. The gaming machine receives and processes user input via the virtual user interface. The gaming machine then performs the game function corresponding to the user input. Gaming machines having a virtual user interface are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a game display for presenting a game. The gaming machine also includes a virtual interface controller for generating and presenting a virtual user interface on a surface of the gaming machine where the virtual user interface receives user input for gaming or non-gaming functions.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed in which players achieve various lifestyle goals through interactive game-playing. A plurality of game elements is provided, wherein information regarding an activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal is displayed on a surface of each game element. A game framework is provided, comprising a spatial representation of an actual accomplishment by a player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A journal is also provided, comprising a written representation of the actual accomplishment by the player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A timing device may also be provided that times the actual accomplishment of the activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal by the player, according to a timing criterion that comprises at least one of a lower time limit and an upper time limit.

Abstract: A slot machine 1 of the present invention makes a control so as to: sequentially store the number of game values consumed per unit game; sequentially store the number of game values given per unit game; calculating a difference between the total number of game values given and the total number of game values consumed, as a game value difference; voice-outputting, by the conversation controller 91, an answer 136 corresponding to the game value difference from the speaker 23 in response to a voice input through the microphone 90, when the game value difference reaches a predetermined value; and delete the stored numbers of game values given and consumed, under a predetermined condition.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, an account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in an increase in the balance is a player's obtainment of an outcome that corresponds to both (i) a first payout that is displayed on a payout schedule of the gaming device, and (ii) an amount by which the balance of the account is to be increased. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in a disbursement is the obtainment by the player of a predetermined number of consecutive non-winning outcomes.

Abstract: At least one pool of game play records is stored at a central processing system. Each game play record includes a record index selected from a set of unique index values, each associated with a different result type. A record index associated with a particular game play record is communicated from the central processing system to the player terminal in response to a game play request which a player has entered at the player terminal. The player terminal responds to the received record index by generating display commands using data at the player terminal to produce a graphic representation at the player terminal. This graphic representation is consistent with the result type associated with the index value comprising the particular record index which has been communicated to the player terminal.

Abstract: An online lottery game system and methodology involves, for each play of the game, a player choosing a number of player indicia from a field of the indicia. A subset of the indicia is randomly generated, and the player's indicia is compared to the subset to determine a winning game play. The number of indicia in the subsets is varied between different game plays such that a blend of the winning probabilities for each subset for all of the game plays produces a desired overall winning probability.

Abstract: The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a selection game having a plurality of selectable positions and a plurality of awards interdependently distributed or associated with the selectable positions. For one, a plurality, or all the selectable positions, the award associated with such selectable position is interdependent in that such award has a relationship to one or more of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. In various embodiments, the value of the award associated with such selectable position has a relationship to one or more of the values of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. Based on these interdependencies, when each of the selectable positions is selected, the award, or value of the award, associated with the position provides certain information which can be subsequently used to make better informed position selections.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a gaming console. A display is mounted in the gaming console for displaying a wagering game and its result. A controller controls operation of the game, the controller displaying the result of a first game on the display, making payment of a prize if the first game has a prize winning result and, thereafter, irrespective of the result of the first game, varying a result displayed on the display without requiring any additional wager by a player whether before or after completion of the first game.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels that enhance any winning outcome in a reel spinning game.

Abstract: An improved multiplier for a lottery game is provided. In connection with a base lottery game, each player receives or selects a multiplier indicia (or other bonus indicia) from a pool of multiplier indicia. In addition to drawings for the base game, a drawing of multiplier indicia and a determination of associated multiplier values is also conducted. For those players winning the base game who also received a multiplier indicia matching the drawn multiplier indicia, the base game prize is multiplied by the associated multiplier value.

Abstract: A method and a surface for playing a wagering game of chance against a house in which the player selects at least one indicia from each of two or more groups of a first indicia, and at least one indicia from a plurality of second indicia associated with each group. The player selects the indicia which he believes the house will randomly generate from the same groups and pluralities of indicia associated with each group, and places a wager with the house based upon the odds of that happening. The house then randomly generates indicia from the same groups and pluralities associated with each group, determines the number of matches and awards the player payouts based upon the number of matches.

Abstract: A slot machine and method of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The slot machine incorporates a topper having a display unit corresponding to each primary game reel. Depending on its current state, the display units turn on and turn off in response to pre-established game indicia aligning along a payline. A payout is awarded when all the display units are turned on simultaneously after a game play.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a negative outcome at a gaming device. The system determines that a player of a gaming device has equity which may be debited. An outcome of the gaming device is determined, and it is also determined that the outcome is a negative outcome. The balance (e.g., of the gaming device or another gaming device) is reduced by more than the wager amount.

Abstract: A gaming system where, as players play the primary games of the gaming devices, the gaming devices or the players playing at those gaming devices are occasionally provided with game elements associated with a multiplayer bonus game. In one embodiment, when a designated number of the game elements associated with the multiplayer bonus game have been awarded during game play, the multiplayer bonus game is triggered. During the multiplayer bonus game, the gaming system randomly selects a plurality of the game elements and compares the randomly selected game elements with the game elements awarded to the players. The players receive bonus awards based at least in part on the relationship between the awarded game elements and the game elements which are randomly selected during the bonus game.

Abstract: A skill-based redemption gaming machine in which a plurality of game symbols are arranged on a plurality of slot machine-type reels is configured to ensure that player awards comply with statutory guidelines. A player deposits consideration into the gaming machine and receives a corresponding number of plays and points, representing the number of available game plays and wager amounts, respectively. The player places a wager up to the number of available points which, upon commencement of play, are deducted from the total points value. Upon commencing play, the player is provided free replays or the opportunity to nudge one or more electronically displayed reels in an effort to obtain a certain alignment of game symbols. If such alignment is obtained, the player is presented with points and awards pursuant to a paytable, said rewards being redeemable for non-cash prizes.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, such as a designated symbol combination, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs, such progressive award is provided to a player and the player is provided the opportunity to one or more additional progressive awards.

Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a predetermined fixed number of winning cell content drawn from a predetermined set of cell content. The drawn content is matched to the content on game cards and if the matched game card content covers a predetermined winning pattern then the game card is a winner. In one example, numerous winners may occur per game session because the game continues until the predetermined fixed number of winning cell content is drawn and not until a win occurs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a secondary game played concurrently with a conventional Keno game. In Keno, a player selects a plurality of numbers (e.g., 4-20) within an M×N grid (e.g., 8×10) of different numbers. A random number generator randomly selects a plurality of numbers (e.g., 20) in the grid. The player is then granted a first award based on matches between numbers that the player selected and the randomly selected numbers. As a secondary game played over the Keno game, for each number randomly selected, all numbers in the same row and column in the grid as the selected number are highlighted on the grid display. The player is granted a second award (e.g., free games) for each number not being in a highlighted row or column at the end of the Keno game. Variations of the secondary game are described.

Abstract: A method of simulating a traditional casino roulette game experience using a specially designed deck of thirty eight (38) playing cards to determine a winning number rather than via a spin of the roulette wheel. The deck includes one card for each single unique number from the roulette wheel, i.e. 00, 0, and numbers 1-36. The deck is shuffled so that the cards are drawn at random to simulate a spin of the roulette wheel. The dealer activates the shuffler to draw a card from the shuffled deck. A bar code on the drawn card is read into a computer via a scanner. Scanning the card activates the computer to provide a visual representation of a spin of the roulette wheel on a monitor located near the roulette table. The visualization shows the ball landing on the unique number of the roulette wheel dictated by the drawn card.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels that enhance any winning outcome in a reel spinning game.

Abstract: A gaming machine has at least one video screen, but preferably three. One screen displays a primary game and the other two screens preferably display pay tables, a secondary game, or artwork related to the primary and/or secondary game. The content of the video screens is reconfigurable. The content may be downloaded over a network connecting a plurality of gaming machines to a central computer or the content of several different games may be stored locally within the gaming machine.

Abstract: A system and method for determined, issuing, and using promotion based awards and games based on those awards that encompass granularity and diversity of individually enforceable options, such as individual games at specified locations, heretofore not achievable in a gaming environment.

Abstract: A method for customizing play of a gaming device to a particular player level or group, where the gaming device is connected by a network to a host computer, includes creating a player account accessible by the host computer. The player account is associated with a player and has stored therein one of a plurality of player levels. The player is allowed to play on the gaming device and the gaming device is operated responsive to the player level. That is, the step of operating the gaming device includes adjusting a bonus triggering threshold and/or quantitative amount awarded based on the player level. In this way, high rated players such as those that gamble frequently and in high amounts, have gaming and bonusing events and award amounts tailored to their style of play and preferences to encourage continued play.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an award based on a multiplicity of game outcomes. In one implementation the invention provides a method for providing a game. The method includes placing a bet by a player, playing of a game to produce a game outcome, evaluating a primary game outcome, paying a direct award if the primary outcome merits it, advancing a bonus accumulator if the primary outcome merits it, and if the bonus accumulator has advanced sufficiently, paying a bonus award to the player and clearing the bonus accumulator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an award based on a multiplicity of game outcomes. In one implementation the invention provides a method for providing a game. The method includes placing a bet by a player, playing of a game to produce a game outcome, evaluating a primary game outcome, paying a direct award if the primary outcome merits it, advancing a bonus accumulator if the primary outcome merits it, and if the bonus accumulator has advanced sufficiently, paying a bonus award to the player and clearing the bonus accumulator.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices wherein players may share and combine outcomes or parts thereof. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gaming devices while the casino server, or another device, concurrently facilitates interaction between the group members operating the gaming devices. During the interaction, players may combine outcomes in an attempt to win group prizes. The linked play is terminated according to the group format and a determination is made by the casino server whether the group objective has been achieved. Prizes are awarded via the gaming devices if the group objective was achieved.

Abstract: A gaming method and device includes a game, at least one non-qualifying outcome in the game, and at least one qualifying outcome in the game, wherein a player qualifies for a multi-player tournament to be held in the future when the player achieves the at least one qualifying outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device which includes a variety of methods to allow the player to select patterns of wildcard symbols, from a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns, and use those patterns during subsequent games. One embodiment allows the player to select a pattern of wildcard symbols and use the selected pattern during a free spin bonus game.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for playing a Keno type game. The game consists of a plurality of elements, wherein a player specifies the number of game elements (such as the number of stop positions in a reel-type gaming machine), in the same way that the player would decide how many numbers to bet on a Keno game.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a game similar to the well-known game of COLLAPSE.