Abstract: A new dice-based wagering system that requires six dice and a layout indicating payout amounts when the correct totals for the six dice are rolled. When rolling six dice the lowest possible total is six (6) and the highest possible total is thirty six (36). The object of the game is to place a wager on the correct total the dice will add up to. The payout ranges from nine times your wager to forty thousand times your wager on a specific number. The game also has “outside bets”. These are wagers that are not placed on a specific number but on groups of numbers or colors of numbers. There are five outside wagers. (ODD or EVEN), (RED or BLACK), (HIGH or LOW), Horizontal Row bets and Vertical Column Bets available.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for completing wagers and purchases from a gaming device when a player presses or selects the cash out feature on the device. The present invention provides for a more convenient method for players to make additional gaming wagers and purchases directly from a gaming device. The player can select the option to make a wager on a sporting event, lottery game, Keno game or any game of chance offered by the gaming establishment. The present invention also enables the player to select the option to make purchases for among other things show tickets, sporting events, movies, retail items or even credit the proceeds from the gaming device to the players hotel room account.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which retains, saves or stores zero, one or more of any symbols removed during the play of a primary cascading symbols game. In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which sequentially layers a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids at different depths.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server.

Abstract: A wagering game and wagering apparatus has a processor and display system. The processor recognizes two wager segments to play a single round of the wagering game. The processor credits one wager segment to a first game and the processor credits a second wager segment to a second game. The processor resolves the first wager segment with respect to the random symbols used in the first game. The processor terminating the single round of play of the wagering game by resolving no additional wagering activity if the symbols provided in the first game do not trigger a bonus event for application to the second game in the two games further resolving the bonus event applied to the second game if the symbols provided in the first game do trigger a bonus event for application to the second game.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wager game comprises allowing a player to place individual game wagers across a plurality of games to be played in the wager game. A common draw phase is implemented in which a plurality of symbols are randomly drawn from a symbol draw set to determine outcomes of the plurality of games, such chat at least one of the drawn symbols is used for determining, at least in part, the outcome for each of the plurality of individual games.

Abstract: A game of chance played between a plurality of players, which ensures there can be only one winner. Each player is associated with a set of indicators, and a winner is determined if a set of indicators associated with a player matches a unique set of indicators randomly selected from a pool of possible indicators. For a pool of a given size, the game calculates the unique combinations of a smaller number of indicators that can be generated from the pool. Each player is associated with one or more unique combinations, but each unique combination is associated with one and only one player. Indicators are randomly selected from the pool until all of the indicators in a first unique combination have been selected. The player associated with the first unique combination is the single winner of the game.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing the wagering game, and trigger a free-spin event in which a plurality of free spins is awarded. For a first spin, a first number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. For a second spin, a second number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. The second number of arrays is non-equal to the first number of arrays. Any awards associated with each determined award condition are provided.

Abstract: A gaming method may include receiving a value amount to initially define a value total, and causing video images to be generated, the video images representing a game including at least one value-generating event. The method also may include deducting a fee at intervals from the value total independent of play of the game represented by the video images, determining based on the fee a value payout associated with the at least one value-generating events, and adding the value payout to the value total. A gaming system or gaming apparatus may include a controller programmed to operate according to the gaming method. Further, a memory may have a computer program in accordance with the gaming method stored thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to manage attract software package access, storage, and execution scheduling for wagering game machines. A wagering game machine may operate to determine the availability of one or more attract packages, as well as to determine whether any available attract packages comprise an active attract package based on one or more schedules. The gaming machine may access one or more of the available, active attract packages and present them. The attract packages and associated schedules can be loaded into the gaming machine using a number of mechanisms, including a server and a machine-readable medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts which are ranked. In one embodiment, if a bonus event triggering condition occurs, the gaming system determines one of the plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts to utilize for the triggered bonus event. In one such embodiment, the determined bonus event average expected payout is based on a player's current wager and a quantity of accumulated bonus event points or units. In this embodiment, the gaming system enables players to accumulate bonus event points based on one or more aspects of a player's previous gaming experiences during a designated period of time. The gaming system then displays a bonus event to the player and determines a bonus event award, wherein the determined bonus event award is in accordance with the determined bonus event average expected payout.

Abstract: Provided is a technique which can increase user utilization of an item lottery service by providing users with an intuitive screen for the item lottery service, and, at the same time, a new source of fun.

Abstract: A lottery instant-game ticket and method of making same. On a substrate is placed a first set of game indicia including a first set of game symbols, and a second set of indicia larger than the first set of game indicia and including a second set of game symbols, and includes any winning symbol. A subset of the second set of game indicia with each symbol including a non-winning indicator. The first set and second of game indicia are covered with a removable covering, with the covering having position indicators positioned substantially over each of the first set of game indicia, and identical game symbols positioned substantially over a corresponding identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia such that removal of the identical game symbol reveals the identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia and any non-winning indicator, if present.

Abstract: Methods for processing online gaming operations. One method includes determining that a player has completed a game of chance. The game is accessible from a plurality of devices having online access. Completing the game includes a requirement that a player of the game must play from more than one of the devices. The requirement that the player must play from more than one of the devices includes a requirement that the player must present an identifier at each of the more than one of the devices during completion of the game. A requirement is provided that the player needs to collect specific outcomes when playing from the devices. The method further includes providing a reward to the player in response to determining that the player has completed the game. The method is executable by a processor.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels is disclosed. The method includes: providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels; determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome; and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel, initiating a secondary game when a secondary game trigger symbol is presented on the shared base award-multiplier reel, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: At least one game matrix is generated. Number indicia are selected and any matches between the selected number indicia and the game matrix are identified. The numbers game component is resolved based on the identified matches. One or more game hands are formed by assigning a prize indicium and/or game indicium to each match. Optionally, game indicia are randomly assigned to game matrix locations lacking a match. In an embodiment based on Bingo, a game hand may be formed based on the pattern of matches. The game hand component of a game is resolved based on a comparison of the game hand to a standard, such as a pay table, dealer hand, and/or other game hands of other players. A prize component is resolved based on whether a predetermined collection of prize indicia is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of systems and methods of playing a slot machine game in which players accumulate elements during one or more spins and at the conclusion of any spin may record the accumulation of said elements for future use at the same or different slot machine game. In three preferred embodiments, a player accumulates: the cumulative number of times one or more predetermined symbols appear in the symbol matrix; the cumulative number of points awarded by the game for winning symbol combinations appearing in the symbol matrix; or a set of predetermined winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.

Abstract: A player is permitted to reinvest winnings to play additional instances of an online game. In one specific example, the player may choose, at a point of sale (POS), a reinvestment option that specifies how winnings are used to automatically purchase additional game instances. In one example game format, the player may be permitted to select a reinvestment option at the point of initial purchase of the game. The player may be permitted, for example, to limit his/her reinvestment as a function of their initial investment. In another example, the primary game result is driven by the result of a secondary game, such as a lottery or casino-based drawing (e.g., a Keno drawing). The secondary game is then played, and any additional plays as a result of the reinvestment are also played. Results of the secondary game and the additional games are sent to an online gaming system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining bad beats in wagering games are disclosed. If the bad beat is determined to be compensable, some form of compensation is provided to the player. The compensation can include providing a free entry into a second wagering game. The second wagering game can be a site-wide wagering game in which a plurality of player may be simultaneously participating.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a keno game including an additional number triggering event that causes at least one additional number to be added to a selected number set to form a modified number set. A player number set and a gaming system number set are selected from a plurality of numbers. Upon an occurrence of an additional number triggering event, the gaming system adds at least one of the numbers to one of: the player number set to form a modified player number set, and the gaming system number set to form a modified gaming system number set. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player number set (or the modified player number set) with the gaming system number set (or the modified gaming system number set), and provides any determined awards.

Abstract: A method for determining an award during a keno game includes, but is not limited to any of combination of: generating a predetermined number of draws for placement on a keno board during the keno game, wherein the keno board includes a predetermined number of spots; evaluating a plurality of sub-regions of the keno board associated with the keno game for matches between the generated draws and one or more predetermined patterns; and determining an award based on results of the evaluating step.

Abstract: In various embodiments a display may allow a secondary player to select a game of an appropriate primary player.

Abstract: A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides players with fun brought by a moveable component. A gaming machine 1 comprises a game result determination unit, determining a game result; a game execution unit, executing a game in such a manner as to reach the game result; a moveable component, disposed at a position visible from outside, and configured to be capable of mechanical movement; and a movement control unit, enabling the moveable component to move in a movement pattern corresponding to the game result.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a game in which symbols can be selected more than once. In one embodiment, the gaming system initiates a play of the game, displays a plurality of different symbols, and receives a selection of at least one of the symbols to form a player symbol set. The gaming system randomly selects a designated quantity of the symbols to form a gaming system symbol set. Each of the symbols can be selected more than once. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player symbol set with the gaming system symbol set, and provides any determined awards. If an additional award opportunity triggering event associated with the gaming system symbol set including a plurality of instances of a same one of the symbols occurs, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a game in which symbols can be selected more than once. In one embodiment, the gaming system initiates a play of the game, displays a plurality of different symbols, and receives a selection of at least one of the symbols to form a player symbol set. The gaming system randomly selects a designated quantity of the symbols to form a gaming system symbol set. Each of the symbols can be selected more than once. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player symbol set with the gaming system symbol set, and provides any determined awards. If an additional award opportunity triggering event associated with the gaming system symbol set including a plurality of instances of a same one of the symbols occurs, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines, gaming tables, hand held gaming devices and/or community gaming displays. The central server monitors wagers placed on any games played. Based at least in part on the wagers placed, the central server determines when one or more bonus events will occur and which players to provide any bonus awards.

Abstract: An interactive gaming device that employs a plurality of reels (mechanical or simulated) is disclosed, and includes means for the player to establish a movement direction for a reel after it comes to a complete stop. The player is also provided with a plurality of switches to establish a condition upon which the reel would move after it comes to a complete stop. The device includes a control mechanism that causes the reel to move after it comes to a complete stop when the condition established by the player is met. A determination is then made if a winning combination of symbols has occurred at a winning line.

Abstract: A wagering game that allows a player to adjust a positive expectation game situation to a lower expectation game situation. In return, the player can increase the paytable so that awards the player wins will be paid at a higher rate. Alternatively, the player can increase the paytable in exchange for a less favorable game state.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a multi-player wagered networked bingo game. The system comprises a game controller operatively connected to at least two client devices. The game controller is preferably programmed to operate the networked bingo game and form patterns on a playing pieces associated with each client device. The game controller is preferably programmed to compare a plurality of intermediate patterns on each playing piece associated with each client device to determine if one of the intermediate patterns from the playing piece on at least two different client devices identically matches. The game controller can also be programmed to award an intermediate prize to each client device with the identically matched intermediate pattern and to conclude the networked bingo game when at least one pattern on the playing piece of at least one client device matches a game ending pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods conduct a wagering game having a game set of numbers and a bonus track. A player selects a selection set of numbers from the game set. An outcome set of numbers from the game set is randomly generated. The player is rewarded, based upon a pay table, for matches between numbers in the selection set and the outcome set. If a bonus trigger condition is fulfilled, a bonus element uses a spinner to randomly determine movement of a game piece around the bonus track to identify a bonus feature that is implemented to further engage the player.

Abstract: A game for a gaming machine having a plurality of different items to be selected by a player, each item having a value in an amount preset for a given bonus round, and a respective initial quantity in a preset amount. The player selects an item, such as one of many items for purchase in a store, and the value for that item is registered, along with subtraction of a unit from the quantity of that item. Provided that the quantity for that item selected is not then zero, the player continues to select another item, with registration of the value for that item and subtraction until an item is selected thereby having a zero quantity.

Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides and tracks bonus event eligibility points accumulated by players playing the gaming devices in the gaming system. Upon a triggering of a bonus event, the gaming system generates, for each bonus event eligibility point accumulated for each player, a random number from a predefined range of numbers. The gaming system determines which one of the accumulated bonus event eligibility points is the designated bonus event eligibility point, such as by determining which bonus event eligibility point is associated with the highest valued random number generated. The gaming system then enables the player that accumulated the designated bonus event eligibility point to participate in the bonus event. In the bonus event, one or more awards are provided to the player that accumulated the designated bonus event eligibility point.

Abstract: The invention relates to charitable gaming, and particularly the association of a player's wagering game play with one or more charitable entities. Other aspects of the invention comprise grouping of players with charitable entities and the allocation of gaming sessions, such as periods of time, with one or more charitable entities.

Abstract: An electronic video poker machine configured to allow play of multiple hands of video poker. The electronic video poker machine comprises 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 three cards all face up, wherein a computer uses selected hold cards of the first hand to select the best poker hand for a second and subsequent poker hands. If the hold cards from the first hand make the best possible poker hands, they are used to replace one or more selected cards of the second and subsequent hands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that uses digital signature technology to authenticate the contents of one or more manifests located on a storage device. Each manifest contains a list of file records, where each record contains the name of a file stored on the storage device, and a SHA1 hash value derived from the contents of the file. At boot time, the gaming machine first authenticates the contents of the manifest and then verifies the contents of the files using the SHA1 value stored in the manifest. Files are verified using the SHA1, as they are needed, during the boot up of the operating system and throughout normal operation. This method reduces the boot time of the gaming machine and eliminates the need to check digital signatures for each individual file or over the entire contents of a non-secure media.

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

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game on an electronic gaming system provides: i) an image of a virtual playing card having frames within m columns and n rows wherein each of m and n are at least 3; ii) providing a random distribution of individual numbers within the frames, the individual numbers selected from within a complete defined set of numbers; iii) recognizing a wager; iv) selecting a second set of numbers smaller than the complete defined set; v) identifying on the monitor selected numbers matching individual random numbers within the frames; vi) identifying when consecutive frames have at least p matched individual random numbers within frames in a column, row or diagonal; vii) resolving the at least wager such that a) when matched individual random numbers do or do not form at least p adjacent frames.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein employs a symbol accumulation sequence and a symbol evaluation sequence. The symbol accumulation sequence includes an accumulation of a designated quantity of symbols in association with a persistence game. The symbol accumulation sequence also includes the maintenance of a persistence game arrangement that displays a designated quantity of currently accumulated symbols (which in certain instances, includes some, but not all of the total number of symbols accumulated). In one embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on the accumulated symbols of the persistence game. In another embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on at least one of the accumulated symbols of the persistence game and at least one symbol generated for a current play of a wagering game.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein includes an accumulation sequence and a competition sequence. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes competitor points which determine (i) a competitor's eligibility to participate in the competition sequence and (ii) the competitor's relative probability of success in the competition sequence. In this embodiment, a competitor (which is either representative of an actual player or a virtual, gaming system controlled player) accumulates competitor points during one or more point accumulation sequences which occur in association with designated events. For a subsequent competition sequence, the gaming system determines if a competitor will participate in the triggered competition sequence based on the competitor's accumulated competitor points.

Abstract: A method of allowing a player to play a keno-type game on a gaming machine is described herein. The method includes displaying the keno-type game including a plurality of game symbols. The plurality of game symbols includes a set of player selectable game symbols and a non-player selectable game symbol. A first collection of game symbols is selected from the set of player selectable game symbols. A second collection of game symbols is randomly selected from the set of player selectable game symbols and the non-player selectable game symbol. The method includes determining if a triggering condition occurs, wherein the triggering condition is defined as at least one of the randomly selected game symbols in the second collection matching the non-player selectable game symbol, and generating a game outcome based on the selected first collection and the selected second collection and the occurrence of the triggering condition.

Abstract: Techniques for providing progressive games in a gaming environment are disclosed. Progressive configuration data can effectively define one or more progressive games for a gaming environment that includes one or more gaming machines. The progressive gaming data can, for example, be provided as a set of rules (e.g., rules in an XSLT form). A progressive configurator uses the progressive configuration data and gaming data received from the gaming machines in order to effectively implement one or more progressive games. The gaming data can, for example, include information about a gaming machine (e.g., serial number, network, location), one or more games available on the gaming machine (e.g., type of the game, minimum and maximum bet for a game), and data regarding a specific game instance (e.g., amount wagered, outcome of a game instance).

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises at least one mechanical reel, and a video display device disposed over the at least one mechanical reel. The video display device is controllable to display for each mechanical reel a virtual reel representative of the mechanical reel, and so as to be disposed in an operative first state wherein the at least one virtual reel is viewable on the video display device, or a substantially transparent second state. The gaming system also comprises a shutter device positioned between the video display device and the at least one mechanical reel and disposable in a first state wherein the at least one mechanical reel is revealed or a second state wherein the at least one mechanical reel is concealed. During use, either the mechanical reel(s) or the virtual reel(s) representative of the mechanical reel(s) are viewable by a player.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for providing game features. In a game of chance involving at least one outcome, a plurality of alternative outcomes can be derived for a gaming event, such as when one of the outcomes will provide a payout at or above a certain level. The player is presented with an opportunity to select among the alternative outcomes, without being aware of the particular characteristics or values associated with the outcomes. While the player will only select the outcome having the payout at/above the threshold level a certain percentage of the time, the opportunity can be presented to the player more often, while keeping the mathematical probabilities the same or similar if desired, thereby providing the player with the feeling of getting higher value opportunities more often.

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

Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a reel having an outer circumferential surface on which symbols are lined up; a reel driving mechanism which rotates the reel to rearrange the symbols; a magnet which is provided in the reel driving mechanism to change an external magnetic field in accordance with the rotation of the reel; a magnetic force detecting mechanism which detects a magnetic force of the external magnetic field so as to output a magnetic force detection signal; a reel setting unit by which the magnetic force detection signal and arrangement positions of the symbols are associated with one another; and a reel drive control unit which controls the reel driving mechanism so that the symbols are rearranged in a predetermined arrangement based on the magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement positions of the symbols.

Abstract: A game of chance and a method of playing a game of chance with a unique format and innovative wagering options, including parlay and progressive betting. At least one player must place at least one bet for the game to commence. Wagers can be placed on one event or multiple random events occurring simultaneously. Winning payouts are calculated based on the odds of the single event or the cumulative odds of multiple simultaneous events. The progressive bet can only be placed if another wager is simultaneously made, and is paid out as a separate bet. Once commenced, the game incorporates a plurality of random event generators to generate outcomes, which are paid out depending on predetermined payout odds. This game and method would be well suited for casinos in table, hybrid or electronic formats. This game could be played as a board game, a video game or a machine game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing at least one input device which enables a player to deposit an amount of money into a gaming device and a memory device configured to store the deposited amount of money. The gaming device displays the deposited amount of money on a credit display. The gaming device includes a wagering game and at least one input device configured to enable the player to initiate a play of the game by inputting a wager using the deposited amount of money. The game includes a plurality of award opportunities. The gaming device determines which of the award opportunities to employ based on the deposited amount of money. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides an enhanced award opportunity if the deposited amount of money is at least a designated amount.