Abstract: Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with a first part (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) that presents first content associated with one or more wagering games and a second part (e.g., a main content display area) that concurrently presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers. Some embodiments are directed to determining, based on concurrent presentation of the first content and the second content, that one or more awards are available from a first of the content providers conditional upon performance of one or more activities indicated by a second of the content providers, and the browser application presents one or more indicators to indicate the one or more awards and/or the one or more activities.

Abstract: A wagering game is played on an electronic system with a processor, a video display screen and a player input system. The processor recognizing a wager, enabling player input at the specific player position. The processor executes code to display a grid of at least 50, preferably at least 80 frames for display of a unique symbol within each frame of the grid. The processor compares recognized at least three symbols at the specific player position with at least 10 symbols selected by the processor. The processor displays a first arrangement of unique symbols within each frame prior to recognizing selection at the specific player position, and B) the processor displays a second arrangement of the same unique symbols after recognizing selection at the specific player position, the first arrangement of symbols being different from the second arrangement of symbols with respect to distribution of symbols among the frames.

Abstract: Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with multiple parts. A first part of the browser (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) presents first content associated with one or more wagering games. Concurrently a second part of the browser (e.g., a main content display area) presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers with a marketing relationship. In some embodiments, in response to concurrent presentation of the first and second content, the browser application detects the marketing relationship between the content providers and presents one or more indicators. The one or more indicators indicate the marketing relationship. For example, the indicators can indicate cross-marketing, available coupons, and/or awards available via the first or second content.

Abstract: A gaming machine for changing a payout ratio through technical intervention of a player is provided. The gaming machine comprises: a display arranging a plurality of symbols; and a control section executing a first game rearranging the plurality of symbols with a preset payout ratio, and awarding a payout to a player on the basis of a result of the first game, and executing a payout ratio increasing game that increases the payout ratio and is only executable when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and awarding a payout to the player on the basis of a result of the payout ratio increasing game, wherein the control section executes the payout ratio increasing game, in which the preset payout ratio changes in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computerized method for playing a lottery game comprises associating at least one electronic image with numbers and enabling the player to use said electronic image to form a combination of entry numbers for the lottery game.

Abstract: Multiple, sequential video poker games wherein a player is dealt a first standard poker hand of 5 cards face up from a deck of cards such as a standard 52 card deck after a pre-determined wager is placed. The player holds or discards selected cards to create a final first poker hand. The Slide Bonus is triggered to play continuing multiple games when any pair is held or drawn in positions 4, 5 of the five card hand. The card positions are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 left to right or right to left.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a game of chance in which profile data for social contacts in a social networking system is used to determine whether a player wins or loses the game of chance. Social contacts are randomly selected from a group of social contacts. The social contacts may be obtained from a single data source or from multiple data sources and aggregated. A game player wins if the randomly selected social contacts have one or more profile attributes that match each other. The game may be presented as a slots based game in which profile pictures for the social contacts are the symbols for the reels of the slots game.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for receiving an indication of a wager, determining at least one balance of a gaming device having a plurality of balances, the at least one balance being associated with the wager, and determining an outcome of a play of the gaming device based on the at least one balance.

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 system and method for increasing player odds at the expense of sharing the jackpot. The interactive lottery game consists in forming as many closed groups as possible, i.e., paid lottery entries, by having players wager small amounts in opened groups, i.e., unpaid lottery entries, before the day of the jackpot draw. Three levels of play are controlled by the system: i) random group play, chosen by players to place wagers; ii) customized group play, chosen by players to close specific groups; and iii) interactive group play for players transferring wagers from players' opened groups to other groups according to game strategies. This is a wiser lottery game because represent higher return on investment for players while increasing house profitability. It defines a new interactive lottery game accessible from any portable device or personal computer as long as players are connected to a network.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a game involving the elimination of game elements are described. Various methods and apparatus of described. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method for implementing a Keno-type wagering game may involve providing game tickets. Each game ticket may include a plurality of numbers. The method may also involve receiving completed game tickets from participating players. Each completed game ticket may include a player selection of a certain quantity of the plurality of numbers. The method may also involve holding a drawing in which multiple numbers are chosen. The method may also involve providing payouts to winning players based on how closely the players' number selections on the game tickets match the numbers chosen in the drawing. At least one number chosen in the drawing may be a bonus number that has greater value than other numbers chosen in the drawing.

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: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may utilize bingo mapping gaming options. The systems and methods may include bingo mapping functionality in a Class II environment.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include managing multiple instances of gaming applications associated with a wagering game client device and determining event data from the multiple instances of gaming applications. The operations can further include aggregating the event data into an event repository and determining that a requesting application requests some portion of the event data. The operations can further include opening a communication channel between the event data repository and the requesting application, formatting the requested portion of the event data in a format understandable to the requesting application, and communicating the requested portion of the event data to the requesting application via the communication channel.

Abstract: Techniques are describe for providing group play events with multiple game devices. Group play events are triggered by any game device that qualifies to participate, so that when any qualifying game device triggers a group play event, all qualifying game devices participate in the group play event. In some situations, a probability for triggering a group play event is adjusted to accommodate for a dynamically changing number of game devices that qualify over time.

Abstract: A number picking game such as keno which incorporates sports animations into the visual presentation when numbers are picked by a random number generator. A player indicates the player's selection of numbers. Randomly generated numbers are determined. Animated athletes can cast a projectile onto a grid of numbers, the projectile colliding with a number on the grid and thus picking that number. The animated athletes will thus pick all of the randomly generated numbers while they are playing their sports. The player's selected numbers and the randomly generated numbers are compared and an award is made to the player based on a number of matches.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas. The gaming system may incorporate a user profile feature according to which certain information regarding users of the system may be maintained. Such information can include, without limitation, information relating to preferences, finances, activities participated in by the users, and trends and habits of the users.

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: The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to an active display button. In various embodiments, an active display button may generally be a button containing one or more elements that move when the button is engaged. By example, and not limitation, these elements may include one or more reels, be they mechanical or video, or perhaps a rotating indicator. The active display button may also include lights, vibratory motors and other experience-enhancing implements. The active display button may be installed on a gaming machine and operated in conjunction with the gaming device, separate from the gaming machine on which it is installed or perhaps as part of the operation of the gaming machine.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, a poker game or the like. The EGM (1) displays a gaming image on a display (5), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and receives player instructions via an input (6) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or manage the cards. The EGM (1) includes a guarantee feature in which an event is guaranteed to trigger if a monitored event (e.g. of the same type as the guaranteed event) does not occur within a set amount of gameplay. A guarantee indicator (9), e.g. a numerical countdown or gauge, indicates the remaining amount of gameplay required before the guarantee feature triggers. The monitored and/or guaranteed event may be a win event or a feature event, e.g. the triggering of a bonus round, free game or the like.

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 gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of players with an opportunity to win a plurality of progressive awards maintained by the gaming system. The gaming system accumulates a quantity of progressive event points for each player playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points for a designated player to determine which one or more of the progressive awards the designated player wins. In another embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points to determine the designated player's probability of winning one or more of the progressive awards. Accordingly, the gaming system provides a point-based system in which either a progressive award to win or a probability of winning a progressive award is determined based on the quantities of progressive event points accumulated by the players.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for preserving game state data for an asynchronous persistent group bonus game may have a plurality of gaming machines associated with the asynchronous persistent group bonus game and at least one network server having at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory. The processor may be configured to determine whether a bonus game session is triggered on any of the plurality of gaming machines; and if the bonus game session is triggered, display live game monitor activities, and periodically save the persistent bonus game state and other data on the at least one non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An instant lottery game and a draw based lottery game may be established. The instant lottery game is based on a set of rules of a playing card game. The draw based lottery game is based on a symbol matching set of rules. A random selection of a subset of a deck of playing card indicia may be generated concurrently with a purchase of a lottery ticket having the instant lottery game and the draw based lottery game. A ticket printer prints the subset of the deck of playing card indicia on a lottery ticket according to an order of the random selection and a plurality of order indicia such that each indicium in the plurality of order indicia has an association with a playing card indicium in the deck of playing card indicia to indicate an order in the subset of the deck of playing card indicia.

Abstract: An asynchronous persistent group bonus game system, method and apparatus may have a plurality of gaming machines including a first processor and a bonus server having a second processor. The first processor may be configured to: determine when a bonus game session event is triggered, transmit a bonus game session request to the second processor, and receive an end session notification from the second processor. The second processor may be configured to execute and maintain the always-on asynchronous persistent group bonus game, receive a bonus game session request from at least one of the plurality of gaming machines, instantiate a bonus game session inside the continuous asynchronous persistent group bonus game for the at least one gaming machine, determine when an end session trigger has been triggered for the bonus game session, and transmit an end session notification to the at least one gaming machine if it is determined that the end session condition has been triggered.

Abstract: A gaming machine 10 includes: a display device configured to display a plurality of symbols to be continuously arranged; and a controller 30. The controller 30 executes processing operations of: (a1) sequentially executing game processing for a plurality of players and then according to a result of the game processing, determining any of the symbols is to be assigned to a respective one of the players; (a2) paying out a prize according to the symbols that are assigned according to a result of the determination; and (a3) generating a scramble event in which the assigned symbols are scrambled between the plurality of players, in a case where the prize is identical as to the plurality of players.

Abstract: A keno game is tied to video content such that events in the video content determine the outcome of the keno game. The outcome determinative events are selected from a set of potential outcome determinative events and marked with cues when the video content is displayed to the keno players and other video content watchers. The cues may be audible or visual and accentuate the fact that an outcome determinative event has occurred. If the player's wager has enough of the outcome determinative events selected relative to the actual outcome determinative events, the player may receive a benefit.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a bonus game triggered by a start-bonus outcome and for presenting a plurality of player-selectable elements. Each of the player-selectable elements has a predetermined random outcome associated therewith. A game feature associated with the bonus game is configured to introduce a computer-generated player on the display. The computer-generated player randomly selects at least one player-selectable element from the plurality of player-selectable elements.

Abstract: An automated raffle game and method making use of prize pools, the prize pools having elements, the elements representing one of: winning prizes; or, both winning prizes and no-win (0 value) prizes. Raffle tickets are associated with a prize pool. Upon closure of the game, either by a time-out or by number of tickets sold, a number of elements are taken from the pool. The number of elements taken from the pool is directly related to the number of tickets associated with the pool and further depends on which type of pool is being used (one having only win-elements or both win and 0-value elements). The results are sent to the player terminal, where a player may simply take a winning voucher or ticket, or, may chose to view an entertainment display.

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 gaming system and method providing a plurality of games, including a first type of game and a second type of game. The gaming system includes a progressive award which includes or is in the form of a progressive number or quantity of plays of the second type of game. The gaming system enables the player to play the first type of game. The gaming system increases the progressive award based on an occurrence of one or more incrementing conditions. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system determines the progressive award to provide to the player and provides the determined award to the player.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention provide a Keno game on a gaming machine wherein an outcome of a second game is also presented. The second game may be a Class III game such as a slot game, a video poker game, etc. Some such aspects of the invention involve providing a Keno game in which the Keno card is divided into N areas and a single number within each of the N areas is selected for the Keno game. Other aspects of the invention provide methods of populating a pay table of another game with outcomes of a Keno game.

Abstract: An account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. 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.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture provide for the distribution of a payout amount associated with a lottery ticket being conditioned or otherwise based on the payout amount. Some embodiments provide for determining a positive payout amount associated with a lottery ticket and determining at least one recipient and/or beneficiary of the positive payout amount based on (i) the positive payout amount and/or (ii) a recipient or beneficiary associated with the lottery ticket and/or the payout amount. In one embodiment, larger prizes (e.g., a jackpot prize, a prize greater than a predetermined threshold payout amount) are awarded to the player(s) of a virtual lottery ticket (e.g., shared by the players), and smaller prizes are distributed to a charitable organization (e.g., other than any of the players) selected by one or more players of the lottery ticket.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, a method includes executing a wagering game that generates instructions for control of a number of mechanical reels. The method also includes converting the instructions for controlling the number of mechanical reels into identifiers of video sequences stored in machine-readable media. The video sequences comprising a display representative of a stop result of the mechanical reels. The method includes retrieving the video sequences from the machine-readable media. The method includes displaying the video sequences on displays for video reels of a wagering game machine.

Abstract: A method for adapting a game of bingo to a lottery, includes predetermining a plurality of bingo faces to achieve a desired liability profile. One or more of the plurality of bingo faces are distributed. Random call numbers are generated until a desired pattern is achieved on one or more of the distributed bingo faces.

Abstract: A video output signal analyzes that analyzes a video output signal to determine game play information. In video poker, card values and player strategies can be determined based on a “reverse encoding” of the video signal to determine the original video bitmap. The bitmap can then be analyzed to determine what is taking place during a game, without having to receive this information directly from the processing unit that is actually implementing the game.

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: A video-based gaming device and method of using the same. The gaming device includes a primary game configured to present a game of chance wherein outcomes of the game of chance are based on bingo ball draws and patterns formed on bingo cards, and a bonus game activated by certain pre-established primary game outcomes wherein the bonus game presents one or more bonus game icons each associated with a separate bonus game award from a set of bonus game awards wherein each bonus game award is determined by mapping a set of bonus game patterns to the set of bonus game awards by an order that the bonus game patterns forming the set of bonus game patterns are achieved by applying an original ball draw, in an order bingo balls were originally drawn, to an original bingo card, and randomly assigning the bonus game patterns to the bonus game icons.

Abstract: A gaming system and method involving a game having a plurality of symbols. The gaming system displays a play of the game on a first display while displaying a sequence of the symbols on a second display. The gaming system includes one award associated with the play and another award associated with a characteristic in common between a symbol displayed on the first display and a symbol indicated on the second display.

Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving one or more configuration inputs to create at least one wagering game configuration. The at least one wagering game configuration comprises at least one base game and at least one portal game. The at least one base game is operable in response to receipt of a primary wager, the primary wager being within a range of allowable wagers. The range includes minimum and maximum allowable wagers. The at least one portal game having a set of eligibility criteria. The method further comprises creating a plurality of wager categories based upon the set of eligibility criteria and a size of the primary wager, activating participation in the at least one portal game if the set of eligibility criteria is satisfied, and metering the entire primary wager to a single wager category.

Abstract: A wagering game is played on an electronic system with a processor, a video display screen and a player input system. The processor recognizing a wager, enabling player input at the specific player position. The processor executes code to display a grid of at least 50, preferably at least 80 frames for display of a unique symbol within each frame of the grid. The processor compares recognized at least three symbols at the specific player position with at least 10 symbols selected by the processor. The processor displays a first arrangement of unique symbols within each frame prior to recognizing selection at the specific player position, and B) the processor displays a second arrangement of the same unique symbols after recognizing selection at the specific player position, the first arrangement of symbols being different from the second arrangement of symbols with respect to distribution of symbols among the frames.

Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, games, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a gaming device comprises a display screen that presents a game. The game presented on the display screen comprises one or more game icons for display in various locations on the display screen, wherein the game presents an animated icon upon the occurrence of a triggering event such that the animated icon produces one or more wild icons that move about the display screen before being positioned in fixed locations on the display screen. Additionally, the gaming device includes a means for activating the game and triggering the presentation of the animated icon, and a means for determining whether one or more combinations of the game icons and the wild icons form any winning combinations.

Abstract: A method of operating a machine-implemented casino-style game includes receiving, with a game machine, a first wager from a human player of the machine-implemented casino-style game, the first wager entitling the human player to a payout if the human player wins the casino-style game, receiving a second wager from the player, the second wager entitling the player to view hidden indicia indicative of the status of machine-implemented game after the game is commenced and to receive a payout if the status of the machine-implemented game matches or exceeds a predetermined criteria, displaying to the player the hidden indicia indicating the position of the machine-implemented game and if the status of the machine-implemented game meets or exceeds the predetermined criteria, providing the human player with a payout.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.

Abstract: An arcade type amusement game is disclosed having a housing with a playing field therein, the game further comprising a turntable and a counter rotating pointer. A pair of motors control the rotation and counter rotation of the turntable and pointer, initiated and stopped by player controls. The coincidence of the pointer over the turntable's sectors determine a reward for the player, modified by a quadrant of the playing field to which the pointer comes to rest.

Abstract: In a gaming method, player symbol data indicative of a plurality of sets of player symbols associated with a player may be received. Each player symbol is selected from a plurality of possible symbols. An indication that the player submitted a wager associated with the plurality of sets of player symbols may be received. Winning symbol data indicative of a set of winning symbols from the plurality of possible symbols may be received. A value payout based on respective numbers of winning symbols in respective sets of player symbols may be determined, wherein for at least some value payouts the value payout is different than a sum of a plurality of individual value payouts, each individual payout based on the respective number of winning symbols in the corresponding set of player symbols. Player payout data indicative of the value payout may be transmitted.

Abstract: A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines.