Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided.

Abstract: A method for playing a casino gaming device including a select and drag feature is disclosed. In one embodiment, a player selects values for multiple positions or spots on a game of chance, such as a lottery style game. The player initially selects a value in one of the game positions. The player touches a touch-screen display or other input device located above the game position displaying the initially selected value, and then touches any other game position to copy the initially selected value into the other game positions. In one method, the player touches the touch-screen display located above the touch-screen display, and then drags the initially selected value across the remaining game positions with his finger to set the values for the remaining game positions to the initially selected value.

Abstract: A printer on a networked gaming device can be controlled by the network to generate awards. The printer can operate as both a typical printer in a gaming device and as a printer for the gaming network, or separate printers can be installed in the gaming device. If the particular player has identified himself or herself to the gaming network, then the gaming system has a very high probability that it is communicating to a known player. Therefore, the printer operates as a direct communication conduit to a player. Additionally, previously issued awards can be redeemed by a validator coupled to the gaming network.

Abstract: The invention consists in a method of playing a participation game involving comparison of players' objects (a.k.a. game cards) with a common object (a.k.a. draw result) remaining the same until the end of the game. The method involves players placing requests. Upon reception of requests, the system provides the requesting player with a game card and the active draw result. The system evaluates if a comparison between the game card and draw result fulfills an end-of-game criterion. When such criterion is fulfilled, the game card is declared a winning card and the system prevents the distribution of new cards. Otherwise, the system continues providing cards until the criterion is fulfilled. Accordingly, a suitable system is also described for the play of said participation game.

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: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.

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 gaming machine for conduction a wagering game is disclosed according to one embodiment. The gaming machine comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager to play the wagering game. The wagering game further includes at least one display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of a basic game of the wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is indicated by a plurality of symbols. At least one of the symbols is a bonus symbol that triggers a bonus game in response to a certain condition being met. In response to the randomly selected outcome including at least one bonus symbol without the certain condition being met, the at least one bonus symbol may be utilized in a subsequent basic game to trigger a bonus game in the subsequent basic game if the certain condition is met.

Abstract: A display system includes a cabinet, a transparent dashboard and a lighting system. The dashboard is fabricated to have at least two refractive indices such that when light from the lighting system is projected therethrough, a unique lighting effect is created.

Abstract: A method of commerce including ecommerce that combines sports betting and a securities market exchange. Options are created that represent a wager that a chosen team will win a specific competition or at least beat the spread. Equally priced options are exchanged for a ticket value between registered account holders through a website Controller before the start of a sporting competition. The Controller ceases formation of options before the start of the sporting competition. Registered account holder may buy and sell tickets to each other before and during the competition. Valuation of ticket prices fluctuates after the start of the competition and is established by a sports-specific formula, a market value proscribed by each ticket holder, a counteroffer proffered by an interested buyer, or a combination thereof. The Controller extracts a transaction fee for any or all sales and/or transactions.

Abstract: A casino style card game, played in accordance with the standard rules of Blackjack, also known as “21,” and including an auxiliary component allowing additional wagering on the outcome of the dealer's hand for each participating player. Participating players are able to wager on the dealer having a non-breaking hand (i.e., a hand having a value less than 21 in accordance with the rules of Blackjack) containing two, three, four, five, six, or seven cards. Wagers may also be made on the dealer having an even or odd count, or an all read or all black hand. A return is paid on wagers in the auxiliary game only if the dealer hand does not “bust” (i.e, exceed a value of 21). The game is also playable in electronic or other automated versions using, for example, terminals and networks, or slot machines.

Abstract: A electronic gaming device that distributes data based awards has been developed. The gaming device includes an outcome processor that determines certain machine events and an award delivery device that delivers data based awards in response to the machine events.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gaming machine system and method including a perceived skill component comprising a skill-based award and a supplemental award that, when summed, are equal in value to a predetermined award.

Abstract: In a method of playing a game, secondary indicia are used to provide information regarding game status. In one embodiment, a wagering game such as video keno, video slots or video poker is presented using one or more first indicia such as keno numbers, cards or slot symbols. Secondary indicia are displayed at one or more times to provide game state information such as information regarding win or loss, matching or un-matching symbols, correct or incorrect selections or the like. Preferably, the secondary indicia have one characteristic or attribute indicating one game state (such as a winning selection or outcome) and another characteristic indicating another game statue (such as a losing selection or outcome). One embodiment of the invention is a keno game in which secondary indicia are displayed to provide information regarding whether the player's selected numbers have matched or not.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The gaming machine further comprises a selector applicable to a game feature where, upon a trigger condition occurring in a base game, a player is afforded an opportunity of predicting an outcome of the feature and, if the player's prediction is correct, a bonus is awarded to the player.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a lottery game at a retail establishment wherein players purchase goods or services involve a player placing a wager that is a function of the purchase price of the goods or services purchased at the retail establishment. A lottery draw is conducted at the time of purchase of the goods or services, or at a later time, wherein the probability of winning the draw is a function of the amount of the wager. For a winning draw, the player is awarded a prize that is a function of the purchase price of the goods or services.

Abstract: A gaming machine system includes a system controller, and a plurality of gaming machines linked to the system controller. Each gaming machine has a first display and a game controller controlling images of symbols displayed on the first display and operable to play a game wherein at least one random event is displayed on the first display. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. During play of a feature game, feature images are displayed on a second display. The system further includes a remote display that is visible to anyone at the gaming machines. Images appearing on the displays of any of the gaming machines participating in the feature game are related to images displayed on the remote display, and the feature images are used in determining outcomes on those gaming machines participating in the feature game.

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 includes: a first display device which displays a plurality of symbols which can be variably displayed and stop displayed; a second display device which, being provided in front of the first display device, can display an image and can be switched to a transmissive condition or a non-transmissive condition; and a controller which controls the first display device and the second display device, the controller, in a case in which a combination of a plurality of symbols reaches a condition in which it lacks one symbol of a prescribed combination, putting at least a portion in front of symbols other than a last stop displayed symbol into the non-transmissive condition.

Abstract: An enhanced gaming system utilizes a touch panel as a user control device for game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a gaming device environment. The enhanced gaming system includes a set of reels, a panel, and a user control device. The panel overlays a set of reels. The set of reels are visible through at least one portion of the panel. The user control interface includes a substantially transparent touch panel overlaying the reels. In one embodiment, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin direction in correspondence with direction in which the touch panel is touched by the user. In another aspect, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin speed in correspondence with the speed in which the user touches the touch panel.

Abstract: Non-transitive gaming elements, including a first, a second and a third one or more gaming elements, respectively, wherein the second provides an advantage represented by higher scores, on average, as compared with the scores of the first, the third provides an advantage represented by higher scores, on average, as compared with the scores of the second and the first provides an advantage represented by higher scores, on average, as compared with the scores of the third, and wherein each of the three respective advantages are all less than 3 percent and each advantage does not differ from the mean of the three advantages by more than 20 percent.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture are disclosed that comprise receiving, from one or more client terminals, two or more purchase requests, wherein each of the purchase requests identifies a wager for one or more multi-player games. A wager result is then determined for each wager at the time of purchase and stored in a database. Once all the wagers for an instance of a game are received, an outcome, such as a set of cards, is determined for each player and, if appropriate, the house (the host of the game). The outcome for each player is based on the previously determined wager result(s) and the type of game played. The outcome(s) are then stored with the wager(s) and wager result(s) in a transaction history file corresponding to each of the game's patrons (players) and in a game status file.

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: Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having a horserace bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which serve to advance one or more horses toward a finish line. In some embodiments, a progressive award associated with the winning horse is paid to a player. In other embodiments, multiple progressive awards may be paid in the event of a tie.

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.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for facilitating game play. The gaming apparatus may include a value input device, a display unit, and a player control panel. The player control panel may include a curved surface centered around at least one axis. The gaming apparatus also may include a touch screen, the touch screen conforming to the curved surface of the player control panel. A value input may be received from a player via the value input device, and the display unit may be caused to display a game display. One of a plurality of player input displays may be selected and display the selected one of the plurality of player input displays. Player input data associated with the selected one of the plurality of player input displays may be received via the touch screen, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.

Abstract: A 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: A system and method for implementing a secondary lottery game with a first instant lottery game in an instant lottery game ticket is disclosed. The player purchases an instant lottery game, where chances for winning instant prizes are provided to the player. The player may also be provided a chance to win entry with predetermined entry indicia into a secondary lottery game if the instant lottery ticket indicates that the player has won a ticket to the secondary lottery game.

Abstract: A roulette game allows players to place wagers across multiple roulette wheels. The player designates the amount of the wager, the particular outcomes on which the wager is contingent, and how many tables are covered by the wager. A control system automatically selects one or more tables across which the wager is based. The selection may be based on location of the player relative to the tables, impending outcomes from the tables, or other criteria as desired.

Abstract: A gaming table, method and device including a plurality of rotors interchangeably operable in a decoupled mode and a coupled mode. The system includes a rotor coupler and a coupler actuator. The system provides an award associated with an indication of a combination of symbols of the rotors.

Abstract: A method of conducting a plurality of wagering games on a group of gaming machines includes receiving wagers from players at the group of gaming machines. In response to a triggering condition associated with a gaming machine of the group of gaming machines, the method further includes presenting a special event on the gaming machine, and changing a set of wagering game symbols required to achieve a known award on at least another one of the group of gaming machines.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprises providing a jackpot game in addition to a main game, the jackpot game being displayed independently of the main game. Play of the jackpot game affects at least one of the awarding of a jackpot prize and value of a jackpot prize pool from which the jackpot prize is awarded.

Abstract: In one aspect a switch can be placed on any existing video gaming machine. A player can be informed that they have the option to play other games on the video gaming machine. The switch can be either an icon on the video gaming machine's video or a physical switch. Once the player touches the icon or presses the physical switch as an indication of his or her interest to play other games a server can take control of the video display and its touch screen. Similarly, when the player is playing any of the additional games available on video gaming machine, there will be an icon or a switch button to offer the option to go back to the slot's original game.

Abstract: A gaming table, method and device including a plurality of rotors interchangeably operable in a decoupled mode and a coupled mode. The system includes a rotor coupler and a coupler actuator. The system provides an award associated with an indication of a combination of symbols of the rotors.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein is a sports fantasy game, having a roster of fantasy players for each user, and a slot machine-like apparatus that provides a limited number of spins for populating the roster of fantasy players. Also disclosed herein is a method of conducting the above described game. Further described and claimed are various modifications and enhancements.

Abstract: A community game having a “winner-takes-all” feature in which at least one eligible proxy winning player of a round of the community game, which is initiated by a triggering event and is played by multiple players at linked gaming terminals, accrues the highest award among the awards accrued by other proxy players of the community game. The winning proxy player must satisfy an eligibility criterion to participate in the community game and to be eligible to receive the winner-takes-all award, which includes all of the awards accrued by the winning eligible proxy player during one or more rounds and at least the other respective awards accrued by the other proxy players during the round(s). These awards can include those accrued by non-eligible proxy players as well, who are awarded nothing at the end of the round(s). Non-winning eligible proxy players of the community game are awarded whatever awards they accrued during the round(s).

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are described for producing wagering products and conducting wagering games. In one embodiment, a method for producing a lottery product comprises producing a play slip that includes an indication of at least one event that potentially occurs in a corresponding content (e.g., audio/video content) component of the lottery product. In one embodiment, a unit of the corresponding content is provided to a player along with a play slip.

Abstract: A lottery game system and methodology incorporates a terminal-based game component and a subsequent interactive-based game component. A player is provided access and is entitled to participation in the interactive-based game component as a function of a winning outcome in the terminal-based game component. The interactive-based game component may incorporate a wagering function.

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 method and arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a first wireless transceiver. A portable data unit includes a second wireless transceiver. In response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, a wireless transmission link is established between the first and second wireless transceivers. The wireless transmission link may, for example, be a radio (RF) link or an infrared (IR) link. Information is transmitted between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.

Abstract: A device includes a data processor executing program instructions for a wagering game. The program instructions include receiving a wager and a selection set from a player. A selection is received from the player, or randomly chosen, to locate a multi-spot template comprising a pattern of multiple spots on a matrix. An outcome set is selected and the player is rewarded in accordance with a pay table for matches between the selection set and the outcome set. The multi-spot templates are examined for a bonus trigger condition such as all the spots in the multi-spot template containing members of the outcome set. If a bonus trigger condition is fulfilled, a bonus feature is conducted.

Abstract: A gaming machine having spinning reels and methods for operating the gaming machine use a computer and/or software instructions to align a home position of each spinning reel or a home position of a reel strip mounted on each spinning reel with a target position on the gaming machine. An optical detector unit using an optical strip on the spinning reel may be used to align a home position with a pay line on the gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming device having unisymbol display reels, wherein each symbol on a display of the gaming device represents or is included on a different reel. The structure of the paylines of the gaming device is such that the gaming device can include different reel strips having different winning symbols or different proportions of winning symbols, while still maintaining payout symbols and payout combinations that have uniform odds and uniform payouts.

Abstract: A method, system, device and computer readable medium are described, in which a wagering game and a secondary game may be provided at a gaming device, wherein the secondary game comprises detecting an occurrence of a trigger; determining, responsive to the trigger, a player number based on a first criterion; determining, responsive to the trigger, a match number based on a second criterion; and determining if the match number meets a third criterion with respect to the player number.

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 method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game are disclosed. After a player makes a wager, a display depicts a combination of symbols. If the displayed combination yields a predetermined award and meets a predetermined criterion, a win multiplier feature is invoked. In the win multiplier feature the symbols of the combination are associated with respective multipliers, and then the player is prompted to select one of the symbols of the combination. The display reveals the multiplier associated with the selected symbol. The predetermined award is multiplied by the revealed multiplier.

Abstract: A gaming device having a game which includes a predicted number of matches, and an actual number of matches. An award is provided to the player that is based on the absolute value of the difference between the predicted number of matches and the actual number of matches.

Abstract: A gaming system and method that analyzes and evaluates a player's play input in accordance with a statistically optimal play and generates an acknowledgement where the play input is consistent with an optimum play in response to a particular game condition. The gaming system features at least one display device, at least one player input device, at least one programmable processor coupled to the display device and at least one storage unit coupled to the processor. The storage unit stores a plurality of instructions executable by the programmable processor for performing the method.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine for playing a game with area and numerical winning thresholds. The method and machine present a plurality of distinct elements which are grouped into a plurality of subsets whereby a player can select both a sub-plurality of elements and at least one subset. A set of random elements is selected from the set of elements which also determines at least one random subset. The set of random elements is compared to the sub-plurality of player selected elements and the player selected subset to the random subset. A player is rewarded if the set of random elements and the set of player selected elements have a pre-determined minimum number of common elements and/or if the plurality of player selected subsets and the plurality of random subsets have a second, pre-determined minimum number of common subsets.

Abstract: A gaming device including a first player interactive game requiring one or more player inputs which result in an outcome. The outcome does not result in an award provided to the player. In one embodiment, the gaming device determines a paytable employed in the wagering game based on an outcome of the interactive game. In another embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of different wagering games. The gaming device determines which wagering game to provide to the player based, at least in part, on the outcome of the interactive game. Other suitable functions can be employed in the wagering game based on the outcome of the interactive game in accordance with the present invention. In any embodiment, the gaming device provides an outcome to the player for the wagering game which can result in an award.

Abstract: It is possible to select plural types of drawing games in accordance with a condition and to provide a game player with the selected drawing games.