Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and method disclosed herein maintains a designated award which is associated with a variable score for a skill-based game. In one such embodiment, the gaming system enables a player to play a game, wherein the gaming system forms a score for the player. The player's formed score is based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player during the play of the skill-based game (i.e., which tends to measure one or more aspects of that player's skills). If the player's score does not reach the variable score associated with the designated award, the gaming system modifies the variable score associated with the designated award of that skill-based game. If the player's score reaches or exceeds the variable score associated with the designated award, the gaming system provides the player a designated quantity of opportunities to win the maintained designated award.

Abstract: Various embodiments of payout systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment, among others, comprises providing a defined payout amount and a player adjustable payout volatility for a video gaming device, and responsive to player input, modifying the payout volatility while maintaining the defined payout amount.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a game and for creating computer-generated game quests, which are referred to as dynamic quests. One method includes an operation for identifying a template for creating a dynamic quest. The dynamic quest includes quest tasks and quest rewards, which are provided to a player upon completion of the quest tasks in the game. The template includes template tasks and template rewards. Further, the method includes an operation for selecting one or more template tasks for the quest tasks, and an operation for selecting one or more template rewards for the quest rewards. The dynamic quest is created in the game with the selected one or more template tasks and the selected one or more template rewards.

Abstract: An interactive gaming system is disclosed. The system comprises at least one sensor that conveys information to the system about the physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, psychological or other type of ability of a user. The system uses the information to assess the existence and extent of a disability, and then implements a change to an aspect of the gaming environment, thus optimizing the gaming experience for the game player by accounting for the game player's disabilities.

Abstract: A method of determining liability for a plurality of multiples bets placed via a computerised betting system, each multiples bet comprising a single transaction on a plurality of outcomes selected from a group of possible transactions, the method comprising selecting a most popular transaction from the group, evaluating all other transactions within the group on the basis that the most popular transaction is a winning transaction to produce a first result, evaluating all other transactions within the group on the basis that the most popular transaction is not a winning transaction to produce a second result and selecting one of the first and second results that indicates the worst case liability.

Abstract: In a game system including a single or a plurality of game apparatuses, a first game execution unit executes a first game in accordance with an instruction of a player inputted via an input unit. A second game execution unit executes a second game in accordance with an instruction of the player inputted via the input unit. The second game execution unit sets a new game mode of a first degree of difficulty so as to be accessible in the second game in response to an execution result of the first game having satisfied a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: conducting a game requiring a player to make a choice between at least one optimal action and at least one sub-optimal action having a lower return to player than the optimal action such that the difference between the sub-optimal action and the optimal action represents a lost return to player; receiving a player choice of an action; and conducting a trial for an award in which the probability of success is controlled to provide an expected return to player from the trial that compensates the player for the lost return to player in response to determining that the choice is a sub-optimal action.

Abstract: A gaming system has at least one display adapted to display a wagering game including the display of a player's hand and a computer opponent's hand in a card-based wagering game, a player input device, and a controller. The controller is operative to award to a player an award from a pay table for a player's hand having a winning combination associated with the pay table, regardless of a rank of the computer's opponent hand relative to the player's hand.

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

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.

Abstract: A system for electronic interaction in a multi-player lottery system preferably displays information to players regarding various variable duration game rooms. The game rooms may be for durations such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, half an hour, and hour, a week or a month. The player may optionally be provided further information about the game rooms, such as the current prize amounts or the remaining duration of the game room. A clock or time indicates the end of game play in the room. A point tally system including a processor for ranking the players score relative to one another, and a memory for storing the information, the point tally system providing the ranking information to the displays, the point tally system selecting at least the player with the highest score at the expiration of game play as determined by the timer for the variable duration game room. Preferably, the system includes a payment system for providing the lottery winnings to the winner.

Abstract: Methods for low-friction synchronous interaction in multiplayer online games are presented. In one method, a social grid with relationship information is accessed, and a first and a second game boards are executed for a first and a second user, respectively. The first and second boards are managed by the first and the second users, respectively, the social grid including a social link between the first and second users. An assistance request, generated in the second game board, is presented in the first game board. Upon detection of an acceptance of the request by the first user, an animation is generated in the second game board presenting an image sequence appearing as a first-user action in the second game board that completes at least one task associated with the request for assistance, where the action occurs without the first user accessing the second game board.

Abstract: Dynamic user testing implemented in a wager gaming environment allows new content to be tested on-the-fly, and allows the content presented on the wagering game machines to be accordingly varied, while live, based on the dynamic user testing of the new content. Such dynamic user testing allows the new content to be tested without implementing expensive testing processes. Moreover, the new content can be provided on-the-fly for presentation on the wagering game machines without affecting an ongoing wagering game or taking the wagering game machines offline if the new content is determined to be more successful than the current content. Dynamic user testing allows a wager gaming environment to collect data for creating new wagering games, for promoting wagering games, and for testing new content across multiple platforms.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically determining game content based upon dynamically adjusted individual skill levels are provided. Example embodiments provide an Electronic Gaming Engine (“EGE”), which includes a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster for supporting multi-player, individualized skill-based games. In one embodiment, the EGE comprises game flow logic; game content models, for example, question and answer (“Q&A”) challenge models; a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster; one or more scoring modules; challenge data; participant data; and an input/output interface. These components cooperate to determine and assign skill level indexes on an individual basis and to automatically present game content appropriate to each individual player's skill level.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for adjustment of game parameters based on users' performance are described. During play of a game a user's performance is monitored. It is then determined if the player's performance is within a desired range of performance, and game parameters are adjusted if the user's performance is outside the desired range. In a multi-player game, parameters can be adjusted differently for each of the players to make the overall game play more competitive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating mood-based haptic feedback are disclosed. A haptic system includes a sensing device, a digital processing unit, and a haptic generator. The sensing device, in one embodiment, is configured to detect user's modalities in accordance with mood information collected by one or more sensors and capable of issuing a sensing signal in response to the user's modalities. The digital processing unit is capable of identifying a user's condition in accordance with the sensing signal and providing a haptic signal in response to the user's condition. The user's condition, in one aspect, indicates user's mood and/or user's psychological conditions. The haptic generator generates haptic feedback in accordance with the haptic signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for adapting game difficulty through dynamic map generation in a multi-player gaming environment. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for adapting game difficulty through dynamic map generation in a multi-player gaming environment is provided. The method includes creating in memory of a computer a multi-player gaming environment. The method also includes identifying a player in the multi-player gaming environment, looking up performance data of the identified player and correlating the performance data of the identified player with a feature of the multi-player gaming environment. Finally, the method includes modifying the multi-player gaming environment to account for the correlated feature.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system enables a player to place one or more side bets on one or more outcomes associated with one or more bonus events, wherein the player participates in each of such bonus event(s) regardless of when that bonus event is triggered and regardless of which gaming device(s) in the gaming system is associated with the triggering of that bonus event. In another embodiment, the gaming system enables a player to place a side bet which is associated with an eligibility period, such as a designated period of time or a designated quantity of games played. If no bonus events are triggered during the associated eligibility period, the placed side bet is lost and the gaming system does not provide the player any bonus event awards in association with the placed side bet.

Abstract: A game server of a game system includes: a player existence determination unit for determining whether a player exists in a predetermined area (ballpark or the like) of a real world during a predetermined time span; a strength improvement information generation unit for generating strength improvement information which improves the strength of the player when the versus game is to be performed in the in-game match-up area (in-game ballpark) corresponding to the predetermined area when the player existence determination unit determines that the player exists in the predetermined area during the predetermined time span; and a distribution unit for distributing the strength improvement information generated by the strength improvement information generation unit to the terminal device of the player.

Abstract: The casino table yield management data processing system has a minimum bet change recommendation generator receiving casino table occupancy and player betting data and generating recommendation data based on casino game operations model data and business rule data. A timing filter determines when recommendation data is to be presented to an operator. A quantification filter calculates revenue value data of implementing a minimum bet change and determining whether recommendation data is to be presented to an operator.

Abstract: An amusement device that awards prizes has a display and an input device. The amusement device includes a memory that stores at least one electronic game and a system control program. The at least one electronic game has a plurality of play scenarios and is at least partially skill-based. The amusement device also includes a controller operatively coupled to the memory, the input device and the display. The controller controls the display based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from the input device. The controller is configured to permit the user to selectively retrieve from the memory and play the at least one electronic game and determine at least one of an optimum series of requisite moves that will result in an optimal achievable score for a particular play scenario selected from a plurality of play scenarios.

Abstract: Virtual competitive group management systems and methods are provided herein. Exemplary systems may execute methods via one or more processors, which are programmed to compare one or more skill levels of a player to skill levels of a plurality competitors, wherein a skill level is associated with player competitiveness within the interactive game, determine at least one of the plurality of competitors who have at least one skill level that is greater than the skill level of the player, and place the player and the at least one of the plurality of competitors into a competitive group such that the player is at a competitive disadvantage to at least one of the plurality of competitors.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed. Alternatively, the gaming device may determine a multiplier based on the speed of game play, and adjust a base payout table in accordance with the multiplier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that creates virtual events within a virtual world. A virtual event may be akin to a real event, but is completely computer generated within a computer-generated world and is based on statistical measures, either real world or created. Numerous characteristics about the competitors and the competition location parameters are available before a competition event. Based on the known parameters about the location of an event and the characteristics of the participants and their historical past performances in similar events enable bettors to make informed wagers on an event that greatly enhances the satisfaction and involvement in a competition event. As such, histories of virtual events are maintained on actual virtual performance data of competitors in the virtual world. The histories can include all relevant virtual data about a competitor and the past events the competitor competed. Individuals throughout the real-world may place wagers (e.g.

Abstract: A gaming system which maintains a count of the consecutive plays of a game. The system produces a same player stimuli for a designated quantity of the consecutive plays, and the system produces a different player stimuli for one or more of the plays which occur after the designated quantity is reached.

Abstract: A gaming machine for playing an episodic wagering game includes a game display and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of an episodic wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The display further displays creative material content in one or more episodes of the episodic wagering game. The controller is in communication with the game display and is programmable to provide an award based on the randomly selected outcome and, in response to collecting a predetermined number of game items in one or more of the game episodes, cause the display of new creative material content of the wagering game without affecting the expected value of the episodic wagering game.

Abstract: A game apparatus and game control method for controlling and representing magical ability and power of a player character, in an action power control program is provided. The game apparatus and game control method permits the accessing of an unlimited level of magical power available to the player character by affecting a control button on the input device, which then allows for a determination to be made on a proper amount of the unlimited level of magical power based upon the player character's known abilities and vitality to be used, which then in turn permits utilization of said proper amount of the unlimited level of magical power against at least one other character within the video game to obtain a desired result against said at least one other character before a detrimental effect causes a penalty to the player character.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprises displaying play of a wager game having a plurality of stages with progression through the stages being dependent on a predefined gameplay criterion. Each of the stages is associated with a feature event that is awardable to the player in response to a trigger event being detected. In response to determining that a trigger for a particular stage has occurred, the feature event associated with the particular stage as well as the feature event(s) associated with any preceding stages are awarded to the player.

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: In a shooting game device capable of having more than one player play a game, stop control module (M1), generates first stop information (ST1) upon detecting that a first gun unit (30) points out of the screen, and generates second stop information (ST2) upon detecting that a first gun unit (40) points out of the screen. A virtual view position movement module (M2) moves a first virtual view position for a first player and a second virtual view position for a second player at the predetermined speed, but stops the movement of the first virtual view position upon detecting first stop information (ST1) and stops the movement of the second virtual view position upon detecting second stop information (ST2). An image generation module (M4) generates a first image (GD1) for the first player and a second image (GD2) for the second player in a virtual space based on first position information (PS1) showing the first virtual view position and second position information (PS2) showing the second virtual view position.

Abstract: A triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device includes determining an amount of credit on commencement of game play. A number of symbols displayed in the game is adjusted as a function of the amount bet, to thereby affect the probability of a win outcome being generated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods providing an estimated emotional state of a player based on the occurrence of one or more designated events. When a player initiates a gaming session, the gaming system estimates the player's emotional state and generates estimated emotional state data that represents that estimation of the player's emotional state. For each of one or more designated events that occurs, the gaming system updates the player's estimated emotional state using an expected emotional response to that designated event. More specifically, the gaming system updates the player's estimated emotional state data using expected emotional response data representing the expected emotional response to that designated event. If one or more triggering conditions associated with the player's estimated emotional state is satisfied during the gaming session, the gaming system modifies one or more functions, aspects, or features of the gaming system.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select at least one player symbol at each level of a multilevel game from a set of symbols, an outcome generator arranged to determine at each level of the multilevel game a successful or unsuccessful game level outcome based on a comparison of the at least one selected player symbol with at least one reference symbol such that the player proceeds to a succeeding game level if the game outcome is successful and the player does not proceed to a succeeding game level if the game outcome is not successful. The gaming system also comprises a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player based on the game level the player has successfully completed. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. One or more optional auxiliary components modularly attach to the input device to selectively create a modified input device having different desired functions or aesthetics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a bonus game that is common to a bank of electronic gaming devices. One or more pools accrue with each wager placed. A player qualifies to play the bonus game when at least one tracked player or game criterion, such as wagers made, exceeds a threshold, triggers a mystery-jackpot counter, or is selected by a weighted pay table. The bonus game includes a video display of a wheel bouncing against a brick wall with bricks being exploded by coins. After an opening is formed in the wall and the wheel escapes, a wheel spin determines the bonus game outcome. More than one player may play the bonus game in sequence until the last player spins the wheel.

Abstract: Wagering systems with a payout percentage that exceeds 100% of wagers are presented. The payouts of these wagering systems may include unrestricted credits and/or restricted credits. Players may cash out unrestricted credits at virtually any point, but may be limited in when and/or how they can cash out or play restricted credits. By providing payouts in the form of unrestricted credits and/or restricted credits, players may find their experience with the wagering systems to be more engaging, enjoyable, and longer-lasting. Moreover, the limitations on the use of restricted credits may allow the casino operator to maintain a reasonable profit margin despite the increased duration of play.

Abstract: An approach is provided in which a disincentive is provided during the execution of a video game program that is operated by a current user. One or more disincentive factors are identified that correspond to the current user. The identified disincentive factors are compared with current time factors. Based on the comparison, one or more game characteristics are altered with the game characteristics being altered in order to provide a disincentive to continued operation of the video game program by the current user.

Abstract: In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.

Abstract: A primary and secondary game for a wagering gaming machine. In one embodiment, the number of lines wagered or a slot machine makes the player eligible for a bonus game, and a wager made per payline effects how many moves or positions on a meter the player advances upon achieving the bonus triggering symbol or combination of symbols. When the player advances the meter to the end, the gaming device displays a payout event. The payout event can be any type of bonus gaming event that potentially provides an award to the player.

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

Abstract: A system and method for remapping a game wheel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for remapping a wheel comprises providing a wagering game having a wheel divided into a plurality of wheel segments. A map is selected from a library before producing a game outcome. Each map defines particular weights for the wheel segments on the wheel. Once the map is selected, particular weights are assigned to the wheel segments as defined by the selected map, wherein the particular weights are assigned to the wheel segments before a game outcome is produced.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods provide a tournament game which selectively awards an enhanced tournament play result. The enhanced tournament play result may be of variable value which is selected for the given instance in order to place the receiving tournament player in some predetermined rank in the tournament. Such a variable enhanced tournament play result in the tournament game may be used to help keep all participants interested in the tournament, even those participants who trail the tournament leaders by a wide margin.

Abstract: A system is described for teaching users financial management using an online currency management system, including enabling an administrator to set up a financial account through a network. This step further includes assigning specific tasks for completion by one or more users, setting rules related to the management of play currency, and designating rewards that are earned by the one or more users through completion of the specific tasks. The system further includes providing a web-based interface for the one or more users to access and manage their own user account containing the play currency, and enabling the administrator to fund, with real currency, the purchase of the rewards by the one or more users with play currency.

Abstract: In a game system which is provided with a monitor which displays a screen according to progress of a game, a touch panel which is operated by a player according to the progress of a game, a storage device which stores operation history data of the player who operates the touch panel, and a control unit, the control unit determines an attribute of the player based on the operation history data and controls setting of a game based on the determined attribute.

Abstract: Peggle is a game that balances skill and luck. The Peggle board is made up of different types of pegs, some of which the player must clear. The player begins a turn by aiming a ball at the pegs. When the player releases the ball, the ball travels through the pegs, contacting some and eventually falling to the bottom of the board. The ball may bounce off many pegs, and those pegs that the ball contacts are removed. A score is calculated based on the number and types of pegs hit during a turn.

Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.

Abstract: According to a gaming system 300, when BET information has been received from a gaming machine 1, it is determined either no offer of a special payout to the gaming machine 1 of a transmission source of the BET information, or a size of the special payout to be offered to the gaming machine of the transmission source of the BET information is determined, in the external control device 200. When the size of the special payout has been determined, a numeric symbol is displayed to each of display regions from a first display region 500a to a fifth display region 500e in a lower image display panel 141. A sum of numeric values corresponding to a predetermined number of these numeric symbols is a total point value corresponding to the size of the determined special payout.

Abstract: A system for adding funds to a handheld gaming machine. The system includes a portable digital wallet that wirelessly communicates with a handheld gaming machine (“handheld”). The digital wallet stores an amount of funds or funds associated with a remotely stored player account, and is used by the player to add credits to a handheld. The credit meter may be stored remotely, though the player perceives that the funds are actually being transferred via the digital wallet. Other funding techniques include a kiosk that accepts cash or credit/debit cards and dispenses tickets or other media that encodes information representing an amount of funds. The player uses this media to add credits to the handheld. The media may be player-dependent such that the player's identity is somehow linked to the media or it may be player-agnostic such that the player's identity is not linked to the funds associated with the media.

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.