Abstract: A gaming machine provides a plurality of game levels, each level providing a plurality of symbols selectable by the player. A value associated with a selected symbol is used to calculate a winning value. The player may choose either the winning value or else play the next level.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: providing a table game of the type where a player seeks to sink one or more balls of a set of balls in one or more pockets of the table by striking the balls with a cue ball in accordance with the rules of the table game; receiving a wager from a player additional to any amount required to play the table game, the wager entitling the player to receive at least one bonus associated with an event if the player achieves the event; and electronically monitoring play of the table game to determine whether the player achieves the event and the bonus should be awarded to the player.

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: Systems and methods for use with a gaming machine that, in response to the staking of a wager by a player, is arranged to randomly determine an outcome of a game, display on a display representations of the outcome, and award an award if a winning outcome occurs, wherein the player can stake a variable sized wager on the occurrence of a winning outcome, the systems and methods including varying the probability of selecting the outcome associated with a special prize dependent on the size of the wager staked by the player and/or varying the probability of one or more other prizes that are alternatives to the special prize.

Abstract: A gaming system and method including at least one gaming system progressive award adapted to be provided to any player at one of a plurality of the gaming machines. The gaming system progressive award is associated with a designated quantity of points wherein the first player at one of the gaming devices to accumulate the designated quantity of points is provided the gaming system progressive award. The gaming system and method also includes, for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of personal progressive awards arranged in a personal multi-level progressive configuration. Such personal progressive awards are individual to each specific player and funded by that player's wagers placed at the gaming devices in the gaming system.

Abstract: An accounting system for use with at least one gaming machine having one or more games stored thereon is provided. The accounting system includes a memory means operatively connected to the gaming machine, wherein the memory means comprises a set of active game meters for each active game on the gaming machine, and one set of removed game meters accumulating data corresponding to all games removed from the gaming machine. The accounting system also includes an accounting processor for accessing the game meters and using a theoretical win value to determine the overall gaming machine performance.

Abstract: A jackpot system comprising at least two jackpot controllers including a first jackpot controller arranged to act at least as a master jackpot controller and a second jackpot controller arranged to act as either a master or a slave jackpot controller, the first jackpot controller arranged to act as the master jackpot controller by conducting at least one jackpot during which the master jackpot controller aggregates jackpot data and at least periodically communicates the aggregated data to at least the second jackpot controller, and the second jackpot controller arranged to act initially as the slave jackpot controller and communicate jackpot data to the first jackpot controller for aggregation, the second jackpot controller arranged to store the aggregated data received from the first jackpot controller and to act as the master controller if the master jackpot controller fails by continuing to conduct the at least one jackpot based on the stored aggregated data and by aggregating further jackpot data.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for conducting a contest. One embodiment provides a contest that is played by multiple players across a communications network, in which the players compete to earn points awarded by a central contest administrator and the individual players are ranked based on their total number of points. In addition, individual ones of the players are allowed to select a sponsor from a set of previously identified sponsors, and the players also can earn points, which contribute to their totals for ranking purposes, from the sponsors they have selected. For this purpose, individual ones of the sponsors in the set are allocated points and have flexibility regarding how to award their allocated points to the players that have selected them.

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: A control unit in communication with a plurality of gaming machines selects one or more of the active machines to be set to an enhanced play mode. The selection may be random or based on other factors. During the enhanced play mode, free games are provided, or the awards attributed to each symbol combination are increased, or additional symbols combinations are deemed winning combinations, or other game parameters may be changed that are advantageous to the player. The wagers by all the players playing machines connected to the progressive jackpot system are used to set the number of free games or the length of the enhanced play mode. The number of free games increases or the length of time of the enhanced play mode increases along with the jackpot that may be won in the enhanced play mode until the values are reset to starting values upon a jackpot win.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a progressive award that is associated with a plurality of different progressive award trigger values or progressive award hit values. In such embodiments, the displayed value of the progressive award does not reset to a reset value or reset amount until the displayed value of that progressive award has incremented to each of the plurality of progressive award hit values associated with that progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides a plurality of displayed incremented values of a progressive award a plurality of times before the displayed value of that progressive award is reset to the reset value. Such a configuration provides that after the gaming system provides a currently displayed value of a progressive award to a player at least a first time, the displayed value of that progressive award continues incrementing from the provided value.

Abstract: Techniques for managing games by a gaming entity (e.g., a casino) are disclosed. Various entities (e.g., persons, groups, organizations) can effectively be invited and participate in a game managed by a gaming entity. A gaming apparatus (e.g., a gaming server) can be operable to send one or more indications (e.g., invitations) to one or more devices associated with one or more entities to indicate that the one or more entities may be eligible to participate in a game managed by a gaming entity. It will be appreciated that devices may not be owned and/or operated by the gaming entity and may be operating outside of a domain where the gaming entity is located and/or operates. It will also be appreciated that mobile devices (e.g., cell phones, smartphones) can be operable to allow participation in games managed by a gaming entity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, players around the casino may predict cards to be dealt in a game of blackjack.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a mystery degressive bonus system. Instead of a bonus that increases its value as the likelihood of winning the bonus increases, embodiments of the invention disconnect the likelihood of winning a mystery bonus from the amount awarded for triggering the mystery bonus. In some embodiments as the likelihood of winning the mystery bonus increases, the award for winning the mystery bonus decreases. Some embodiments include a minimum value for winning the mystery bonus. Additional embodiments are directed to an indicator system to show to the player a present amount of the mystery bonus award as well as the likelihood of winning the award. Further embodiments include a gaming device that includes a bonus game in which the amount awarded to the player decreases over time.

Abstract: A progressive jackpot slot machine, or group of slot machines, is described herein. A plurality of progressive jackpots are accumulated as the slot machine is played. In one preferred embodiment, a first progressive jackpot is accumulated at a first rate, and a second progressive jackpot is accumulated at a rate higher than the first rate. Additional jackpots accumulate at higher rates. The betting of additional monetary amounts enables the player to win additional jackpots. This provides added incentive for the player to bet additional monetary amounts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a difficulty level of a multiplayer networked game are provided herein. One exemplary method includes setting an initial difficulty level at a gaming server for a game played by a main gaming client and one or more challenger gaming clients. The method further includes sending an input request to the main gaming client and each challenger gaming client based on the initial difficulty level. The method further includes receiving main user input from the main gaming client, and challenger user input from each challenger gaming client responsive to the input request. The method also includes adjusting the initial difficulty level to an adjusted difficulty level based on the challenger user input.

Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device configured to receive a wager input from a player at a gaming terminal to be eligible to win a progressive award, which is displayed on a display device. A controller is operative to cause the display device to display a numerical unit value of the progressive award and a non-numerical fraction of the numerical unit value. In response to the wager input received from the player and other wager inputs received from players at other gaming terminals, the controller is further operative to cause the display device to display changes to the non-numerical fraction as the numerical unit value progresses from a current unit value to a next unit value.

Abstract: A gaming device having a game involving a plurality of selections and at least one progressive game increment associated with at least one of the selections. The gaming device has a progressive award which is displayable if the player picks a selection associated with a progressive game increment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot. Players may win the wagering game, interim pattern awards and/or progressive jackpot awards by matching predetermined patterns with patterns formed on their unique game array with indicia matching selected indicia. The players may optionally participate and be eligible to win all or a portion of the progressive jackpot. In one embodiment, the player may be eligible for the progressive jackpot by wagering at least a minimum wager amount, and perhaps the maximum bet for the wagering game. In another embodiment, the player may affirmatively elect to be eligible for the progressive jackpot by placing a wager or fee in addition to a wager on the wagering game. Graphics corresponding to the progressive jackpot may be optionally displayed only to players eligible to win the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A gaming machine which determines establishment/non-establishment of a shift condition for shifting a game mode from a normal game mode to a special game mode, shifts to the special game mode based on the determination result, and allows an instruction of A player to be inputted thereto, extracts predetermined number of card data to be used in the special game mode, selects a first and a second card data on the gaming machine side and a player side from among the extracted card data, and determines right/wrong of a designating instruction according to a result of comparison between the card data. Upon win, this gaming machine determines establishment/non-establishment of a winning combination based on the extracted card data, and when a winning combination is established, the machine performs payout corresponding to the established combination.

Abstract: There is disclosed a game feature forming part of a gaming machine apparatus (10). The game feature (42) is configured to award a bonus outcome that is determined on the basis of a dynamic bonus modifier (44). The game feature (42) additionally includes a motion indicator (65) associated with the dynamic bonus modifier (44), and during play a value of said dynamic award modifier is adjusted in relation to at least one parameter of a movement of the motion indicator (65). The bonus modifier (44) may be adjusted in concert with, or in response to, the parameter.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for determining a first gaming session; determining a rank of the first gaming session; determining at least one gaming session, each at least one gaming session of the first set having a respective rank that is not higher than the rank of the first gaming session, determining data corresponding to the at least one gaming session; determining at least one bonus based on the data; and applying the at least one bonus to the first gaming session.

Abstract: Disclosed is gaming apparatus, which may be a gaming system and a method of gaming implemented on gaming apparatus. A plurality of linked gaming machines are monitored for the occurrence of a first event. The number of occurrences of the first event for each gaming machine is recorded. On the occurrence of a second event, a bonus is awarded on each said gaming machine on which at least one monitored occurrence of the first event has occurred, the bonus award being dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.

Abstract: A method of playing a casino game is played in conjunction with common casino table games. The game employs two identical dice and a third different colored dice called the “Dragon's Eye”. Wagers are placed on the cumulative numbers of the thrown dice and on the “Dragon's Eye”. A unique casino table into which wager sensors and indicator lights are imbedded, is used to facilitate the measurement and calculation of wagers and game results. Game activity data is inputted into a microprocessor and processed to identify winning wagers. The game is designed to be played at any number of casino tables prior to the play of the primary casino game. Tables are linked electronically to establish a progressive jackpot. This results in players both playing against the dealer and other players to see who wins the bonus, and against other tables to see who hits the interlinked jackpot first.

Abstract: A gaming system and method including at least one gaming system progressive award adapted to be provided to any player at one of a plurality of the gaming machines. The gaming system progressive award is associated with a designated quantity of points wherein the first player at one of the gaming devices to accumulate the designated quantity of points is provided the gaming system progressive award. The gaming system and method also includes, for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of personal progressive awards arranged in a personal multi-level progressive configuration. Such personal progressive awards are individual to each specific player and funded by that player's wagers placed at the gaming devices in the gaming system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot. Players may win the wagering game, interim pattern awards and/or progressive jackpot awards by matching predetermined patterns with patterns formed on their unique game array with indicia matching selected indicia. The players may optionally participate and be eligible to win all or a portion of the progressive jackpot. In one embodiment, the player may be eligible for the progressive jackpot by wagering at least a minimum wager amount, and perhaps the maximum bet for the wagering game. In another embodiment, the player may affirmatively elect to be eligible for the progressive jackpot by placing a wager or fee in addition to a wager on the wagering game. Graphics corresponding to the progressive jackpot may be optionally displayed only to players eligible to win the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game during which a designated cascade-triggering outcome can cause some symbols to be removed from the display and can move adjacent symbols to cascade and replace the removed symbols in a cascade outcome. A cascade outcome that includes a winning outcome can pay the player a higher value than the same winning outcome that is not included in a cascade outcome.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of operating a gaming apparatus may include identifying a player, accessing stored player data relating to the player, and performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data. The personalized gaming operation may include one of the following personalized gaming operations: generating a video image of a game piece, the game piece having one or more characteristics selected according to the stored player data, generating a personalized video image based on the stored player data, or generating a game environment, the game environment including video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects and one or more of the video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects selected according to the stored player data.

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

Abstract: A progressive jackpot system includes a progressive jackpot system controller, and a plurality of gaming machines coupled to the progressive jackpot system controller and participating in a progressive jackpot game in which a progressive jackpot is awarded in response to a triggering event at one of the gaming machines. A method of operating the progressive jackpot system includes maintaining data in the progressive jackpot system controller representing a composite progressive jackpot pool comprising a predetermined base component, and an incremental component funded by a portion of wagers made at the gaming machines. A message is sent from the gaming machine to the progressive jackpot system controller in response to the occurrence of a triggering event on the gaming machine. The message indicates that the triggering event has occurred and includes data representing a desired proportion of the progressive jackpot pool to award to the player.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for managing the outcomes of games of chance while maintaining the game's integrity.

Abstract: A method and system for playing jackpot and casino games are provided. The method includes playing a baccarat or felt table game which allows a player to bet on jackpot and includes dealing cards to a player hand and a bank hand, allowing one player to place a bet on live baccarat or felt table game, allowing another player to place a bet on jackpot and determining the outcome of the live baccarat game according to the set of conventional casino game rules, and determining the outcome of the jackpot according to a combination of cards. Winning the jackpot is by from about 5% to about 100% of the jackpot. The system includes a betting terminal for playing the games according to the method.

Abstract: A method for playing wagering games at which players are eligible for a progressive game includes, responsive to receiving wager inputs from players, conducting wagering games in which players are eligible to win a progressive game. The method includes funding the progressive game by a portion of the wager inputs. The progressive game has a certain number of fund pools, each fund pool receiving a substantially equivalent share of the funding portion. The method also includes displaying a progressive-game award value that is substantially equivalent to an amount of one of the fund pools. In response to a player triggering a progressive-award winning outcome, a plurality of selectable elements are displayed to the player, each selectable element being associated with a progressive-game award multiplier that increases the progressive-game award value to an enhanced-progressive-award value.

Abstract: A wagering game, gaming machine, gaming network, and associated methods are disclosed including a dynamic wheel wherein a wheel game includes re-programming the wheel display and associated awards during successive plays. The dynamic wheel may be displayed in a wheel display area of a flat panel display device. The wheel display area along with other display areas may be defined by a bezel positioned over the display surface of the flat panel display device.

Abstract: When a player starts playing a game by operating a MAXBET button (e.g. when the bet count is 30 bets) and determined that the currently owned credit count is insufficient to the credit count required for the MAX bet, the current game rate set in a slot machine (the credit count per bet required for betting) is changed to a lower game rate.

Abstract: According to a gaming system of the present invention, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the gaming machine. When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted.

Abstract: A clearinghouse is communicatively coupled to at least a first wagering facility and a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility hosts at least a first wagering event and the second wagering facility hosts at least a second wagering event. Bets on the first wagering event are placed at the second wagering facility and bets on the second wagering event are placed at the first wagering facility. The clearinghouse performs settlement of at least these bets between the first wagering facility and the second wagering facility.

Abstract: A method and a gaming system for adjusting eligibility rules for wager-dependent bonus features in a wagering game, the game including one or more rule-adjusting activities related to randomly generated outcomes of the game. Rule-adjusting activities achieved by a player can be assessed according a qualification scheme, and can qualify the player for the wager-dependent bonus award even though the player made a non-eligible wager.

Abstract: A gaming system providing a progressive link includes a game controller arranged to facilitate play of a game by a player in association with a progressive link, the progressive link including a progressive award; and an incremental award stored in a memory, the incremental award associated with and funded apart from the progressive award associated with the progressive link. The game controller is to award the progressive award plus the incremental award to a player based on a criterion established by an operator associated with the progressive link.

Abstract: A return is reliably executed to a player who has paid a predetermined amount to a game machine. The timing of this return is determined by lottery, and its result is displayed on the game machine. This thrills the player with expectation of the return, thereby keeping the player long on the same game machine. As the result, it is avoidable that the player waiting for a prize for a long time loses enthusiasm for the game and keeps away from the hall (i.e., a reduction in the number of customers).

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes awarding one or more bonus triggers in a randomly selected outcome of a base wagering game. The player is allowed to play a progressive game having a first expected value and is eligible to receive a progressive award in the progressive game if an X number of bonus triggers is accumulated. If the number of bonus triggers accumulated is less than X, the player is allowed to play a bonus event, which is different than the progressive game and has a second expected value, if a selection is received to indicate player selection of the bonus event. The bonus event has a bonus award that is less than the progressive award. The second expected value is less than or equal to the first expected value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming system for playing a progressive game, wherein the progressive game has an initial increment rate and threshold limit, and each time the progressive game is played a contribution is made to a progressive jackpot's current value. The system includes: a display screen for displaying a gaming presentation, one or more player-activated buttons for receiving player input, and a processor that executes game software and processes input from the player-activated buttons. In this gaming system, each contribution increases the current value until the jackpot reaches the threshold limit, wherein once the threshold limit has been reached, the progressive jackpot uses a secondary increment, to speed up, slow down, or stop the amount contributed to the progressive jackpot. The progressive jackpot's current value is reset to a lower reset value, when a jackpot is won by a player. Further, the progressive game implements a hidden increment that channels contributions to an overflow amount.

Abstract: A system installed in a casino allows gambling chips in the casino to have variable values. Each chip has an electronic circuit installed in it to store a chip identifier and data indicative of a value currently associated with the chip. Slot machines and other devices are arranged to interact with the gambling chips to read and write data from and into the chips. A central controller is connected to the slot machines and other devices that interact with the chips. The chips carry a display and/or an audio device to apprise players of the value currently associated with the chip.

Abstract: Wagering methods, devices, and systems that allow individual participants in a game of poker to opt-in or opt-out of a bad beat feature are presented. For each hand played at a given table, a participant may activate the bad beat feature. Once the feature is activated, the participant is eligible for winning at least part of a bad beat progressive jackpot. This jackpot may be funded by tokens purchased by the participant, a rake taken from the hand's wagers, or by some other means. Apportionment of the bad beat progressive jackpot may be triggered by the participant losing the hand despite having cards that provide the participant with a significant likelihood of winning the hand.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine presents an elimination game to a player playing the gaming machine. The elimination game may be played on a stand-alone gaming machine or may be played on a group of gaming machines linked together. The elimination game is played by plurality of entities where each entity may comprise one or more virtual players or real players. The real players may pay a participation fee to play the elimination game. During the elimination game, the entities play one or more games that are provided as part of the elimination game. For example, video slot games and video poker games may be used for the game play in the elimination game. One or more elimination tests may be applied to the entities using results from the game play. When conditions used in the elimination tests are met for one of the entities, the entity is removed from the elimination game before reaching the finish of the elimination game.

Abstract: A gaming terminal plays a wagering game having a plurality of reels with symbols including progressive-game symbols. The wagering game provides access to a progressive game having progressive game awards indicated by the progressive-game symbols. The gaming terminal comprises a wager input device, a display, and at least one controller. The wager input device receives a wager input for playing the wagering game. The display is for displaying the plurality of reels with the progressive-game symbols. Each of the progressive-game symbols is displayed with an associated individual value. The controller is coupled to the display and operative to cause the display to display the incrementing of the individual values of the progressive-game symbols based on game play activity. The controller is also operative to provide a progressive game award based on the individual values of the progressive-game symbols on the plurality of reels that triggered the progressive game award.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method and system for awarding a progressive prize. The system includes a bank of gaming machines accepting different bets per play as selected by a player. A random number is selected from a predetermined fixed range of numbers that does not change during play of a gaming machine. The player is allotted one or more numbers for each credit bet. The allotted numbers represent a subset of the predetermined fixed range of numbers. A feature game is triggered for the progressive prize based on a numerical comparison between the selected random number and the number(s) allotted to the player. Certain embodiments provide a trigger condition for a feature outcome based on an event having a probability related to credits bet per game at a gaming machine. A probability of success in the feature game may be higher than a probability of success in the base game.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes at least one and preferably a plurality of progressive awards which are each associated with a supplemental fund or pool. If the gaming system determines that the progressive award is not growing at a designated incremental rate (due to a lack of wagers placed on gaming devices associated with the progressive award), the gaming system utilizes part or all of the amount in the supplemental fund to make up for this lack of wager based growth. Such a configuration provides that even if players are not actively playing gaming devices associated with the progressive award, the progressive award will still increment at a designated rate to at least a desirable value.