Parimutuel Pool Patents (Class 463/28)
  • Patent number: 8734240
    Abstract: In a method for administering a lottery in combination with a pari-mutuel pool, tickets are generated at point-of-purchase terminals, each ticket including a series of randomly generated or user-selected numbers. A portion of the purchase price of each ticket is allocated to the pari-mutuel pool and is treated as a wager in the pari-mutuel pool, while another portion of the purchase price may be allocated to other pools, including a supplemental payout pool. If the ticket is a winning ticket, a preliminary amount of a payout from the wager in the pari-mutuel pool is determined. In some cases, this preliminary amount is supplemented from monies in the supplemental payout pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Equilottery LLC
    Inventor: Bradford Cummings
  • Patent number: 8721438
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus provides a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Diogenes Limited
    Inventor: Bernard J. Marantello
  • Patent number: 8721439
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus provides a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Diogenes Limited
    Inventor: Bernard J. Marantelli
  • Patent number: 8708811
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and apparatus for providing a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Diogenes Limited
    Inventor: Bernard J. Marantelli
  • Publication number: 20140113713
    Abstract: A system generates multiple presentations, or game play opportunities, based upon a single defined value set relating to a wager produced by the outcome of concurrent, multi-venue, multi-event, multi-outcome horse racing pari-mutuel wager. Once the wager has been defined, the events comprising the dataset of wagers are arranged sequentially. One or more random number generators are utilized to distribute the dataset elements as well as corresponding numbers, symbols or images in a random rather than sequential fashion thereby resulting in multiple unique game play opportunities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony deLisle Fontaine, Michael Jay Staw
  • Patent number: 8702487
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a wagering game with a winning game outcome determined by the selection of at least two groups from a plurality of groups. Each group having a plurality of possible game outcomes, with the possible game outcomes duplicated in some or all of the groups. The winning or selected game outcome is the game outcome associated with each of the selected groups. The selected game outcome may be determined by the intersection of the selected groups, or may be the game outcome that is common to each of the selected groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8696448
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a video game allows one or more players to enter contracts, where credit cards or other financial instruments are used to secure the contracts. A player defaulting on such a contract can be subjected to penalties in the video game and/or in the real world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Leviathan Entertainment, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Van Luchene
  • Patent number: 8696432
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a game in which elements are selected, and in response to the selection, a prize is revealed (or not) to the player. In another example, the player is permitted to predict the outcome of a characteristic of the online game, a game-playing computer determines an outcome to be displayed to the player that reflects a result of the game of chance. In one example game format, the player is permitted to predict the most frequently-occurring element in a group of drawn game elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8690667
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a pari-mutuel wagering system that includes a first wagering facility communicably coupled with a network and operable to receive a bet on a wagering event hosted by a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility is further operable to transmit the bet to the second wagering facility via the network. The system further includes a clearinghouse communicably coupled with the network and operable to capture audit information associated with the bet from the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Howard W. Lutnick
  • Publication number: 20140087859
    Abstract: A system for managing bets comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores one or more first type of bets and one or more second types of bets. Each first type of bet is associated with a bet amount and comprises a bet that a participant selected from a set of participants in an event will finish in a predetermined subset of finishing positions associated with the event. Each second type of bet is associated with a bet amount and comprises a bet that the selected participant will not finish in the predetermined subset of finishing positions associated with the event. The processor adds the bet amounts associated with the first type of bets with the bet amounts associated with the second type of bets to form a betting pool. The processor determines an amount of a payout based at least in part on the betting pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Amaitis, Joseph M. Asher, Adam Burgis, Dominic Crosthwaite
  • Patent number: 8678918
    Abstract: A gaming device having a game involving a plurality of selections and at least one progressive award 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 award increment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Paulina Rodgers, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 8672747
    Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 8668579
    Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Publication number: 20140066188
    Abstract: A system for parimutuel wagering on actual past events includes, in one embodiment, a video server including a database having video images of gaming events stored therein, a game server including a computer system configured to facilitate pari-mutuel wagering on actual past events and to permit a player to select a percentage weight for each of a plurality of handicapping factors, and a plurality of terminals. The video server and plurality of terminals are communicatably coupled to the game server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Lawrence Robert Brooks, Robert Eric Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140066189
    Abstract: A system for parimutuel wagering on actual past events includes, in one embodiment, a video server including a database having video images of gaming events stored therein, a game server including a computer system configured to facilitate pari-mutuel wagering on actual past events and to permit a player to select a percentage weight for each of a plurality of handicapping factors, and a plurality of terminals. The video server and plurality of terminals are communicatably coupled to the game server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Brooks, Robert Eric Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140066190
    Abstract: A gambling game that contains different rooms, with different amount of players. and with different amount of money, according to the room, that each player can gamble on, will provide a platform for withdraw that if dividing the money of all player to 100 winners, each player will have very high chance to win, with regards to money that he will invest, and the relative number of winner in each withdraw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Eli Shnoer Golan
  • Patent number: 8651948
    Abstract: A system for managing bets comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores information associated with a field of participants for an event, each participant associated with particular odds for the event. The processor receives a bet that a lead participant from the field of participants will finish in a particular subset of finishing positions in the event, wherein the bet is associated with customized odds. The processor further select one or more additional participants from the field of participants to add to the bet such that the odds associated with the lead participant combined with the odds associated with the one or more selected additional participants at least approximates the customized odds for the bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, John W. Bristow, Howard W. Lutnick
  • Patent number: 8651947
    Abstract: A gaming system and method including a plurality of gaming devices that may participate in a shared secondary or bonus game and a controller operable to communicate with said plurality of gaming devices. At least one of the plurality of gaming devices is programmed to generate and accumulate collectors upon an occurrence of a first triggering event. Upon an occurrence of a second triggering event at one of the gaming devices, the controller enables a player of said gaming device to redeem a quantity of accumulated collectors in a bonus event. The controller also enables the player to invite other gaming devices from the plurality of gaming devices to redeem accumulated collectors and participate in said bonus event. The odds of each player earning a higher-valued total award in the bonus event increases with the total number of accumulated collectors redeemed in the bonus event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Scott A Caputo, Mark C Nicely, Greg Parrott
  • Publication number: 20140045588
    Abstract: A method for conducting pari-mutuel wagering on an multi-action event, comprising the steps of providing at least one wagering computing system for ranking of participants in the event; establishing preliminary odds of winning a wager, based in part upon the rankings, for a plurality of individual actions of the multi-action event; accepting wagers for each of the plurality of individual actions; pooling respective wagers for each of the plurality of individual actions into a respective action-specific pool; calculating, using the wagering computing system, final odds of winning each of the plurality of individual actions using the action-specific pool; and paying winnings as determined by the final odds to one or more bettors who wagered a correct outcome for each of the plurality of individual actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas Demino, Timothy Neary
  • Patent number: 8647196
    Abstract: Systems and methods enable players to play games of chance using gaming devices to win a progressive prize, a pari-mutuel prize, and a plurality of gaming device specific player prizes. A first gaming device enables a first player to win the progressive prize, the pari-mutuel prize, and a gaming device specific first player prize that is independent of the first player. A second gaming device enables a second player to win the progressive prize, the pari-mutuel prize, and a gaming device specific second player prize that is independent of the second player. The second gaming device prevents the second player from winning the gaming device specific first player prize while the second player is using the second gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gaming Arts, LLC
    Inventors: David Colvin, Eric D. Colvin
  • Patent number: 8644508
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for assuring that networked communications between parties playing a game on a network (e.g., the Internet) are not tampered with by either of the parties for illicitly gaining an advantage over the other party. An initial sequence of tokens (e.g., card representations) for playing the game are doubly encrypted using an encryption key from each of the parties. Accordingly, during play of the game neither party can modify the initial sequence of game tokens during the game. At termination of the game, at least one of the parties can fully decrypt the initial sequence of tokens, and thereby, if desired, compare the played token sequence with the corresponding the initial token sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis J. Dupray, Sheldon F. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8636571
    Abstract: A method for managing horseracing bets is provided. The method includes receiving one or more bets. Each bet comprises a selection of five horse races selected from a plurality of horse races scheduled to be run at a track in a day, a selection of a respective horse for each of the five horse races selected and a bet amount. The method also includes combining each bet amount to form a betting pool and determining an amount of a total payout for the day based at least in part on the betting pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8632388
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a game operable upon a wager by a player which initially employs an initial or default paytable. The gaming device enables a player to place wagers on plays of the game. The gaming device displays the game outcomes and provides the player with any awards based on the game outcomes in accordance with the default paytable. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, a bonus mode is triggered. In one embodiment, when the bonus mode is triggered, the gaming device offers to replace the default paytable with a different one of the paytables for a limited number of future plays of the game, if the player agrees to make an additional wager on each of those future plays of the game. If the player chooses to accept the offer, the gaming device determines outcomes and provides any awards for the limited number of future plays in accordance with the new paytable, as long as the player continues placing the additional wager for each of those plays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne A. Davis, Michael M. Oberberger, Scott T. Hilbert, Alexandria E. Sutich
  • Patent number: 8628410
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game, at least one display, and at least one controller. The wagering game provides access to a progressive game having multiple progressive jackpots. The multiple progressive jackpots are reset after being awarded. In response to a progressive jackpot being awarded, a current expected value of the wagering game is calculated with a normal reset value applied to the awarded progressive jackpot. And, in response to the calculated current expected value of the wagering game being less than a minimum jurisdictional limit, the awarded one of the multiple progressive jackpots is reset with a padded reset value so that the expected value of the wagering game is equal to or greater than the minimum jurisdictional limit. The padded reset value is greater than the normal reset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Jaffe, Robert L. Kyte
  • Patent number: 8616964
    Abstract: Methods and systems for hosting a betting pool are disclosed. The betting pool can be hosted by a lead participant. Pool participants can be maintained through a partner relationship module. The betting pool lead participant manages events associated with the betting pool through an event manager and through a pool manager. Winning participants in the betting pool are determined and payouts can be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cigno (B.V.I.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Amish Patel
  • Patent number: 8616966
    Abstract: A method of gaming with multiple players comprising: determining a set of eligible multi-player game players; assigning each eligible multi-player game player a number of multi-player game turns depending on a wager amount; and conducting the multi-player game turns with the eligible multi-player game players and determining multi-player game turn outcomes until a multi-player game end condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Luke Bennett
  • Patent number: 8616978
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include managing multiple instances of gaming applications associated with a wagering game client device and determining event data from the multiple instances of gaming applications. The operations can further include aggregating the event data into an event repository and determining that a requesting application requests some portion of the event data. The operations can further include opening a communication channel between the event data repository and the requesting application, formatting the requested portion of the event data in a format understandable to the requesting application, and communicating the requested portion of the event data to the requesting application via the communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan, Jason A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8613655
    Abstract: Techniques are describe for providing group play events with multiple game devices. Group play events are triggered by any game device that qualifies to participate, so that when any qualifying game device triggers a group play event, all qualifying game devices participate in the group play event. In some situations, a probability for triggering a group play event is adjusted to accommodate for a dynamically changing number of game devices that qualify over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Kisenwether, Jeff Mincey, Loren Nelson
  • Patent number: 8608557
    Abstract: Provided is a betting ticket purchase system capable of avoiding a time lag between the reception of a purchase request that changes the odds greatly and the reflection of the specifics of the purchase request on a change in the odds . A betting request receiving unit (26) receives a purchase request for a betting ticket. An odds outputting unit (24) outputs odds which are calculated based on specifics of the purchase request. The betting request receiving unit (26) identifies a level of impact of the purchase request on the odds based on the specifics of the purchase request. The betting request receiving unit (26) sets a processing order of the purchase request so that the purchase request is processed before a purchase request that is identified as being smaller in impact on the odds than the purchase request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rakuten, Inc.
    Inventor: Suguru Oiwa
  • Patent number: 8602884
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and apparatus for providing a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Diogenes Limited
    Inventor: Bernard James Marantelli
  • Patent number: 8597117
    Abstract: The computer-implemented virtual game-based method and system of the present invention allow participants to play incentive-based virtual games and accept or decline offered prizes. Declining an offered prize allows a participant to play for a more desirable prize and accepting a prize prohibits the participant from accepting another prize for the duration of a temporal lock out period. Individual single use virtual games are issued electronically to participants requesting to play a virtual game. Prizes are offered by each single use virtual game in accordance with pre-generated single use virtual game tickets commanding the presentation of an offered prize or non-offered prize. Some embodiments of the present invention deliver branded advertising to consumers participating in game play. In these embodiments, virtual game elements comprise branded advertising impressions as part of the interactive virtual game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Zylo Media, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Bruce, Colin Snyder
  • Publication number: 20130310137
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive primary wagers on a first payline and a second payline. The systems and methods may receive one or more secondary wagers on one or more selected paylines. The selected paylines may be based on data received from a player. The systems and methods may determine a selected paylines payout based on the one or more selected paylines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: CADILLAC JACK
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Tongate, Brendan Michael Mullins
  • Patent number: 8585496
    Abstract: A method for conducting pari-mutuel wagering on an multi-action event, comprising the steps of providing at least one wagering computing system for ranking of participants in the event; establishing preliminary odds of winning a wager, based in part upon the rankings, for a plurality of individual actions of the multi-action event; accepting wagers for each of the plurality of individual actions; pooling respective wagers for each of the plurality of individual actions into a respective action-specific pool; calculating, using the wagering computing system, final odds of winning each of the plurality of individual actions using the action-specific pool; and paying winnings as determined by the final odds to one or more bettors who wagered a correct outcome for each of the plurality of individual actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas Demino, Timothy Neary
  • Patent number: 8562406
    Abstract: A method of allocating poker pots based on the true odds of winning the hand. The pot allocation is at the election of the two or more players involved in the hand after no more bets are possible (i.e., one or more players all in). Once no more bets are possible, the two or more players may elect to allocate the pot based on the true odds of each player winning the pot. The house or game operator may charge a fee in order for players to utilize the pot allocation option. In one version, players may allocate a percentage of the pot and play the hand out for the remaining percentage. In yet another version, if one player declines the pot allocation option, the house or operator may buy the player's hand and play it out. In yet another version, the pot allocation option may be offered to players multiple times during a poker game with the true odds changing based on newly displayed/dealt cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Tru Odds Poker, LLC
    Inventors: James Suttle, Jon Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 8556711
    Abstract: A method for wagering may include accepting bets for wagered sums from a plurality of bettors based on each bettor's selected expected outcome of a pari-mutuel event and assigning one or more of a predetermined quantity of randomly generated numbers to each bettor's bet. A portion of the wagered sums may be assigned to a jackpot pool. Event-winning bettors may be paid a calculated pari-mutuel sum after the event if the bettor's selected outcome occurs. A drawing may be conducted from among the predetermined quantity of randomly generated numbers. At least a portion of the jackpot may be paid to any one of the event-winning bettors if there is a match between a drawn number and one of the randomly generated numbers of the event-winning bettor; and if not, carrying over the jackpot to a subsequent event thereby increasing the value of the potential wager to the bettor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: David Bernsen
  • Patent number: 8545311
    Abstract: A method and system for micro-betting. Video of one or more portions of one or more macro-events can be displayed via a display screen associated with a remote computing device. One or more potential micro-outcomes can be identified within the event or events. Multiple and parimutuel betting options can be generated with respect to varying micro-outcomes within or part of the macro-event(s). Then, one or more micro-bets among the multiple and parimutuel betting options with respect to the micro-outcome(s) can be placed via the remote computing device in communication with a data network. The micro-bet(s) can be transmitted from the remote computing device for placement via one or more servers in communication with the data network. Additionally, data indicative of the multiple and parimutuel betting options can be displayed via the display screen of the remote computing device in association with the video of the event or events displayed via the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Michael W. Shore, Alfonso G. Chan, Luis M. Ortiz, Kermit D. Lopez
  • Patent number: 8545317
    Abstract: A secondary game system, in various embodiments, comprises a system of networked game terminals where a player playing a game on a game terminal can earn eligibility to win a prize from a secondary game that plays simultaneously in the background. The secondary game may be triggered based on play on the plurality of networked terminals. This allows the player to play a first game that earns them eligibility to win another game that is played in the background. The player sends a game initiation request for a game (e.g., lottery slot) to be played on the game terminal. If a certain criterion is satisfied, the player becomes eligible to win a prize from the secondary game if the secondary game is triggered while the player is eligible to win.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Gateway Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Bob Mosley, Troy Jungmann
  • Patent number: 8545316
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jason P. Pawloski, Rogelio S. Decasa, William K. Hughes, Eric S. Boese, Jeffrey D. Urmston
  • Patent number: 8545315
    Abstract: A player accesses a game terminal, which is networked to other game terminals configured to play standard games and game-in-games. The player initiates a standard game (e.g., lottery slot) on the game terminal. The game terminal receives a game initiation request for the standard game and starts a timer. Prior to expiration of the timer, the player may perform a predefined action (e.g., pressing a spin button) indicating that the player wishes to play a game-in-game (e.g., a “community prize” game). If the timer expires without the player performing the predefined action, (s)he is deemed ineligible to win an award associated with the game-in-game. However, in response to player performing the predefined action prior to the timer's expiration, the player is deemed eligible to win an award associated with the game-in-game, and the player participates in both the game and the game-in-game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Gateway Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Bob Mosley, Troy Jungmann
  • Patent number: 8538563
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing to a user the ability to use a fantasy sports contest application to access fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities are presented. In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to place a wager based on the user's performance in a fantasy sports contest. In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest may provide to the user the ability to place a wager based on a real-life sporting event that is related to a fantasy sports contest in which the user participates. The fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to place a wager for money, fantasy sports contest points, non-cash prizes and points redeemable for prizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: David Barber
  • Patent number: 8535144
    Abstract: Described herein are various systems and methods for providing gaming activities. These particularly relate to “fixed-odds” type gaming activities whereby a player places a bet in relation to an event outcome on the basis of a payout ratio and, in the case that the event outcome is identified as a winning outcome, the player is awarded a prize based on the entry fee and the payout ratio. In overview, the present embodiments focus on situations wherein the player is additionally eligible to receive a secondary prize that is indeterminate at the point in time the bet is placed. The nature and purpose of this secondary prize varies between embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the secondary prize effectively provides a winning player with a more advantageous payout ratio, in some embodiments the secondary prize allows the player to participate in a secondary game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: G5 Enterprizes Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Marc Amour
  • Patent number: 8529337
    Abstract: An enhanced parimutuel platform allows for the combination of multiple and single event wagers within a single pool, while maintaining payouts for the single event wagers that are independent of the multiple events. The enhanced parimutuel platform also allows for uniform payouts for wagers having a different number of outcomes for a single event, such as moneyline and point spread wagers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Longitude LLC
    Inventor: Scott Shechtman
  • Patent number: 8523665
    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 wherein upon a suitable initiating event, a wager amount or value is randomly generated from at least one predetermined range of wager amounts or values. Upon a suitable triggering event, such as an accumulated wager pool incrementing to the randomly generated wager amount or value, a designated award, such as a progressive award, is provided to a player. In one such embodiment, upon the occurrence of the triggering event, an independent determination occurs regarding which one of the plurality of progressive awards will be provided to a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 8523662
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the gaming system of the present disclosure enable a player to play a secondary or bonus game, in which the player has the chance to play for a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game. The probability of triggering the secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. Additionally, the probability of winning a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. In one embodiment, as the primary game wager increases, the odds of triggering the secondary or bonus game increase, but not in direct proportion to the wager. Similarly, the odds of winning the designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game increases, but not in direct proportion to the wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Christopher T. Brune
  • Patent number: 8506391
    Abstract: A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a bonus feature that awards percentages of a progressive jackpot award without resetting the progressive jackpot award. A wager input receives a wager from a player to play a single play of a wagering game. The wagering increases the progressive jackpot award. A bonus feature is triggered that includes awarding a first award that has an amount that is a percentage less than 100% of the progressive jackpot award. The bonus feature may also award a second award that is at least the entire progressive jackpot award. If the first award is awarded, the progressive jackpot award remains at the same level. If the second award is awarded, the progressive jackpot award is reset to a predetermined minimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Jaffe, Michael W. Mastropietro
  • Patent number: 8506392
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of gaming terminals for playing wagering games that provide access to a progressive game having multiple progressive jackpots. Each progressive jackpot has a base reset value that increases in response to wager inputs. The gaming system comprises at least one controller operative to determine that a first player at a first gaming terminal has achieved a predetermined criteria, and to provide an award associated with one of the multiple progressive jackpots to a second player at a second gaming terminal who triggered the awarded jackpot. The controller maintains the value of the awarded progressive jackpot for the first player who achieved the predetermined criteria at the awarded value, but resets the awarded progressive jackpot to the lower base reset value for other gaming terminals. Thus, the first player benefits from a potentially higher jackpot award value due to achieving the predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Joel R. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 8506393
    Abstract: Methods of tracking points among participants in various wagers. An indication of a wager may be received, including point distributions, participants, an event, etc. An indication of an outcome of the wager may be received. Points may be allocated among participants in accordance with a desired point distribution based on the outcome of the wager. An indication of a point adjustment may be received, and points may be adjusted accordingly. The point adjustment may be associated with an external exchange between participants in a wager. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Zoe Charlotte Greenberg
  • Patent number: 8500530
    Abstract: A wagering system has a processor through which information regarding a plurality of competing contestants in a horse or dog race is made available to entities betting on the outcome of the race to seek a payout from a wagering pool. The information for at least one of the competing contestants is prepared based upon selected handicapping criteria to give the at least one of the competing contestants a time adjusted race identity. An input is provided for wagers to be placed on the race. The outcome of the race for wagering purposes is determined using the time adjusted race identity for the at least one of the competing contestants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Richard A. Herbert
  • Publication number: 20130196753
    Abstract: Some embodiments may relate to wagering one or more events. Such events may include sporting events. For example, one or more races may be wagered upon. In some embodiments, one or more wager may include an in running or in game wager. In some embodiments, one or more wagers may include a wager on a group of participants. Various apparatus and methods are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CFPH, LLC
    Inventor: CFPH, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130196754
    Abstract: A method and computerized system for providing gaming instructions and information is comprised of at least an information database, a processor executing machine readable instructions, and a user interface. The database initially comprises information about racers such as thoroughbreds, trotters, and greyhounds, and the races in which they are matched. The processor and user interface can receive input from a user which may be added to the database. The user provides a user profile and preferred categories for selecting racers. The categories may be statistical or lucky categories and the lucky categories may require additional selection by the user. The system scores the racers based on the selected categories and generates suggested wagers and instructions for placing the wagers. The suggested wagers generated vary by user profile such as beginner, intermediate, or advanced, and user betting style preference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Brent Burns