Abstract: A probability of winning at least one of a plurality of prizes for a contest is dynamically adjusted, given a fixed prize inventory and an a priori unknown number of participants. A variable probability is determined by approximately dividing a current number of participants in the contest by a current number of prizes awarded. The variable probability is dynamically adjusted based on a variable probability multiplier, that is obtained by dividing a current number of winners in a predefined time interval by a remaining number of prizes in the predefined time interval. A prize can be awarded based on the adjusted variable probability.

Abstract: Various type of jackpot systems are disclosed wherein visible jackpots are replenished after a win by an invisible jackpot. Some embodiments include: replenishing the visible jackpot with less than 100% of the invisible jackpot; increasing the invisible jackpot at a rate faster than the rate at which the visible jackpot is increased; having a criteria for a win of the jackpot based on the amount of the invisible jackpot; and using multiple visible and invisible jackpots in various ways.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for assuring that networked communications between parties playing a game on a network (e.g., the Internet) are not tampered with by either of the parties for illicitly gaining an advantage over the other party. An initial sequence of tokens (e.g., card representations) for playing the game are doubly encrypted using an encryption key from each of the parties. Accordingly, during play of the game neither party can modify the initial sequence of game tokens during the game. At termination of the game, at least one of the parties can fully decrypt the initial sequence of tokens, and thereby, if desired, compare the played token sequence with the corresponding the initial token sequence.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal. The wagering game allows a player to be eligible to win a plurality of progressive jackpots. The plurality of progressive jackpots can be arranged in columns and rows of a matrix, or can be displayed with other characteristics for identification, such as color, shapes, or alpha-numeric characters. The method includes conducting a wagering game having a randomly selected outcome. The player can be awarded two progressive jackpots in response to the randomly selected outcome being a single multiple-jackpot winning outcome. Further, the progressive jackpots that are achieved can be identified by their associated characteristics, which are displayed to the player.

Abstract: In a racing game, a main controller 20 accepts bet from each of a plurality of terminal devices 30, during a bet accepting period. In a case where final odds, calculated after the expiration of the bet accepting period, is not greater than a predetermined threshold, the main controller 20 executes a recompense processing for bets on the final odds and disqualify the bets from an award, and, when a race is determined to be finished, provides an award by calculating payout for bets qualified for the award.

Abstract: Methods of lottery-type wagering are disclosed. One method utilizes a credit instrument associated with an account set up by a patron with a gaming administrator. The credit instrument may be used to place lottery-type wagers at a gaming terminal and, additionally, for the purchase of goods and/or services, accessing additional informational displays, or for other non-wagering purposes and/or areas associated with the gaming administrator or a venue offering lottery-type wagering. The credit instrument acts as a cash substitute wherein the patron's account may be automatically updated with all of the patron's wins, losses, and purchases via a network system or updated on the credit instrument. In other methods, lottery-type wagers are placed with an anonymous account such that an identity of a player is not known to the gaming administrator.

Abstract: A system for distributing entertaining multimedia episodes and crediting payouts to authorized remote-player's wagers, off-site or on-site regulated premises, comprising a system for randomly selecting episodes, with randomly generated episodes outcomes appended thereto. The selected episodes could be from a database or from ongoing live games. The database could be pre-processed audio-video, from authorized content producers depicting a hired cast of entertainers, playing a selected variety of games of chance and skill. The system includes authorized server based episode and outcome distribution to secure remote-player stations, including an intra-episode biometric (e.g., face) authentication system, and an accounting systems, for rewarding authorized remote-players with products, services, cash and playing credit payouts.

Abstract: A system and method for relaying race information related to a plurality of races, such as horse or greyhound races, typically held at racetracks. The system includes a computer system that receives and stores current race information from the plurality of races. The system also includes a remote device coupled to the computer system. A user operating the remote device can view race information and place wagers on the races. The method begins by the computer system sending initial race information to the remote device. As current race information is received from the racetracks, the computer system compares current race information with the initial race information sent to the remote device. The computer system then sends updated race information to the remote device. This updated race information includes only race information that has changed since the initial race information was sent from the computer system to the remote device.

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.

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.

Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, a performance point is calculated on each of the player's racehorses, based on the results of respective racing games (S501). The number of wins, the number of races, a winning percentage, best time, etc. by the racehorses are taken into consideration when calculating the performance point. If the performance point satisfies a predetermined condition (S502: YES), an expense that was paid about that the player is an owner of a racehorse is refunded to the player (S503). The expense includes, for example, a credit amount which is required of the player to purchase a racehorse, or includes a credit amount or the points which is required of the player to make a race entry in a racing game for the player's racehorse.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing a user with the ability to submit a wager to a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool using an interactive wagering application. A conditional wagering option is provided. When the user selects a conditional wagering option, the interactive wagering application may automatically submit the wager to an alternative wager option (e.g., a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool) if the wager is rejected by the user's selected wager option. The interactive wagering application may notify the user of the status of the submitted wager.

Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, when a regular denomination process of S201 is executed, a regular BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “1”, is displayed on a sub monitor 113 of a station 101. In the meantime, when a high denomination process of S208 is executed, a high BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “2”, is displayed instead of the regular BET image, on the sub monitor 113 of the station 101. For executing the high denomination process of S208, for example, such conditions should be satisfied as the player has become an owner of any racehorse (S202: YES), and the racehorse whose owner is the player is going to run in this racing game (S202-2: YES).

Abstract: A method for customizing play of a gaming device to a particular player level or group, where the gaming device is connected by a network to a host computer, includes creating a player account accessible by the host computer. The player account is associated with a player and has stored therein one of a plurality of player levels. The player is allowed to play on the gaming device and the gaming device is operated responsive to the player level. That is, the step of operating the gaming device includes adjusting a bonus triggering threshold and/or quantitative amount awarded based on the player level. In this way, high rated players such as those that gamble frequently and in high amounts, have gaming and bonusing events and award amounts tailored to their style of play and preferences to encourage continued play.

Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, a performance point is calculated on each of the player's racehorses, based on the results of respective racing games (S501). The number of wins, the number of races, a winning percentage, best time, etc. by the racehorses are taken into consideration when calculating the performance point. If the performance point satisfies a predetermined condition (S505: YES), a part or all of a jackpot prize amount is awarded to the player (S506). However, a side bet must be made for this racing game in order that a part or all of the jackpot prize amount is awarded to the player (S502: YES). Incidentally, to have a player's racehorse run in this racing game, there may be a case that the player is required to pay an entry point given to the player in accordance with BET amount specified by the player.

Abstract: A gaming system comprising: a gaming machine and a server capable of communicating with the gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine comprises a receiving unit for receiving a game medium. The server comprises a plurality of first storage devices for storing a plurality of accumulated amounts to which predetermined proportions of bet game media received by the receiving unit is cumulatively added, a first lottery unit for conducting a lottery to determine whether or not one of the accumulated amounts is to be paid, and a first processor that operates to transmit an instruction for payout based on a result of the lottery and reset all accumulated amounts stored in the plurality of first storage devices when the instruction for payout is transmitted based on the result of the lottery.

Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, when a regular denomination process of S201 is executed, a regular BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “1”, is displayed on a sub monitor 113 of a station 101. In the meantime, when a high denomination process of S208 is executed, a high BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “2”, is displayed instead of the regular BET image, on the sub monitor 113 of the station 101. For executing the high denomination process of S208, for example, a player has to insert an IC card 119 into a reader/writer 118 (S203: YES), and further, the player has to touch a high button in the regular BET image of the sub monitor 113 (S207: YES).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software for accepting bets on contests, such as sporting events, with wagering terms that change in real-time with the progress of the contests are disclosed. The disclosed methods, systems, and software may include security features that check the time at which bets are placed to ensure that they are not being placed in the interval between when an event occurred in the contest and when the wagering terms were changed to reflect that the event occurred.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus comprising a display unit capable of generating video images is described. The display unit can be a flat panel display with aspect ratio having a magnitude greater than or equal to 16/10. A wager-based game can be provided on the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems of conducting wagers, such as pari-mutuel wagers. In one exemplary embodiment, an event, such as a horse race, dog race, a combination of races, etc., is identified for which a plurality of bettors may each place at least one wager. Each bettor of the plurality is enabled to provide input regarding at least one portion of their respective at least one wager prior to the event. At least one other portion of each bettor's at least one wager is randomized prior to the event. The wager then comprises the combination of the bettor selected portion and randomized portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the player selected portion may include selecting bettor-preferred participants of the event while the randomly selected portion may include the randomly assigning a finishing order to the player selected participants.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a system for establishing a wager associated with a game comprises a processor that receives information about a wager offer, wherein the wager offer is associated with an online game. The processor also receives information about a wager acceptance. The wager offer and the wager acceptance combine to form a wager, wherein the wager is associated with at least one wager parameter. The system further comprises a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and that stores information associated with the at least one wager parameter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a universal bonus within a gaming environment are disclosed. Such systems include universal bonuses that are made available to patrons of both gaming machines and other non-gaming machine gaming venues, such as gaming tables. Systems can include a gaming machine, a gaming table, and a universal system server. Tracking devices at both the gaming machines and gaming tables or other gaming venues facilitate the tracking of gaming events that give rise to the eligibility of a player to participate in the universal bonus. The same singular universal bonus is then made available to players playing entirely different games and/or at different gaming venues. Incorporated into the system are considerations for including slot machines, video poker machines, blackjack tables, poker tables, craps tables, roulette tables, keno lounges, sports books and other wager based games offered by a casino or other gaming establishment.

Abstract: A jackpot wagering system includes a number of player terminals, a random event generator and an accumulation facility. Each player terminal is operable by a respective player to place a corresponding wager on one or more different turns of a game of chance, while the accumulation facility is responsive to placement of each wager to accumulate a portion thereof in an accumulation account; The random event generator is activatable by placement of each wager to generate a random event upon which an outcome of a turn of the game of chance is based, the outcome being one of a number of possible outcomes that includes a favorable outcome causing the player who placed that wager to win the contents of the accumulation account.

Abstract: A gaming system that provides game play in a tournament in exchange for monetary input per game played is disclosed. The gaming system includes a game server, a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network, and a progressive tournament controller. The progressive tournament controller manages a tournament prize value that is incremented using criteria other than monetary input. The tournament prize is incremented over time at random intervals rather than being incremented by coin input.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a recurring lottery sustainable by a sustaining pool is claimed and described. In the method of the present invention, a drawing is held. Winners of the drawing receive a jackpot and are required to transfer part of the jackpot to a sustaining pool. Any given jackpot is drawn partially or entirely from the sustaining pool. The system includes one or more electronic devices and may be used to carry out the method.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device, such as a slot machine, is provided which initiates a game without input from a player. After initiating the game, the device may present one or more active game elements, such as rotating slot reels, to the player. The device determines an outcome of the game corresponding to a final position of the active game elements. The device further provides an interval to the player to make payment before the final outcome of the game is displayed. Payouts to the player are based on the final outcome and whether the player has made payment. Payouts may be increased based on a measurement of the player's participation rate in a series of games and the frequency of the games played, as measured by the device.

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: Methods and systems for conducting wagers, such as pari-mutuel wagers. In one exemplary embodiment a series of events, such as horse races, dog races, etc., is identified for which a plurality of bettors may each place at least one wager, and a wagering activity thereon is structured as a contest. Bettors may each be provided with a “play money” bankroll for use in wagering, and play against one another competitively to achieve one or more winning outcomes for the contest as defined by the operator. Alternatively, bettors may have their conventional, live wagers entered into the contest. The prize pool for the contest, which may be multi-tiered, is fixed based on the number of participants and allocated to winners independent of the live wager prize pool, thus not affecting odds for the live wager. The contest wagering activity may be run in parallel with live wagering, and utilizing the same wagering system for administration of both. Wagering systems and a wagering network are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for operating wagering game terminals where each terminal contributes an award to an award pool. A bank controller aggregates the awards, reapportions, and randomly assigns them back to the wagering game terminals. The reapportioned award assigned to a given wagering game terminal may be less than, the same as, or greater than the award contributed by that terminal. At regular or irregular intervals, the bank controller may shuffle the reapportioned awards and reassign them. As a result, the volatility of the wagering game terminals increases significantly while the payout percentage of each wagering game terminal remains the same over time. Alternatively, instead of randomly reassigning the reapportioned awards, the players may be allowed to pick the reapportioned awards. The reapportioning may also occur randomly and the assigning on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: At least two betting terminals for playing a game, comprising a network of terminals linked to different game tables, wherein each of the terminals comprises a mechanism to switch on a plurality of games so as to allow a player at one terminal to switch to different tables and place bets at different games at a time.

Abstract: A method and system for playing jackpot and live baccarat games are provided. One feature of the jackpot method involves the use of card combinations that includes at least one zero-point card. Another feature of the jackpot method involves initial jackpot contribution from the banker who operates the baccarat game. It is also provided a software program or a set of software program for carrying out any or all the steps of the disclosed gaming method.

Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a total coin-in amount wagered at a new leased gaming machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pari-mutuel contest in general and a pari-mutuel contest which requires participants to place wagers on a grouping of contestants which have been segregated into subsets from a field of contestants. The segregation is based on a predetermined criteria. The participants are required to select a predetermined quantity of contestants from each respective grouping with the totality of the contestants performance aggregated to determine a participants score. Winnings are calculated on a pari-mutual bases based on the respective scores.

Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling corresponding to a flat fee amount.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates methods and systems of conducting wagers, such as parimutuel wagers. In one exemplary embodiment an event, such as a horse race, dog race, a combination of races, etc., is identified for which a plurality of bettors may each place at least one wager. Each bettor of the plurality is enabled to provide input regarding at least one portion of their respective at least one wager prior to the event. At least one other portion of each bettor's at least one wager is randomized prior to the event. The wager then comprises the combination of the bettor-selected portion and randomized portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the player-selected portion may include selecting bettor-preferred participants of the event while the randomly selected portion may include randomly assigning a finishing order to the player-selected participants.

Abstract: A jackpot wagering system (1) includes a player terminal (3) operable by a player to place a wager on a number of games of chance a random event generator (8) that generates random events upon which outcomes of the games of chance are based, and a determination facility that determines the quantum of a prize that is available to be won by a player upon the occurrence of a favorable outcome of the game of chance. The quantum of the prize is determined as a function of the size of the player's wager and the maximum limit of the wager. The player's wager is subject to a maximum limit and a portion of each wager is accumulated in an accumulation account as a jackpot prize. The contents of the accumulation account are denominated in a base currency that is selected to be a strongest one of the playing currencies.

Abstract: A method of providing all players on a linked network to receive a bonus opportunity based on one player hitting the primary jackpot. All players in an active game, (i.e., the reel spinning mode has been activated by the player bet, and the reels have not yet stopped) receive a bonus opportunity when the primary jackpot is hit. Examples of bonuses are of “scratch tickets” to players that would distribute varying amounts, or a secondary jackpot bonus of a fixed amount or an amount in proportion to the main jackpot. An alternative bonus incorporates a specific time span after the primary jackpot is hit where all players have the chance for a bonus payoff or prize, without having to achieve the extremely high rank of the jackpot award.

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 wagering game has at least one player placing an Ante wager to compete against a dealer in a playing card game; the at least one player receiving a player initial hand of multiple playing cards of number n and evaluating the playing cards according to rules comprising: a) the player having the option of retaining all cards in the player initial hand or replacing one or more cards in the player initial hand if at least one card in the player initial hand equals or exceeds the minimum value to form a player resulting hand; b) the dealer receiving a dealer initial hand having more than n cards, the dealer optionally replacing one or more cards in the dealer initial hand; and c) the dealer comparing a single highest value card in the resulting dealer hand with a single highest value card in the player resulting hand as an at least initial step in determining a win loss event for the Ante wager.

Abstract: An gaming machine for and method of par-mutuel wagering that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a gaming method, a gaming tournament time of a gaming tournament may be designated, the gaming tournament time having a start time and an end time. Enrollment data may be received from a plurality of players at respective gaming computers, wherein enrollment data corresponding to a first player of the plurality of players indicates the first player wishes to play in the gaming tournament for a first subset of the gaming tournament time. Each of the gaming computers may be enabled for playing at least one game in the gaming tournament during the gaming tournament time, wherein the gaming computer corresponding to the first player is enabled for the first subset of the gaming tournament time. A first winning player may be determined, if any, from the plurality of players based on outcomes of the games played by the plurality of players. If the first winning player is determined, data indicative of a first value payout to be awarded to the first winning player may be generated.

Abstract: A gaming system including a plurality of gaming devices each having a base game and a bonus pool available to each of the plurality of gaming devices. A processor programmed to provide shares of the bonus pool to one or more actively played gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices and to distribute the bonus pool to each eligible gaming device according to an amount of the bonus pool and each gaming device's obtained shares.

Abstract: Disclosed are central determination methods and systems in which pools and sub-pools of outcomes can be distributed among various units of the central determination system. The methods and systems are applicable to Class II and, in some implementations, Class III gaming configurations. The methods and systems disclosed herein can be implemented in a gaming machine network, wherein one of the gaming machines distributes game outcomes to other gaming machines in the network. The gaming machines can be oriented in a peer-to-peer configuration, a central storage medium configuration, a stand alone configuration, an autonomous gaming machine configuration, and other network configurations. Methods are disclosed for managing the distribution of outcomes among the gaming machines in the various networks.

Abstract: This invention relates to sports and event wagering, particularly to a new sport and event wagering game and system. This game and supporting system allows pari-mutuel wagering with respect to new areas other than horse or dog racing, which will expand the sports wagering industry to encompass new areas of interest and enjoyment to bettors. Specifically, pari-mutuel wagering is enabled with respect to the performance statistics of individual sport or event participants, combinations of sport participants, combinations of event participants, and sport teams. This wagering game is supported by an electronic system, which allows interaction with the game via various communications methods, remotely or in-person, which can allow or restrict wagering activity based upon bettor location.

Abstract: A system and method for operating one or more games for a plurality of players including identifying at least two players participating in a selected one of the games at the expiration of a predetermined time period, and establishing a wager pool corresponding to a total of wager amounts from each of the identified players. The wager pool is reduced by a takeout amount. One or more random numbers are generated, and one or more winners of the selected game are determined based on the one or more random numbers. Funds are distributed from the wager pool to the determined one or more winners of the selected game.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. Upon a suitable triggering event at a triggering gaming device in the gaming system a bonus event occurs. When the bonus event occurs, the players actively playing each auxiliary gaming device in the gaming system are each provided a chance to participate in the bonus event as well. Each remaining gaming device's chance of participating in the bonus event is based on the individual accumulated bonus event pool for that gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine(s) will provide progressive awards and/or supplemental bonus awards, wherein the number of provided supplemental awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. Each supplemental bonus award provided by each gaming device is based on any accumulated wagers placed at that gaming device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of pari-mutuel wagering are disclosed. One method utilizes a credit instrument associated with an account set up by a patron at a pari-mutuel gaming establishment, such as a horse or dog racing track. The credit instrument may be used to place wagers at a gaming terminal and, additionally, for the purchase of goods and/or services, accessing additional informational displays, or accessing secure special areas at the pari-mutuel gaming establishment. The credit instrument acts a cash substitute wherein the patron's account may be automatically updated with all of the patron's wins, losses, and purchases via a network system or updated on the credit instrument. In other methods, pari-mutuel wagers are placed with an anonymous account such that an identity of a player is not known to the pari-mutuel gaming establishment.

Abstract: A parimutuel betting game featuring in-game wagers and payoffs, and real time parimutuel style odds, based on events unfolding during a live event, a principal objective being to acquire the largest number of betting tokens by the end of the event. An administrator oversees a plurality of betting lines associated with betting events. Players are allowed to bet tokens on an open betting line until it is closed by the administrator. The line will close at or before the time the situation in the live event changes appreciably, so the posted odds on the betting lines are in synch with the live event. When a line is closed, a new line may open. When a termination event occurs for a given betting event, the betting event is terminated and all lines that opened since the previous termination are paid off simultaneously in parimutuel style. The betting lines preferably have a hierarchical structure. The game may be played over the Internet.