Abstract: Methods and systems for metered, raffle-style gaming implemented over a distributed network of locations and suitable for use in lottery and casino gaming environments. Potential winning numbers are issued in an order determined by relative time of a request for a number as received by a central controller, in comparison to the timing of other requests received by the controller, and matched to one or more known or predictable winning numbers. Time entries placed by players and compared to one or more target times may also be used to determine winning outcomes.

Abstract: A player configurable video gaming machine in which a player may select one or more configuration inputs to play a previously configured default game or to create a new game configuration. Additionally, each game configuration may be saved to be implemented in various gaming machines.

Abstract: A method and device implementing a downloadable operatively connected to a plurality of gaming machines either by a direct communications link or through the use of one or more site controllers or PCs. Each gaming machine and site controller or PC contains two executable spaces, one of which typically contains the software image currently being implemented by the device. The other executable space is designated to receive from the central system a new software image that will be utilized by the device. The central system transfers a new image to be executed, via packet encrypted communications, to a networked device which stores the image in an executable space, while continuing to run the currently designated image. Upon instruction from the central system, the device switches over to the new image, allowing one or more machines to implement a software upgrade on a continuous basis.

Abstract: Games of skill or chance which provide a player, who has received a wild indicia during one game, with the opportunity to reserve that wild indicia for use in a subsequent game.

Abstract: Gaming devices dispense tickets which are unrelated to a player's success on a particular game played on a gaming device or to the player's credits on a credit meter or other “cash out” indicator. The gaming devices provide gaming awards and also provide tickets. Other methods provide tickets during the play of wagering games. Still other embodiments comprise lottery terminals which dispense tickets other than those purchased by a lottery patron or won on a purchased lottery ticket.

Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprise a first gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a display of a bingo-type game actuatable in response to a signal from the first gaming unit.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a standard gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a discernible additional payout indicator, e.g., a rotatable wheel. A preferred bonus payout indicator is clearly visible by the player and is actuatable when the reels of the slot machine stop on certain predetermined indicia. A preferred embodiment further comprises a payout multiplier which displays a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.

Abstract: A bonus event configured for interaction between a player and a gaming machine initiated through a simulated telecommunications link including a telephone handset or similar device such as a speakerphone. The bonus event may be configured as an “incoming” call triggered by some outcome of a primary game on the gaming machine or as an “outgoing” call by a player to the gaming machine. In either instance, the bonus event includes one or more of positive player interactions with the gaming machine, as through a keypad, prior to generation of a bonus award.

Abstract: Methods of playing games and gaming systems and devices useful for playing games. Gaming devices include a first gaming unit for randomly selecting and displaying indicia associated with play of a primary game and for generating a signal relating to play on the first gaming unit. The gaming device also includes a second gaming unit connected to the first gaming unit for conducting an ongoing bonus game and enabling participation by a player in the ongoing bonus game in response to a signal generated by the first gaming unit. The ongoing bonus game may be administered by and communicated from a second gaming unit in the form of a host server to a number of networked gaming devices. Players may enter and exit play of the ongoing bonus game while it is still in progress, participating only in a segment thereof.

Abstract: A gaming system for implementing coinless gaming environment having a central processing system interconnected to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of change machines. The central processing system includes a processor and a memory having a plurality of memory locations for storing data. Each memory location is identified by a unique address in memory. In communication with the central processing system are a plurality of gaming machines having an input for accepting encoded media and an input for accepting standard paper currency. The gaming machines also contain an output including a bar code printer for encoding and distributing gaming coupons to a player. The central processing is also in communication with one or more change machines having an input for accepting gaming coupons, an input for accepting paper currency and an output for generating and dispensing encoded gaming coupons and an output for dispensing value either in the form of paper currency and/or coins.

Abstract: Games of skill or chance which provide a player, who has received a wild indicia during one game, with the opportunity to reserve that wild indicia for use in a subsequent game.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a standard gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a discernible additional payout indicator, e.g., a rotatable wheel. A preferred bonus payout indicator is clearly visible by the player and is actuatable when the reels of the slot machine stop on certain predetermined indicia. A preferred embodiment further comprises a payout multiplier which displays a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a standard gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a discernible additional payout indicator, e.g., a rotatable wheel. A preferred bonus payout indicator is clearly visible by the player and is actuatable when the reels of the slot machine stop on certain predetermined indicia. A preferred embodiment further comprises a payout multiplier which displays a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.

Abstract: Games of skill or chance which provide a player, who has received a wild indicia during one game, with the opportunity to reserve that wild indicia for use in a subsequent game.

Abstract: A group wagering game is provided in which all entrants win or lose simultaneously as a group. The method of playing the game includes forming a group consisting of all entrants who have made a first wager on a first game and a second wager on the outcome of second group game. The outcome of the second group game is determined first, but is only applied if the first game is a winner. As such, a “bonus” round of play is provided which generates group interest and excitement in the gaming experience.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a standard gaming unit, e g., three reels, and a discernible additional payout indicator, e.g., a rotatable wheel. A preferred bonus payout indicator is clearly visible by the player and is actuatable when the reels of the slot machine stop on certain predetermined indicia. A preferred embodiment further comprises a payout multiplier which displays a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.

Abstract: A group wagering game is provided in which all entrants win or lose simultaneously as a group. The method of playing the game includes forming a group consisting of all entrants who have made a first wager on a first game and a second wager on the outcome of second group game. The outcome of the second group game is determined first, but is only applied if the first game is a winner. As such, a “bonus” round of play is provided which generates group interest and excitement in the gaming experience.

Abstract: Methods of playing games and gaming devices useful with playing games whereby the gaming device comprises a first gaming unit for displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia and the means for generating at least one signal corresponding to the first gaming unit. The gaming device also comprises a second gaming unit for displaying an interactive driving video game whereby the second gaming unit is operatively connected to the first gaming unit and the second gaming unit becomes actuable or is activated in response to the signal generated by the first gaming unit.

Abstract: Methods of playing games and gaming devices useful with playing games comprise a gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a vertically disposed pinball-type game.

Abstract: A dual wagering game method for one or more players based on simultaneous participation in two mutually exclusive game components with a payoff being the product of the game component outcomes. Wagers are made in both a repeatable base game component and a nonrepeatable bonus game component which components are mutually exclusive. The outcome of the bonus game component results in a multiplier value. Winnings from repeated plays of the base game component are accumulated until a game ending event occurs and the player receives a payout of any accumulated winnings from the base game component multiplied by the multiplier value determined in the bonus game component.