Abstract: A card-based game machine includes a game item card storing machine-readable virtual item data which includes a potency value, and a game host unit. The game host unit includes: a game card reader for reading the machine-readable virtual item data; and a processor coupled to the game card reader, and generating a virtual game piece, a virtual item on the basis of the machine-readable virtual item data, and a game potency value on the basis of the potency value. The processor changes the game potency value during game play, and updates the machine-readable virtual item data through the game card reader at game completion, such that the potency value reflects the game potency value at game completion. A card-based game method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-display gaming machine includes a housing, a plurality of display devices mounted to the housing, an input device operable for generating control instructions, and a processing device disposed inside the housing, coupled to the display devices and the input device, and loaded with a plurality of gaming programs. The processing device is responsive to the control instructions from the input device for simultaneously executing at least two of the gaming programs, and for outputting gaming screen contents resulting from execution of the gaming programs to respective ones of the display devices for viewing by a player.

Abstract: A multi-player gaming system includes a plurality of player terminals adapted for operation by game players, respectively, and a host terminal connected to the player terminals and operable so as to enable the game players to play a wagering game therewith. The host terminal is configured to allow the game player of each of the player terminals to place a main bet for the wagering game with the host terminal, and an optional side bet for the wagering game with the game players of other ones of the player terminals. Based on an outcome of the wagering game, the host terminal is configured to settle the main bets placed with the host terminal according to predetermined first winning criteria, and to settle the side bets among the game players of the player terminals who placed a respective side bet according to predetermined second winning criteria.