Abstract: A progressive prize gaming system including (1) at least one display device having (a) a plurality of prize objects, (b) a prize object holder that holds the prize objects in an individually controlled manner, and (c) a prize object display mechanism for display of selected prize objects to a player; (2) a plurality of gaming devices; and (3) a control device configured to select at least one of the prize objects in the prize object holder and display the selected prize object in order to convey information related to a progressive prize to the player, is disclosed. The progressive prize gaming system may also include a progressive prize display as part of the display device where prize information related to the progressive prize may be displayed. A method for operating the aforementioned progressive prize gaming system is also disclosed where at least one prize object is selected and exhibited to the player to convey information related to the progressive prize.

Abstract: A game apparatus is adapted to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome. At least one character is mounted in association with the game apparatus. Lights are mounted in association with the character. A controller is in communication with the game apparatus and the lights. The controller is adapted to determine the game outcome and to control the lights such that in combination at least one character and one of the lights display the game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device having a container, at least one movable object situated within the container and a transport device configured to transport the movable object, is disclosed. The transport device further may include a transport component for receiving the movable object and the container may simulate a popcorn popper. A method of use, including a gaming method, and a method for moving one or more movable objects in a gaming device which includes providing a gaming device having a container with at least one movable object and a transport device configured to transport the movable object, are also disclosed.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a gaming device generally comprising a gaming apparatus configured to allow a player to place a wager and play a game and a bonus display configured to indicate a bonus prize to be awarded to the player. One embodiment of the gaming device comprises at least one game reel having a plurality of game symbols. At least one symbol on the game reel may indicate a game outcome. The gaming device also generally comprises at least one bonus reel having a plurality of bonus symbols which may include one or more of the following: bonus position symbol(s), bonus cycle symbol(s), bonus multiplication symbol(s), and bonus addition symbol(s). The bonus symbols(s) displayed by the bonus reel changes the bonus display in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A reel device for a gaming machine comprising a chassis configured to support the reel device and a reel structure attached to the chassis. The reel structure has a hub, a frame, and a spoke attached to the hub and the frame. The frame preferably defines the periphery of the reel structure. The periphery of the reel structure preferably has media adapted to display a symbol to a game player. The reel may further have a board attached to the chassis and a plurality of light-emitting diodes positioned on the board, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes is adapted to transmit light to at least a portion of the media.

Abstract: A method for enhancing cashless gaming. Preferably, game player is provided with an incentive to redeem winnings on a cashless device. The method preferably includes providing a wagering game to a player, allowing the player to transfer value to the wagering game, recording the amount transferred, allowing the player to make a wager, presenting a game to the player, determining whether the game outcome is a wining or losing outcome, updating the amount recorded, allowing the player to cash-out at least a portion of the recorded value, and triggering an award event if the cash-out is made using a cashless device. In one embodiment, the player is given an award when the value redeemed exceeds a predetermined qualifying amount. Also provided is a system for allowing a player to redeem winnings, including a gaming machine with a processing system, a cashless gaming device, and a cashless device cash-out system.

Abstract: An animated gaming system that includes a housing configured to hold gaming components, a game controller, a three-dimensional animated figure and at least two display containers located in the housing, is disclosed. The display containers are configured to hold and agitate moveable display objects, for example display balls. The containers are at least partially transparent allowing players to view the moveable display objects, such as in a jumbled ball display. The three-dimensional animated figure includes at least one animated element that is movable and the animated figure can be made to appear to indicate at least one of the containers and subsequent display of a prize object. A gaming method involving use of the animated figure and containers with moveable display objects is also disclosed.

Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of prize balls, a ball holder adapted to hold the balls in an individually controlled manner, a controller adapted to select a prize ball, a display mechanism adapted to display the selected prize ball to the player; and a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism. The display device may be combined with a jumbled ball display wherein the balls displayed by the display device appear to originate from the jumbled ball display. The display device may also be combined with a game apparatus that is adapted to allow players to play a game. In this embodiment, the display device may provide a bonus award for the player. Several games are also provided that may be used with the display device. In an alternative embodiment, the jumbled ball display is replaced with a video display device that displays the balls in video form.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device comprising a display surface. The display surface comprises a plurality of indicia. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and is configured to move the display surface on a first predetermined path. A moveable indicator is included that is configured to indicate at least one indicia appearing on the display surface. A moveable indicator actuator is in communication with the moveable indicator and is configured to move the moveable indicator along a second predetermined path. A controller is in communication with at least one of the display device actuator and the moveable indicator actuator. The controller is configured to position at least one of the display device and the movable indicator so that the movable indicator indicates an indicia appearing on the display surface that conveys a game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device including a game apparatus enabling a player to play the game, the gaming device having: one or more movable display objects located within a housing; a game surface configured to allow interaction of the display objects with one or more receptacle elements capable of receiving the display objects, where the game surface further includes openings capable of receiving each of the receptacle elements; and a receptacle actuator for controlling the position of the receptacle element relative to the game surface, is disclosed. Typically, the receptacle element or the movable display object may be associated with at least one game-related symbol or image corresponding to the prize to be awarded. In addition, a method of playing a game involving placing a wager using the aforementioned gaming device is disclosed.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device including a game apparatus that is adapted to allow a player to play a game. The game apparatus includes a game display that is mounted in association with the game device. The game display includes a pair of objects. A positioning mechanism is connected with at least one of the objects. The positioning mechanism moves the objects such that, in combination, the objects display a symbol. A controller is in communication with the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A gaming device having a reservoir for holding a plurality of display objects, an emptying mechanism for causing the display objects to fall out of the reservoir, an actuator for activating the emptying mechanism, and a controller configured to activate the actuator, is disclosed. The gaming device may further include a display area and a display object transport device to move the display objects from the display area to the reservoir. The reservoir of the gaming device may simulate a bank vault where the display objects further simulate coins as they fall out of the bank vault. A gaming method involving the aforementioned device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming device is provided that includes at least one game apparatus allowing a player to place a wager, play a game, and producing a bonus-activating event. The device includes at least one bonus display including a plurality of bonus prize displays and at least one selectively moveable indicator that moves relative to the bonus prize displays and indicates at least one of the bonus prize displays. Also included is at least one player input device allowing the player to stop the moveable indicator and at least one controller in communication with at least one bonus prize display. The controller detects a bonus activating event, detects the position of the moveable indicator, determines a bonus prize, and causes a bonus prize display proximate the moveable indicator to convey the bonus prize.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device including a game apparatus that is adapted to allow a player to play a game. The game apparatus includes a display object, a prize object and a positioning mechanism. A controller is in communication with the positioning mechanism. The controller is adapted to show the display object to the player and to hide the display object from the player. The controller is further adapted to show the prize object to the player and award a prize. The objects provide an illusion that they disappear and then reappear into view of the player.

Abstract: A gaming device includes a video gaming display and a mechanical indicator. The gaming device has a video display that can display several prize positions. A moveable indicator points to at least one of the prize positions. A controller is in communication with the video display and the moveable indicator. The controller causes the moveable indicator to move to a selected position and the video display to display a video presentation. The controller further causes the video display to display a prize indicia such that the moveable indicator and video display in combination indicate a game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device including a housing, a support structure with an attached rotatable display device located in the housing, a plurality of display objects, and a transport device configured to move the display objects to the display device where the display objects are deposited and fall off of the display device, is disclosed. The display device may simulate an umbrella where the display objects further simulate rain drops as they fall off of the display device. A method of display and a gaming method involving the aforementioned device, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device and gaming method. The method includes allowing a player to place a wager and play a game of chance. A game outcome is determined. The game outcome can include awarding a prize. If the game outcome includes awarding a prize, a display is activated. A variable prize is determined. The prize is shown on the display to the player. The prize is a multiple of the player's salary. The player's salary is verified and the multiple of the player's salary is awarded to the player. In another embodiment, the prize is substantially equal to the amount of one of the player's debts. The player's debt is verified and the player's debt is paid.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device including a game apparatus adapted to allow a player to play a game. The gaming device may include several moveable prize objects. The gaming device may also include a prize object holder adapted to hold the prize objects. The prize objects may be allowed to move within the prize object holder. A controller may be in communication with the game apparatus. The controller may be adapted to determine the game outcome. The controller can be adapted to move the prize object holder to display the game outcome to the player.

Abstract: A gaming device base having a storage area configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item is disclosed. The gaming device base further includes a horizontal support member having a substantially flat surface to support at least one gaming device. The gaming device base further has at least one door positioned beneath the horizontal support member and also may have at least one edge. The door includes the storage area configured to store the non-currency gaming item and further may be moved from an open to a closed position; the door may also include an angled portion. In the open position, the storage area may be accessed and, in the closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member. Players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch or extend their legs behind the edge of the horizontal support member.