Abstract: Gaming machines having multi-functional icons are disclosed herein. The gaming machine includes a game display for displaying one or more games. The gaming machine also includes a game processor for managing one or more games displayed on the game display where at least one game includes a multi-functional icon that comprises a plurality of selectable game functions. The gaming machine also includes a means for selecting the game function of a multi-functional icon, wherein the selection means is in communication with the game processor.

Abstract: An embedded user interface system 10 includes a web page display screen 20 and an embedded processor 30, and is incorporated into a gaming machine 40 that in turn includes a gaming presentation 50 and a gaming processor 60. The embedded processor 30 employs an internal operating system and communicates with the gaming processor 60. The display screen 20 presents information to a user via the display screen. The dictionary extension 100 receives an incoming text string, parses the text string to identify a navigation command and pull a uniform resource locator from the text string, loads the uniform resource locator pulled from the text string into a variable, and indirectly navigates the web content capable display screen to the uniform resource locator in the variable. This provides a dramatic improvement over traditional system components 70 (input/output peripherals) that have been used in the past to access service and system information, such as a 2-line, 20-character VF display and a 12-digit keypad.

Abstract: A system and method forms playing card markings on playing card media to provide playing cards based on a desired set of payout or house odds and/or house advantage. The playing cards may, for example, be printed in a random or pseudo-random order that is based on the selected payout or house odds and/or house advantage.

Abstract: A reel spinning gaming device 10 includes a plurality of selectable reels 20 each having game symbols 30 located thereon, a selection system 40, and an actuating system 50. Each reel displays an outcome symbol 30 after having been spun. The selection system 40 designates a subset of the selectable reels as the initial active reels 70 for the initial game. The actuating system 50 then spins the initial active reels 70, after which a prize may be awarded dependent upon the combination of the outcome symbols 30 from the initial active reels 70. The selection system 40 then designates a new subset of the selectable reels 20 as the active reels 70 for each subsequent consecutive game by substituting a non-active reel from the previous game with an active reel from the previous game. The actuating system 50 then spins the newly substituted active reel.

Abstract: A device for reading, transporting, and storing playing cards that have been collected after a card game at a gaming table. The system includes an input compartment to receive the collected playing cards, a reader, a conveyor system to transport the playing cards past the reader one at a time, an output compartment to store the collected playing cards after reading, and an elevator mechanism to raise the output compartment to the table surface. In addition, the system may include a modular erasing and printing device to erase portions of the playing cards and then print over the erased portions and/or print onto blank playing cards.

Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees at least partially by tracking the movement of chips bearing identifiers. A chip tray reader images the contents of a chip tray, while a table reader images chips on the gaming table. Chip identifiers may be associated with customer or player identifiers, the customer's or player's names may or may not be known. The system detects customer or player behavior such as prohibited playing and wagering patterns, and determines the win/loss percentage of the players and the dealer, as well as a number of other statistically relevant measures. The measurements provide automated security and real-time accounting. The measurements also provide a basis for automatically allocating complimentary player benefits.

Abstract: A primary wager is placed by a primary player regarding an outcome of a gaming event, and a secondary wager is placed by a secondary player regarding an outcome of the primary wager. Tertiary wagers may also be placed regarding an outcome of the secondary wager. The outcome of the gaming event is determined. The outcome of the primary wager is determined based on the determined outcome of the gaming event. The outcome of the secondary wager is determined based on the determined outcome of the primary wager. The outcome of the tertiary wager is determined based on the outcome of the secondary wager. Winnings and losses are paid and collected, respectively. Wagering can be local or remote. Statistics and/or odds can be generated and displayed.