Abstract: A loss limit system and method automatically tracks a player's entry and cash play, and does not allow them to play more than an allotted dollar amount during a given time frame or lose more than the established limit. Typically, excursions of play sessions are set up by day. Play is tracked at gaming machines and locked from all other play during card in at a machine. No other play is allowed at gaming machines, auto table rating systems or open table ratings, purchase of tokens, unless buy-in has not reached the loss limit for the session. At rollover, players are allowed to play again until they meet the same criteria for loss limit.

Abstract: A system and method may provide playing cards which are selected based on a desired set of payout or house odds and/or house advantage. The system and method may display payout odds for respective player positions. The system and method may operate a playing card handling device to provide the playing cards in a random or pseudo-random fashion, based at least in part on the selected payout or house odds and/or house advantage.

Abstract: A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.

Abstract: Methods for receiving and processing input on a gaming machine using a virtual user interface are disclosed herein. According to one method, a gaming machine having a game display for presenting a game is able to generate a virtual user interface of a surface of the gaming machine. The virtual user interface includes one or more virtual components that correspond to one or more game functions. The gaming machine receives and processes user input via the virtual user interface. The gaming machine then performs the game function corresponding to the user input. Gaming machines having a virtual user interface are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a game display for presenting a game. The gaming machine also includes a virtual interface controller for generating and presenting a virtual user interface on a surface of the gaming machine where the virtual user interface receives user input for gaming or non-gaming functions.

Abstract: A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.

Abstract: A system and method for providing centralized control of the audio output for one or more gaming machines in a casino gaming network are disclosed herein. The system comprises one or more microphone interfaces positioned in a casino gaming floor environment to obtain noise level data. The system also includes a system server connected to the one or more microphone interfaces to receive the obtained noise level data and to determine the appropriate audio output for one or more gaming machines. The system also includes an audio hub positioned within each gaming machine and connected to the system server, wherein each audio hub receives audio instructions from the system server and adjusts the audio output for one or more gaming machines.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that provides an opportunity to win a prize in response to game play, each game being played in exchange for monetary input. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of game units connected via a network. The game server stores one or more games. The game units each include a web browser having a monetary input device, and a ticket dispenser having a printer. The game system enables a player to receive a prize at a game unit via the ticket dispenser in response to winning game play. The gaming system enables game units to request games from the game server over the network. The games may be downloaded over the network from the game server to the requesting game unit to be executed at the game unit and to be displayed in one or more web browsers.

Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a gaming system capable of providing progressive level alerts or promotions when a progressive jackpot reaches a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the user is able to register for a progressive level alert. In another embodiment, the progressive level alert is presented on an affiliated or third party website. By providing progressive jackpot amount information, the user, who may not otherwise patronize a casino, is encouraged to visit the particular casino offering games capable of awarding a progressive jackpot prize of a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The Alpha II installation architecture requires extra management of per-seat installations to ensure the games are only installed with as many instances as were sold to the site. The License Management method manages and enforces proper per-license activation since a mechanism is present on the gaming machines to copy the software which is sold on compact flashes and installed onto hard drives. A method for providing license management using an activation application to manage and enforce proper per-license activation is disclosed.

Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.

Abstract: A self configuring progressive jackpot award system includes a plurality of electronic gaming machines (EGMs). The plurality of EGMs respectively include a plurality of EGM configuration options, and operate in accordance with the EGM configuration options. A subset of the plurality of EGM configuration options relates to participating in a progressive jackpot award game. A progressive controller is coupled to the plurality of EGMs and controls the operation of a progressive jackpot award game. The progressive controller includes a plurality of progressive jackpot award game configuration options. A subset of these progressive jackpot award game configuration options correspond to the subset of EGM configuration options related to participating in the progressive jackpot award game. The progressive controller automatically sends data representing this subset of progressive jackpot award game configuration options to the plurality of EGMs.

Abstract: A method for managing a casino gaming system is disclosed. One embodiment provides a web server embedded in at least one gaming component of a gaming machine, wherein the web server is configured to deliver a management user interface to a web browser. A management user interface is delivered to a web browser from the embedded web server, and input is received via the management user interface. The received input includes instructions for managing the gaming component in which the web server is embedded.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling one network to use the functionality of another network is provided. The system comprises a first network system having a first network functionality and a second network system having a second network functionality. A server connected to the second network system passes directions through the first network to enable a component connected to both the first network system and the second network system to perform a second network functionality.

Abstract: Gaming systems, machines and methods are disclosed that provide various player-centric rewards to the casino patrons. The rewards may be provided across multiple games including slots, tables, keno, and any other casino game. The sweepstakes rewards may be used to promote increased play for chosen time periods, locations, and/or individual players. In addition, patrons can earn sweepstakes rewards based upon the amount of coins played at the slot machine, on the slot floor or throughout the entire casino. Furthermore, the patrons can receive a birthday reward, which may be credited to the eligible patrons on or about the patron's birth date. The rewards may be directly credited to the gaming machines using either cashable or non-cashable credits. The system facilitates patrons continuing to accrue rights toward a reward even when playing different gaming machines, or when playing machines having different denominations.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a multi-tiered power supply and power distribution system which enables maintenance of low security and higher failure rate components such as video monitors, LCDs, or reel mechanisms without disconnecting power from higher security, low failure rate components such as the main processor board. The ability to provide multi-tiered power in this manner allows low security risk items to be serviced while the gaming machine is still in contact with the casino's backend reporting system, reporting on its status. This improves security, accountability of maintenance personnel, and significantly reduces overall gaming machine down time.

Abstract: Disclosed are a game, gaming machine, gaming system and methods including a wild reel game. The occurrence of triggering symbols on the reels of a primary game results in the corresponding reels becoming wild during play of a subsequent feature game.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a gesture enhanced game play system that includes a display system, a sensor system, a feedback system, and one or more computing systems. The sensor system is configured to detect at least one touch gesture when the touch gesture is at least proximate the virtual game layout. During play of the base game, when a player makes a touch gesture the touch gesture is evaluated as either a direct gameplay touch gesture or an indirect gameplay touch gesture. Each direct gameplay touch gesture relates directly to reaching an outcome of a current game. Each indirect gameplay touch gesture may be associated with a feedback system that responds to the indirect gameplay touch gestures by the player with visual, audio, and/or tactile feedback.

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: Various embodiments are directed to a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels that enhance any winning outcome in a reel spinning game.