Patents Assigned to Bally Gaming
  • Wheel indicator and progressive bonus means
    Patent number: 8052148
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M Kelly, Norman B Petermeier, Matthew F Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Networked gaming system
    Patent number: 8052518
    Abstract: The invention provides method and article of manufacture for implementing a user profile-driven gaming and prize redeeming system. The user profile-driven gaming and prize redemption system allows for the tailoring of a user's experience of playing a computer implemented game on a network gaming system by first receiving an identifier selected from a group of identifiers including a user identifier relating to the user (i.e., player) of the network gaming system, a game identifier relating to a particular game played by the User of the network gaming system, and a site identifier relating to the location (i.e. web site) from which the game is being played. The network gaming system then alters the computer-implemented game played by the user in a manner based upon the selected identifier. The foregoing technique may also be applied to a prize redemption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • Systems, methods and articles to facilitate lockout of selectable odds/advantage in playing card games
    Patent number: 8052519
    Abstract: The setting of desired house odds and/or house advantage may be locked out based on manual indications, for example from a dealer, and/or based on automatically determined indications, for example the removal of one or more playing cards from a shoe or other receptacle or distribution of playing cards to a position on a gaming table. Appropriate messages regarding a lockout period may be provided, for example time remaining in before a next lockout period, during which remaining time house odds and/or advantage may be changed or otherwise set. House odds and/or house advantage may be stored until the lockout period ends, and may optionally be confirmed prior to being set for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Soltys
  • SYSTEM GAMING
    Publication number: 20110269550
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR PROVIDING GAMING AND PRIZE REDEMPTION CAPABILITIES
    Publication number: 20110269533
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for allowing play of a game that is “prize-enabled” is disclosed. A frame is shown to include a first display for depicting a current amount of available credits of a particular user based on the user identification code. A second display is provided for depicting a number of prize credits that are currently awarded to the user. Also positioned on the frame is a third display for indicating either a point-to prize credit conversion table, a list of possible prizes, or a list of high scores. The frame is also equipped with links including a select game link for allowing selection of a game to play and buy credits links for purchasing additional game credits. Links are provided for linking to the prize redemption user interface of the prize database server. Positioned in the frame is a game interface that is to be executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • SYSTEM GAMING
    Publication number: 20110269535
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • SYSTEM GAMING
    Publication number: 20110270425
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • SYSTEM GAMING
    Publication number: 20110269545
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Talcott
  • SYSTEM GAMING
    Publication number: 20110269549
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • SYSTEM GAMING
    Publication number: 20110269534
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Talcott
  • Gaming machines having rhythmic reels
    Patent number: 8047910
    Abstract: A gaming machine and methods for independently controlling the movement of each mechanical reel are disclosed. The gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A game controller generates a game outcome and determines a spin duration for each of the plurality of reels. One or more stepper motors are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel. A reel control unit is in communication with one or more stepper motors and the game controller. The reel control unit determines an appropriate spin profile for each reel based upon the game outcome and the spin duration to cause the reels to spin and stop in a rhythmic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Isaac, John K. Kearns, Lawrence McAllister
  • Player verification system
    Patent number: 8047914
    Abstract: A method and system for verifying the continued presence of the same player at a gaming machine is provided. The system comprises a device for continuously obtaining verification data samples, wherein each verification data sample relates to one or more physical features of a first player. A subsequently obtained verification data sample is analyzed to determine whether it is substantially similar to a previously obtained verification data sample. If the subsequent verification data sample is substantially similar to the previously obtained verification data sample, then the system determines that the first player continues to be the same player present at the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Morrow
  • Download and data transfer gaming method
    Patent number: 8051196
    Abstract: A download and data transfer gaming method utilizes a hybrid peer-to-peer, segmented file distribution protocol to vastly improve the download capabilities of a gaming system by improving the upload cost burdened by the download host. The method redistributes this cost to the download clients by allowing clients on the gaming system to upload pieces of a file to each other. This method is much more redundant by eliminating the possibility of a client missing a download broadcast. The method alleviates this possibility of missing packets and bad data integrity by using SHA-1 verification of the file pieces. The benefits of the improved bandwidth capabilities enable the download of much larger files, thus enhancing the game play experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Ruppert
  • GAMING METHOD HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS
    Publication number: 20110263316
    Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Mark N. Iverson, Stephen E. Patton, Michael W. Stragey
  • Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games
    Patent number: 8038153
    Abstract: Playing cards from the input playing card receiver are allocated or directed between at least the first intermediary and the second intermediary playing card receivers based on an order in which the playing cards will be arranged at the playing card output receiver. The second intermediary playing card receiver may comprise an endless array of playing card receiving compartments mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. The first intermediary playing card receiver may comprise an annular array of playing card receiving compartments mounted pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis. The first intermediary playing card receiver may comprise a diagonal array of playing card receiving compartments mounted translation along a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Fleckenstein
  • Raffle game system and method
    Patent number: 8038519
    Abstract: An automated raffle game and method making use of prize pools, the prize pools having elements, the elements representing one of: winning prizes; or, both winning prizes and no-win (0 value) prizes. Raffle tickets are associated with a prize pool. Upon closure of the game, either by a time-out or by number of tickets sold, a number of elements are taken from the pool. The number of elements taken from the pool is directly related to the number of tickets associated with the pool and further depends on which type of pool is being used (one having only win-elements or both win and 0-value elements). The results are sent to the player terminal, where a player may simply take a winning voucher or ticket, or, may chose to view an entertainment display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Luciano, Jr.
  • Networked multiple bingo game system
    Patent number: 8038534
    Abstract: A system and method for providing more than one simultaneous and different bingo game, using single bingo ball draws from a central location. The present invention further provides for players to be highly distributed, for example throughout the US, while still using the single centralized ball draw and still supporting different bingo games in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Warren R. White
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING A GAMING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20110250953
    Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring a gaming machine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the systems and methods reduce operator activity at a gaming machine in order to configure a default set of game packages. By selecting a pre-defined set of games in conjunction with a set of game denominations, the operator will be able to configure a complete game suite at one time on a gaming machine, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to configure each game profile individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Sreekanthan Iyer, Shawn Falstrom, Alexander Villagran, Keith Lange
  • Unified image display for a pair of video terminals including gaming machines
    Patent number: D646336
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Kelly, Martin Lyons
  • Unified image display for a video terminal including a gaming machine
    Patent number: D646337
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Bryan Kelly, Martin Lyons