Abstract: The present invention is a game machine comprising a playing field having an upper interior edge and a lower interior edge with at least one drop zone deflector located adjacent to the upper interior edge of the playing field. The present invention also has a number of exit positions located along the lower interior edge of the playing field. A payline display and a payline symbol selector display are also part of the present invention. Balls passing through the exit positions select symbols for display in the payline display determined in part upon the movement of a ball on said playing field. The game also has a ball ejector capable of propelling a ball in a path that intersects the drop zone deflector.

Abstract: A game machine (2, 200) which includes a playing field (6, 301) traversed by objects, such as balls (320). The playing field can have plural drop zones (381-383) which can be selected by the player using deflectors (108-110) that control where the balls are launched. Detectors (22, 392) indicate scoring positions assumed by the balls. A payline display (28, 335) displays scored events. A symbol selector is included to select symbols which are variably assigned to the scoring positions and displayed on displays (20, 397). Balls score symbols which can be displayed in the payline display and affect winning or bonus play. Game machine (200) includes traditional slot machine reels which works in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.

Abstract: A method of playing blackjack with a side wager includes a side wager which is typically set at $1 per hand per player. Where the dealer shows a card having a value of ten, and the player shows two cards having a cumulative value of twenty, the player is a winner. Where either of these two conditions are not met, the player loses the side wager. Where the dealer has a ten-value up card and the player has two cards totaling twenty including aces and nines, the player wins a first amount. Where the player's cards are both of the same suit, the player wins a second, typically larger, amount. Where the player's cards are of the same rank, e.g. both Kings, the player wins a third amount. Where the player's cards are both the same rank and the same suit, the player wins a fourth amount. Where the player's cards are both the same suit and the same rank, and also the same suit and rank as the dealer's face up card, the player wins a significantly larger fifth amount.

Abstract: A slot machine is modified to identify subsets of related symbols in a randomly selected set of symbols. The symbols within the subset can then be directed to wheels or other movable visual displays in an order such that related symbols will appear first to a player. A deciding symbol will be indexed on the last wheel to reach a stationary position. Slowing of the speed at which symbols are displayed to a player on the final wheel to be indexed further adds to the anticipation and suspense of playing the enhanced games. Additional enhancement of play on the slot machine can be achieved by optically extending the viewed area of one or more rotating wheels.