Abstract: A transparent, automatic ball blower configured to generate random outcomes for a game by air-mixing Ping-Pong-style balls in a mixing chamber. During game play, the balls extracted from the mixing chamber via an extractor pipe are subsequently carried by a computer-controlled, motorized ball carrier mechanism to an inlet of a ball accumulator compartment. The ball accumulator compartment may be located proximate to the ball mixing chamber. The ball carrier mechanism moves and drops the extracted balls, one-at-a-time, into the ball accumulator compartment. The balls fall into the ball accumulator compartment by means of gravity alone. The balls fill the ball accumulator compartment which, in one version, accommodates a single vertical layer of balls allowing visual inspection of the balls. At the end of game play, the balls are released from the ball accumulator compartment into the mixing chamber through a computer-controlled, motorized ball release gate.

Abstract: A casino game is implemented on the basis of a wireless mobile player unit adapted to play poker, slots, bingo and other casino games. The unit obtains random game outcomes from a central computer over a radio channel utilizing a data authentication and/or encryption technique relying on a database of authentication keys. The authentication key database and, optionally, key selection criteria are downloaded into the unit from the central computer via a secure communication channel. The data authentication key database is preferably used only once, and is replaced with a new database for each session. Alternatively, a database of keys may be resident on the player unit and an encryption selection sequence or algorithm is securely downloaded before the start of a gaming session, which is then used to choose a different authentication key for each transaction occurring during the session. Authentication keys may also be used as encryption keys to further protect the data.

Abstract: Floor-agent-operated wireless barcode reader for reading the barcodes imprinted on bingo packs along with barcode labels affixed to player loyalty cards and portable and/or stationary bingo player units. The two or three barcodes read by the barcode reader are transmitted over a WiFi channel to a central file server that downloads bingo player units identified by the barcodes with the bingo packs bar-coded identification and/or contents over a local area network. In addition, the central file server tracks player spend utilizing the bar-coded player identification.

Abstract: A system and method for awarding bonus prizes is paid responsive to the last two or more bingo balls called during a bingo game (e.g., last five balls form a predetermined combination of bingo letters). For example, if the last five balls called in a bingo game are an “O” ball, preceded by a “G” ball, preceded by an “N” ball, preceded by an “I” ball, and preceded by a “B” ball, the last five balls called or selected in the bingo game spell the word “BINGO” and accordingly, the winning bingo card is paid a jackpot prize. Another example of a bonus combination is the last three balls spelling the word “BIG.” Yet another example of a bonus combination is the word “BIG” being spelled by bingo balls selected by a pair of ball blowers working in tandem.

Abstract: A system and method using one or more remote controllers to control hands-free ball blowers. The remote controllers may be used by bingo callers and/or a designated bingo player. In addition, the remote controllers are configured to enable bingo callers to override a designated bingo player's control of the ball-blowers if needed, e.g., if a player delays a drawing of a bingo ball for too long a time. The system and method allows players to be more interactive with bingo games and similar draw-type games.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ball blower apparatus for facilitating games of chance. The ball blower apparatus has a motor-driven ball carriage mechanism that captures air-ejected balls from a ball mixing chamber and carries the captured ball to an inlet of a ball return tube that extends downward to a bottom of the ball mixing chamber. Captured balls travel down the tube under air pressure generated by an air blower. The air pressure also prevents the balls from electro-statically clinging to walls of the tube. The balls may be bar-coded and scanned by a barcode reader while being handled by the ball carriage mechanism. A computer interfaced with the barcode reader automatically controls the operation of the ball blower including the operation of the carriage motor, air blower(s) and a solenoid that controls the egress of balls from the ball return tube into the mixing chamber. A TV camera may also be utilized to capture and visually display numbers associated with the balls.

Abstract: A casino game is implemented on the basis of a wireless mobile player unit adapted to play poker, slots, bingo and other casino games. The unit obtains random game outcomes from a central computer over a radio channel utilizing a data encryption technique relying on an authentication key. The authentication key is downloaded into the unit from the central computer via a secure wired communication channel while the unit is stored, recharged and locked in a dispensing kiosk controlled by the central computer. A player rents the unit from the kiosk, plays it throughout the casino and returns the unit to the kiosk to obtain prizes and/or bonus points earned. The central computer tracks the inventory of the units in the kiosk and on the casino floor.