Abstract: A coin or token game has a lower hopper 8 and upper hopper 10 and a lift system 18 for bringing tokens from the lower hopper to the upper hopper. The lift system 18 is pivoted around a point close to the lower hopper and fixed with respect to the upper hopper 10 in such a way that the upper end of the lift system follows the upper hopper 10 as the upper hopper 10 moves laterally across the playfield 2.

Abstract: A games machine (1) includes a video display screen (10) with a transparent front screen (10) in front and a token passage (14) between display screen and front screen. Tokens or coins may be introduced through one or more token inlets (50, 52) at the top of the token passage and the tokens fall under gravity through the token passage bouncing off a plurality of pins (16). The games machine is arranged to display one or more targets on the video display screen, the targets moving over time, and to record a hit when a token hits a pin or other target area at the time a target is displayed on the screen directly behind the pin or target area.

Abstract: A gaming machine of the type that disgorges a payout is provided a signal that defines an enhanced payout interval of selective duration. A count down display provides a visual and/or audible indication of the time remaining for the enhanced payout interval. The machine disgorges an enhanced payout in concurrent response to the signal and a payout event. In one embodiment, a signal generator periodically provides a timing pulse to the gaming machine of a duration that comprises the enhanced payout interval. When a payout event occurs during the enhanced payout interval, the machine disgorges an enhanced payout. The enhanced payout may be inhibited when the coin in of the machine between timing pulses is less than a predetermined amount. In another embodiment, clock pulses increment an activity counter during a pre-selected activity interval. The enhanced payout signal may be provided to the gaming machine after the activity interval.