Abstract: A claw machine including a cabinet adapted to hold multiple objects on a horizontal surface in a non-overlapping manner. Each one of the objects are visually marked with a unique identifier. A human machine interface adapted to identify a user or a player election held during a game event that is indicative of the multiple identifiers. A processing circuitry connected to a claw machine gantry assembly and adapted to instruct the claw machine gantry assembly to maneuver the claw according to a random or a pseudo random pattern until the claw grips one of the objects during the game event. A sensing mechanism adapted to identify which of the plurality of objects is gripped by the claw during the game event.

Abstract: A chip dispensing system for gaming comprises a plurality of chip dispensing units. Each chip dispensing unit comprises a magazine for storing chips. Each chip is assigned a monetary value. Each chip dispensing unit further comprises a ramp extending from the magazine, and an arm for propelling each dispensed chip toward a chip playing field. Processing circuitry monitors a cumulative value of a series of wagers over a time period, and to determine that a cumulative value of chips dispensed toward the playing field corresponds to a predefined return-to-player percentage of the series of wagers: following receipt of a wager, calculate a value of chips to be added to the chip playing field in order to maintain the predefined return-to-player percentage; and instruct the chip dispensing units to dispense chips having a collective value equivalent to the calculated value toward the chip playing field.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, at a central data center including at least one server computer, maintaining central hospitality data for a plurality of hospitality systems. The method further includes serving, by the central data center, at least a portion of the central hospitality data to a plurality of computing devices operated by hospitality consumers. The method also includes, at the central data center, receiving, at regular intervals, an automated email from each hospitality system of the plurality of hospitality systems. Each automated email encapsulates updated local hospitality data gathered by the hospitality system. In addition, the method includes, at the central data center, retrieving the updated local hospitality data from each automated email. Also, the method includes, at the central data center, updating the central hospitality data per the updated local hospitality data.

Abstract: A gaming machine which includes a display unit configured to display a gaming interface, and a score interface; a console for receiving payment instructions from a player; a game controller programmed to present at least one game of chance and at least one game of skill. The machine includes a display controller activated by said game controller to display at least one of a game of chance and one of said game of skill and to display a score and a game timer. The game controller includes a program that runs an algorithm that determines that the long term return to player (RTP) from the gaming machine lies between a minimum specified percentage and a maximum specified percentage. The algorithm includes functions dependent on the random number generator (RNG), the score from the game of skill and the time elapsed during the game of skill.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming system for operation on a mobile user interface or in an Internet browser, which includes: a display unit configured to display a gaming interface, and a score interface; a console for receiving payment instructions from a player; a game controller programmed to present at least one game of chance and at least one game of skill. The game controller includes a random number generator (RNG), a score calculator and a timer. A display controller is included and activated by said game controller to display at least one of said game of chance and one of said game of skill and to display a score and a game timer. A program of the game controller runs an algorithm that determines that the long-term return to player (RTP) from the gaming machine lies between a minimum specified percentage and a maximum specified percentage.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a modular gaming table having a quick-change insert for use with a plurality of sensors associated with the gaming table. By way of example, the modular gaming table has table top with a recessed section cut into the top surface. Several light sensors are positioned within the recessed section. A removable insert is provided having a gaming table layout covering the top surface. The removable insert is sized to fit within the table top recessed section and cover the plurality of light sensors. The light sensors are configured to detect a playing card or gaming chip on the top surface of the removable insert through the gaming table layout. The removable insert is a quick-change insert meaning it is configured to be removed from the table top recessed section to replace the gaming table layout without disturbing the position of the light sensors.

Abstract: A method of interaction between a machine and a player or a plurality of players, the method comprising the machine selecting a predetermined plurality of information bearing devices from a predetermined plurality of available information bearing devices as a selected plurality of information bearing devices upon initiation by a player. The machine organizing the selected plurality of information bearing devices for display on a visual display apparatus and the visual display apparatus displaying the selected plurality of information bearing devices as a set of selected information bearing devices in a in first orderly manner representing a first display order.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, at a central data center including at least one server computer, maintaining central hospitality data for a plurality of hospitality systems. The method further includes serving, by the central data center, at least a portion of the central hospitality data to a plurality of computing devices operated by hospitality consumers. The method also includes, at the central data center, receiving, at regular intervals, an automated email from each hospitality system of the plurality of hospitality systems. Each automated email encapsulates updated local hospitality data gathered by the hospitality system. In addition, the method includes, at the central data center, retrieving the updated local hospitality data from each automated email. Also, the method includes, at the central data center, updating the central hospitality data per the updated local hospitality data.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a modular gaming table having a quick-change insert for use with a plurality of sensors associated with the gaming table. By way of example, the modular gaming table has table top with a recessed section cut into the top surface. Several light sensors are positioned within the recessed section. A removable insert is provided having a gaming table layout covering the top surface. The removable insert is sized to fit within the table top recessed section and cover the plurality of light sensors. The light sensors are configured to detect a playing card or gaming chip on the top surface of the removable insert through the gaming table layout. The removable insert is a quick-change insert meaning it is configured to be removed from the table top recessed section to replace the gaming table layout without disturbing the position of the light sensors.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a modular gaming table having a quick-change insert for use with a plurality of sensors associated with the gaming table. By way of example, the modular gaming table has table top with a recessed section cut into the top surface. Several light sensors are positioned within the recessed section. A removable insert is provided having a gaming table layout covering the top surface. The removable insert is sized to fit within the table top recessed section and cover the plurality of light sensors. The light sensors are configured to detect a playing card or gaming chip on the top surface of the removable insert through the gaming table layout. The removable insert is a quick-change insert meaning it is configured to be removed from the table top recessed section to replace the gaming table layout without disturbing the position of the light sensors.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining if a player has placed a bet in a bet spot on a gaming table, such as, for example, a main bet spot or a progressive or proposition bet spot. By way of example, the tabletop of a gaming table has a plurality of player positions having one or more bet spots positioned in proximity to each player position on the top surface. The tabletop has a light sensor associated with each bet spot and positioned beneath the gaming table layout to detect light intensity through the layout. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are associated with each light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are located beneath the gaming table layout so as to illuminate through the material of the gaming table layout.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining if a player has placed a bet in a bet spot on a gaming table, such as, for example, a main bet spot or a progressive or proposition bet spot. By way of example, the tabletop of a gaming table has a plurality of player positions having one or more bet spots positioned in proximity to each player position on the top surface. The tabletop has a light sensor associated with each bet spot and positioned beneath the gaming table layout to detect light intensity through the layout. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are associated with each light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are located beneath the gaming table layout so as to illuminate through the material of the gaming table layout.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to rate a plurality of dealers at a table game in a casino based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining if a player has placed a bet in a bet spot on a gaming table, such as, for example, a main bet spot or a progressive or proposition bet spot. By way of example, the tabletop of a gaming table has a plurality of player positions having one or more bet spots positioned in proximity to each player position on the top surface. The tabletop has a light sensor associated with each bet spot and positioned beneath the gaming table layout to detect light intensity through the layout. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are associated with each light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are located beneath the gaming table layout so as to illuminate through the material of the gaming table layout.