Abstract: A method for constructing paytables for gambling games is disclosed. Specifically, a method of defining a universe of possible outcomes, populating a sub-universe of winning outcomes, and efficiently populating the remainder of the universe with non-winning outcomes based on the desired behavior of the game is described. A means of further enhancing the creation of the sub-universe of winning outcomes to control volatility is also disclosed. Further, a means of controlling the sub-universe of non-winning outcomes to avoid non-desirable patterns of loss, including but not limited to “anti-lure” controls, is disclosed. A gambling machine utilizing the paytables constructed by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for indicating the relative odds of winning a gambling game is disclosed. Specifically, a gambling game with an initial configuration and a final configuration, in which the player may chose an action or actions to perform upon the initial configuration which influence the final configuration, displays an indicator when the player has chosen the best possible action or actions to perform upon the initial configuration. A refinement of such gambling games wherein the indicator is not displayed until after the player has committed to their choice of actions, so as to educate and entertain the player without assisting them in the instant choice, is also disclosed. An alternate version wherein an indicator which indicates that the player's choice was not the best play is also described.

Abstract: A segmented memory control system is disclosed. Specifically, multiple memory locations, including removable memory locations, are part of a gaming device. The memory locations are prioritized and data, including new data on removable memory units, with a higher priority is used by the gaming device at run time.

Abstract: A method for indicating the volatility of a gambling game is disclosed. Specifically, a symbol or symbols are chosen to consistently represent a particular level or subrange of volatilities, and the symbol or symbols are used to specify the volatility or range of volatilities of any given gambling game and to allow the rough comparison of differing levels of volatility between similar gambling devices or different types of gambling games. Gambling games which allow the player themselves to select the volatility of the gambling game as they play are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining symbols or numbers in a casino game that have not been randomly drawn over a determined period of time. The symbols or numbers that have not been randomly drawn, selected, or dealt (ready numbers) may be displayed on a display interface for a player to review. A player may select the as many as all of the ready numbers or select as few as none of the ready numbers for use in the next gaming event.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus with geometrically oriented elements is disclosed. Specifically, an array of game elements are displayed, each of which has a discrete geometric orientation, and whose relative geometric orientations, in addition to relative placement of each gaming element, determines winning patterns which result in payout to a player.