Abstract: A method for playing a game wherein a positive outcome for a player requires both a superior ranking over other players or fixed outcomes, and an absolute minimum ranking, is disclosed. A machine incorporating the method described is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method featuring a plurality of matrices and a common game position or reel separate from, and positioned between, the plurality of matrices. Each of the plurality of matrices have a plurality of game positions and the plurality of matrices and common position are configured to display a game element selected from a population of game elements. During play of the game the game, the game positions and common position are randomly populated with game elements to form a configuration of game elements. The configuration of game elements forming predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes. The game element populated at the common position being evaluated in combination with game elements of adjacent game positions on the plurality of matrices in determining whether a winning outcome has resulted.

Abstract: A gaming system and method that analyzes and evaluates a player's play input in accordance with a statistically optimal play and generates an acknowledgement where the play input is consistent with an optimum play in response to a particular game condition. The gaming system features at least one display device, at least one player input device, at least one programmable processor coupled to the display device and at least one storage unit coupled to the processor. The storage unit stores a plurality of instructions executable by the programmable processor for performing the method.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine and method providing for multiplier-based rewards where the outcome of a random configuration of game elements produces a predetermined winning outcome. The gaming machine features a game display presenting an array having a plurality of game elements. During play of the game, the game elements are randomly variable to form a configuration on the array. The configuration can be either a predetermined winning or non-winning outcome of the game, with a winning outcome characterized by adjacent game elements having at least one identical property. Where a winning outcome has been produced, the game can present a winning indicator symbol where features of the winning game elements interact with one another. Where a player has wagered on the outcome of the game, the game can further provide for a multiplier that scales the wager by a predetermined factor where a winning outcome is produced.

Abstract: An improved method and system is provided for customizing game programs used in connection with electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”). Such methods and systems provide for generating custom game content and creating a secure digital file for the content that can be transmitted to a gaming venue where the content can be operationally attached to an EGM or central server. The EGM or server can run a verification procedure on the digital file and instruct the EGM to substitute the content for original or existing content on the EGM's data storage device. Embodiments further provide for transmitting the custom content to a remote regulatory authority prior to being delivered to the gaming venue or EGM.

Abstract: A game and gaming machine providing a plurality of arrays on an electronic display with each array having a plurality of game positions. During play of the game, the game positions can be randomly populated with game elements selected from a superset of elements. At least one element can be designated as a “scatter” element. Where a particular game position on one array is populated with a predetermined scatter element, a game element initially displayed in a congruent position on another array can be replaced with the scatter element. The arrays being manipulated into an overlapping configuration having more than two dimensions with the game positions forming linear groupings across the arrays. The game providing for evaluating the overlapping configuration of game elements for predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes.

Abstract: A game and gaming machine providing a plurality of two-dimensional arrays each having a plurality of positions. The plurality of two dimensional arrays being electronically presented on an at least one display. During play of the game, the positions are randomly populated with elements and the arrays are manipulated into an overlapping multi-dimensional configuration where the positions form linear groupings. The random selection of elements form predetermined winning and non-winning configurations relative their arrangement at specific game positions on a single array and across a plurality of arrays of the overlapping multi-dimensional configuration. The groupings evaluated for predetermined winning configurations.

Abstract: A game and gaming machine providing a plurality of arrays on an electronic display with each array having a plurality of game positions. During play of the game, the game positions can be randomly populated with game elements selected from a superset of elements. At least one element can be designated as a “scatter” element. Where a particular game position on one array is populated with a predetermined scatter element, a game element initially displayed in a congruent position on another array can be replaced with the scatter element. The random selection of elements and scatter replacement process can form a configuration of game elements on the individual arrays and across the arrays which can be evaluated for predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming machine with horizontal scrolling and matching is disclosed. The gaming machine features an array of multiple game positions each having a plurality of horizontal segments. Each horizontal segment has at least one element selected from a first plurality of possible elements to form a plurality of individual contiguous subsets across the horizontal segments. The plurality of individual contiguous subsets has both winning and non-winning configurations. During play of the game, the elements of at least one horizontal segment are variable relative each game position to form an individual contiguous subset across the horizontal segments at each game position. If the contiguous subset is one which is recognized as a predetermined winning configuration, a winning outcome is achieved and the player wins a prize.

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.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine for playing a game with area and numerical winning thresholds. The method and machine present a plurality of distinct elements which are grouped into a plurality of subsets whereby a player can select both a sub-plurality of elements and at least one subset. A set of random elements is selected from the set of elements which also determines at least one random subset. The set of random elements is compared to the sub-plurality of player selected elements and the player selected subset to the random subset. A player is rewarded if the set of random elements and the set of player selected elements have a pre-determined minimum number of common elements and/or if the plurality of player selected subsets and the plurality of random subsets have a second, pre-determined minimum number of common subsets.

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.

Abstract: A method for playing a game wherein a positive outcome for a player requires both a superior ranking over other players or fixed outcomes, and an absolute minimum ranking, is disclosed. A machine incorporating the method described is also disclosed.

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.