Abstract: A method of a house apportionment of a bonus value is used to pay during play of a bonus game. Entry of the bonus game is achieved during play of an underlying game of chance. The method of house apportionment includes steps of awarding the player a portion of the bonus value for the bonus game and adding the remainder of the bonus value to at least one escrow account available to reward the player or subsequent players. The awarding step is based on bonus games including the step of knowledge-based playing. The awarding step of the knowledge-based bonus game includes the step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing the appropriate responses to questions. The step of knowledge-based playing includes the step of selecting or guessing the appropriate answers to multiple choice questions. The step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing includes the step of challenging the player with questions having a common theme.

Abstract: A method for a survey-based casino game. A first embodiment provides the survey-based casino game as a bonus game for an underlying casino game. A second embodiment provides a stand-alone survey-based casino game and a third embodiment provides back-and-forth play between a casino game and a survey-based casino game.

Abstract: A bonus game for an underlying base casino machine played by a player wherein the bonus game provides a Pachinko playing field, a ball propelled onto the Pachinko playing field when a bonus condition occurs during play of an underlying casino game. The Pachinko playing field having a row of lanes so that the ball, after traversing the playing field, travels through one of the lanes. A display at said row of lanes on said playing field for displaying at the lanes, targets, digits used to form a decimal number, graphic symbols used to perform a mathematical operation, symbols appearing in the underlying game outcome, so as to provide awards, wild symbols, extended game play, etc.

Abstract: A casino game and method having a first display for displaying a pay table; a processor displaying on a second display a matrix comprising symbols randomly positioned in rows and columns, the matrix of symbols randomly including at least one trigger symbol; and an input for a player to select at least one symbol within the matrix. The selection by the player prompted by the inclusion of the at least one trigger symbol in the displayed matrix of symbols, wherein the processor converts to wild the selected at least one symbol within the matrix and of awarding the player in accord with the displayed pay table.

Abstract: A method for playing a stand-alone and a bonus casino poker dice having X dice, each of the X dice having F faces with a different symbol thereon so as to form a set {S} of symbols on each of the X dice. The method of the present invention includes the steps of placing a wager; rolling the dice; holding none, any, or all of the rolled dice; ending the casino poker dice game when the dice are all held or when re-rolling occurs Y times; paying any winning combinations of symbols based on the placed wager and in response to the step of ending the game; re-rolling the non-held dice when less than all the X dice are held; and repeating various of these steps until the game ends. Variations on this basic method are set forth for stand-alone games, bonus games, used in conjunction with underlying gaming machines, and playing a bonus game of the present invention in parallel with an underlying game so that a number of hands are played.

Abstract: A method for operating two different bonus games in a casino game machine. The first bonus game is played when a first predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs on a pay line. The bonus game has a meter and a path to a goal wherein the path has a number of stopping points. The player advances based on player input from stopping point to stopping point along the path to the goal until either the meter reaches a predetermined value that ends the bonus game or until the goal is reached. The second bonus game is played when a second predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs. The operation of the casino game is further affected by providing a graphic image in the video display of the reels to affect the play outcome. A game ticket version is also shown.

Abstract: A method for a knowledge-based casino game. A first embodiment provides the knowledge-based casino game as a bonus game for an underlying casino game. A second embodiment provides a stand-alone knowledge-based casino game and a third embodiment provides back-and-forth play between a casino game and a knowledge-based casino game.

Abstract: A virtual matrix comprised of a plurality of grid elements is provided, on which a hidden pattern, comprised of a plurality of matrix entries, is randomly placed. A player views a gaming matrix having a plurality of visible positions, each visible position corresponding to one of the grid elements. The player chooses at least one of the plurality of visible positions on the gaming matrix, after which the game displays the corresponding grid element of the virtual matrix on the gaming matrix. Based on the correct number of guesses matching the pattern location, the player is awarded and a media presentation signals the player's success. If the player guesses incorrectly, a second media presentation signals the incorrect guess.

Abstract: A method for playing a game has the steps of establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality of value squares. Randomly traversing the paths to afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end square. Allowing a player to select one of the paths. Moving along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice, employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino game and a bonus game for a base game.

Abstract: Methods for enhanced interactive playing of a casino game on account of an attribute by a player have steps including. The steps of establishing one or more threshold criteria for tracking the attribute and allowing the player to wager and play the casino game are performed. The actual casino game data related to the attribute is tracked. The player is provided with enhanced interaction if the tracked data fulfills at least one threshold criteria during enhanced interactive playing of the casino game.

Abstract: During play of a casino game a hidden bonus feature unknown to the player occurs as no separate indicator is activated. The occurrence of the hidden bonus feature may be at a random statistical frequency or other event. When the player inputs a correct response to the hidden bonus feature, the player receives an additional award. If a correct response is not received or if the hidden bonus feature is ignored, the player does not receive any further award. The hidden bonus feature does not affect the outcome of the play of the casino game.

Abstract: A seal card game having a number of play areas, with each play area having a hidden symbol. One of the hidden symbols on the ticket is a directional symbol. The other hidden symbols are end of game symbols. The player has one opportunity to uncover a hidden symbol in only one play area. Uncovering an end of game symbol ends the game. Uncovering the directional symbol entitles the player to uncover one or more authorized award areas within a topological area. Upon redeeming the ticket, the player receives the authorized awards in the topological area based performance of a mathematical operation on values revealed in the authorized award areas.

Abstract: During play of a casino game a hidden bonus feature unknown to the player occurs, although the existence of the hidden bonus feature may be known. The occurrence of the hidden bonus feature may be at a random statistical frequency or other event. When the player inputs a correct response to the hidden bonus feature, the player receives an additional award. If a correct response is not received or if the hidden bonus feature is ignored, the player does not receive any further award. The hidden bonus feature does not affect the outcome of the play of the casino game.

Abstract: A method of playing and wagering on a game of chance with community events has the steps of identifying the community event; accepting wagers from players on the event; generating a chance event during play, and rewarding the players from the pool if the event occurs during the chance event. The step of rewarding each player includes determining the amount of each player's reward per that player's wager and splitting the pool among all those that wager. Dealing cards, spinning a wheel or drawing numbered balls generates a chance event after accepting wagers. Adding to the pool at least a portion of the wagers and increasing the pool when the event does not occur are steps. The step of bases the reward of each player on the proportion of the fraction of total wagers made by all wagering players during that game of chance that the amount of the player's wager represented. An apparatus has a pay table ranking events and a wagering place to accept individual wagers from players on the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A Pachinko bonus game system for an underlying game machine. The Pachinko bonus game has a playing field with a plurality of rows of pegs. A ball is launched onto the playing field by a launch mechanism when an initiate condition occurs during play of the underlying game. A row of lanes are provided on the playing field. The ball, after traversing among the pegs on the playing field, eventually travels through one of the lanes. At each lane is randomly displayed a bonus payoff value. The lane the ball travels through senses the presence of the ball and the value displayed for that lane is added to the credit meter in the underlying game. The bonus payoff values are randomly changed from game to game which eliminates any mechanical bias present in the Pachinko game. A stand-alone Pachinko game as well as using a Pachinko game as a coin dispenser is also provided.

Abstract: A casino game wherein the player has a fixed number of play positions. During play of the casino game at least one of the visible play positions has a hidden element changing the fixed number to control the length of the casino game when the displayed hidden element changes the fixed number by adjusting (or incrementing) the number of remaining selections. This results in a player selection in a player being awarded additional selections.

Abstract: A bonus game for an underlying base casino machine played by a player wherein the bonus game provides a Pachinko playing field, a ball propelled onto the Pachinko playing field when a bonus condition occurs during play of an underlying casino game. The Pachinko playing field having a row of lanes so that the ball, after traversing the playing field, travels through one of the lanes. A display at said row of lanes on said playing field for displaying at the lanes, targets, digits used to form a decimal number, graphic symbols used to perform a mathematical operation, symbols appearing in the underlying game outcome, so as to provide awards, wild symbols, extended game play, etc.

Abstract: A casino game and method having at least one hidden attribute for each of a finite number of icons and at least one additional hidden attributes for at least one of the finite number of icons. An initial number of player's picks known to the player are provided and any additional picks found, as a result of the additional hidden attributes, by the player are accumulated to prolong the casino game. The casino game ends when the player's picks are used up.

Abstract: A method of playing a casino game by offering a player a plurality of objects, each of which has a probability of success and associated award. The player chooses an object and receives the associated award when the chosen object is successful. The player continues to chose objects until the casino game ends. Ending may occur randomly after each object is chosen, upon all chosen objects resulting in a success, or upon the player choosing a fixed number of objects.