Abstract: The method of awarding a bonus includes executing a game so as to define a combination (Step S2); ascertaining if the combination falls within a predefined sub-set of combinations (Step S3), and, if so, setting the combination as a target combination (Step S4). Once a target combination has been set, further games are executed (Step S5), each of which defines a further combination. If the further combination bears a predefined relationship to the target combination (Step S6) then bonus is awarded (Step S7).

Abstract: A method for awarding prizes comprises accessing a player account responsive to a player inputting a player identifier at a gaming device. The player account is capable of storing identification information associated with one or more other players nominated by the player. The method further involves setting a prize parameter for a triggerable game event that the player is eligible to be awarded based, at least in part, on a play parameter for the associated one or more other players.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and/or table games having interfaces provided thereto so as to allow players to control their participation in base games and random rewards scenarios. More particularly, an interface provided to the gaming machines and/or table games enables separate and/or separable credit meters to be maintained such that players may determine whether, and to what extent, to allocate credits to base games and one or more random rewards scenarios. This advantageously provides players with further control over their gaming opportunities. Also, certain exemplary embodiments may enable players to wager credits in excess of those capped by a particular gaming machine or table game. This advantageously provides additional revenue possibilities for gaming operators.

Abstract: The invention is a method and a device for adding a bonus prize component to wagering games such as those played in gambling casinos. A player obtaining a predetermined combination in the underlying game wins the bonus prize. This might be a predetermined combination of playing cards in a card game or a predetermined combination on the reels of a slot machine. The bonus prize may require a separate side wager to qualify. The bonus prize is randomly chosen from a group of bonus prizes that includes an incrementing jackpot. The device for practicing the method includes a prize wheel that is spun to randomly choose the bonus prize, and an incrementing device with attached jackpot display for generating and showing the current amount of the incrementing jackpot. Upon winning the incrementing jackpot, the incrementing stops and the player wins the current amount shown on the display. The incrementing jackpot is subsequently reset and the incrementing resumed.

Abstract: The invention is a method and a device for adding a bonus prize component to wagering games such as those played in gambling casinos. A player obtaining a predetermined combination in the underlying game wins the bonus prize. This might be a predetermined combination of playing cards in a card game or a predetermined combination on the reels of a slot machine. The bonus prize may require a separate side wager to qualify. The bonus prize is randomly chosen from a group of bonus prizes that includes an incrementing jackpot. The device for practicing the method includes a prize wheel that is spun to randomly choose the bonus prize, and an incrementing device with attached jackpot display for generating and showing the current amount of the incrementing jackpot. Upon winning the incrementing jackpot, the incrementing stops and the player wins the current amount shown on the display. The incrementing jackpot is subsequently reset and the incrementing resumed.

Abstract: The invention is a method and a device for adding a bonus prize component to wagering games such as those played in gambling casinos. A player obtaining a predetermined combination in the underlying game wins the bonus prize. This might be a predetermined combination of playing cards in a card game or a predetermined combination on the reels of a slot machine. The bonus prize may require a separate side wager to qualify. The bonus prize is randomly chosen from a group of bonus prizes that includes an incrementing jackpot. The device for practicing the method includes a prize wheel that is spun to randomly choose the bonus prize, and an incrementing device with attached jackpot display for generating and showing the current amount of the incrementing jackpot. Upon winning the incrementing jackpot, the incrementing stops and the player wins the current amount shown on the display. The incrementing jackpot is subsequently reset and the incrementing resumed.

Abstract: Disclosed are stand-alone and networked game table video or entertainment system for use in conjunction with a primary or underlying table game. The system includes a video display, and table interface device, and a player input device associated with one or more game tables. The video display, table interface device, and player interface device communicate via a computer, which cooperatively provide video, audio, text, or images on the video display and provide the game player with the opportunity to play a side wager or secondary game of chance at the game table. The system may be used to also provide other types of video content, such as attract mode video, conventional TV or cable channels, audio entertainment, and text or image banner information or advertisements.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to light-weight video transcoding techniques for allowing media (e.g., audiovisual content that may be pre-recorded media and/or live media provided in substantially real-time) to one or more peripherals (e.g., gaming devices, overhead displays, etc.) attached to gaming networks. In certain exemplary embodiments, video data to be distributed is received from a video server. The video data is decompressed into raw video data. The raw video data is stripped down by discarding at least some component data of the raw video data and at least some lower bits of the raw video data. A predictor algorithm is run on the stripped-down raw video data. Recompressed data to be sent to one or more peripherals is generated based on output of the predictor algorithm in accordance with a compression algorithm.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and/or table games having interfaces provided thereto so as to allow players to control their participation in base games and random rewards scenarios. More particularly, an interface provided to the gaming machines and/or table games enables separate and/or separable credit meters to be maintained such that players may determine whether, and to what extent, to allocate credits to base games and one or more random rewards scenarios. This advantageously provides players with further control over their gaming opportunities. Also, certain exemplary embodiments may enable players to wager credits in excess of those capped by a particular gaming machine or table game. This advantageously provides additional revenue possibilities for gaming operators.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and/or table games being configured to provide random rewards in dependence on accumulated gaming device wins. According to certain exemplary embodiments, in connection with a gaming network comprising a plurality of gaming devices, a method of providing a random reward to a patron using a gaming device connected to said gaming network is provided. A random number for win determination is generated. A coin-out counter accessible by the gaming device being used by the patron is initialized. A random win amount for the patron is generated. It detected whether a coin-out event has occurred on the gaming device. When a coin-out event is detected, the coin-out counter is incremented. When the coin-out counter is greater than or equal to the random number for win determination, a random reward event is triggered, which results in a qualified patron on the link being awarded the random reward amount displayed.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a light-weight encryption/decryption technique for peripherals (e.g., gaming machines, overhead displays, a jackpot controllers, etc.) attached to gaming networks. In certain exemplary embodiments, a peripheral device for use in a networked gaming environment is provided. A network interface is configured to send and receive at least one data stream, with each said data stream including at least a data block and a predetermined portion to be used in key generation. An encrypt table includes an index of random numbers in a predetermined range, with the encrypt table size and the range of the random numbers being set in dependence on the predetermined portion of the data stream. A decrypt table is provided, with the decrypt table being the inverse of the encrypt table. Key generating programmed logic circuitry is configured to generate a key in dependence on the predetermined portion of the data stream.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and table games and, more particularly, to gaming machines and table games that include a player tracking module navigation device. A processor is configured to generate a changeable predetermined control signal in dependence on the PTM's status and/or user input received into the PTM, with the control signal corresponding to possible additional user input acceptable to the PTM given its current and prospective functionality. At least one button is provided. At least one light emitter also is provided, with each said light emitter being associated with one said button. Light activation programmed logic circuitry is configured to selectively enable and/or disable the at least one light emitter in dependence on the control signal. Button actuation programmed logic circuitry is configured to selectively enable and/or disable the at least one button in dependence on the control signal.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and, more particularly, to gaming machines that are configured to display one or more virtual floating layers on one or more displays thereon. In each gaming machine, a main screen is configured to display a first game-related event. A top box is configured to display a second game-related event. A video controller is configured to provide to the main screen and/or the top box a floatable layer. The floatable layer includes at least one ancillary event. A network interface is configured to communicate information between the gaming machine and a central system over a network in substantially real-time. The floating layers may include, for example, interactive gaming, bonusing, entertainment, promotional, informational, banking, and/or service-oriented content.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to table games and, more particularly, to table games that incorporate an individualized display at each player position and, still more particularly, to inset bezels for supporting such displays. According to certain exemplary embodiments, an inset bezel for insertion into a table game is provided. The main body of the inset bezel extends inwardly into the table game's body. First and second feet are formed on the main body of the inset bezel proximate to the top surface of the table game. The feet are formed so as to engage with first and second recessed portions of the body of the table game, respectively. The first foot and the second foot are arranged so as to hold the inset bezel in place with respect to the table game, and the inset bezel is configured to support a display associated with a player position on the table game. In certain exemplary embodiments, the inset bezel may be substantially triangle shaped, substantially U-shaped, etc.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to table games and, more particularly, to table games having a plurality of player positions that each include a display device configured to display one or more virtual floating layers thereon. In each table game, a dealer terminal is configured to allow a dealer to manage play at the table game. A network interface is configured to communicate information between the table game and a central system over a network in substantially real-time. A plurality of player positions are respectively provided for a plurality of players. Each player position includes a display configured to display a first game-related event for the associated player and a video controller configured to provide to the display a floatable layer, the floatable layer including at least one ancillary event. The floating layers may include, for example, interactive gaming, bonusing, entertainment, promotional, informational, banking, and/or service-oriented content.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for displaying content on an LED display device comprising a plurality of LED modules are provided. A plurality of frames to be sequentially displayed on the LED display device across the plurality of LED modules may be defined based at least in part on the content to be displayed. A fieldcount corresponding to a number of scans appropriate for each said frame may be defined. For each said frame, the fieldcount for the frame may be initialized. The frame may be divided into a plurality of sequentially ordered rows and columns. For each said row, in sequence, a signal may be outputted to the LED display device in dependence on the frame, the fieldcount, the row, and the column. The fieldcount may be increased and the dividing step may be repeated until all scans of the frame have been completed. The content may be displayable substantially continuously and substantially free from flickers.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a high-definition media distribution system for use in connection with a media distribution network. At least one HD media source is provided. A plurality of non-HD media sources is provided. A media vault has access to the plurality of non-HD media sources. At least one HD streamer is configured to decode an HD signal from at least one said HD media source and re-encode the HD signal as a streamable HD signal capable of being sent from an Ethernet connection on the at least one HD streamer to the media distribution network. At least one player is configured to receive media signals sent across the media distribution network from the at least one HD streamer and/or the media vault and to cause at least one said HD display and/or at least one non-HD display to display corresponding media content.