Patents Assigned to Scientific Games Holdings Limited
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Patent number: 9792765Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location. In one embodiment, the method includes the acts of qualifying a person.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, Jr., John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
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Patent number: 9324213Abstract: A system and method are provided to combine a gambling establishment player club with one or more second chance games. Players are thereby given multiple opportunities and incentives to interact with the gambling establishment and player club. The gambling establishment is thereby able to gather valuable player data, build player profiles, and incentivize players to take actions desired by the gambling establishment.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, Scott N. Weller, Dow K. Hardy, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Michael C. Lightman, Matthew S. Ross
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Patent number: 9317993Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location. In one embodiment, the method includes the acts of qualifying a person.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
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Patent number: 9180362Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Mark E. Herrman, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
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Patent number: 9129476Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location. In one embodiment, the method includes the acts of qualifying a person.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
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Patent number: 9087436Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a poker game, such as, for example, a pai gow poker game. In a version of this embodiment, the poker game provides for a player to arrange a plurality of cards dealt to the player into a first hand and a second hand. In another example, the poker game is coupled with a second level game in which the result is revealed. In a specific example, the second level game is a slot machine game.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
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Patent number: 9084931Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
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Patent number: 9087435Abstract: In one aspect, a multiplayer game format is provided that permits both off-property and on-property players to participate in a multiplayer game that provides awards to a winning player. Such a game format may include rake games which maximize the income of such types of games.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventor: Mark E. Herrmann
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Patent number: 9082263Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a bingo game.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
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Patent number: 8992309Abstract: A system and method are provided for rewarding players of games of chance, including, for example, a lottery-type game or a casino game. Individuals are provided the opportunity to earn extra rewards by forming teams or special groups of individuals; the team or special group must perform a particular task to obtain the extra reward. Such methods may help to maintain or increase the interest of a frequent lottery or game player, may provide a new or different incentive to attract new players, and may offer a means for a game operator to differentiate its player's club or rewards program from those of other operators. These organizations may include bingo hall operators (such as churches, senior centers, and charitable organizations), lottery agencies (such as those of United States of America state governments, or multi-state agencies), and on-line and/or land-based casinos.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Paul LaRocca, Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann
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Patent number: 8968070Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to lotteries and gaming, and more particularly, to systems for conducting casino-based gaming. After a player subscribes to play multiple games on a video gaming machine, the player may choose to finish playing the games elsewhere. The video gaming machine may then determine the outcomes for the games yet to be played and then may issue a ticket to the player.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane
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Patent number: 8886565Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of and systems for providing conditional access to electronic content. Electronic content is provided to a user along with authorization information. The electronic content may be transmitted to the user, and the user may use the authorization information to access the electronic content. An authorization code may be provided to the user such that the user may be granted access to the content based on a comparison of the provided authorization code and a second authorization code transmitted with the electronic content, and transmission of the second authorization code may be controlled by a content provider to control access by the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
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Patent number: 8851983Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to systems and methods for providing gaming insurance to casino operators by aggregating historical gaming results over an electronic medium or network of qualified casino patrons who choose to participate in one or more gambling loyalty programs and modeling those players against available games within a specific property to predict future gross gaming revenue so an insurance contract can be structured to protect against statistical variances in the gross gaming revenues.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventor: Mark E. Herrmann
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Patent number: 8845409Abstract: A player is permitted to reinvest winnings to play additional instances of an online game. In one specific example, the player may choose, at a point of sale (POS), a reinvestment option that specifies how winnings are used to automatically purchase additional game instances. In one example game format, the player may be permitted to select a reinvestment option at the point of initial purchase of the game. The player may be permitted, for example, to limit his/her reinvestment as a function of their initial investment. In another example, the primary game result is driven by the result of a secondary game, such as a lottery or casino-based drawing (e.g., a Keno drawing). The secondary game is then played, and any additional plays as a result of the reinvestment are also played. Results of the secondary game and the additional games are sent to an online gaming system.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Steven N. Kane, Mark E. Herrmann, Bijan Sabet, Dow Hardy
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Patent number: 8827790Abstract: A method for playing a multi-level game of chance wherein players can advance to the next level with a win. As the game progresses through levels, non-winning players are eliminated and winning players are segregated by type of win. In general, each level provides greater winnings. In another example game format, a progressive jackpot may also be offered.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Scott Weller, Matthew Ross
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Patent number: 8821295Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for conducting sweepstakes, which can include a user controlled gaming award, wherein the user controlled gaming award includes entries in another game is provided. Entries into a sweepstakes game are associating with a unique identifier, which can be used to enter a plurality of sweepstakes games. A graphical user interface is configured to permit a player to assign awarded sweepstakes entries to at least one sweepstakes game, and further can be configured to permit the player to accumulate entries. The awarded entries can be configured as a form of currency redeemable for entry into at least one sweepstakes game. The methods and systems can permit the player to exchange any entry to into a sweepstakes game. According to another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises an act of permitting the player to exchange the custom currency.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Scott N. Weller, Michael C. Lightman, John E. Taylor, Jr., Matthew S. Ross
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Patent number: 8784185Abstract: Provided are systems and methods configured to retain game state information during the course of game play of multiple individual games to deliver a gaming experience in addition to the game play and/or any outcome associated with the individual games and/or game sessions. Player interest can be enhanced through the requirement that multiple games be played to get to a final outcome of the game experience. Each ticket/entry can represent one step along the way (or some other ratio) of the game experience. Combining online experiences with a progression through the gaming experience with stored state information across sessions allows a game management system to track and manage the player until the game experience is complete and can include, for example, requiring a predetermined number of plays. Further the game management system can permit dynamically establishing criteria for players during any game experience.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Dow K. Hardy, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Scott N. Weller, Michael C. Lightman, John E. Taylor, Jr.
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Patent number: 8727867Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a maze-based game similar to the well-known game of PAC-MAN.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
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Patent number: 8708814Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type or casino-based game. A partial result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in an offline portion of the game. The remaining portion of the result is revealed to the player in an online portion of the game. In one example, the online/offline game includes a slot machine game. In one example, the online/offline game includes a bingo game. In yet another example, the online/offline game includes a game of roulette. In one example, particular game features are associated with either the online or offline portions of the game. In this way, players are motivated to participate in both portions of the game, enhancing and prolonging the game experience.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
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Publication number: 20140106866Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location. In one embodiment, the method includes the acts of qualifying a person.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane