Abstract: A method of scoring a video wagering game is disclosed. The method includes placing a wager to participate in a video wagering game, and playing a first segment of the game. The first segment is played until a set of predetermined conditions has been met. A payout value is assigned to a winning outcome of the first segment. When the predetermined conditions have been met, the player plays a second segment of the game. The outcome of the second segment determines a factor that is at least equal to one. The payout value assigned to the first segment is multiplied by the factor to determine the game payout.

Abstract: A method of configuring a reel-slot gaming device to randomly generate game outcome is disclosed. The method includes the steps of selecting a set of game symbols, assigning a probability of occurrence to each symbol, selecting a plurality of outcome templates, each template comprising X variables, selecting a probability of occurrence for each outcome template, assigning a subset of symbols from the set of game symbols to each template for defining the variables, defining payouts for selected outcomes, and configuring a reel-slot gaming device having X reels, which randomly selects a template, randomlu selects a symbol for each position in the template from the subset of game symbols assigned to the selected template, randomly fills at least a portion of the positions in the template and displays the outcome. A gaming device configured to randomly generate game outcomes is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into plural hands of cards, wherein each of the hands contains a random arrangement of the same quantity of cards. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack, and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanism and the elevator so that an individual card is moved into an identified compartment. The number of compartments receiving cards and the number of cards moved to each compartment may be selected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.

Abstract: A method of configuring a video output gaming device to randomly generate game outcomes is disclosed. The method includes the steps of selecting a set of game symbols, assigning a probability of occurrence to each symbol, selecting a plurality of outcome templates, each template comprising X variables, selecting a probability of occurrence for each outcome template, assigning a subset of symbols from the set of game symbols to each template for filling the positions, defining payouts for selected outcomes, and configuring a video output gaming device, which randomly selects a template, randomly selects a symbol for each variable in the template from the subset of game symbols assigned to the selected template, randomly fills at least a portion of the positions in the template and displays the outcome on a video output display. A video output gaming device programmed to randomly select a template, randomly select symbols to define the variables and randomly display the selected symbols is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.

Abstract: An electronic poker gaming device which provides at least one player with the option of placing a first wager against either a predetermined payout schedule, a dealer's hand, or both. After this first wager is placed, three cards representing a dealer's hand are then dealt face down, and three cards representing the player's hand are dealt face up. After inspecting the player's hand of three cards, the gaming device provides an opportunity for the player to place a second wager that the player's three card hand exceeds the dealer's three card hand, or the player may forfeit the first first wager. According to another aspect, each player is provided with a wild card which is retained and used repeatedly by a player in each hand. The wild card may take a novel promotional form and is preferably more durable than the standard playing cards.

Abstract: A multi-tiered wagering game and method, including a playing card wagering game, involves placing a first game wager and an optional second wager and/or entry fee to participate in the multi-tiered game. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or "sweat" their cards and the dealer gives each player the opportunity to withdraw one part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again gives each player the opportunity to withdraw a second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and based on the shown cards the remaining game wagers are resolved. Also based on the shown cards, players that placed the optional second wager and/or entry fee become eligible for bonus payouts and/or to become eligible to participate in a second game to determine the winner of a super jackpot, respectively.

Abstract: A unique method for a wagering game is achieved by providing a side bet opportunity during the play of a Twenty-One game. The player is given the opportunity to place this side bet with the hope of receiving winnings when certain predetermined card configurations are received. Upon receipt of these defined card configurations, the player is immediately paid winnings during the process of the Twenty-One game. These additional winnings are based on sequences of cards and are independent and separate from wagers in the Twenty-One game. Additionally, all of the predetermined card configurations are preferably chosen such that they will not interfere with the underlying Twenty-One game. As a basis for paying out winnings, it is required that the player consecutively receive these certain card configurations during the play of the Twenty-One game after having made a bet in expectation of those card configurations appearing.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game is provided where multiple separate decks of playing cards are utilized in a unique dealing scheme which results in unique and distinct winning hands not previously available. In the dealing scheme utilized by the method of the present invention, a hand is made up of a plurality of cards in a plurality of card positions. Each card position is dealt to from a predetermined deck of cards. By utilizing this dealing method, the possibility of unique hands containing "suited outcomes" is created. Because new and unique hands are created, wagering methods can easily be adapted to create a wagering game which is both exciting and easy to play. Furthermore, the game is easily adapted to a progressive jackpot type payout method, thus allowing the players the opportunity to win large amounts of money.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dice wagering game method involving rolling two standard six-sided dice either manually or electronically, wherein a least one wager is placed and the two dice are rolled a first time to yield a total count of one of the counts of two through twelve inclusive. If a seven total is rolled the wager is resolved by paying a player a multiple of the amount of the wager and the game is terminated, but if any other total is rolled, that total and its equal-odds pair total are designated as point numbers, and the game is continued by rolling two dice a second time. If a seven total is rolled, the wager is resolved by returning the wager to the player, and the game is terminated, and if a total equal to a designated point number is rolled, the wager is resolved by paying the player an equal or higher multiple of the amount of the wager, and the game is terminated.

Abstract: A wagering card game is disclosed in which the player makes an initial bet to participate in a base game. Prior to the play of the game, the dealer will display at least one additional card from the deck. After viewing this card or cards, the player is given the opportunity to place an additional wager which would qualify the player for an additional winning. By giving the player the opportunity to see at least one card in the deck, considerable insight is provided into the probabilities of certain hands being created. The game of the present invention utilizes a variation on standard card games which are easily understood and which do not involve considerable training and education of the players.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for playing a game of solitaire as a wagering game. The method includes a step of a player paying a fee. Once the fee is paid, the player selects a shuffled deck of cards to play a first game of solitaire from one or more shuffled decks. Each of the shuffled decks is displayed with a predetermined number of upturned cards. The player plays the first game to either win or lose the game. If the player wins the first game, the player may pay a fee to play a second game of solitaire and is eligible to win a winner's bonus for winning the second game. The player selects a shuffled deck of cards to play the second game from one or more shuffled decks. Each of the shuffled decks is displayed with a predetermined number of upturned cards. The player plays the second game and either wins or loses the second game. The player collects the winner's bonus and is eligible to play a third game for a larger winner's bonus provided that the player wins the second game.

Abstract: A multi-tiered wagering game and method, including a playing card wagering game, involves placing a first game wager and an optional second wager and entry fee to participate in the multi-tiered game. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or "sweat" their cards and the dealer gives each player the opportunity to withdraw one part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again gives each player the opportunity to withdraw a second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and based on the shown cards the remaining game wagers are resolved. Also based on the shown cards, players that placed the optional second wager and entry fee become eligible for bonus payouts and to participate in a second game to determine the winner of a super jackpot, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for a progressive jackpot game where multiple gaming tables at multiple facilities are electronically linked to allow players at the multiple tables to play for a progressive jackpot as well as a fixed payout. Betting and winning hand information is input at the gaming tables, and the information is sent over a network to a facility computer that sends the information to a central computer. Multiple facility computers are linked to the central computer by telephone lines. The central computer compiles all the betting and winning hand information and computes the progressive jackpot amount. The progressive jackpot amount is sent to the facility computers that control electronic displays boards for displaying the jackpot amount.

Abstract: A playing card wagering game method which involves placing a three part bet. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or "sweat" their cards and the dealer asks "take it or leave it?" with regard to one part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again asks "take it or leave it?" with regard to the second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and all remaining bets are resolved.

Abstract: A progressive jackpot wagering game and method, including a playing card wagering game, involves placing a game wager and an optional jackpot wager. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or "sweat" their cards and the dealer asks "take it or leave it?" with regard to one part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again asks "take it or leave it?" with regard to the second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and based on the shown cards the game wagers are resolved. Also based on the shown cards, players become eligible for a second wagering game for determining a winner of the progressive jackpot.