Abstract: Embodiments include a method for configuring basic input/output system (BIOS) of a wagering game machine. The method can include: initializing a processor and chipset residing on an embedded computer module residing in the wagering game machine, wherein the BIOS resides on a carrier board connected to the embedded computer module; identifying, under control of code in the BIOS, the embedded computer module as a particular one of a plurality of embedded computer modules, wherein the BIOS includes code for configuring each of the plurality of embedded computer modules; initializing, using code of the BIOS configured for the particular one of the plurality of embedded computer modules, input/output devices connected to the carrier board and embedded computer module; launching, under control of the BIOS, an operating system in the wagering game machine; presenting a wagering game on the wagering game machine, wherein the presenting utilizes information received from the input/output devices.

Abstract: Leaderboards that aggregate data from across different wagering games (e.g., online wagering games and casino based wagering games) can create a game independent spirit of competition and recognition. Wagering game data of a plurality of players across different wagering games can be aggregated together. The plurality of players are ranked based, at least in part, on the wagering game data aggregated across the different wagering games. A leaderboard is updated based, at least in part, on the ranking of the plurality of players.

Abstract: A method for conducting a wagering game via a gaming terminal includes receiving, via an input device, a wager to play the wagering game. An array of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns is displayed, on one or more display devices. At least a portion of a plurality of symbols is visually moved with respect to the array of symbol positions on the one or more display devices. One or more of the plurality of the symbols are special symbols. In response to one or more of the special symbols being visually moved on the one or more display devices, the visually moved special symbols are caused to be visually collected in a symbol collection area adjacent to the array of symbol positions on the one or more display devices.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a computer-implemented method for tracking, over an electronic wagering game network, services performed on a wagering game machine. The method comprises: receiving, in the wagering game machine, a wagering game machine access identifier, wherein the wagering game machine access identifier indicates identity of a technician accessing a wagering game machine; detecting a service event in the wagering game machine; and generating a report indicating a modification to the wagering game machine. The method can also comprise receiving a technician log describing the modification to the wagering game machine; transmitting, to a service controller, the report, the log, and the wagering game machine access identifier. The method can also comprise receiving, from the service controller, maintenance information associated with the wagering game machine; and presenting the maintenance information on a display associated with the wagering game machine.

Abstract: A method for promoting responsible wagering game play is provided which includes the acts of tracking a player's wagering losses and triggering a wagering restriction feature when the player's wagering losses exceed a predetermined loss limit and/or a predetermined loss rate.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more audible communications made during a wagering game session, evaluating the one or more audible communications in context with gaming information associated with the wagering game session; and presenting an automated response to the one or more audible communications based on the evaluating of the one or more audible communications in context with gaming information.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive operational power from a primary power supply at a processor housed within a wagering game machine, where the processor is operable to present a wagering game. Further activities may include determining that the wagering game machine is currently in a hibernation state, authenticating at least one hibernation file, and resuming operation of the wagering game machine to a base operation state defined by the at least one hibernation file. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system is disclosed which includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: receive a wager to play a wagering game with symbol-bearing reels, each of which has distinct reel positions populated by various symbols, at least one reel bearing a symbol clump; and, display via a display device a randomly determined outcome of the wagering game. Each wagering-game outcome includes predetermined symbols occupying distinct array positions in a displayed array. Each reel position has a weighted probability of occupying an array position in the array. The weighted probabilities are configured such that the symbol clump, when part of a wagering-game outcome, can only land in its entirety in the array.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include establishing a connection with an input device, from a plurality of input devices configured for user input, for use in a wagering game during a wagering game session. The operations can further include receiving input data from the input device, wherein the input data has a first format specific to the input device, and wherein the wagering game requires the input data in a second format different from the first format. The operations can further include converting the input data from the first format to the second format required by the wagering game, and providing the input data to the wagering game in the second format for use as the user input for the wagering game.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a memory device storing instructions for receiving a wager and displaying a first array of randomly selected reel symbols at respective first positions. A second array of selectable elements is displayed at respective second positions, each second position being associated with at least one respective first position. In response to the first array of randomly selected reel symbols including a triggering symbol at one of the first positions, the element at the second position associated with the one of the first positions is selected independent of player choice. An award is awarded based on the selected element.

Abstract: Systems described herein include wagering game systems having one or more electrically responsive touch screens, and input devices for use with such touch screens. The disclosure addresses example configurations for such input devices that may be used to provide inputs to the wagering game system. The described input devices may be used to provide various input capabilities to the gaming assembly, and to thereby facilitate different configuration options of the gaming assemblies, including new operational options and functional capabilities.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting wagering game activity that occurs prior to an end of a wagering game contest. The operations can further include computing an expected value of an award for the wagering game contest based on the wagering game activity. The operations can further include funding the award for the wagering game contest from a source of money other than from game wagers made during the wagering game contest, wherein a value for the award is equivalent to the expected value.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting an indication to initiate a lighting presentation on a wagering game machine of a bank of wagering game machines. The operations can also include determining a position offset associated with the wagering game machine based, at least in part, on a position of the wagering game machine within the bank of wagering game machines relative to a reference wagering game machine of the bank of wagering game machines. The operations can further include determining a position-based time delay for initiating the lighting presentation on the wagering game machine based, at least in part, on the position offset associated with the wagering game machine, and initiating the lighting presentation on the wagering game machine after the position-based time delay associated with the wagering game machine.

Abstract: “Fusion” gestures that transition from air to surface or surface to air and interactions with graphical objects displayed on one or more display devices. Surface-to-air gestures are captured on a surface of a touch-based sensing device, and the gesture leaves the surface and enters a volumetric space adjacent to the surface, where a 3D gesture sensing system captures the gesture in 3D space. One or more objects displayed on the display device(s) are graphically shown to be manipulated by the gesture. Air-to-surface gestures are captured in the reverse manner. Different devices housed in separate housings can detect the different types of gestures. For example, a gaming terminal can detect surface gestures made on a single- or multi-touch sensitive surface while a portable electronic device in communication with the gaming terminal can detect air gestures made in a volumetric space in front of the gaming terminal.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include presenting primary wagering game content, during a wagering game session, in an area of a display assigned to a primary wagering game application. The operations can further include detecting player input that indicates activation of a secondary wagering game application during the wagering game session and superimposing a portion of the secondary wagering game content over the primary wagering game content in the first area of the display in response to the player input. The operations can further include generating an outcome value for a playing turn of the secondary wagering game application in response to the player input, and presenting the outcome value for the secondary wagering game application via the portion of the secondary wagering game content.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wagering on game outcomes allow a player to wager on game outcomes resulting from linked gaming devices linked to a primary gaming device being played by the player. A primary game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on a primary game and a linked game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on linked games. Both the primary and linked gaming devices may be the same type of gaming device, or they may be two different types of gaming devices, such as gaming devices for playing slot games, card games, keno, and the like. Further, either or both of the primary and linked games may allow bonus game outcomes resulting in a bonus game having bonus game awards.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include analyzing sound content that is not configured for use with a wagering game machine's sound system prior to presentation via sound equipment of the wagering game machine. If the sound content meets sound presentation tolerances of the sound equipment, then the operations can include approving presentation of the sound content. If a portion of the sound content does not meet the sound presentation tolerances, the operations can further include removing or modifying the portion of the sound content, such as filtering frequencies, reducing power levels, reducing volume levels, and reducing a duration of play of the sound content. The operations can further include prioritizing presentation of the sound content along with other content configured for use with the wagering game machine's sound system and which is scheduled for presentation via the sound equipment.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for allowing players at wagering game terminals to select entire sets of bonus games instead of a single bonus game upon occurrence of a certain randomly selected basic game outcome. One or more of the bonus games or sets of bonus games may be temporarily unavailable or “locked” to the player. The player may unlock the bonus games or sets of bonus games by acquiring certain game assets, reaching certain game milestones, and/or exceeding certain wagering levels. The unlocked games may reveal credits, prizes, progressives, basic and/or bonus game updates, or additional bonus games, some of which may also be locked. The updates and additions may already be present in the wagering game terminals or they may be downloaded from a central location. The player may retain the locked and unlocked statuses of the bonus games across multiple wagering game sessions and/or wagering game terminals.

Abstract: A user-input button for a gaming device includes a movable member, a variable display, and a controller. The movable member activates a function associated with the user-input button. The variable display is proximate the movable member and displays an image associated with the function of the user-input button. The variable display includes a plurality of pixels for displaying the image. The controller is coupled to the variable display and is programmed to decrease the optical output of at least some of the pixels when the gaming device is in a static state.