Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine has increased versatility, while having reels that are aesthetically similar to traditional mechanical reels. In one embodiment, the slot machine includes a plurality of optical fibers having first ends optically coupled to a surface of an image display device and seconds ends defining a curved display surface for displaying simulated mechanical reels to a player. In another embodiment, one or more of the mechanical reels has a transparent window at a location where a symbol would normally be present. A video display displays a video symbol in the transparent window. In yet a further embodiment, one of the plurality of mechanical reels has a miniature image display located at selected ones of the symbol regions for providing video symbols for the game. In yet further embodiments, a symbol region can produce more than one symbol in response to exposure at certain wavelengths or polarizations of light.

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.

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 can include detecting a request to configure a wagering game machine for presentation of a wagering game effect. The operations can further include, in response to detecting the request, evaluating, a position of the wagering game machine against criteria for presentation of the wagering game effect. The operations can further include, based on the evaluating the position of the wagering game machine against the criteria for presentation of the wagering game effect, modifying an availability of at least one of a plurality of options to configure the wagering game machine for the presentation of the wagering game effect.

Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed where the player characters or avatars learn from the experiences of previous games. Thus, the player characters or avatars in effect remember the paths they have taken and/or the choices they have selected previously. This learning or remembrance may occur across multiple games and may be manifested by visual and/or audio reminders, including removal of the previously taken paths/choices. Other indicators such as audio or text messages may also be used. The player characters or avatars may also refuse or be reluctant to repeat a particular path/choice. In this way, the player may retain the benefits of his earlier efforts, thereby increasing player excitement and enjoyment.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a credit detector adapted to detect a wager to play a wagering game, one or more displays adapted to display, in response to the wager, a base game and a secondary game, the base game providing a trigger that provides an opportunity to play the secondary game, the secondary game including a plurality of decision points, each decision point requiring a selection of one of a plurality of paths and a controller operative to respond to the selection of the path at the one decision point and provide a next decision point for a subsequent selection of another path, a state of the secondary game remaining persistent during repeated plays of the base game so that selected paths in the secondary game are combined to provide non-linear unlocking of a bonus award.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining possible wagering game events that can occur for a wagering game. The operations can further include determining a subset of the possible wagering game events and configuring an award ladder game to award prizes in a stair-step fashion based on occurrence of the subset of possible wagering game events. The operations can further include ordering a plurality of awards, or prizes, on an award ladder in an order of value and configuring the award ladder to award the plurality of awards in a sequential order of value according to an order of occurrence of the subset of possible wagering game events. The operations can further include configuring the award ladder to reset when the plurality of awards have been awarded.

Abstract: A gaming system and methods for conducting a wagering game allowing player selection of a base game and a game feature. A gaming system includes a display displaying a plurality of game icons and a plurality of game feature icons. Each of the game icons indicate a respective different base game and each of the game feature icons indicate a respective different game feature. An input device accepts a player selection of one of the plurality of game icons. The input device further accepts a player selection of one of the plurality of game feature icons. A controller selects a base game in response to the player selection of one of the plurality of game icons and selects a game feature in response to the player selection of one of the plurality of game feature icons. The controller operates the selected base game incorporating the selected game feature.

Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wagering game system manager are described herein. In one embodiment, a wagering game system includes a plurality of wagering game machines. The wagering game system can also include a plurality of wagering game managers, wherein each of the wagering game managers is configured to acquire a different set of manufacturer-specific wagering game information from ones of the wagering game machines. Additionally, the wagering game system can include a multi-system manager configured to generate an interface including a plurality of views, each view to presents one of the different sets of manufacturerspecific wagering game information.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming systems, and electrical and mechanical connector assemblies for coupling a gaming terminal to a chair positioned in front of the gaming terminal are presented herein. A gaming system is disclosed. The gaming system includes a gaming terminal for playing a wagering game and a chair positioned in front of the gaming terminal. The chair includes electronic components operated by a digital data signal and powered by a power supply signal. The gaming terminal includes an electrical connector assembly for coupling to a complementary electrical connector assembly on the chair. The electrical connector assembly also includes a switching device for automatically electrically coupling the electronic components with a power supply signal from a power supply once the respective electrical connector assemblies are securely coupled.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device configured to receive a wager, at least one display device configured to display a wagering game, one or more thermal devices configured to produce a thermal effect, at least one controller in operative communication with the one or more thermal devices, at least one memory device storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one controller, the one or more thermal devices to produce a thermal effect according to an aspect of the wagering game.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a processor, a display device with a video display and a touchscreen, and a bezel adjacent to the display device which has regions capable of providing haptic feedback. The haptic feedback can be provided to a specific region of the bezel as well as a transparent overlay which is positioned over a button on the touchscreen. The apparatus may have sensors allowing for haptic feedback to be targeted based on data detected by the sensors. Additionally, virtual input buttons can be displayed and repositioned on the touchscreen in response to sensor data.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include obtaining data provided from a first application. In some examples, the first application is a wagering game application presented on a wagering game machine. The operations can also include determining a subscription level associated with a second application. The subscription level indicates access to the data from the first application. Further, the operations can also include, providing a service to the second application. In some examples, the service is one of a plurality of tiers of services that correspond to the subscription level. In some examples, the service has one of a plurality of degrees of access to the data from the first application according to the subscription level.

Abstract: Systems described herein include wagering game systems having a portal container with one or more portal applications running within the portal container. The portal container includes a login application that receives player credentials and logs into various servers using the login credentials. The login application serves as a proxy for the portal applications that communicate with the servers.

Abstract: A gaming system with asymmetric customization capabilities and a method of enabling asymmetric customization of a wagering game are disclosed. A plurality of selectable game-play features are provided for utilization during the wagering game. Players accessing the game-play features are unequally limited as to which features are available for modification, depending on means of access. All features, however, are available for game-play, regardless of means of access.

Abstract: In a gaming system, a first player and one or more second player(s) contribute respective player reels. At least one game outcome is determined from an array of symbols randomly generated from the combination of the player reels. The at least one game outcome is shared by all players and used to determine awards for all players. The first player may subsequently join one or more third player(s) to determine new game outcomes from a new combination of player reels. In another gaming system, players select a combination of player reels from a pool of player reels to compete against each other. At least one game outcome is determined for each player from an array of symbols randomly generated from the player's selected subset of player reels. The players are ranked according to the game outcomes for the players, and awards are determined for the players according to the ranking.

Abstract: Systems and methods for trusted initialization of wagering game machines are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, from a wagering game machine, a request for an operating system image that includes a first component for booting the wagering game machine. The method can also include transmitting the operating system image to the wagering game machine, wherein the operating system image also includes a second component for procuring software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine. Additionally, the method can include receiving a request for the software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine and transmitting the software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine.

Abstract: A test tool provides a flexible resource for control an of electronic gaming machine (EGM) via a data network. The test tool provides both interactive and automated access to the EGM when the EGM is operated using a special diagnostic BIOS that supports both communication with the test tool over the data network and the ability to set operational variables including random numbers. The test tool can use structured data test scripts, such as XML files, to automate repetitive testing of one or more gaming machines by automating breakpoint setting, variable settings, and comparison of expected results based on game type, paytables, currency, etc.

Abstract: A wand-shaped handheld device tethered to a fixed structure in a gaming system by one or more cables wound around reels. The handheld device includes a button on a top thereof as a secondary input means. Motors coupled to the reels wind the cables or apply an opposing force to a pulling force applied to the device. Sensors detect how far the cables are retracted or pulled relative to the fixed structure. Haptic feedback devices impart tactile vibrations that are transmitted along the cable(s) and to the handheld device as the motor is pulling the handheld device toward the fixed structure or a player grasping the device is pulling it away from the fixed structure. Wagering game graphics are coordinated with the movement of the device so that movements or selection of the graphics are affected by inputs made by moving the handheld device or pressing its button.