Abstract: A multi-state flashing button and method of conducting a lottery using such a button. One or more multi-state buttons including an internal timer are distributed along with a relatively large number of single-state flashing buttons. The timer causes the multi-state buttons to change from a flashing state to non-flashing state at the end of a predetermined time-out interval, and a prize is awarded to each participant having a button which undergoes such a change of state.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.

Abstract: A sound-producing golf ball includes an outer shell with a shock-absorbent inner housing having a rechargeable micro-battery positioned therein. A micro-generator coupled to a rotatably mounted shaft is positioned in the housing. A pendulum depending from the shaft is urged downwardly by gravity for rotating the shaft as the golf ball rolls while in play, thus generating electricity for recharging the micro-battery. A sound chip having a memory for storing audible messages is positioned in the housing along with a sound generator for audibilizing the messages when energized. The housing may include a receiver for receiving a signal from a transmitter for selectively energizing operation of the sound chip and sound generator. The housing presents a geodesic configuration and includes a plurality of interconnected tetrahedral structures for absorbing impact forces.

Abstract: A method of increasing gaming activity and entertainment value of progressive reel slot machines involving providing a progressive reel slot machine, publishing certain critical parameters, and providing a means or an equation to allow players to calculate the current expected progressive return of the machine thereby increasing the attraction and interactivity of progressive reel slot machines. The published critical parameters are the probability of hitting the progressive jackpot, the current amount of the progressive jackpot, the amount of the qualifying bet, and either the truncated return of the machine, or the flat return of the machine and the amount of the minimum reset value of the progressive reel slot machine. The critical parameters can be presented in raw or encoded form and can be published on the individual machines.

Abstract: A wireless control unit includes a controller having at least one user operable switch and wireless transmitter circuitry for transmitting game information, including a auto activate start information, and a console interface having wireless receiver circuitry for receiving the game information, including the auto activate start information, form the controller and for modifying the game information so that an activate signal is continuously sent from the console interface to the console and at least one object in a game being played with the video game system is continuously activated.

Abstract: A method as well as a gambling machine for performing games and lotteries consists in that a symbol or combination of symbols is picked out by the gambling machine, a player is enabled to pick out the own symbol or combination of symbols, and then machine-picked symbol or combination of symbols is presented to the player. Wherein, a player is given an opportunity to control an impossibility to change the machine-picked symbol or combination of symbols until it is presented to the player. To realize the method the gambling machine has to contain corresponding units. The proposed invention lets player to make sure the random character of the game and absence of any garbling.