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 gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate or individual outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a slot machine game with cascading reels. Reels and further reels can be spun, allowing for a plurality of lines.

Abstract: A handheld game device includes a processing element that executes a game application, such as for example a car-racing application or other interactive game which is viewed on a screen display provided in the game device. The game device also contains a camera, preferably taking the form of an electronic video camera, capturing image frames at a suitable frame rate, such as 10 or 20 frames per second or more. The game device uses movement information obtained from a sequence of images obtained from the camera as a basis to navigate the user through a game that the user is playing on the device. For example, if the user tilts the device to the left, the tilting action results in image movement. The image movement is interpreted as user input of movement commands for the video game application, just as joystick movement is interpreted as movement commands for the video game application.

Abstract: Game processing apparatus executes a game in which a player character in a virtual space defeats an enemy through operation of a controller by the player. Through operation of an attack button of a controller, branch technique of a ninja is employed to display branch of the player character as afterimages, with attack capabilities imparted to branch. Consequently the attack potential is enhanced, the action of the action game can be made more diverse, the interest of the player in the game is increased, and the game is made more stimulating.

Abstract: A gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate or individual outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A game system enables continuation of a game after the game is ceased. The game system starts to reproduce a game screen of the state before the game is ceased and to start to continue the game after the screen results in a game ceased state.

Abstract: A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player.

Abstract: A server facilitates a raffle within a single jurisdiction, wherein the server communicates with clients via a network. The server includes a memory storing an operating system, an instruction set, agent data, sponsor data and Web site data. A processor runs the instruction set and communicates with the memory and the network. The processor is operative to present rules associated with the raffle to entrants, receive acceptance of the rules by entrants, and accept an order for the raffle from entrants. The processor is also operative to associate an entrant agent with each entrant, issue tickets for the raffle to the entrant agent, determine a winner of the raffle and notify the winner to collect a prize associated with the raffle. Preferably, the prize is a high intangible value item.

Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.

Abstract: The gaming machine is constituted of a main body including a main display on which a game image is displayed and a sub display on which a portion of the game image is displayed in an enlarged manner, an aiming controller being configured to be movable over the main display and indicating an aiming position on the game image displayed on the main display, first display control means performing a display control of the game image on the main display, aiming position detection means detecting the aiming position on the game image indicated by the aiming controller, and second display control means performing an enlarged display control of a portion of the game image on the sub display such that the portion of the game image includes the aiming position detected by the aiming position detection means.

Abstract: A massively multiplayer educational online game presents a computer generated gameplay world where acquiring and demonstrating mastery of educational skills is a requirement for survival and advancement of a learner's game character. The game provides a method for effectively teaching a set of target educational skills by motivating the learner to improved understanding of the skills by having to demonstrate the skills as part of the game. The skills become immediately meaningful and relevant to the learner within the game itself, as feedback on skill understanding is provided directly, indirectly, or both directly and indirectly through game performance, motivating the learner to improve understanding of the skills.

Abstract: A slant top slot machine is described where a raised translucent or transparent housing for light emitting diodes (LEDs) surrounds the main display area of the machine. In the case of a video machine, the raised housing surrounds the video screen. Light from multicolored LEDs in the housing, when illuminated, is emitted downward from the sides of the raised housing to illuminate the front surface of the slant top surface. In one embodiment, the slant top surface is brushed stainless steel so that the LED light reflects off the stainless steel surface and reradiates the light outward toward the player. In an embodiment where the raised housing raises the video screen and the LEDs above the front surface, the screen is optically separated from the rest of the machine, and the player can more easily concentrate on the game since other features on the front surface appear to be in the background.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a gambling loss insurance policy may be provided to a player. In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for receiving at a gaming device an amount a player desires to pay for an insurance policy to provide protection against gambling losses and determining, based on the amount, at least one requirement of the policy that the player would be required to satisfy in order to have gambling losses protected under the insurance policy. The method further provides for outputting the at least one requirement to a player (e.g., via a touchscreen menu of the gaming machine).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for initiating game play on a pay-for-play parlor game, such as a pool table having a playing surface, rails, pockets, a ball holding rack that retains pool balls, and an internal activation-sensing unit. The method includes depositing a game play fee into a remote activation assembly, remotely transmitting an activation signal once the game play fee is deposited, receiving the activation signal at the internal activation-sensing unit, and providing access to the pool balls upon said receiving step. A method is also disclosed for automatically scoring a pool-based game including detecting detectable devices embedded within the pool balls.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a gaming device having a bonus game that provides a player with a primary set of reel symbols having a primary probability of winning and a secondary set of reel symbols having a secondary probability of winning, where the secondary probability of winning is greater than the primary probability of winning.

Abstract: A wagering game is comprised of a basic game, a progressive game with a progressive payout, and an input device for identifying players who are playing the basic game and who become eligible for the progressive payout. The progressive payout can be awarded to a player during a selected time period. But, if the progressive payout is not awarded during the selected time period, the progressive payout is awarded to an eligible player that is randomly selected in a drawing. The progressive payout can have first and second payouts that are awarded, respectively, during a first time period (e.g., per week) and a second time period (e.g., per month). Thus, the player does not need to be at the gaming terminal to win the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: The gaming device provides a number of selections. When the player chooses a selection, the gaming device randomly generates a value and randomly places the value into one of a number of adjacent slots. When the bottom of each slot is covered with values, the game removes the values and provides an award to the player. In one embodiment, the award includes a value from each slot and in a preferred embodiment the award includes the smallest value from the slots. The gaming device subtracts the lowest value from the remaining values and the player chooses another selection. The process continues until one of a plurality of possible endings occurs.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU that generates a game screen that depicts player character movement while a game is being played. In addition, the CPU controls the production of sounds that seem to eminate from one or more sound objects displayed on the game screen. When a plurality of the sound objects of the same kind exist on the game screen, the CPU computes sound volume data of the sounds produced by the respective sound objects and divides the computed sound volume data into components of right sound volume data, left sound volume data, and surround sound volume data. Using respective sound components from all the displayed sound objects, the maximum components are extracted and localization data and sound volume data are computed. Based on the computed localization data and sound volume data, the composite sound of a sound object is output.